Chapter 64

Joyce and Elizabeth take the Eurostar to Antwerp to pursue Elizabeth’s theory that Poppy orchestrated the murders and is seeking Douglas’s stolen diamonds. Joyce doubts Poppy’s ruthlessness but concedes that money could be motive and that Siobhan may have helped fake Poppy’s death.

They meet Franco, a discreet diamond dealer connected to Douglas. Franco reports receiving a call from Douglas about a month earlier to expect a visit, but Douglas never appeared. When Elizabeth describes possible sellers—including Poppy, Siobhan, Sue, Lance, Martin Lomax, and organized crime figures—Franco confirms that none have come to him or his contacts in the last two weeks.

With no sale attempt traced, Elizabeth and Joyce conclude the diamonds remain unfenced and that Poppy, if involved, is either lying low or still searching. They head home, resolving to find Poppy first and execute Elizabeth’s plan to flush her out.

Back in England, Joyce notes they are not telling Ibrahim that Ryan Baird has disappeared, framing it as a case delay to protect him. She also observes growing affection between Chris and Patrice, and ends the night hopeful, determined to keep the group’s spirits—and Elizabeth’s vigilance—high.