In Chapter 54 of We Solve Murders, Rob Kenna reflects on the complexities of his chosen profession within the murder business. As he prepares to send Eddie Flood to Dublin for another high-stakes assignment, Rob considers the gravity of his target, Amy Wheeler, and the necessity of hiring a skilled assassin rather than an average one. Rob’s previous experiences have taught him that subtlety and expertise are essential when dealing with sensitive matters, and he recognizes that handling Amy’s case requires the utmost precision. Rob knows that his success hinges on selecting the right individuals for each job, as the consequences of failure in his line of work are severe. The stakes are always high in this business, and Rob’s careful consideration of each move demonstrates the level of responsibility he feels as he orchestrates these dangerous tasks.

Rob’s relationship with Eddie is rooted in their shared past in East London and Soho, where they both carved out their careers in their own ways. While Eddie is certainly capable of carrying out assignments, he has never shared Rob’s drive for more wealth or success. Eddie’s contentment with his lot in life contrasts sharply with Rob’s insatiable desire for power, wealth, and influence. This divergence in ambitions reflects the different motivations that drive people, from those seeking to amass fortune to those who are simply satisfied with the life they have. Rob’s reflections on Eddie’s lack of ambition make him think about his own relentless pursuit of success and whether there is any limit to his desires. His golf partner, Big Mick, also challenges Rob’s perspective on success. Mick, who has made a comfortable living, finds satisfaction in the simple things in life, raising questions in Rob’s mind about whether his own ambitions are truly fulfilling or if they are driven by something deeper, like the need for external validation.

As their conversation continues, Rob is prompted to reflect on ambition, happiness, and the differing values between himself and others around him. Mick shares that his upbringing, shaped by strong women, taught him the values of hard work and resilience, and he is content with the success he has achieved. This perspective stands in stark contrast to Rob’s unyielding quest for wealth and status, which is largely motivated by his father’s high expectations and his own desire to prove himself. Rob’s introspection highlights the internal conflict between wanting more and being unable to find contentment in what he has. While Mick finds fulfillment in simpler joys, Rob is always searching for the next big thing, never quite satisfied. This difference in outlook makes Rob question whether his pursuit of wealth will ever lead to the happiness he craves, or if it will always be an elusive goal that keeps him chasing the next deal or business opportunity.

While they continue their golf game, Rob receives a message from Nelson Nunez, which presents a business proposition linked to a diamond conference in Dubai. The opportunity for significant financial gain excites Rob, as he believes that money is the key to happiness and success. This belief underscores Rob’s worldview and his relentless pursuit of wealth as a means of achieving personal satisfaction. Unlike Eddie and Mick, who seem to find contentment with what they have, Rob sees financial success as the ultimate measure of his worth. This philosophy guides every decision he makes, driving him to take on dangerous jobs and alliances that promise great rewards. As the chapter progresses, it becomes evident that Rob’s ambition is both his greatest strength and his biggest flaw, shaping the trajectory of his life. The people he interacts with, such as Nelson and François Loubet, continue to play pivotal roles in his journey, pushing him forward in his unceasing quest for power and success. This chapter explores the nature of ambition, highlighting the contrast between those who tirelessly chase their dreams and those who have found contentment in their reality.