The chapter opens inside a noir-style scene from Eddie’s unfinished novel. A dying detective named Archer lies on wet Soho pavement after being stabbed, finally realizing the identity of a legendary killer who has long moved through the city like a rumor. Archer understands the truth because he notices something specific on the sole of the man’s left shoe, but he is too far gone to tell anyone before he dies.

The scene then pulls back to reveal that Eddie is reading this prologue aloud to Rosie while they lie in bed together. Rosie listens with amused impatience, teasing Eddie that he needs to hook her quickly and joking that he is a better lover than writer. Even so, Rosie is engaged by the story and pushes Eddie to continue.

As Eddie finishes the excerpt, Rosie focuses on the mystery at its center and asks what Archer saw on the killer’s shoe. Eddie refuses to explain, wanting Rosie to read the full book instead. Rosie responds that she wants the story to end with Archer’s son killing the murderer and explaining why, showing that she is already emotionally invested in the plot.

Eddie then explains that he had not expected to finish the manuscript, but their recent string of flights and international trips gave him long stretches of time to write. Rosie apologizes for one of those trips, but Eddie says the travel helped rather than hurt. The exchange turns warm and supportive as Rosie praises him, says many people will read the book, and promises to send it straight to her agent.

When Rosie asks for the title, Eddie admits he does not yet have one and has been thinking of naming it after the killer. Rosie immediately supplies a better idea, describing the man as someone who causes havoc wherever he goes. She names the book A Cat Called Trouble, ending the chapter on a playful note that also gives Eddie’s project a real shape.