We Chase Shadows

Steve has lunch with his friends Tony, John, and Dr. Jyoti, telling them that Tommy has been murdered with a high-caliber rifle. Tommy’s death leaves only Vern and Brooks—the man they knew as Eriksson—alive from the original “Vegas six.” They discuss the new revelation that Vern and Brooks have a long-standing friendship, which Vern had concealed. Tony hasn’t told John and Jyoti about his own attack, having claimed that an engine casing of a Fiat Punto fell on him. Steve wonders how Brooks knew where to find Tony.

After lunch, Steve visits the memorial bench for his late wife, Debbie. He speaks to her about the case, his ongoing grief, and his feelings of despair. Before leaving, he tells her, “Portsmouth has a burgeoning tech sector” (220)—alluding to his conversation with Georgie in which she told him she wanted to visit him in Axley. As he’s leaving, he receives a text from Georgie asking about dinner. Troubled by Vern’s lies, Steve privately concludes that it might be better for them all to keep Vern at arm’s length.

At her castle, Rosie is in bed with Vern, post-coital. She tells him that she’s suspicious of him being one of only two survivors of the Vegas group.