Retrieving the Painting

Before leaving for Las Vegas, Theo accompanies his father and Xandra to his old apartment. While they are distracted, he retrieves The Goldfinch, which he had left on his mother's bureau. He hides it in his suitcase, wrapping it in newspaper and tape. This act of concealment is a desperate attempt to hold onto the last tangible connection to his mother and the secret of his traumatic past. He also hides the suitcase with the doormen, Jose and Goldie, for safekeeping.