Chapter 85

Chapter 85 of We Solve Murders begins with Bonnie Gregor spending over three hours at Costa Coffee, a quiet yet contemplative setting where she initially considers leaving after ninety minutes. She feels the uncomfortable weight of judgment from an Albanian barista, which makes her question whether staying longer is worth it. However, when a new employee arrives and starts reading attentively while not serving customers, Bonnie is somewhat reassured by the calming presence. She opts to stay a bit longer, reflecting on her business and the challenges of her day-to-day life. She buys a lemon-and-poppy-seed muffin, acknowledging that running a business in the current climate isn’t easy, but it remains her passion. As she contemplates her next steps, she decides to send an email to Felicity, thinking it’s better to maintain caution and uphold good manners, even when times are tough. This careful approach to communication helps her navigate the unpredictable nature of her business dealings, a decision that seems increasingly important as her day unfolds.

Bonnie’s thoughts shift as she heads to the airport, and the check-in process begins. Although her work with established brands like Forest Paints has been rewarding, Bonnie is eager to create her own business venture. She dreams of developing her own brand, one that reflects her values and brings positive change to the world. She imagines investing the twenty thousand she has saved into new equipment and stock, hoping to build something that can offer real value to her customers. When she reaches the check-in desk, the staff jokingly comments about her prolonged stay at Costa Coffee, lightening the atmosphere just a bit. Despite the tension from earlier, this playful exchange reminds Bonnie of the smaller, more human moments that can still be found amidst the chaos of her professional life. The seemingly trivial interaction serves as a brief break from the more pressing matters on her mind, offering a small moment of connection with the staff.

As Bonnie continues her check-in, the process is interrupted when a man in his fifties attempts to skip ahead in the queue, creating a sense of unease among the waiting passengers. The situation becomes even more complicated when the man snatches Bonnie’s leather holdall from the belt, which she instinctively protests. Just as she’s about to speak up, she notices Felicity Woollaston pushing through the crowd. Felicity quickly apologizes for the misunderstanding, explaining that there’s been a mix-up with Bonnie’s flight and introduces a man named Tony, who is there to retrieve her luggage. The sudden shift in the situation leaves Bonnie a little confused, unsure of what exactly is happening, but Felicity’s calm demeanor reassures her that things will be sorted out. This unexpected moment of tension underscores the unpredictable nature of travel, but Felicity’s quick intervention restores a sense of order and helps alleviate some of the discomfort Bonnie initially felt.

After the brief disruption, the check-in clerk reassures Bonnie that everything is fine, and Felicity clarifies that the confusion was simply a misunderstanding. Once the situation is under control, Tony leads Bonnie and Felicity away from the check-in area, offering them a bit of peace after the commotion. As they walk, they discuss Bonnie’s timely email, and Felicity expresses relief that they’ve managed to avoid any major delays. She also mentions the roadworks that caused their late arrival at the airport, a reminder of how travel can be disrupted by the smallest of factors. In a rare moment of calm amidst the hustle, Felicity offers to buy Bonnie a coffee, signaling a shift from the chaos of the day to a small, human moment of connection. This offer, while simple, highlights the importance of taking time to relax and reflect, even during a busy and stressful day. Bonnie, feeling the weight of the situation lift slightly, agrees to the gesture, and the two women take a brief moment to share in a more personal connection, creating a sense of camaraderie in an otherwise hectic environment.