Chapter 116 of All the Colors of the Dark begins with Saint embarking on her first flight, a journey that leaves her feeling uneasy as she grapples with a fear of flying. Compounding her discomfort is the dense smoke from nearby cigarettes, which only adds to her sense of disorientation. Her destination is Kansas City, where she arrives at a bustling federal building to join a team of agents and support staff focused on law enforcement in Missouri and Kansas. As she enters, the environment overwhelms her senses, with a wall of noise from phone calls and a noticeboard covered in criminal faces and reward notices, making her feel both out of place and apprehensive about what lies ahead.

Once inside, Saint meets Himes, a senior supervisor who shares the details of a historical criminal event—a notorious massacre from 1933. Despite feeling unsure about her role due to her youth and lack of experience, Himes reassures her that her background, including a high-profile case she had worked on, makes her well-suited for the challenges ahead. Saint’s studies in psychology and behavioral science, which have shaped her understanding of criminal behavior, are highlighted during their conversation, providing insight into her motivations for joining the team. She is eager to contribute to solving crimes, though the weight of her responsibility starts to settle in, making her both nervous and determined.

Himes introduces Saint to her first major case, a missing girl named Grace, whose case file contains unsettling details. The discovery of skeletal remains at Tensleep Creek is part of the investigation, and the mention of “Angela Rossi” and rosary beads stirs deep emotions in Saint, linking this case to past trauma. The connection to Eli Aaron, a case that had haunted her, becomes clear, adding an emotional layer to her professional work. This discovery drives her forward, as she understands that her involvement in these investigations will force her to confront not only criminal motives but also her own unresolved past.

Next, Himes presents another case involving a series of bank robberies committed by a seemingly unremarkable man using a one-shot flintlock pistol. This unusual weapon piques Saint’s curiosity, raising questions about the criminal’s intentions and methods. She hesitates at first, unsure why she, a newcomer, is being included in such serious matters when more seasoned agents are available. However, Himes remains confident in her abilities, assuring her that her unique perspective and skills make her a valuable asset to the team. As the chapter progresses, Saint begins to realize the significance of the weapon used in the robberies—a pirate’s gun—causing unease and curiosity to build within her about the case.

Chapter 116 marks Saint’s transition into a complex and challenging world of law enforcement, where personal and professional lines begin to blur. As she becomes more involved in these cases, she finds herself not just investigating crimes but also confronting the shadows of her own past. The mention of a pirate’s weapon and the haunting details of the cases she is drawn into serve as both a metaphor for her own struggles and a clue to the larger narrative unfolding around her. This chapter sets the stage for Saint’s personal and professional growth, as she is thrust into the heart of a world filled with danger, mystery, and the unresolved truths of her own life.

The chapter also explores the theme of transformation, as Saint’s initial hesitation and self-doubt are gradually replaced by determination and purpose. The more she delves into the cases, the more she begins to understand the magnitude of her role and the unique skills she brings to the team. Her background in psychology and behavioral science gives her a different lens through which to view criminal behavior, adding depth to her approach to solving these mysteries. As the tension between her past and present builds, Saint’s internal struggle becomes a powerful element of the story, making her journey toward self-discovery and professional competence all the more compelling. The cases presented to her are not just challenges to be solved but opportunities for growth, as Saint navigates the complexities of her evolving identity in this new world.