The chair at the head of the table was empty, and Gamache walked toward it, all eyes on him. Then, pulling out the seat to the right of it, he sat and nodded to the others to also take their places.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2)

Importance: Gamache’s choice of seats in this meeting of homicide officers is significant because it indicates whether he will demand control or if he will relegate power to Beauvoir, the man with whom Beauvoir will share the title of the head of homicide until Beauvoir leaves for a job in another country. Gamache’s decision not to sit at the head of the table indicates that he plans to allow Beauvoir to lead the department.

Missing. Pregnant. Unhelpful husband. / These were worrying signs. Warning signs.
-- Narrator (Chapter 3)

Importance: Although Vivienne’s case is not technically one that should be investigated by Beauvoir’s officers, he agrees to allow Cloutier to look into...