Chapter 40

In Chapter 40 of We Solve Murders, Amy, Rosie, and Steve find themselves standing in the parking lot of Emory Executive Airfield, watching as Eddie Flood’s plane ascends high into the bright blue sky above. Steve makes a comment about Eddie’s upcoming vacation in Hawaii, but Rosie, with a knowing smile, remarks that Eddie won’t have nearly as much fun as Barb and her daughter, who are also en route to the same destination. At this moment, the team has gathered critical information about Eddie, including a scan of his passport, thanks to Carlos Moss. It’s now clear that Eddie, the man sent to kill Amy, is currently en route to Hawaii, unaware of the investigation unfolding around him. This flight, meant to be a getaway for Eddie, serves as the backdrop to their tense mission. The trio, however, isn’t focusing on vacationing; they’re preparing for their own journey, with the full weight of their mission pushing them forward. The sense of urgency grows stronger as they make their way toward their next destination.

As they prepare for departure, Steve grabs his small rucksack, while Carlos is carefully handling Rosie’s designer suitcase. With excitement in her voice, Rosie mentions how she’s eager to head to St. Lucia for their next adventure. She’s planning to dive into the research of local laws to further their investigation. Amy, always grateful for the assistance, thanks Carlos as he informs them that the Falcon jet has been refueled and is ready for them. Steve, wearing gym shorts and a T-shirt, seems to be struggling with the heat, beads of sweat forming on his face as the temperature rises. Rosie attempts to link arms with him in a supportive gesture, but Steve resists, clearly uncomfortable. His discomfort with the heat is palpable, yet the tension of their situation keeps his focus sharp. While Steve may be physically distracted, their mission remains at the forefront of his mind, and he knows the importance of staying focused despite the minor inconvenience.

Carlos, ever perceptive, notices the subtle dynamic between Amy and Steve and comments on Steve’s apparent affection for her. The remark leads Amy to reflect on her personal struggles with accepting love and intimacy. She acknowledges her inner conflict, revealing the emotional layers that have shaped her actions throughout the investigation. Carlos’s suggestion that she work on embracing love more openly strikes a chord with Amy, prompting her to consider the complexities of her emotional state amidst the chaos surrounding them. As a porter arrives to help with the luggage, Carlos, trying to maintain a sense of camaraderie, reaches out for a hug with Steve. However, Steve, uncomfortable with the physical contact, declines the offer. Despite the awkward moment, Carlos takes it in stride, giving Steve a quick hug anyway. Steve, sweating and feeling embarrassed, apologizes for his condition, but Carlos reassures him with a lighthearted remark, attributing the discomfort to the heat rather than any personal fault. This exchange, though seemingly trivial, adds a layer of human connection to an otherwise intense chapter, highlighting the contrast between the seriousness of their mission and the light-hearted moments that arise amidst the tension.

After bidding them a casual farewell, Carlos wishes them well, humorously advising them not to get killed. His parting words hang in the air as the trio heads toward the tarmac, the weight of their next steps now pressing on them. Amy, still reflecting on the interactions, suggests that Carlos should be included in one of Rosie’s books as a token of thanks. Rosie, ever the professional, smiles and reveals that Carlos had already been a character in one of her novels, While You Were Dead. In the story, he’s portrayed as an ex-Marine with whom the protagonist shares a complex relationship. This revelation offers a glimpse into Rosie’s fictional world and brings a moment of levity to the scene. It also deepens the connection between the characters, showing how Rosie’s creative world has intertwined with her real-life relationships. With a lighthearted chuckle, Rosie directs the porter to their chartered plane as the chapter closes, signaling the end of this particular conversation and the beginning of a new chapter in their investigation. The trio boards the plane, preparing for the next phase of their journey, with both excitement and uncertainty lingering in the air. The complexities of their mission continue to unfold as they prepare for what lies ahead.