The Final Rival

The Ax

Burke’s long pursuit of Upton Fallon culminates in an intimate deception that secures the vacancy Burke believes he needs.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Job in Arcadia The Job in Arcadia from "The Ax". The Job in Arcadia Fallon Holds the Position Burke learns from an industry article that Upton Fallon manages the polymer-paper line at Arcadia Processing.

The Job in Arcadia from "The Ax". The Job in Arcadia Fallon Holds the Position Burke learns from an industry article that Upton Fallon manages the polymer-paper line at Arcadia Processing.

The Job in Arcadia Fallon Holds the Position Burke learns from an industry article that Upton Fallon manages the polymer-paper line at Arcadia Processing. He believes his own experience makes him the better candidate. A Personal Destination Arcadia becomes more than an employer: it represents a return to professional identity and financial stability. Burke’s imagined commute allows him to picture murder as a route back to normal life.

A First Glimpse A First Glimpse from "The Ax". A First Glimpse The Luncheonette Encounter Burke visits Arcadia and sees Fallon eating with mill workers at Betty’s.

A First Glimpse from "The Ax". A First Glimpse The Luncheonette Encounter Burke visits Arcadia and sees Fallon eating with mill workers at Betty’s.

A First Glimpse The Luncheonette Encounter Burke visits Arcadia and sees Fallon eating with mill workers at Betty’s. Fallon’s familiar place in their workplace community makes him seem less like an abstract résumé and more like a person with colleagues and a daily life. Resolve Hardens Burke nevertheless leaves convinced that he must act. His longing to return to the paper industry overwhelms the recognition that Fallon is a human being rather than merely a vacancy-holder.

A Work-Night Plan A Work-Night Plan from "The Ax". A Work-Night Plan A Practical Obstacle Burke realizes Fallon is employed and can only be reached at home after work.

A Work-Night Plan from "The Ax". A Work-Night Plan A Practical Obstacle Burke realizes Fallon is employed and can only be reached at home after work.

A Work-Night Plan A Practical Obstacle Burke realizes Fallon is employed and can only be reached at home after work. Family schedules and travel make the task harder than the earlier attacks. A False Venture Burke invents a business partner and a novelty paper-bag scheme to explain his evening trips to Marjorie. The cover story becomes part of the machinery by which he hides his pursuit of Fallon.

The House Intrusion The House Intrusion from "The Ax". The House Intrusion A Failed Ambush Burke enters Fallon’s house and waits, but Fallon returns with a woman.

The House Intrusion from "The Ax". The House Intrusion A Failed Ambush Burke enters Fallon’s house and waits, but Fallon returns with a woman.

The House Intrusion A Failed Ambush Burke enters Fallon’s house and waits, but Fallon returns with a woman. Burke leaves rather than risk being discovered or harming a witness. Persistence Over Relief The aborted attempt does not end the plan. Burke interprets the failure as a scheduling problem and returns another night, now more desperate because Fallon’s children are expected to visit soon.

The Vacancy Secured The Vacancy Secured from "The Ax". The Vacancy Secured Trust as an Opening When Fallon catches Burke in the house, Burke claims he needs professional help.

The Vacancy Secured from "The Ax". The Vacancy Secured Trust as an Opening When Fallon catches Burke in the house, Burke claims he needs professional help.

The Vacancy Secured Trust as an Opening When Fallon catches Burke in the house, Burke claims he needs professional help. The two discuss paper production and layoffs, and Fallon lowers his guard as a fellow worker in a precarious industry. Murder and Aftermath Burke kills Fallon and stages a gas explosion to make his death appear accidental. Arcadia later calls Burke for an interview, making the vacancy real while leaving the moral cost unresolved.

Before the campaign begins, spring 1997

Spring 1997, before May 8

Late June 1997

Late June 1997, first attempt

Late June 1997