Brody’s Stolen Racket

Joe Brody moves from opportunistic surveillance to attempted control of Geiger’s business and becomes the target of Carol Lundgren’s mistaken revenge.

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A Former Extortionist

A Former Extortionist An earlier payment General Guy Sternwood previously paid Joe Brody five thousand dollars to leave Carmen Sternwood alone. Brody’s return to the family’s orbit signals that the earlier arrangement did not end the danger. A pattern of leverage Brody knows that shame and secrecy can be converted into money. His later actions repeat that logic on a larger scale.

Watching Geiger

Watching Geiger An attempted partnership Joe Brody watches Arthur Gwynn Geiger, hoping to join a profitable racket. He is nearby during the shooting but does not kill Geiger. Opportunity after violence Brody follows Owen Taylor and steals the photographic plateholder. He sees a chance to turn another man’s crime into his own source of income.

The Books Relocated

The Books Relocated A rapid takeover Joe Brody arranges to move Geiger’s illicit stock from the bookstore into his apartment. Philip Marlowe follows the shipment and identifies Brody’s address. A bid for control The books could sustain the rental operation while the missing proprietor is presumed absent. Brody’s maneuver makes him a suspect and exposes the scale of the racket.

The Photograph Extortion

The Photograph Extortion A demand for cash Joe Brody uses Carmen Sternwood’s nude photograph to demand money from Vivian Regan. His associate Agnes Lozelle delivers the threat. A fragile alliance Brody tries to buy time and protection by bargaining with Philip Marlowe. The photograph gives him leverage, but Marlowe links it to the murder scene.

A Wrongful Death

A Wrongful Death Lundgren’s accusation Carol Lundgren enters Brody’s apartment and declares that Brody killed Arthur Gwynn Geiger. Brody’s possession of the photographs makes the accusation seem credible. A fatal mistake Lundgren shoots Brody before Philip Marlowe can prevent it. Brody’s opportunism has placed him in the path of a revenge killing for a crime he did not commit.

months before the main action

the evening of Geiger’s murder

the day after Geiger’s death

the second morning

the second evening