Chapter 63

In Chapter 63 of We Solve Murders, Eddie Flood finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with the consequences of his recent actions. The encounter that has compromised his position has left him feeling exposed and vulnerable, and he knows that the public eye is now firmly fixed on him. Eddie reaches out to Rob, hoping for guidance, but Rob’s reaction is one of confusion and frustration. Rob informs Eddie that footage of Rosie on An Irish Breakfast has now gone viral, further complicating matters. Rob’s disbelief is evident as he wonders how Eddie, once a master of staying under the radar, has become such a hot topic in the media. Eddie recounts the chaotic scenes that unfolded at the Cork airfield, where he was swarmed by an overwhelming number of fans and photographers, making it impossible for him to blend in. The attention he has garnered is a stark reminder of how much his notoriety has increased, putting him in an even more precarious position than before. As Eddie processes the extent of his public exposure, he realizes that his every move is now being watched, and the stakes are higher than ever.

As the conversation with Rob continues, Eddie admits to a failed attempt to take down Amy Wheeler. He recounts how a tinted Mercedes blocked his line of sight, preventing him from getting a clean shot, and the frustration in his voice is palpable. Rob, unable to hide his disappointment, tells Eddie that he’s lost his touch and no longer possesses the skills that once made him a formidable adversary. Rob also makes it clear that Eddie is off the job, his blunder escalating the situation to a point where Eddie’s face is now plastered all over the media. The humiliation of being publicly identified makes it impossible for Eddie to carry on his assignment without drawing further attention. Despite the setback, Eddie decides to keep the $15,000 that Rob had offered him, recognizing that he can still make use of the money in the future. The conversation between them reveals not only the growing tension in their professional relationship but also the realization that Eddie’s failure has changed the course of their plans. The stakes have grown considerably, and Eddie must now navigate a world where his every move is under scrutiny.

The tone of their conversation shifts as Rob, now clearly anxious about the consequences, highlights the urgency of the situation. Rob half-jokingly suggests hiring a Scandinavian hitman to finish the job if Amy doesn’t die soon, but his concern is genuine. Eddie, however, becomes more intrigued by Rob’s mysterious employer, pondering how learning more about this figure could give him the leverage he needs. With Rob officially off the job, Eddie reflects on his next steps, deciding that keeping an eye on Amy Wheeler is crucial. He has shifted his motivations from eliminating her to keeping her alive for his own benefit. The more Eddie observes the unfolding media coverage, the more he realizes that having Amy alive might serve him better than her death would. He notices that his photo is being shared widely, and one news app even dubs him a “mystery hero.” This unexpected recognition gives Eddie a sense of accomplishment, even if it is not the kind of recognition he had initially sought. Despite the failure of his previous attempt, Eddie finds himself taking a more strategic approach to the situation. He begins to see the bigger picture, understanding that by maintaining control over the narrative, he can still manipulate the situation to his advantage. Eddie’s internal conflict between his initial goal and his growing desire for power and recognition shows how much his thinking has evolved. He is no longer just focused on the assignment at hand; now, he is calculating his every move, carefully planning how to stay in the game while positioning himself for greater influence in the ongoing drama. As Eddie reflects on the situation, it becomes clear that his journey has shifted, and the stakes are higher than ever before.