Chapter 27 Summary

The assembled men move to leave the apartment and begin salvaging what they can of their careers, businesses, and reputations. Pat, still unaware of the particulars of the organization, makes a definitive play and loudly announces that Lila is not Doc's wife. They men seem surprised and generally interested, but Hardesty immediately steps in and diffuses the situation by noting that, wife or not, Lila is currently insignificant. Pat has clearly misunderstood the situation because the men all leave - his announcement, while dramatic, is ineffective.

Hardesty, Doc, and Pat remain in the room. Hardesty and Doc engage in some cryptic conversation - Hardesty is clearly aware that Doc is responsible for exposing Arnholt and is obviously upset by Doc's unilateral decision. Doc ensures Hardesty that their own personal gains will be unaffected, and that he did what was necessary because of other...