Summary

In Chapter 11, when Gamache paid a visit to Fortin, Fortin confirmed that Clara had invited him to her party. He claimed that he went because he wanted to apologize to Clara. He explained that when he and Clara had been planning her show at the bistro, he had called Gabri a “fucking queer” (151) when Gabri waited on them. Fortin canceled her show because Clara embarrassed him when she commented he had been cruel.

Fortin claimed he had known at the time that Clara’s art was remarkable. He had been surprised when Clara fought back when he offended her friend. It meant she had a backbone and he preferred people who were compliant.

Fortin seemed shocked to learn someone had died at Clara’s party. When Gamache showed him Lillian’s photo, Fortin said he did not recognize her.

In Chapter 12, Clara was...