Chapter 42

In Chapter 42 of We Solve Murders, the tension aboard the flight is palpable as Rosie, Steve, and Amy find themselves navigating a mix of lightheartedness and underlying anxiety. Rosie and Steve are lounging comfortably on a cream leather sofa, while Amy, deep in her thoughts, sulks in a velvet armchair, glued to her phone. Despite the pilot’s warning of potential turbulence, Amy dismisses it, signaling her disbelief in the situation. The trio starts singing an unfamiliar country song, which stands in stark contrast to Amy’s grim thoughts. She’s preoccupied with the thought of a threat looming over her life, the weight of which is far from light. The jovial atmosphere between Rosie and Steve, with their carefree song, highlights the conflicting emotions within the group, leaving Amy feeling more isolated in her concern.

Amy’s focus quickly shifts to a pressing issue—the investigation into Bella Sanchez’s murder. She suspects a connection between Bella’s death and a larger money-smuggling operation, one that might be tied to the elusive Loubet. But questions persist—who is Loubet, and where is he now? Just as her mind races through these uncertainties, a message notification from an unknown number interrupts her thoughts, signaling the start of an unexpected conversation with Henk van Veen. Though Henk’s history as a major beneficiary of recent murders makes him an unreliable source, Amy, desperate for information, decides to engage with him. She knows that uncovering the truth could be key to understanding the larger conspiracy she is entangled in, even if that means relying on someone she distrusts.

The tension between Amy’s mounting anxiety and her companions’ obliviousness to the situation continues to grow as the conversation with Henk escalates. Henk’s messages reveal disturbing news about Jeff, a friend of Amy’s who is supposedly dead, adding another layer of confusion and dread to her already fraught mind. As Steve and Rosie continue to sing their carefree songs, unaware of the dark undercurrents of Amy’s situation, the contrast between their lightheartedness and Amy’s concern becomes even more pronounced. Their banter and laughter represent a starkly different reality, one that Amy cannot fully engage with while grappling with the weight of the threats surrounding her. This dissonance deepens Amy’s sense of isolation, even as she is physically surrounded by friends.

With the situation becoming more dire, Amy feels cornered and resolves to confront Henk about his role in tracking her movements. Her mind races as she contemplates the severe consequences of Henk’s possible hostility, not just for her, but also for Steve’s safety. In the midst of the growing tension, an invigorating song blasts through the cabin, and Rosie, ever the optimist, begins to dance. Steve joins in with playful antics, bringing a momentary break in the gloom. Yet, for Amy, this brief interlude doesn’t erase the real dangers she feels are closing in. The stark contrast between their carefree singing and her inner turmoil intensifies the emotional divide within the group.

As the flight continues, Amy receives another message from Henk, inviting her to continue their conversation. At this moment, Amy makes a decisive move: she destroys her SIM card, cutting all ties with Henk. This bold action is a symbolic declaration of defiance, choosing to embrace the present moment with Steve and Rosie instead of being consumed by the dangers of the outside world. Together, they sing the chorus of Take On Me, a song of hope and resistance, reinforcing their bond in the face of impending danger. The song and the moment signify a collective stand against the threats they face. As the plane nears St. Lucia, the island appearing on the horizon symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical new beginning for Amy. The journey ahead, uncertain as it may be, offers a chance for renewal and hope.