The dead body
The dead body in the motel's swimming pool symbolizes the looming danger Bajalan is likely to face. A scrutiny of the dead body reveals that the victim is a former Australian military, a possible witness in the ongoing congregational case. Bajalan also witnessed the Iraq massacre, where millions of people were killed. Therefore, Bajalan is a possible target of the killers, and he has to be extra careful to ensure he is safe.
The train station
The train station is a symbol of Sally's uncertainty. When the anonymous people invite Sally to the train station for a meeting, Sally gets scared because she does not know what to expect. Sally asks her ex-lover, Trey, to accompany her to the train station to ensure her safety. The meeting at the train stations also signifies the unpredictable events throughout the novel, such as deaths and the outcome of the congregational case.
The Decision Tree Company
The Decision Tree Company symbolizes societal evils. The company's CEO is Trevor, a corrupt individual who works closely with the authorities to swindle government billions of US dollars. The Decision Tree Company's shareholders are mercenaries responsible for massive deaths in Iraq during the civil war. Consequently, the company represents the evils done in society by a few individuals with selfish interests.
