Chapter 39

Chapter 39 of We Solve Murders opens with an unexpected visit from Bonnie Gregor to Felicity Woollaston’s home. Bonnie, feeling a bit anxious about the impromptu meeting, steps into a world of privacy that Felicity rarely shares with others. Felicity, accustomed to her solitary routines, works to make Bonnie comfortable, even though this encounter feels like a departure from her usual quiet existence. The conversation begins on an unexpected note as Bonnie expresses her desire to learn more about influencer agencies, especially given her 14K Instagram followers. She wants to understand whether this social media following can be translated into a full-time career, a shift from her current job. Felicity listens with genuine interest but feels some uncertainty about her ability to help, as she has limited experience in the influencer world.

Bonnie, undeterred, delves deeper into her aspirations, asking Felicity about the mechanics of growing and monetizing an online presence. She’s eager to find out how she can turn her Instagram account into a viable business and what steps influencers take to make that leap. Felicity, though familiar with the surface-level dynamics of influencer culture, knows that this world requires much more than just posting pretty pictures. She encourages Bonnie to clarify her expectations, as she believes many influencers face the challenge of balancing personal ambition with the financial realities of sustaining an online career. Bonnie dreams of one day leaving her current job behind and focusing exclusively on becoming a full-time influencer, though she tempers her expectations, saying that she’s not interested in becoming excessively wealthy from it. This humble outlook contrasts with the typical influencer narrative, which often revolves around fame and fortune. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that Bonnie is driven by a desire for independence and personal fulfillment rather than just financial success.

As their conversation deepens, Felicity grows more aware of her own limited knowledge of the influencer space but is moved by Bonnie’s passion. Bonnie offers to show Felicity her Instagram profile, @bonnieinspo, as proof of her efforts and the content she’s been creating. Felicity, feigning technical difficulties, hesitates at first but then encourages Bonnie to present her work directly on her phone. Bonnie eagerly flips through her posts, revealing vibrant and engaging content designed to inspire and uplift her followers. With each scroll, Felicity’s skepticism fades, replaced by admiration for Bonnie’s eye for detail and storytelling. Felicity finds herself impressed by the way Bonnie crafts her posts, understanding how her visual storytelling resonates with the audience. In that moment, the dynamic between them shifts from one of mentor and mentee to one of mutual respect and shared enthusiasm for creativity, even though their worlds are quite different.

The discussion turns to potential brand partnerships, as Bonnie seeks Felicity’s input on what types of companies might be a good fit for her growing platform. Felicity suggests that Bonnie’s aesthetic would align well with brands in the interior design and painting industries, opening the door to possible collaborations. This idea excites Bonnie, who is eager to explore how her online persona could be monetized further. However, as Felicity listens, she begins to feel the weight of her self-doubt. Though she is genuinely invested in helping Bonnie, Felicity acknowledges that she feels somewhat disconnected from the influencer world, a world in which she does not feel entirely at home. Despite this, she sees the potential for Bonnie’s success and begins to consider how she could support her in her journey. While Bonnie is all energy and optimism about her future, Felicity contemplates offering advice or even making a recommendation to her colleagues at Vivid Viral. Though her knowledge is limited, she recognizes the value of supporting Bonnie’s ambitions, even if it means stepping into an unfamiliar territory.

By the time the conversation wraps up, Felicity offers Bonnie the opportunity to continue their discussion over lunch, signaling her genuine interest in supporting Bonnie’s growth. The offer is more than just a friendly gesture; it signifies Felicity’s willingness to help Bonnie navigate this new world despite her own reservations. Bonnie’s willingness to open up about her dreams and ambitions has sparked something in Felicity, who finds herself intrigued by the possibility of supporting her. As the chapter concludes, there is a sense of camaraderie between them, despite their differing life paths. The meeting, initially seen as a simple favor, ends up being a turning point for both women. For Felicity, it opens the door to new possibilities in the influencer world, while for Bonnie, it offers hope that her aspirations can one day become a reality. In the end, the chapter leaves the reader with a sense of anticipation, hinting at future collaborations and growth for both characters.