Chapter 60

In Chapter 60 of We Solve Murders, the focus shifts to Tony Taylor, who reflects on the last time he had a date, which was in 1987 during the Thatcher era. Though it’s been many years since he ventured into the world of dating, Tony has a pleasant evening with Felicity, whose conversation touches on light topics such as television shows and famous actors. Tony, on the other hand, discusses more personal subjects, such as his Ford Sierra Cosworth and local parking issues, which contrasts with the more general nature of Felicity’s talk. The couple enjoys their time at The Pig in Brockenhurst, a restaurant known for its high prices and equally high-quality food. The date itself is lovely, and although Tony has been out of practice in the dating world, he appreciates the ease of the conversation and the overall pleasantness of the evening.

After their meal, Tony and Felicity take a stroll through the gardens of the restaurant, where they share a kiss beneath a sycamore tree. Felicity, who had planned to stay at Steve’s empty house that night, is excited about the next day’s plans. Tony has arranged a picturesque tour of the New Forest for them, with stops in Lymington, Beaulieu, and Buckler’s Hard, even considering a stop to buy some fudge. The future seems bright for Tony and Felicity, with the promise of more shared adventures and memories in the making. Their time together feels comfortable, and Tony can’t help but feel a sense of connection with her. However, the budding romance is contrasted with the darker undercurrent of the story, as their lives are still touched by the specter of crime and mystery that is never far from their minds.

The evening takes a different turn when Tony steps away briefly to use the restroom at The Brass Monkey pub. Upon his return, he finds Felicity deep in conversation with John and Jyoti, who are discussing a recent murder. Tony overhears the conversation and feels uneasy, unsure of how to handle the discussion of crime on what was supposed to be a lighthearted evening. He doesn’t want to share too much with Felicity so soon, especially about something so grim, but at the same time, he doesn’t want to seem out of touch with the people around him. Trying to steer the conversation away from the darker subject matter, Tony focuses on discussing the beauty of the local area, hoping to shift the mood back to something more pleasant. Throughout the evening, Felicity’s easygoing nature continues to surprise Tony, and he begins to feel a deeper connection to her. Even as the group talks about a mysterious woman in prison, Tony plays along, feigning confusion so as not to complicate matters with too many personal or dangerous details.

As the night progresses, Tony decides to walk Felicity home, feeling content with the evening and the time spent with her. The warmth of their connection is evident as they continue their walk, and Felicity expresses interest in returning to see Tony again. At Steve’s cottage, Felicity invites Tony inside for coffee, something he typically avoids, but he agrees nonetheless, intrigued by the growing bond between them. However, just as they enter the house, Tony is startled by a sudden noise—only to find it’s Steve’s black cat, Trouble, making the noise. The unexpected sound adds a touch of humor to the otherwise serene atmosphere, but it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life. This chapter highlights Tony’s tentative steps back into romance, set against a backdrop of local intrigue and the looming shadow of crime. It blends both comedic and suspenseful elements, establishing the dynamic between Tony and Felicity while keeping the tension of the surrounding mystery alive. The chapter serves as a pivotal moment in Tony’s journey, as his personal life begins to intertwine with the larger, darker forces at play in the story.