We Solve Murders
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 42
Overview
On the flight to St Lucia, Amy, Steve, and Rosie settle into an uneasy but increasingly unified team while continuing their hunt for links between Bella Sanchez, Francois Loubet, and the money-smuggling operation. Amy receives unexpected messages from Henk van Veen, who denies trying to kill her and tries to open a new line of contact by mentioning an old client and possible work. Amy responds by destroying her SIM card, cutting off a dangerous channel and symbolically committing herself to the alliance with Steve and Rosie as they reach the island.
Summary
On the charter flight to St Lucia, Amy Wheeler sits apart from Steve and Rosie, who are cheerfully singing together and treating the trip like an adventure. Amy stays focused on the case, thinking that if Bella Sanchez's death can also be tied to money smuggling, the evidence will point even more strongly toward Francois Loubet. At the same time, Amy is still haunted by the larger unanswered questions of where Loubet is and who he really is.
During the flight, Amy receives a message from an unknown number. The sender turns out to be Henk van Veen, Jeff Nolan's former business partner, and Amy is immediately suspicious because Henk has benefited from the murders and may be involved in the attempts on her life. Amy challenges Henk about Jeff's whereabouts, but Henk replies that he heard Jeff is dead, a claim Amy does not believe.
Steve notices Amy texting, and Amy tells Steve and Rosie that she is trying to work out who wants to kill her. Amy then pushes Henk harder, accusing him of hiring the wrong man to follow her and taunting him about the hundred thousand dollars she has, which she suspects was originally his money. Henk denies trying to kill Amy, bluntly claiming that if he truly wanted her dead, she would already be dead.
As Steve and Rosie keep singing and relaxing, Amy studies Steve and sees him looking happier and more alive than he has in a long time. Henk sends one more message, saying he is about to meet an old client of Amy's and asking whether she might join Henk Industries. Instead of continuing the conversation, Amy decides that keeping the phone active is too dangerous. She removes the SIM card, cuts it into pieces with nail scissors, and feels instantly freer, deciding that for now it is just Amy, Steve, and Rosie against the world as St Lucia comes into view below them.
Who Appears
- Amy WheelerReceives Henk's texts, weighs the threat, and destroys her SIM card before reaching St Lucia.
- SteveAmy's ally on the flight; notices Henk's name and seems newly relaxed and happy with Rosie.
- RosieKeeps the mood light on the plane, singing and dancing despite turbulence and danger.
- Henk van VeenTexts Amy, denies trying to kill her, and hints at recruiting her after meeting an old client.
- Jeff NolanAbsent but central; discussed as Henk's former partner, with rumors of his death that Amy rejects.