Chapter 73

Chapter 73 of We Solve Murders delves into a deeply engaging dinner conversation between Rosie and Derek Charters, blending personal anecdotes with the weight of an investigation that has been inching closer to dangerous territory. The pair, who initially engage in light banter over their attire, soon find the conversation veering into darker, more pressing matters. Derek, using his background in investment banking, remarks on the scale of financial transactions tied to Vivid Viral Media, a social media agency that has been linked to significant payments to influencers. He highlights the sum of £150,000 paid to Mark Gooch and £200,000 to Jackson Lynch, amounts that point to larger, more shadowy dealings behind the scenes. The size of these figures raises red flags about the agency’s role in potential money laundering, and Derek expresses his concern that the legitimacy of these transactions is highly questionable. Rosie, catching the drift of his suspicion, probes deeper into the situation by asking whether any connections exist between the agency’s prominent figurehead, Felicity Woollaston, and the clients whose financial ties have now come under scrutiny.

As the conversation develops, Derek lightens the mood by shifting to personal anecdotes. He casually mentions Carol, who now lives in Jamaica with a ski instructor, adding a humorous twist to the evening. Rosie, in a bid to continue the lighthearted theme, humorously compares their differing life experiences. However, the mood quickly shifts back to the grim nature of the investigation at hand as they discuss the recent murders linked to Rosie’s close friend. Derek, sensing Rosie’s growing tension, voices his concerns for her safety, but Rosie brushes it off with a joke, referencing a past threat from a Russian billionaire who had once posed a danger to her. Her casual approach hides an underlying reality—she’s no stranger to the risks she faces, but the constant threats have taken their toll, and her ability to manage the pressure is beginning to show. Even as she deflects with humor, the weight of the situation continues to hover over her, making her more acutely aware of the dangers lurking around every corner.

As Rosie’s focus shifts, her attention is caught by a figure sneaking up the stairs—Eddie Flood, a man with deep connections to her past and present troubles. His presence immediately raises alarms, as Eddie’s association with dangerous individuals, particularly Vasiliy Karpin, adds layers of uncertainty to the situation. She begins to wonder whether Eddie is now targeting her instead of Amy, questioning his true motives and whether his arrival signals the next phase in an ever-worsening series of events. The discomfort she feels in his presence only grows, as Rosie contemplates her next move. Is confronting Eddie the right decision, or does it risk escalating an already volatile situation? The mental gears turn rapidly in her mind as she prepares for whatever comes next, knowing that every choice could have significant consequences.

Derek, seemingly unaware of the shift in Rosie’s thoughts, offers her more wine, attempting to lighten the mood with casual conversation. However, Rosie, now fully alert and focused on the threat she feels in Eddie’s presence, opts for water instead, signaling a shift in her mindset from relaxation to readiness. The decision is subtle but revealing—Rosie is no longer willing to indulge in distractions or relax. She knows she needs to stay sharp, especially with the unknown threat looming large in the form of Eddie. Derek, ever the lighthearted one, makes a joke about her newfound sobriety, but Rosie barely reacts, her mind consumed with the potential danger that Eddie represents. This decision marks a clear turning point for her—what should have been a relaxing evening is now a stark reminder of the perilous world she’s navigating. The chapter closes with a lingering sense of unease, highlighting the fragility of the situation and the ever-present danger surrounding Rosie as she prepares for what may come next.