61 pages 2 hours read

Attica Locke

Bluebird, Bluebird

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017

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Part 4, Chapters 17-18Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 4, Chapters 17-18 Summary

Van Horn allows Darren to view Missy Dale’s autopsy, which reveals she died by strangulation, and she ate at Geneva’s café before she disappeared. Darren realizes the bayou is not the connection point between the two murders. Darren is allowed to question Geneva, telling her about the incriminating autopsy report and asking her to give a detailed description of what happened that night between her and Missy. Geneva’s lawyer, an oddly dressed man named Frederick Hodge, is present. Geneva is visibly angry at Van Horn for arresting her and Darren for lying to her. Darren is torn between his respect for her and his anger that she has withheld so much important information that could have helped solve the case. She defends herself by saying, “I simply ain’t told you things wasn’t your business to know” (196). Darren realizes Geneva is in contact with Wally and this perplexes him. She also knows Keith Jr. is living with the Jeffersons. Geneva believes Keith murdered Missy. On the night she disappeared, Missy visited Geneva with Keith Jr., as she often would when Keith was working late. Missy was trying to give Geneva a chance to see her grandson, despite knowing it would greatly anger Keith.