Chapter 38

Chapter 38 of We Solve Murders begins with Eddie sitting in a stark interrogation room, the air thick with tension as he awaits his fate. His patience wears thin as he contemplates the situation, but the arrival of Carlos, a bureaucrat familiar with the system, provides an unexpected reprieve. Carlos, who exudes a casual confidence, explains that Eddie’s prolonged detention isn’t due to any new charges but rather a technical delay caused by the outdated computer system. This information does little to ease Eddie’s frustration, but Carlos’s calm demeanor and familiarity with Eddie’s past make the encounter less adversarial than expected. It becomes clear that Carlos is no stranger to dealing with people like Eddie—those who operate on the fringes of legality yet know how to navigate the system to their advantage. Despite his past run-ins with the law, Eddie isn’t reckless; he knows when to push back and when to cooperate, and this seems to be one of those moments that requires patience.

The conversation shifts as Carlos, seeing an opportunity for small talk, brings up Eddie’s past in a way that feels oddly conversational rather than accusatory. He mentions that Eddie has been through similar situations before, noting the familiarity of his name in police records. Eddie, though wary, engages in the discussion, realizing that Carlos isn’t out to make things worse for him. Instead, Carlos appears amused by the absurdity of bureaucracy, even making a joke about how sometimes the system works against itself. As they exchange words, Eddie begins to see Carlos not as an obstacle but as a potential asset in his current predicament. When Eddie asks if he can call Carlos by his first name, the official grins and nods, marking the start of a tentative understanding between the two men. This unexpected camaraderie offers Eddie a brief moment of relief, though he remains cautious about fully trusting anyone in a situation as delicate as his own.

Things take a more intriguing turn when Carlos casually drops a name that immediately captures Eddie’s full attention—Rosie D’Antonio. Eddie perks up at the mention of the writer, knowing that her movements are tied to something bigger than mere coincidence. Carlos informs him that Rosie is currently boarding a private jet, set to depart within minutes, sending Eddie’s mind into overdrive. The plane’s identifier, TC-816, is relayed with casual efficiency, but to Eddie, it might as well be a ticking clock counting down his chance to intercept her before she gets too far ahead. He quickly processes his options, considering how best to close the gap between them without drawing too much attention to himself. His instincts tell him that Rosie isn’t traveling alone, and when Carlos confirms that she is accompanied by another woman en route to Hawaii, his determination solidifies. There’s no time to hesitate—if he wants to find her, he needs to act immediately.

Carlos, now invested in the situation, offers to help Eddie book a last-minute flight, guiding him toward the charter desk where he can secure a private plane. The sudden shift from bureaucratic indifference to helpful ally surprises Eddie, but he isn’t about to question his good fortune. Instead, he decides to take full advantage of Carlos’s assistance, knowing that every second counts. As they make their way across the terminal, Eddie considers how much he is willing to pay to ensure he reaches Hawaii before Rosie and Amy disappear from his radar. He mentally calculates the cost, concluding that whatever the price, it’s a necessary expense. In a rare moment of generosity, Eddie decides to compensate Carlos handsomely for his help, recognizing that having an insider on his side might prove useful beyond just this one encounter.

The chapter closes with Eddie securing a flight, setting the stage for a high-stakes pursuit that promises more twists and turns ahead. As his plane prepares for takeoff, he glances out the window, aware that Rosie and Amy are closer than they realize. Their paths are about to converge, and with each passing moment, the tension builds. Eddie isn’t just chasing after answers—he’s chasing after the truth, and as the wheels lift off the ground, he knows that what lies ahead will be anything but simple. His relentless pursuit underscores just how entangled he has become in the mystery, and as the horizon stretches before him, the real question remains: will he reach them in time, or is he already too late?