The Lazy Detective · Chapter
XIV explained
Larry Hughes interrupts Labar's interrogation of Adèle Gertstein, revealing he intercepted a letter and followed Labar.
What happens
Larry Hughes interrupts Labar's interrogation of Adèle Gertstein, revealing he intercepted a letter and followed Labar. A tense standoff ensues as Larry offers Labar a bribe of fifteen thousand pounds to drop the case, but Labar stalls for time, knowing Malone is captured and he is outnumbered. The confrontation escalates into a violent struggle, with Labar wounded but managing to knock Larry unconscious and escape through the French windows.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Justice
The chapter centers on a detective's struggle to uphold the law against a wealthy, manipulative criminal who attempts to bribe his way to freedom.
Deception and Identity
Larry's false promise of retirement and Labar's feigned consideration of the bribe illustrate the layered deceptions between lawman and crook.
Professionalism and Morality
Labar's internal code of ethics and his refusal to be tempted by a huge bribe highlight the moral complexities of police work.
Characters to notice
- Harry Labar
Wounded in the side, Labar negotiates with Larry, feigns consideration of a bribe, then attacks and escapes.
- Larry Hughes
Interrupts the interrogation, offers Labar a bribe, and is knocked unconscious during the struggle.
- Adèle Gertstein
Present during the confrontation, she urges Larry to kill Labar and is furious at the detective.
- Malone
Mentioned as having been tied up and hidden in an outhouse by Larry's men.
- Moreland
Referenced as having advised Labar to carry a pistol.
Key passages
“He believed that if he agreed Larry would sincerely keep his word and pay the money. As to the crook retiring he was sceptical.”
Labar thought Larry would honestly pay the bribe but doubted he would actually quit crime.
Reveals Labar's pragmatic assessment of Larry's character.
“In any transaction with a crook, Labar, like many detectives, had his own code of ethics. This was a case where stringent honesty would have been foolish.”
Labar believed that strict honesty was impractical when dealing with criminals, so he decided to deceive Larry.
Highlights the moral flexibility of detectives in undercover or dangerous situations.
“The detective drove forward on the instant and saw the ugly muzzle of Larry's weapon within a yard of his face. He swerved and swung his own weapon like a club straight at the distorted face of his antagonist.”
Labar charged at Larry, dodged the gun aimed at his face, and struck him with his pistol like a club.
Climactic moment of physical confrontation and escape.