We Chase Shadows

Hitman Mark Drury hides in a ditch on Rosie’s property, waiting for an opportunity to assassinate his target, Vern Blackwood. Working for a new client named Eriksson, Mark reflects on his career path. After years as a successful hitman, he tried to work legitimately at a brokerage firm but was replaced by artificial intelligence. This new job is a return to his old profession. His previous assignment from Eriksson was to deliver a warning, which he accomplished by beating up a target’s friend—Tony—in Brockenhurst. From his hiding place, Mark observes the comings and goings at the house, noting the presence of Steve, Rosie, Amy, and Lee. He cleans his Beretta 92FS handgun and a Dead Air Ghost suppressor while planning to wait until an opportunity arises before returning to his hotel, The Hunter’s Rest. He hears a noise nearby but dismisses it as foxes.

Just before meeting her manager, Elspeth, at the Hunter’s Rest hotel restaurant, Rosie gets a call from Ernesto reporting gunshots on the castle grounds. Inside the restaurant, Elspeth reveals that Rosie’s publisher isn’t renewing her contract after 25 years with the publishing house. Elspeth remains cheerful despite the bad news, explaining that the publisher is shifting its focus.