Chapter 21

Chapter 21 of We Solve Murders opens with François Loubet lounging in his lavish office, nursing a glass of imported whiskey, when his phone chimes with an unexpected email. The message comes from Rob Kenna, his trusted murder-broker, a man whose efficiency in handling such matters makes him indispensable in François’s world. Kenna, in his usual casual tone, informs him that Amy Wheeler has successfully evaded capture and is now on the move in South Carolina. He assures François that his operatives are already tracking her, but something about the email unsettles him. Though Kenna has never let him down before, François is not the type to leave matters of life and death entirely in someone else’s hands.

As he rereads the message, he considers whether he should personally intervene or allow Kenna to manage the situation. His reliance on intermediaries has always served him well, but the unpredictability of a loose end like Amy leaves him uneasy. He absentmindedly swirls his drink, contemplating just how much he really knows about this woman who has suddenly become his primary concern. Strangely, while he is aware of her name, profession, and even her blood type, he realizes he has no idea what she actually looks like. The absurdity of the situation amuses him—how can he fear a woman he wouldn’t even recognize if she were standing next to him?

The thought lingers, and François considers the irony of knowing someone’s medical details without ever having seen their face. A wicked smirk forms as he imagines submitting a formal complaint to Kenna for not providing a “complete package” of information. His humor is a defense mechanism, a way to balance the dark realities of his profession with the mundanity of everyday life. But underneath the levity, there’s a nagging feeling that Amy Wheeler may be more resourceful than anticipated. After all, few people successfully slip through the grasp of hired killers without some level of cunning or luck.

François’s mind drifts to the broader implications of Amy’s escape. If she manages to survive long enough, could she disrupt the intricate web of alliances and secrets he has carefully cultivated? He has no reason to believe she knows the full extent of what’s at stake, but uncertainty is something he cannot afford. The men Kenna hired are professionals, but mistakes happen, and Amy seems to be the type who thrives in high-pressure situations. His instincts tell him not to underestimate her, despite his lack of knowledge about her physical traits.

Restless, he taps his fingers against his desk, contemplating his next move. Trusting Kenna is one option, but François knows that true power lies in keeping multiple layers of control. He wonders if a direct approach—sending in his own people—would be necessary to ensure the job is done right. The problem is, drawing more attention to the situation increases risk, something he has spent his entire career avoiding. With the stakes so high, however, playing it safe may no longer be an option.

For a moment, François allows himself to imagine how Amy might be reacting to all of this. Is she scared? Is she aware of just how dangerous the forces pursuing her are? Or is she someone who thrives in chaos, adapting quickly and plotting her next move just as he is? The unknowns bother him more than they should, and that alone convinces him to take a more active role in resolving this problem.

Returning his focus to Kenna’s email, he drafts a simple but firm response, requesting more frequent updates and an assurance that there will be no further complications. He decides that if Amy is still alive in twenty-four hours, he will take matters into his own hands. After all, he didn’t build his empire by leaving things to chance. With that, he finishes his whiskey and leans back, watching the sun dip below the horizon, knowing that by this time tomorrow, Amy Wheeler’s fate will be sealed—one way or another.