Kate Plus 10 · Chapter
XVII: The Independent Strategy of Señor Gregori explained
Kate witnesses the gang's violent capture of Michael Pretherston, who is manacled and interrogated.
What happens
Kate witnesses the gang's violent capture of Michael Pretherston, who is manacled and interrogated. Gregori and the Colonel propose a bribe for Michael to help them escape with the gold, but he refuses. The gang debates killing him, while Kate feigns compliance but secretly plans to act.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of Moya’s internal con…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Crime and Morality
The gang's willingness to kill Michael to protect their heist contrasts with Kate's horror and Michael's moral defiance.
- Loyalty and Betrayal
Kate's feigned loyalty to the gang masks her true intention to betray them for Michael's sake.
- Wealth and Greed
The gang's offer of a quarter-million pounds to Michael highlights the corrupting power of easy money.
Characters to notice
- Kate Westhanger
Horrified by the violence against Michael, she feigns acceptance of the plan to kill him while secretly planning to intervene.
- Michael Pretherston
Captured, manacled, and beaten by the gang; he refuses a bribe and warns them of their impending doom.
- Señor Gregori
Leads the attack on Michael and advocates for killing him to protect the gang's escape plan.
- The Colonel
Attempts to bribe Michael with a share of the gold; agrees to keep Michael alive until the gold is moved.
- Dr. Philip Garon
Strikes Michael with a loaded cane and later stands guard outside the engine room.
- Mr. Colling Jacques
Participates in the attack on Michael and suggests giving him half an hour to reconsider the bribe.
Key passages
“Kate had never witnessed an act of violence.”
Kate had never before seen a violent attack.
Highlights Kate's shock at the gang's brutality.
“It is you or us, Pretherston.”
Either you die or we do, Pretherston.
Colling Jacques states the gang's ultimatum to Michael.
“I suppose it is necessary.”
I guess it has to be done.
Kate's feigned acceptance of Michael's planned murder.
