The 6:20 Man

The author explores the complexities of Montgomery’s character and her relationship with Cowl. Montgomery’s past connection with the Chilton family and her feelings of intellectual inadequacy are revealed, as well as her financial dependence on Cowl. Devine’s cautious refusal of her advances due to suspicions of a trap by Cowl adds to the narrative tension and the theme of mistrust.

Having learned that Hancock is only posing as a detective, Devine has a standoff with two legitimate detectives, Shoemaker and Ekman, outside his workplace, raising the stakes of the investigation. The detectives attempt to intimidate Devine, but their failure to pursue Hancock and the lack of substantial evidence against Devine emphasize the tenuousness of the case.

Devine enlists Valentine to investigate the Locust Group, shedding light on the murky financial world surrounding the narrative. The chapter discusses the economic disparity between Valentine’s usual rates and what he offers Devine and broaches the possibility of Cowl’s involvement in Ewes’s murder—a hypothesis that adds another layer to the unfolding corporate intrigue.

Tapshaw’s enthusiasm about potential financial backing from Chilton contrasts with the gravity of the murder investigation. The chapter continues to weave the subplot of the anonymous email, which remains a mysterious element in the story.

The author focuses on Stamos, as she urges Devine to delete the photos of her encounter with Cowl. Her candid discourse on the barriers women face in the corporate world and her revelation about her relationship with Ewes add depth to her character and bring to light the challenges of gender dynamics within the business sector.

The action intensifies, with Hancock and his armed men confronting Devine during his workout. Devine uses his combat skills to overpower the men and escape, but not before having a tense conversation with Hancock that hints at a broader conspiracy at play, as Hancock admits that he is working for powerful people whom he refuses to name. After escaping, Devine calls 911, but when the police investigate the scene, they find no one there.

Montgomery waves to the passing train, and Devine realizes that she’s waving at him. He worries about the complications that might arise from their developing relationship. He feels conflicted about his fight with Hancock’s men, believing he likely killed one of them, but admonishes himself not to feel guilty since he was acting in self-defense. At lunchtime, he meets Campbell at an Italian restaurant, where he expresses concern about how much Hancock knows. He also lets Campbell know that Stamos and Ewes were romantically involved and that he plans to get access to the enigmatic 51st floor.

Devine visits the clinic where Ewes received her abortion, and there he speaks with Dr. Cynthia Tillis. Confidentiality laws prevent the disclosure of specific information, but the mention of medical abortion methods introduces a potential lead in the investigation.

The discovery that the Locust Group owns the theater staging Waiting for Godot connects the group further to the narrative’s events. Devine’s preparations for a meeting with Cowl and his search for information about Cowl’s elusive partner, Comely, indicate his proactive approach to the case, even as it remains unclear whether Comely actually exists.