Simon’s Pursuit of Revenge

The Exception

Simon’s resentment about his family’s fall develops into suspected criminal activity, harassment, and direct attempts to harm Cane and Jada.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Family’s Fall A Family’s Fall from "The Exception". A Family’s Fall A father imprisoned Lee Powers is imprisoned for causing the death of Cane Alexander’s father.

A Family’s Fall from "The Exception". A Family’s Fall A father imprisoned Lee Powers is imprisoned for causing the death of Cane Alexander’s father.

A Family’s Fall A father imprisoned Lee Powers is imprisoned for causing the death of Cane Alexander’s father. Simon Powers loses the family’s former status and blames Cane for pursuing the investigation. Resentment preserved The grievance becomes a private account of injustice in Simon’s mind. Rather than accepting the evidence against his father, he treats Cane’s success as another injury to avenge.

An Unexplained Return An Unexplained Return from "The Exception". An Unexplained Return A new business identity Simon returns to the area, appearing as a contractor and prospective property buyer.

An Unexplained Return from "The Exception". An Unexplained Return A new business identity Simon returns to the area, appearing as a contractor and prospective property buyer.

An Unexplained Return A new business identity Simon returns to the area, appearing as a contractor and prospective property buyer. His assets and frequent travel raise questions about how he is supporting his lifestyle. A familiar adversary Cane recognizes Simon and suspects that the Solomon Place inquiry may be more than a routine transaction. Simon’s calm manner conceals the intensity of the history between them.

Criminal Suspicion Criminal Suspicion from "The Exception". Criminal Suspicion Irregular movements Information gathered by Max Quinn suggests Simon frequently travels to Mexico and has unexplained resources.

Criminal Suspicion from "The Exception". Criminal Suspicion Irregular movements Information gathered by Max Quinn suggests Simon frequently travels to Mexico and has unexplained resources.

Criminal Suspicion Irregular movements Information gathered by Max Quinn suggests Simon frequently travels to Mexico and has unexplained resources. Cane and Max suspect drug trafficking and possible links to the Sinaloa Cartel. A threat grows harder to predict Because the evidence is incomplete, Cane cannot resolve the danger through ordinary business decisions. Simon’s possible criminal connections make personal retaliation and investigative uncertainty more consequential.

From Grudge to Violence From Grudge to Violence from "The Exception". From Grudge to Violence Jada becomes a target Simon attacks Jada in a restaurant parking lot after a date and later refers to watching her.

From Grudge to Violence from "The Exception". From Grudge to Violence Jada becomes a target Simon attacks Jada in a restaurant parking lot after a date and later refers to watching her.

From Grudge to Violence Jada becomes a target Simon attacks Jada in a restaurant parking lot after a date and later refers to watching her. His actions turn resentment toward Cane into a direct threat to someone Cane loves. Business attacked as well Water damage and copper theft at Cane’s projects suggest a campaign aimed at his livelihood. Simon’s pursuit now affects bodies, property, and the possibility of a shared future.

Arrest and Defeat Arrest and Defeat from "The Exception". Arrest and Defeat A final escalation fails Simon’s threat is followed by a hired attacker at Cane’s house, where Jada is abducted and Cane is targeted.

Arrest and Defeat from "The Exception". Arrest and Defeat A final escalation fails Simon’s threat is followed by a hired attacker at Cane’s house, where Jada is abducted and Cane is targeted.

Arrest and Defeat A final escalation fails Simon’s threat is followed by a hired attacker at Cane’s house, where Jada is abducted and Cane is targeted. The attack is stopped before it can become the killing Simon’s conflict has threatened. Criminal pursuit interrupted Simon is arrested, ending his immediate freedom to approach Jada and Cane. His fate resolves the central danger, though it cannot undo the fear and injuries he caused.

Years before the main action

Early in the story

Middle of the story

Middle to late story

Near the ending