[Report This]Date: April 04 2024 8:37 PM Title: Chapter 14: The Trial of Patricia Hostettler
Well, I was hoping for a legal thriller, and you absolutely delivered on that front!
First and foremost, I love that Margaret A Few Good Men'ed Dr. Vale. The line of questioning leading up to tricking the frantic nutritionist into slipping up and saying the truth was very well-written, both because the line of questioning made sense by the end of it and because a legitimately didn't know where she was going with it up until she asked that last question.
But even more than that, I love that the whole thing was Thomas's idea and that he knew Vale would crack under the right circumstances. Despite his ... ethical mishap, Thomas has shown himself to be an exceptional psychologist throughout the story, so to see him put those skills to work here fit perfectly with everything that's been built into his character up to this point.
I also like that Thomas keeps finding new ways to contribute and be useful. I'm a big fan of stories where the tiny (or favored normal in this case) isn't just there to be played with, tortured, or doted upon but actually plays an active role in what's going on throughout the story. Obviously, this has been what Thomas has done throughout the story so far, but this was such a creative example of it that I had to single it out. And the confidence he continues to have every step of the way is downright inspiring!
It's touching that he's willing to go to jail for her as well. And I do think it'll be jail, rather than prison. A battery charge like that will probably land you a couple weeks in the county jail and a fine. The government would have to stretch things pretty far to get Thomas locked up in the state pen, although Grisham seems vindictive enough to give it a try ...
We didn't see a ton of Trish this chapter (at least not in person) but I enjoyed how "normal" Thomas and her felt at the start of it. They really act like a regular lovey-dovey couple most of the time, and even when they get into the kinky stuff they handle it in what is, in my opinion, a non-pervy manner (Thomas playing the role of "hard to get" a couple chapter ago rather than worshipping her as a goddess and making her uncomfortable, for example). The just feel like a "real" couple, and that makes it really easy to get invested in their relationship.
Also, given everything we know about Trish at this point, I couldn't help but find it incredibly cute when she was trying to act intimidating while "in" the courtroom.
It was nice to see that Melanie is still her sweet self and not so bitter over Thomas and Trish's betrayal as to purposely try to harm their case. That semi-apologetic look and the insight into her thought process when she said she guessed that he could have groomed Trish show that she was conflicted about the whole thing, which is understandable. Once Thomas cheated on her, she didn't know what to think, so her harmful answer to that question was honest rather than malicious.
I don't know if we've seen the last of Melanie, but I'm personally hoping that these three at least get a chance to clear the air, especially after seeing how Melanie is processing things after the fact.
I've always like Dr. Jacobson, so it was great to see him defend Thomas here. He seems to regret having to fire Thomas, which surprised me a little (not that I thought he wanted to get rid of him, but I didn't think he'd be too concerned about it, either). And he nailed the situation perfectly: Thomas just acted foolishly because he's in love.
Vale, as disgusting as he is (he straight up called for Trish to be killed for the crime of being growing uncontrollably), does make a good point. If Trish's growth never stops, she will eventually become a threat just by simply existing. At the same time, I can't get behind doing something to her because of a condition that she can't even control, not to mention that she's such a good person (that helps, but I'd still feel the same even if she was kind of a jerk, honestly).
I think you captured the internal struggle people in this world would have about this quite well with Margaret at the end there, especially when she left the county "well before" the odometer marked 51 miles. That was a clever way to put that scale into perspective.
Now that this is resolved, you have to wonder what the government is going to try next.
Author's Response:
As always, thank you so much for the in depth reviews. It's very gratifying.