The Assistant Chapter 3, Section 4 Summary

  • Frank feels guilty about the stealing he's doing and—spoiler!—his involvement in the robbery. Yep. He was the tall robber without a gun who tried to keep the gunman in check.
  • The gunman, we learn, was Ward Minogue, the troubled son of the police detective.
  • Frank remembers being in the car with him, prior to the robbery, waiting to attack Karp.
  • Karp?
  • Yes. He was the initial target, as he told Morris.
  • When Karp gets away, Ward decides to hit the grocery store instead. A Jew is a Jew, he says.
  • Frank protests, but goes along.
  • Now he feels very bad about his participation.
  • After passing a cemetery, Frank enters Pop's poolroom and asks about Ward. The owner points to the back.
  • Ward's eyes shine with fear upon seeing Frank approach, but Ward calms down once he recognizes him.
  • Ward tells Frank he's been in hiding from his father. He seems sick, but won't go see a doctor.
  • They go out back.
  • Frank requests his gun back. He doesn't want it traced to him.
  • Ward says he'll give it back if Frank will help him stick up Karp.
  • Certain Ward would be recognized, Frank suggests he rob somewhere else, but not with him.
  • Ward agrees, but then gives Frank a hard time about working at the Bobers' store.
  • Frank says he did it to quiet his conscience, but Ward tells him he did it to get close to Helen.
  • We'll tell you who's right…you've just got to keep reading.