Chapter 78

Chapter 78 of We Solve Murders begins with increasing tension as Felicity passionately defends Max’s character, arguing that he couldn’t have acted maliciously. She dismisses any suspicions about him, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door, which immediately changes the mood in the room. Amy, Jeff, and Henk quickly react, each of them instinctively reaching for their weapons, while Steve moves to open the door, preparing for whatever might come next. Standing on the other side are two Hampshire Police officers who inquire about Amy Wheeler’s whereabouts. Steve, remembering the advice Amy had given him earlier about preparing for potential danger, denies Amy’s presence, suggesting instead that she might have returned to London. The officers are persistent in their questioning, but Steve manages to keep his composure, assuming this is just a standard police inquiry. His nerves, however, remain tightly wound as he waits to see how the situation unfolds.

The police officers, despite Steve’s attempt to brush them off, ask for permission to check inside the house, a request that momentarily catches him off guard. Steve hesitates, but his concerns are eased when he realizes that the officers are indeed legitimate, not just random individuals pretending to be cops. He invites them inside, and as they step into the living room, the group quickly tries to return to their usual activities, maintaining an air of normalcy. There’s a sense of calculated calm in the room as they attempt to conceal their anxiety, but the knowledge of hidden firearms in the vicinity adds an edge to the tension. Bonnie’s earlier request for caution plays through Steve’s mind, making him even more aware of the potential consequences if the officers decide to search too thoroughly. Despite their best efforts to appear unfazed, a palpable air of secrecy hangs over them, each person aware of the stakes at hand.

The tension reaches a boiling point when the older detective, after assessing the room and the situation, informs the group that they have a warrant for Amy Wheeler’s arrest. The accusation, involving multiple murder charges, shocks everyone in the room. Rosie, still incredulous, remarks on Amy’s sterling reputation, which makes the charge seem even more implausible. In a moment of swift thinking, Jeff covers for Amy, claiming that she had left earlier in the day, but the officers, undeterred, press for further clarification, sensing that not all is as it seems. The younger officer continues to ask probing questions, trying to piece together the missing details, while the older detective remains vigilant. Amidst the growing tension, Jeff and Henk try to lighten the mood by joking with the younger officer, suggesting that he might find a role within their circle, trying to ease the discomfort of the situation. Their attempt to inject humor into the exchange briefly lightens the mood, but the gravity of the situation lingers.

The older detective then requests Steve’s cooperation should Amy attempt to contact him, a request that is both direct and unsettling. Steve reassures the detective that he will comply, but the weight of the investigation becomes clearer as the detective mentions that their probe involves three separate murders. The mention of these murders sends a chill through the group, and their attention sharpens. Everyone, now fully aware of the serious nature of the investigation, starts to realize that they could all be tied into something far larger than they had anticipated. As the exchange continues, the younger officer seems to recognize Rosie, a moment that adds another layer of suspicion to the unfolding situation. This recognition is unexpected and brings an added layer of mystery to the room, making everyone feel more exposed than before. The chapter ends with the older detective instructing everyone to remain in the country, a demand that emphasizes the ongoing investigation. The group is left on edge, fully aware that the stakes have risen dramatically, and the chapter concludes with them contemplating what this unexpected encounter will mean for their futures. The uncertainty of their situation looms, and it is clear that their involvement in the investigation is far from over.