Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of We Solve Murders takes place in the dazzling city of Dubai, a land synonymous with wealth, luxury, and high stakes. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets create an atmosphere of opportunity, where Rob Kenna thrives as a successful DJ, living a glamorous lifestyle. His social media account paints the picture of a life filled with luxury, featuring images of his lavish villa on the Dubai Palm and his gold Ferrari, but these posts conceal the complexities of his world. On the surface, Rob is a DJ, an entertainer drawing in crowds, but in reality, he navigates a much darker and more dangerous profession, one that serves as his primary source of income.

While Rob’s public persona as a DJ may bring fame, it is his work as a middleman in the world of contract killing that truly sustains him. He operates in a niche market, one that remains impervious to economic downturns. People will always be willing to eliminate their adversaries, and Rob’s services remain in constant demand, bringing him a steady stream of high-paying clients. This secondary line of work has become more lucrative over time, proving to be a more stable source of wealth than his initial profession. Rob has found a successful business model in murder for hire, with his substantial earnings being a testament to the continuous need for such services.

The chapter delves into Rob’s relationship with François Loubet, a powerful and influential figure who first introduced him to the world of contract killing. Loubet’s trust in Rob has made him a sought-after figure in the underground world of organized crime. Rob’s commission on a job involving Amy Wheeler, which could bring him a whopping two hundred thousand dollars, highlights just how profitable this business can be. This relationship with Loubet and his business dealings in the world of murder continue to shape Rob’s life, ensuring that his involvement in these dark dealings remains integral to his financial success.

In a reflective moment, Rob is seen playing golf with Big Mickey Moody, a close friend who, despite his affable nature, is not cut out for the dangerous world of killing. The two men share common interests like golf, enjoying the sunshine, but Rob sees a clear distinction between their lives. While Moody is content with his life of leisure, Rob has come to understand the realities of his own career, one that involves calculated risks and cold decisions. Rob’s internal conflict is evident as he contemplates the nature of his work and his next steps in the world of contract killing.

As Rob focuses on his golf game, he briefly imagines the details of his next job, one involving Amy Wheeler. He envisions the large payout that will accompany her death, but his composure falters after a poorly executed shot. Rob throws his golf club in frustration, a brief but telling moment that reveals the stress he carries in his double life. His outburst is met with comfort from Mickey, who chuckles, unaware of the deeper, darker aspects of Rob’s life. This interaction serves to highlight the stark contrast between Rob’s public persona and the grim realities he faces behind the scenes.

In essence, Chapter 14 paints a vivid picture of Rob Kenna’s dual existence. On the one hand, he is a celebrated DJ, living a life filled with luxury, while on the other, he is a key player in a deadly business, orchestrating murders for profit. His work with François Loubet continues to offer substantial financial rewards, but it also comes with risks and moral complexities that Rob must navigate. The chapter ends by underscoring the tension in Rob’s life, caught between his public persona and the ruthless nature of his hidden profession.