Chapters 8-9
What major event happens to Mrs. Whittaker?
She dies.
Who returns when Annie is close to dying?
Jackie Clayton.
What book is found in Martha’s room?
The Perfect Murder.
What happens to Annie?
She dies.
Who represents greed in the second half?
Martha.
Who is the last person to see her alive?
Martha Bianchi.
What does Jackie feel guilty about?
Not seeing Annie for years.
What clues point to a casino destination?
Brochures for Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
How does Jackie honor her?
He helps the police and uses money to help others.
Who represents redemption?
Jackie.
What important items go missing?
Papers, checkbooks, and credit cards.
What clue suggests Martha forged documents?
Practice sheets of Mrs. Whittaker’s signature.
Where does Nat find Martha?
At the Golden Palace Casino in Atlantic City.
What happens to Martha after confessing?
She is arrested.
How does the casino setting reflect Martha?
It shows her love of risk and escape.
What clue shows Martha left quickly?
The note saying “Gone to play ball.”
What do they discover about Mrs. Whittaker’s bank account?
Large amounts of money are missing.
How does Martha act when Nat confronts her?
She proudly confesses everything.
What is Nat’s role in the ending?
He solves the case and brings justice.
What theme connects Annie’s death to the center?
Transformation and legacy
Why is Mrs. Whittaker’s death suspicious?
The apartment was ransacked and valuables were missing.
How do these chapters show Jackie changing?
He stays with Annie and tries to do the right thing.
What does her behavior show?
She is driven by greed and fantasy.
What does the Annie Clayton Center represent?
Hope and dignity for the homeless.
How do Chapters 8–14 resolve the “high life vs. low life” contrast?
The rich and poor worlds connect through Annie’s story.