Chapter 3

Chapter 3 of We Solve Murders delves into Steve’s reflective mindset as he navigates his life in the quaint village of Axley, a place he now calls home. Having relocated to this peaceful area twelve years ago, Steve initially harbored doubts about the village’s idyllic charm. His extensive background as a police officer, spanning twenty-five years, had taught him to always seek out hidden dangers and to view people with a healthy dose of skepticism. At first, he assumed that Axley, with its picturesque high street, traditional shops, and the sprawling beauty of the New Forest, would eventually reveal its darker side. However, as time passed, Steve found himself softening to the warmth and kindness of the community. What he had initially dismissed as a facade slowly became a comforting reality. Even as he remained cautious, he could not ignore the peace the village brought him.

Each morning, Steve engages in his daily walk through Axley, a ritual that brings him comfort and an opportunity to reflect on his life and the world around him. The peaceful surroundings, coupled with the responsibility of keeping the village clean by picking up litter, become a grounding force for him. These walks, which were once an afterthought, have become integral to his healing process. The serenity of the village, though initially met with doubt, has allowed him to feel something he hadn’t felt in years: a sense of calm and normalcy. His grief over the loss of his wife, Debbie, continues to shape his life, yet the support from the community has helped him cope with the emptiness. Though still mourning, he finds small moments of comfort in the routine and stability that Axley offers.

Steve’s work as a private investigator in Axley is relatively uneventful compared to his past work as a police officer. The cases he takes on now, like investigating fraud or searching for lost pets, seem mundane but still connect him to the people in the community. These cases, while less exciting, allow Steve to remain involved in the life of Axley and deepen his connection to the village he has come to call home. While his previous work was fraught with danger and uncertainty, these new, quieter cases offer a stark contrast, giving Steve the space to heal. Yet, despite the calm and simplicity of his current work, he can’t shake the feeling that he is somehow meant for more—whether it’s a more thrilling investigation or an unexpected turn of events. In his quiet moments, such as when he enjoys a pub quiz or spends the evening with his cat, Trouble, Steve begins to appreciate the importance of these small rituals. It’s in these simple acts that Steve finds healing, but also the underlying recognition that his life is far from static. Even with all the tranquility surrounding him, he’s never completely free of the need for purpose, the desire for something to challenge him.

As the chapter progresses, Steve’s internal struggle is evident. He’s learning to appreciate the peace Axley offers but still feels the pull of his former life, where things were always more complicated, more dangerous. He wonders if his time in Axley is simply a temporary reprieve from the tumultuous past he once lived or if this slower pace is now his new reality. Either way, Steve has come to terms with the fact that his life may never fully return to the way it was, and he must find contentment in this new chapter. As he reflects on his wife’s passing, the village’s support, and his new, quieter life, Steve slowly begins to find peace. The unresolved feelings and questions, however, continue to linger in his thoughts, leaving him with a sense of uncertainty about the future. Despite his doubts, Steve remains hopeful that the quiet of Axley, combined with his newfound sense of routine, will offer the emotional healing he desperately needs.