Chapter 93

Chapter 93 of We Solve Murders opens with Rosie hearing a knock at her hotel door. She assumes it’s a room service boy, especially after the playful flirting that took place between them earlier in the day. However, as the knock lingers, a sense of unease begins to settle in. What initially seemed like a harmless visit soon takes on a more ominous tone as Rosie begins to realize that this knock might not just signal a simple delivery, but the potential arrival of someone far more dangerous. She comes to the sudden and chilling understanding that this could very well be the beginning of a situation far more perilous than she anticipated, with the possibility of encountering an assassin lurking behind the door. The atmosphere shifts, and her pulse quickens as she steels herself for whatever may come next, bracing for the worst.

When Eddie Flood enters the room, his demeanor is apologetic, offering a stark contrast to the tension that is building between them. He begins by stating that he wanted to be properly prepared before meeting with Rosie, but his behavior and the situation’s gravity quickly dispel any semblance of politeness. Rosie watches closely as Eddie reaches into his bag, and the brief moment of calm quickly gives way to rising panic. Could he be reaching for a weapon? Could he be the very threat she feared? The uncertainty rattles Rosie’s nerves as she contemplates her next move. With a calm that betrays her growing anxiety, she bravely confronts him, asking point-blank, “Who hired you to kill me?” The question is direct, leaving no room for ambiguity, and to her surprise, Eddie seems taken aback. He denies being a hitman, and though his admission about taking money from Rob Kenna raises more questions, it also offers a brief glimmer of clarity about the situation. Rosie begins to piece together that Eddie’s true involvement is far more convoluted than she initially suspected.

Their conversation delves deeper as Eddie opens up about his past, admitting that he has killed before, though he adds a sense of justification to his actions, claiming that he “used to” work as a hitman. Rosie is left trying to make sense of his words, her mind racing to understand his role in all this. She had suspected, at first, that Eddie might be a dangerous fan, someone whose admiration had spiraled into obsession. But as Eddie explains that he is, in fact, a writer, Rosie’s perception of him shifts drastically. Eddie shares that he has been traveling, working on a book, and had hoped that Rosie might read it. The revelation that he is a writer, someone with personal aspirations rather than sinister motives, catches Rosie off guard. In her surprise, she humorously remarks that discovering Eddie’s true intentions is “so much worse” than facing a hitman, and the comment, while lighthearted, underscores the absurdity of the situation. What she thought would be a deadly encounter now feels more like a strange twist of fate, and it leaves her reevaluating everything about their interaction.

The chapter builds on themes of danger, misunderstanding, and the unpredictable nature of life. Rosie’s fear of being threatened with violence is replaced by the unexpected realization that Eddie’s true goal was simply to connect with her about his book, adding a layer of complexity to the story. Their exchange, filled with tension and humor, serves as a reminder of how life can take unpredictable turns, especially when the motivations of those around us are not what they initially seem. This twist also reflects the complexities of human interactions and aspirations, as Eddie’s intentions, though nonviolent, bring him into Rosie’s life in a way she never could have imagined. Their interaction leaves readers intrigued by the strange convergence of business, personal ambition, and mistaken perceptions, heightening the suspense while also adding depth to the characters and their stories. As the chapter unfolds, readers are left wondering how Eddie’s book and his encounter with Rosie will play into the larger narrative, making it a compelling moment that weaves together the threads of mystery and unexpected revelations.