The Silkworm

The next morning, Strike wakes up restless, frustrated by his lack of authority and disturbed because it is his ex-girlfriend’s wedding day. He reflects on Leonora’s innocence and the implausibility of her being able to dispose of a body so expertly. While brooding over the case and Charlotte’s impending wedding, he grows increasingly agitated, imagining Charlotte walking down the aisle. He tries to visit Kathryn Kent but finds her gone. A neighbor confirms Kent has left and offers to contact Strike if she returns. He unsuccessfully tries to reach Jerry Waldegrave by phone. Finally, at a pub, memories of Charlotte consume him again until he receives a text from her, asking for congratulations. The message shakes him. After some reflection, he heads home, quoting from a favorite Latin verse about the difficulty of casting off old love.

Ellacott arrives at work on Monday feeling tired but proud. She and Matthew had a serious talk over the weekend in which she finally confessed her long-standing desire to work in criminal investigation. Matthew was initially stunned but supportive, though Ellacott suspects he was more amenable due to his mother’s recent death. She finds a note from Strike saying that he knows who killed Quine.