We Solve Murders
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 71
Overview
After the recent attacks, Steve brings Amy, Rosie, and Henk to Gary Gough’s house as the group regathers and prepares its next move. The chapter shows a brief moment of safety and alliance-building: Gary helps, Tony and Felicity arrive to transport the group, and Steve signals that his strategy will be unveiled at the Axley pub quiz. Lauren Gough’s reconciliation with Mollie also confirms that Steve’s earlier intervention has had a real effect.
Summary
Steve, Amy, Rosie, and Henk arrive by helicopter at Gary Gough’s house because Steve needs a quiet, discreet place to land while the group regroups after the attempts on Rosie and Amy. Steve apologizes for the intrusion, and Gary quickly understands that the situation is serious, even as everyone trades jokes about crime, danger, and Henk’s presence.
As Gary leads them toward the house, Steve notices Lauren Gough outside with Mollie Bright. Gary explains that Steve’s earlier advice about Lauren was correct: Lauren had become a bully because, despite having everything, she still wanted to fight for status. Gary says he has spoken with his daughter, learned she wants to be a vet, and made her apologize to Mollie, after which the two girls reconciled and became friendly.
The group discusses how they will get to Axley. Steve says Tony Taylor is coming in a school minibus, but Rosie refuses to ride in it and instead accepts Gary’s offer of his Range Rover. Steve confirms that they will all meet later at the Brass Monkey for a pub quiz, where he implies he will finally explain his plan.
Tony arrives with Felicity in the minibus, and Felicity cheerfully greets Steve after staying at his house, while Tony warmly welcomes Steve, Amy, and Henk. Steve appears more relaxed than he has in days and says that everything will be revealed at the pub quiz, though first he wants to see his cat. Before they leave, Lauren runs over to Rosie, nervously asks for a selfie, and Rosie agrees, underscoring both Rosie’s celebrity and Lauren’s changed behavior.
Who Appears
- SteveLeads the regrouping at Gary Gough’s house and says his plan will be revealed at the pub quiz.
- Rosie D’AntonioRecently targeted, she refuses the minibus, leaves with Gary, and kindly agrees to Lauren’s selfie request.
- Gary GoughProvides a discreet landing place, offers Rosie his Range Rover, and explains Lauren’s improved behavior.
- AmyTravels with Steve’s group after being targeted and joins the banter while preparing for Axley.
- HenkAccompanies the group, jokes about danger, and learns he will be staying on Tony’s sofa.
- Tony TaylorArrives in a school minibus to collect the group and warmly greets Steve, Amy, and Henk.
- FelicityArrives with Tony, cheerfully meets Steve, and references staying at Steve’s home.
- Lauren GoughShown getting along with Mollie after apologizing, then nervously asks Rosie for a selfie.
- Mollie BrightAppears reconciled with Lauren, showing the bullying conflict has eased.