Jackaby

Abigail fades in and out of consciousness at Jackaby’s house, where she and Charlie are both recuperating. Mona has been helping Jackaby take care of them. Jackaby tells Abigail Charlie will live, but Marlowe wants him locked away. He explains that Charlie is not quite a werewolf but comes from a reclusive, “nomadic” family of dog shapeshifters. Charlie transformed because he was overtaxed by the investigation. Jackaby draws Abigail’s attention to two paintings, one of Saint George and the Dragon and another of the Hindu legend Manu and the Fish. He explains that Saint George represents people like Marlowe, who protect others by fighting monsters, and Manu represents kindness and mercy. Abigail tells Jackaby about Hatun’s prediction.

Jenny checks on Abigail, and Abigail tells her she’s ashamed that she stood by while Charlie saved her life. Jenny tells her Jackaby was impressed with her courage. Later, Charlie wakes up and questions Jackaby about the preceding events. Jackaby explains that he and Swift never met, so he didn’t recognize the man for what he was. He recounts the killings of Bragg, who was investigating the murders; Henderson, who was mistakenly believed to be a witness; and Mrs. Morrigan, who was warning victims of their impending demise. Marlowe arrives at Jackaby’s house. He says he’s arranged for Charlie to begin a new life away from New Fiddleham. He also tells them there will be a memorial for the victims, including Swift; he doesn’t want to spread more panic by publicizing Swift’s true identity.

Jackaby arranges for a place for Charlie to stay. Charlie tells him he will continue working as a police officer, and Abigail tells Charlie to write. Charlie is uncertain, but Jackaby encourages him to reach out. Abigail spends the following days at the pond with Jenny and Douglas. While she rests, she hears Jenny and Jackaby talking about her future. Later, she considers all the memorabilia around Jackaby’s home.

Abigail and Jackaby attend the memorial. Jackaby is upset that Swift is being honored. Jackaby announces that henceforth, Abigail will be regulated to office work. Abigail argues, but Jackaby is adamant. A group of banshee women comes to mourn Mrs. Morrigan. Other mourners approach and leave mementos on the coffins, but Swift’s remains empty. Jackaby approaches Swift’s coffin. Marlowe is cautious and thinks Jackaby is going to cause trouble, but Jackaby just leaves Swift’s iron shoes on the coffin. As he storms off, Abigail catches up and indicates that she agrees with his actions.

Abigail begins her office work, and Jackaby arrives with mail. Abigail has received a letter from Charlie in his new identity. Jackaby announces that he’s been called to attend to a sick cat who may be undergoing a metamorphosis. He prepares to trace the aura of his letter, but Abigail suggests reading the return address instead. However, he refuses to let Abigail come along. Abigail argues that it is too late since she’s already been misled beyond repair. Jackaby gives in and offers her the gift he ordered: a leather detective’s notebook. Together they embark on their next adventure.

Jackaby has written to the police, attempting to retrieve the tuning fork he lent to Henderson, which had been confiscated as evidence. Jackaby recounts how he came to possess three tuning forks with supernatural properties. Each one was made from an old church bell and became “a pure and concentrated version of its former self” (297). One made a sound of tragedy, one made a sound of comfort, and one made a sound of joy. Jackaby gave the calming one to Henderson. Alongside Jackaby’s letter, Abigail wrote a short note asking for the fork to be returned.