Chapter 84

Chapter 84 of We Solve Murders opens with a rare and poignant moment between Adam and Steve, where the two are seated in quiet reflection, attempting to bridge the emotional gap that has grown between them. In their younger years, their conversations were filled with shared interests, particularly their fascination with dinosaurs, but now, these discussions have devolved into uncomfortable silences. As the chapter begins, they start by discussing Adam’s recent flight and Steve’s discomfort with the house’s bathroom location, a seemingly trivial topic that highlights the strain in their communication. These mundane exchanges further underscore the change in their relationship, from the ease of past conversations to the awkwardness of the present. Despite their proximity, they both struggle to find a way back to the bond they once shared, and the tension in the room is palpable as they attempt, unsuccessfully, to connect on any meaningful level.

Adam, sensing the need to shift the conversation to something more pressing, brings up the topic of the recent murders that have been disturbing their lives. Steve, in turn, shares troubling news with Adam, revealing that Amy is in immediate danger due to a man named Rob Kenna, whom François Loubet has hired to intimidate her. This revelation serves to further entangle Adam, as the implications of the threat against Amy become clear. Steve recounts a bizarre encounter with Rob Kenna at a golf club, where he was taken aback by the man’s profession as a DJ—an incongruity that Adam finds hard to believe at first. The absurdity of the situation provides a dark comedic element as both men try to grapple with the gravity of the danger that has suddenly entered their lives. In this moment, they are forced to confront the harsh reality of their circumstances, even as they struggle to comprehend the events unfolding around them. The seriousness of the conversation contrasts with the absurdities of their perceptions, highlighting the complexity of their situation.

As the conversation continues, both Adam and Steve try to move past the discomfort that has settled between them. They touch on more personal topics, such as the memory of Steve’s late partner, Debbie, but neither man can fully open up to the other. This inability to discuss their shared history adds to the emotional distance between them, making it clear that, although they are physically close, they remain emotionally worlds apart. After a while, Adam decides that he needs to rest, signaling an end to the tense conversation. The lack of any comforting physical gestures, like a hug or even a handshake, leaves an awkwardness hanging in the air, making it evident that the connection they once had is still broken. The chapter subtly captures the pain of father and son trying to reconnect, but finding themselves unable to bridge the emotional gap that has widened over time.

In a surprising turn, just as Adam is about to leave, Steve unexpectedly recalls Adam’s childhood love for dinosaurs, a moment of warmth in the otherwise chilly exchange. This mention, although brief, evokes a flicker of the closeness they once shared, bringing them back to a time when their bond was strong and uncomplicated. They briefly reminisce about their favorite dinosaurs, marking a small but significant moment of connection in the midst of the tension. Steve’s attempt to rekindle their relationship, though clumsy, reveals his desire to re-establish some form of connection with his son. Before Adam departs, Steve asks a seemingly trivial question about sauna etiquette, signaling his ongoing effort to find common ground, despite his awkward approach. Adam, though perhaps not fully understanding the motive behind the question, responds affirmatively, affirming the routine of their home life. This final exchange, while seemingly insignificant, underscores the emotional complexity of their relationship, highlighting the ongoing struggle between physical proximity and the emotional distance that still remains. The chapter concludes on a note of uncertainty, leaving readers reflecting on the fragility of familial connections, the weight of past loss, and the difficulty of navigating emotional waters.