Chapters 11-15
Comment Deadline: Thursday, January 29
In chapters 11-15, the cat and mouse game between Cruz and Clement continues to escalate and reaches a new level. Do you feel that Cruz and/or Clement underestimated each other, and why?
As much as people pull for the "good guy" in movies and books, through Chapter 15, I feel that Clement has outsmarted Cruz.
ReplyDeleteDuring their conversation in the interrogation room, Clement knows that the police don't have enough information on him to press charges; that and the fact he knows he can refuse to sign any documents since he is not directly tied to the murder in question. With that, Clement is able to make an unofficial confession to multiple murders and walk out of the police station under his own free will.
Although Cruz is smart enough to remain unlisted in a phone directory, Clement is one step ahead and able to track down Cruz's home address via his wife's first initial. Through the end of Chapter 15, Clement sends a clear message to Cruz as he litters his apartment with bullets: he's one step ahead.
Clement is ahead of the game for now, but I do not believe that necessarily implies Cruz has underestimated him. For instance, Cruz was not the one who carelessly provided information on his personal life or home. I also do not think Clement would agree to plea to a lesser charge while at the station. However, Clement's arrogance has convinced him that he can continue to win each round and it will be that quality which I believe will trip him up in the end.
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ReplyDeleteI believe both underestimated each other dramatically. Clement was underestimated and was able to outsmart Cruz in the fact that he tracked and sent a violent message to Cruz. Cruz on the other hand did the same thing as he used the fact that Clement had no license to basically size up Clement without interference and prove that while he hasn't killed as many people as Clement, he is just as sharp, leading to Clement taking the action that he did.
ReplyDeleteClement is enjoying this game and really does not want it to end too soon. Even at the police station, he was willing to sit around as long as possible playing a morbid game of mental "chicken." I think both Cruz and Clement understand they must be on top of their game to survive.
DeleteI do not believe either Cruz or Clement underestimated each other. Cruz knew Clement was lethal and the Oklahoman’s confession to multiple murders only served to confirm that belief. I do not think Clement knew he would be able to kill Cruz, but perhaps he at least thought he would scare Cruz enough that the detective would ease off of him. Yet, I think it would disappoint Clement, if Cruz were to do so. Clement seems to “get off” on the chase.
ReplyDeleteI think Clement saw a man that was not only determined to catch him, but one that could actually follow through on that action. That is what led Clement to make the attempt on Cruz's life. Clement believes that he can get away with anything, even if it means killing a cop to do so. Clement is evil and needs to be dealt with.
DeleteAmen to that. Thus far, Clement behaves more like a Mafia Don (who has created a complex systems of alliances and payoffs to stay out of jail), than a smalltime hood.
DeleteThey have a strange relationship. I wouldn't say they are underestimating but more so competing with one another. Like how anyone given the right level of boredom and person would be. I still think they are like Batman and the Joker. Cruz tries to stay within the lines of justice but will bend the rules if needed. He doesn't care about material things, but seeks something different.
ReplyDeleteClement is the opposite. A wolf is sheep's clothing. The definition of crazy but likes to maintain a respectful demeanor as most nuts do. I mean between the drive-by shootings and playing on the train track I don't know what he wants. Clement is just on some sort of adrenaline rush.
I do not think I would equate Cruz with Batman. The comic superhero is moody, brooding, secretive and prefers to work under the cover of night. However, Cruz is fairly above board with his activities. I also do not recall a significant action by him that one could characterize as "bending the rules."
DeleteI also would not say Clement is a "wolf in sheep's clothing." No one would mistake Clement for anything than what he is - a thug and a degenerate.
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ReplyDeleteI think that the discussion between Cruz and Clement allowed each man to gain a greater understanding of the other. I believe that Cruz learned or was reminded that Clement enjoys killing people and will do it for really no reason at all. I think that Clement learned that Cruz was on to him and would stop at nothing to bring him in. That is what ultimately leads Clement to the cowardly shooting up of Cruz's home. I believe that act will push Cruz past his normal limits to bring Clement in.
ReplyDeleteAt this point in the book, Cruz still seems not to have greatly accelerated his pace - even though Clement sent a very strong signal for him to "back off." I was curious why Cruz did not try to find ways to "go outside the box, but still within the limits of the law" in order to finally arrest and gain a conviction of the "Wildman."
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