Chapter 104

Karen Playfair sits in Ron Ritchie’s home after an unexpectedly strange Tinder date with Jason Ritchie. She recalls preparing hopefully for lunch, only to discover that Jason had matched with her because he suspected she might have killed Ian Ventham.

At Le Pont Noir, Jason questioned Karen about being present on the morning Ian died, her father’s refusal to sell land to Ian, her possible financial motive, and her IT job. Jason argued that greed, not the old bones, was the key to Ian’s murder, and implied Karen could have obtained drugs through the dark web.

Karen laughed off the accusation and explained that she was a school database administrator with no such abilities, that she had even misheard fentanyl as Ventolin, and that she would not want her father made miserable for the sake of money. Jason realized his theory was wrong, apologized, and the failed interrogation turned into a warm, boozy lunch.

Jason then brought Karen back to Ron’s place so he could explain the mistake. While waiting, Karen looks through a copy of Cut to the Chase and notices a photograph. Remembering that the police wanted someone who was at the site in the 1970s and is still there now, Karen points to a face in the newsletter and says she is sure she recognizes that person from long ago.

Ron struggles to process the implication but cannot dismiss Karen’s certainty. Recognizing that this may be a crucial lead, Ron puts down the wine and says he needs to go and talk to Elizabeth.