Page 139 of We Chase Shadows

‘He is,’ says Amy. ‘He’s taking me to Lanzarote.’

‘Lanzarote?’ says Rosie. ‘Why Lanzarote?’

‘No reason,’ says Amy, tracing that little blue flower again in her mind. ‘Just always wanted to go.’

The Estonian crew bid their farewells.

‘Your manager must be very happy,’ says Amy. ‘Elspeth?’

‘Oh, I’ve fired her,’ says Rosie. ‘I’ve got a new manager.’

‘That was quick work,’ says Amy. ‘Who’s your new manager?’

‘Felicity,’ says Rosie.

‘Felicity’s your new manager?’ says Steve.

‘I’ve had to up her pay a bit,’ says Rosie. ‘But yes.’

‘Do you remember …’ says Amy, then pauses. ‘Do you remember that time Felicity shot you?’

‘Oh, she didn’t mean it,’ says Rosie.

‘She bought a gun,’ says Steve.

‘You know, I’d forgotten the first rule of showbusiness,’ says Rosie. ‘Always make sure your manager has a gun. She’s already got me a new three-book deal.’

A nurse pokes her head around the door. ‘Your four o’clock is here.’

Rosie thanks her, then nods at Amy’s notebook. ‘So how many murders did we solve? I’ve lost count.’

Amy opens the book. ‘Esteban, killed by a young Italian woman. The police in Lucca were very grateful for the tip. Raided the house and arrested her brother too.’

‘A spurned lover,’ says Rosie. ‘What a way to start. And that was terrific work from you, Amy. You’re quite a protégée.’

‘I’m not your protégée,’ says Amy.

‘Korbin killed by Mark Drury,’ says Steve. ‘That was Vern’s idea of a little trial run. Getting rid of someone who knew the truth and testing out his replacement.’

‘Killing your predecessor is a hell of a job interview,’ says Rosie.

‘Drury then kills Tommy Griffin in Palm Springs,’ says Amy. ‘Because Tommy had been encroaching on Vern’s territory.’

‘Also in case Tommy had been behind the note,’ says Steve. ‘Rather than poor old Lee.’

‘That’s three,’ says Rosie.

‘Then Ernesto comes on the scene,’ says Steve. ‘Aims to take over the whole racket, so kills Vern and Mark Drury.’

‘Five murders solved,’ says Rosie. ‘Imagine how much we could invoice Vern for if he was still alive.’

‘And we solved the murder of Connor Brooks too,’ says Amy. ‘From way back in 2001, when I was seven years old and, Rosie, you were …?’

Rosie dismisses her. ‘Stevie, how was your lunch with his delightful ex-wife, Georgie? I didn’t get the chance to ask you before my manager shot me.’

‘It was nice,’ says Steve. ‘I was surprised.’

‘Will you see her again?’ Rosie asks.