# How does The Borough Treasurer develop the theme of Secrecy and Blackmail?

> The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher

## Answer

The Borough Treasurer by J. S. Fletcher develops Secrecy and Blackmail across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

The central conflict is driven by the exposure of a long-hidden secret from the protagonists' past, leading to blackmail by Kitely and later by Stoner, highlighting the destructive power of hidden truths.

Kitely's threat to expose the partners' criminal past unless they pay him an annuity drives the central conflict of the chapter.

Kitely's blackmail threatens to expose the partners' hidden criminal history.

Cotherstone's fear of Kitely's blackmail and the secret he and Mallalieu share drives the tension leading to the murder.

## Evidence

- [i-blackmail](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/i-blackmail.md): Kitely's threat to expose the partners' criminal past unless they pay him an annuity drives the central conflict of the chapter.
- [ii-crime-and-success](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/ii-crime-and-success.md): Kitely's blackmail threatens to expose the partners' hidden criminal history.
- [iii-murder](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/iii-murder.md): Cotherstone's fear of Kitely's blackmail and the secret he and Mallalieu share drives the tension leading to the murder.
- [iv-the-pine-wood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/iv-the-pine-wood.md): Cotherstone's extreme reaction to the murder and his whispered mention of a clue hint at hidden knowledge and possible blackmail connections.
- [v-the-cord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/v-the-cord.md): Cotherstone's secret relief at Kitely's death and the missing pocketbook suggest hidden dealings and potential blackmail.
- [viii-retained-for-the-defence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/viii-retained-for-the-defence.md): Harborough's mysterious refusal to reveal his whereabouts, hinting at a secret that could clear him.
- [ix-antecedents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/ix-antecedents.md): Kitely's entire life is shrouded in mystery; Miss Pett admits she never knew his business or past, suggesting hidden secrets that may be key to the murder.
- [x-the-hole-in-the-thatch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_borough_treasurer_se/chapters/x-the-hole-in-the-thatch.md): The hidden banknotes and papers in the thatch suggest secret dealings and potential blackmail.

## Links

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