The Art of Racing in the Rain: Chapter 32 Summary & Analysis

Enzo spends the day in the garage, feeling anxious in what he deems a very human way. He says that dogs, unlike humans, can slow down their anticipatory metabolism and sit still for hours with no effort, but figures that his inability to do so today is a result of his soul evolving to be more human. He tries to embrace it despite the discomfort.

As the day drags on, a Seattle police car pulls up outside the open garage doors and two officers get out. An employee offers them a car wash, which they refuse. The officers go into the lobby and Enzo goes through the doors into the lobby as well. Mike is at the counter and the officers ask for Denny, telling Mike they have a warrant for his arrest. Mike, very uncomfortable, tells them Denny may have left, but goes into the back to check. Denny is on a computer in the back room, and Mike tells him about the police. Denny heads to the lobby.

Denny introduces himself and politely asks the officers what they want and asks to see the warrant. After he's read it, the officers ask him to step out from behind the counter so they can pat him down, and Denny complies. His boss, Craig, approaches and tells the officers that what they're doing isn't necessary and can be conducted outside, but they refuse. When the officers move to cuff Denny, Craig angrily says they don't need to, and the officers tell him to hold. The police read Denny his rights and Denny asks when they'll be done so he can pick up Zoë. They tell him to make other arrangements, and Denny instructs Mike to call Mark Fein.

Mike asks what Denny is being arrested for, and the officers wait for Denny to answer. Denny finally says rape of a child in the third degree, and then says he didn't rape anyone and asks what child. The officers pause, dragging out the drama. They finally answer, "the one you raped," and lead Denny away. Enzo remarks to the reader that he despised the cop for what he was doing, but he had to admire his dramatic flair.