Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of We Solve Murders delves deeper into the complex psyche of François Loubet, a character whose actions blur the lines between calculated ruthlessness and dark humor. Loubet opens the chapter reflecting on his desire to write, which he admits stems partly from vanity. However, there is also a deeper reason behind his inclination to document his deeds—the need to ensure his criminal legacy is preserved for posterity. Through this lens, Loubet approaches his business of murder not only as a means of survival but as a way to immortalize himself in a world where the consequences of his actions are hidden behind the veneer of success and wealth. Despite the increasing dangers of his line of work, Loubet reassures himself with a nonchalant attitude, making it clear that he has no intention of fading into the shadows anytime soon. This eerie confidence is integral to his character, showing how far he is willing to go to maintain control over his destiny.

The chapter takes a darker turn when Loubet receives a message from his business partner, Joe Blow, who expresses concern about the string of killings they’ve been orchestrating. Joe, feeling the weight of their actions, urges Loubet to cease the murders, with the latest victim, Andrew Fairbanks, causing Joe to question the ethics of their work. His message reveals a growing discomfort with the escalating violence, exposing a contrast between the two men’s outlook on their criminal enterprise. While Joe’s plea comes from a place of unease, Loubet remains detached, even finding amusement in Joe’s hesitation. Loubet humorously wonders whether Joe is now relying on modern technology, like ChatGPT, to help him form his moral arguments, reflecting Loubet’s playful disregard for the seriousness of the situation. For Loubet, these concerns are merely distractions from his goal, and he remains unfazed by Joe’s change of heart, further emphasizing his unrelenting nature.

Loubet’s response to Joe’s plea reveals the stark differences in their personalities and approaches to the criminal world. He dismisses Joe’s concerns with cold pragmatism, reminding him that their partnership is built on shared responsibility and mutual understanding. For Loubet, the line between right and wrong is blurred, and he sees no room for hesitation in their line of work. He believes that their success hinges on their ability to carry out these dark deeds without regret or second-guessing, and he makes it clear that Joe must accept this reality. While Joe’s moral compass appears to be wavering, Loubet’s is unwavering, reinforcing his position as a man willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

The conversation shifts to Loubet’s plan to eliminate Amy Wheeler, a decision he approaches with a chilling sense of confidence. He sees Amy as an obstacle that must be removed to ensure the continuation of his operations. Her connection to Jeff Nolan, whom Loubet also considers a nuisance, complicates matters further, making her elimination a priority. Loubet, however, seems to take delight in the idea of crossing another name off his list, seeing it as a necessary step to clean up his affairs. His ability to view murder as a business transaction, rather than an emotional or moral dilemma, highlights the depth of his detachment from humanity. In his mind, the decision to kill is just another step toward solidifying his position in the world of crime.

As the chapter progresses, Loubet’s reflections take on a more sinister tone. He considers the consequences of his actions not in terms of human lives lost but as moves in a game that he must win. His thoughts reveal a man who has long since abandoned any semblance of guilt or remorse, replacing them with a chilling determination to stay in control of the situation. The chapter concludes with Loubet’s playful declaration of “Tally-ho!”—a phrase that, in the context of his dark intentions, takes on a macabre edge. It serves as a reminder of how Loubet’s twisted sense of humor allows him to detach from the weight of his actions, further reinforcing the complexity of his character. For Loubet, the pursuit of power and wealth is all-consuming, and the bodies left in his wake are simply a necessary byproduct of his ambition.