Chapter 6

Chapter 6 of We Solve Murders takes us deeper into the life of Felicity Woollaston, a woman who has successfully navigated the ever-evolving landscape of business for decades. Despite a recent surge in clients that has revitalized her career, she remains stationed in the same humble office space above a travel agency on Letchworth Garden City’s bustling High Street—a space she has inhabited for nearly forty years. This office, though modest, has been the heart of her professional life. Even with the mounting demands of the modern digital world, Felicity is hesitant to hire staff, preferring to manage everything on her own. It is her innate independence, cultivated over years of solitary work, that has made her resistant to the idea of change.

From her office, Felicity often gazes out the window, observing the routine movements of the town. A man in a suit talks on the phone, a teenager casually smokes by the sidewalk, and a mobility scooter user passes by—each playing their role in the quiet pulse of the city. These everyday occurrences give Felicity a sense of calm but also spark her observant nature. She notes that the man on the phone might not be entirely truthful, a suspicion borne from years of experience in reading people. In addition to these small, fleeting moments, Felicity has noticed how her business has shifted. Recent changes in the entertainment industry have impacted her client base, with many long-term clients stepping away due to scandals or health-related issues. This sudden turn of events left Felicity unprepared, but a chance encounter with a woman in a green trouser suit led her down a path she hadn’t expected—one that introduced her to the world of influencers and brand management. As a result, Felicity rebranded her business, transitioning from Felicity Woollaston Associates to the modern and edgy Vivid Viral Media Agency.

Despite the overwhelming changes, Felicity finds herself intrigued but somewhat bemused by this new field. The dynamic world of influencers and digital marketing presents a stark contrast to her old way of doing business, but it hasn’t diminished her standing in the industry. She remains relevant, despite not fully understanding the technological and digital nuances of the modern market. As invoices for digital services pile up, Felicity still finds joy in simple, everyday moments—like her routine visits to the post office near her favorite coffee shop. These small, peaceful activities are a welcome reprieve from the clutter of new-age products and promotional gifts that now crowd her office. However, she holds onto the same principles that have always guided her, especially her dedication to supporting her clients. She takes pride in the relationships she’s cultivated over the years, even as the nature of business and her industry changes around her. Her office, while filled with tech gadgets and social media-related paraphernalia, remains a reflection of her enduring values: a place where genuine care for her clients’ needs takes precedence over the newest trends.

Though Felicity’s career has evolved, her approach to work hasn’t changed all that much. She continues to book television appearances for her clients, handle their social media engagements, and secure opportunities in the same way she always has. Her success in these areas hasn’t diminished, even as her clientele shifts and the tools of her trade evolve. It’s clear that Felicity has found a balance between adapting to the changing world of business and holding onto the practices that made her successful. She knows that despite the constant flow of technological advances, her core values—those that prioritize her clients’ well-being and their careers—remain the same. This chapter shows Felicity’s internal conflict as she tries to reconcile her traditional approach to business with the modern expectations of the digital age.

Ultimately, this chapter showcases the complex layers of Felicity’s character—her willingness to evolve alongside her clients, her acceptance of modern technology, and her unwavering commitment to supporting others. It highlights the emotional depth of a woman who has faced personal and professional challenges yet continues to adapt with resilience and strength. The chapter beautifully contrasts Felicity’s nostalgic longing for simpler times with the constant push towards modernity in business, showing the struggles of maintaining one’s identity in a rapidly changing world. Felicity’s ability to continue her career and thrive amidst these changes is a testament to her adaptability and her enduring commitment to doing what she loves.