Chapter 167 of All the Colors of the Dark opens with the disturbing discovery of a body at Iona’s Beach. Saint, still working late into the night at her desk, receives a call from Himes while they’re deep in conversation. The familiar sound of the Newton’s cradle gently tapping in the background, along with Himes casually munching on food, provides an odd contrast to the intense subject matter they discuss. The ease of their banter—especially regarding Himes’s tendency to eat at inappropriate moments—provides a rare lighthearted moment in the otherwise dark atmosphere. Despite the chilling subject of their discussion, the playful back-and-forth reveals a comfortable, almost familial bond between them.

As their conversation progresses, a fax comes through with photos from the crime scene, revealing the shocking image of pink sand. This startling detail is attributed to the unusual combination of the local rockface and the action of the waves, making the sand appear strangely beautiful despite the horrific circumstances. Saint expresses her gratitude for Himes’s insightful technical commentary on the scene, appreciating how his words help her process the complexity of the situation. The contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the tragedy at hand only intensifies the gravity of their task. The eight pages of information, detailing the grim crime scene, eventually lead to the identification of the victim—Crystal Wright. As the details are revealed, the site is described as a barren, desolate place where nothing remains except the bones, symbolizing the profound loss at the heart of this case.

Saint’s focus sharpens when she notices preserved rosary beads found at the crime scene, and her comment, “He traveled,” suggests a larger, ominous connection between the victim and the crimes they’ve been investigating. Himes acknowledges her sentiment, indicating that the discovery of the beads might hold deeper significance that could shed light on the larger scope of the situation. The severity of their investigation deepens as Saint becomes increasingly concerned about the possibility of more victims. She queries Himes about the number of potential bodies they may uncover, to which he responds somberly, emphasizing that even one death is one too many. His reply underlines the emotional urgency of their mission, and the conversation reflects the professional commitment both characters share, as well as the emotional weight they carry as they navigate the complexities of the case.

As the chapter unfolds, it becomes evident that the relationship between Saint and Himes is not only rooted in professional collaboration but also marked by a profound emotional connection. Their interactions reveal layers of both individuals—their shared understanding of the harsh realities they face and their ability to comfort one another during moments of silence. The grim discovery at Iona’s Beach serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing violence they are trying to solve, yet it also provides an opportunity for Saint and Himes to reflect on the larger moral implications of their work. The urgency of the investigation and the sense of loss that looms large are balanced by the occasional moments of levity that emerge during their conversations, making their professional relationship dynamic and multi-dimensional.

This chapter explores themes of grief, responsibility, and the complexity of human relationships. It shows Saint and Himes not only as professionals but as individuals who are emotionally affected by the cases they work on. While they are both driven by the need to solve the case, they also bear the emotional weight of the tragedy that continues to unfold around them. The juxtaposition of their banter with the intense subject matter highlights the contrast between their personal connection and the grim reality of their work. Through this balance, the chapter succeeds in deepening the reader’s understanding of these characters, making their emotional journeys just as captivating as the mystery they are trying to solve.