Chapter 68

Chapter 68 of We Solve Murders delves deeper into the complexities of François Loubet’s character, showcasing his thoughts as both a business mogul and a manipulative figure within the criminal world. At the beginning of the chapter, Loubet reflects on the most recent mishap involving Rob Kenna, whose hired hitman failed to carry out the task of eliminating Rosie D’Antonio. Rosie, a highly skilled and perceptive writer, outwitted Kenna’s henchman, turning the tables on him with her sharp mind and charisma. For Loubet, this incident is both amusing and revealing, as it underscores the unpredictability of those involved in his operations. However, his amusement is tempered by the darker realities of his line of work, where every victory is short-lived and replaced by another looming challenge that must be managed meticulously.

As the chapter progresses, Loubet’s amusement gives way to frustration as he reflects on Rob Kenna’s failure. His trust in Kenna, already fragile, reaches a breaking point. This erosion of trust leads Loubet to contemplate a more drastic course of action—alerting the authorities about Amy Wheeler’s involvement in multiple crimes. Her reckless behavior and the trail of blood she’s left behind have turned into a significant liability, and Loubet now sees her as a potential threat to his carefully constructed operations. Despite his calculating nature, Loubet faces an internal conflict—he knows that if Amy remains alive for another forty-eight hours, her arrest becomes inevitable. He contemplates whether her death would be a more favorable outcome, ultimately realizing that eliminating her might be seen as an act of greed rather than a necessary step in the pursuit of his goals. In his mind, he knows that keeping her alive and allowing the authorities to handle her might benefit him in the short term, but the long-term consequences remain unclear. The complexity of the situation weighs heavily on him, and while he is poised to make a decision, the full extent of his options is still unfolding.

Despite these dark, looming decisions regarding Amy, Loubet shifts his focus to the pragmatic side of his business dealings. In the world of high-stakes crime and international trade, the wheels of commerce never stop turning, no matter the personal or criminal challenges one faces. Loubet expresses a degree of satisfaction as he reveals a successful shipment is on track from London to São Paulo, a key move in his ongoing operations. Unlike previous shipments, this time he has chosen to work directly with Vivid Viral, cutting out the middleman and ensuring greater control over the process. His decision to bypass intermediaries such as Joe Blow signals his growing confidence in his ability to handle major operations independently, demonstrating his sharp business acumen. This shift not only signifies a more direct approach to conducting business but also highlights his desire to streamline his efforts and maximize efficiency. Even in the face of mounting threats and criminal investigations, Loubet’s focus on business remains unwavering. His declaration, “commerce stops for no man,” encapsulates his unrelenting commitment to maintaining control of his empire, no matter what challenges arise. For Loubet, the complexities of life—whether personal, criminal, or professional—are merely different aspects of the same game, and his ability to navigate them with a cool head remains one of his defining traits.

As the chapter draws to a close, Loubet finds himself once again contemplating his position. He is well aware that the next few days will prove pivotal in shaping his future, both in business and in his more illicit endeavors. Despite the tension and the potential risks of his ongoing operations, Loubet retains his characteristic confidence, knowing that he has the tools and the mindset to handle whatever comes next. His amusement at Rob Kenna’s incompetence and Rosie’s cleverness has already faded into the background, replaced by the sobering realization that his choices will determine his future. The chapter ends with Loubet maintaining his signature composure, preparing for the challenges that await, knowing that no matter how complex the situation may become, he will always remain one step ahead.