Chapter 86

Chapter 86 of We Solve Murders opens with Rosie enjoying a peaceful breakfast on a sunlit terrace in Dubai, preparing for a meeting with Max Highfield before the Diamond Conference. She hopes to extract useful information from him, presenting her interest under the guise of discussing a proposal for him to star in a movie based on her book, with Steve cast as a fictional movie producer. Despite the calm setting, Rosie feels a sense of anxiety, knowing that until Max is located, Amy remains in grave danger. This realization raises the stakes of her mission, as every moment spent waiting increases the pressure to act. The tension in her mind heightens as she plans her next steps, balancing her personal concerns with the urgency of her investigation.

Suddenly, Rosie’s moment of calm is disrupted by the presence of a large figure entering her space. It’s Vasiliy Karpin, a well-known and imposing man, his wealth and presence unmistakable. He approaches in swimwear, and Rosie immediately feels vulnerable in his presence, especially without Amy’s protection. She recognizes Karpin, a man who has been closely pursuing her, and instinctively begins to assess the situation. Cautiously, Rosie decides to engage with him, making it clear with a firm stance that she has one breakfast rule—she refuses to dine with anyone who wishes her harm. Karpin, seemingly unfazed by her declaration, responds with indifference, introducing himself without apology, which only adds to Rosie’s wariness.

As the interaction continues, Rosie prepares for a confrontation that could turn dangerous. She sarcastically asks Karpin if he’s there to offer an apology or if there’s a more sinister reason for his presence. In a surprising twist, Karpin jokes about his appearance, referencing a previous unflattering comparison of him being a “bulldog chewing a nettle,” a comment that Rosie quickly deflects by claiming it was a mistranslation. The light-hearted exchange momentarily breaks the tension, but beneath the humor lies an undercurrent of distrust. Just as Rosie feels herself gaining control over the conversation, Karpin pulls out a copy of her book, Dead Men & Diamonds, asking her to sign it for his sister-in-law, Yevdokiya-Ivanovna. This unexpected turn shifts the atmosphere once again, and Karpin’s casual demeanor only adds to the confusion surrounding his true intentions.

The conversation takes an even more surprising turn when Karpin shares a humorous anecdote about jokingly suggesting a hit on Rosie, only to assure her that he no longer intends to harm her. The mix of humor and seriousness adds layers to his character, leaving Rosie unsure of whether to believe his words. As the conversation progresses, Rosie’s suspicion grows, and she directly asks if Karpin has hired someone named Eddie Flood to carry out the hit on her. Karpin, appearing genuinely surprised, denies any knowledge of Eddie Flood, further clouding the situation. Rosie, though relieved by the lack of an immediate threat from Karpin, is left with an unsettling feeling of confusion. The encounter ends with Karpin jokingly suggesting that he’s ready to carry out any future “hits” Rosie might need, an absurd remark that leaves Rosie both amused and perturbed.

Once Karpin departs, Rosie is left alone with her thoughts, her mind racing as she processes the strange encounter. Her focus shifts to Eddie Flood, the suspicious figure she believes may not pose an immediate threat, but whose true motivations remain unclear. This brief but intense exchange leaves Rosie with more questions than answers, fueling her suspicions about the true nature of the threats she faces. What seemed like a moment of levity turns into a web of confusion, as Rosie is forced to reconsider the alliances and threats that surround her. With a new layer of uncertainty added to the case, she braces herself for the next steps in her investigation, knowing that the situation is far from resolved. The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as the complexities of the case deepen, and Rosie’s next move becomes more critical than ever.