Rochelle’s Vulnerable Position

Rochelle’s friendship with Lula brings companionship and material help, but knowledge of the will makes her a target.

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Friendship Beyond Status

An Unlikely Companion Shared experience Rochelle meets Lula through psychiatric treatment and finds that the famous model treats her as more than a charity case. Lula takes her shopping, includes her in outings, and offers a friendship beyond the hierarchy of celebrity and poverty. Unequal terms Rochelle remains proud and wary of being treated as a servant. The gifts and access to Lula’s glamorous life matter to her, but so does the feeling that someone has chosen to spend time with her.

A Witness in the Boutique

Trust Put to Use A secluded conversation Lula brings Rochelle into a changing room during their short meeting at Vashti. Rochelle witnesses Lula’s will and knows that Lula is trying to contact someone in private. Danger without recognition Rochelle does not initially identify John as Lula’s killer. She believes the newly discovered brother may be responsible and uses her knowledge to press for money, not understanding that the person she is blackmailing can remove the threat permanently.

The River Murder

A Silenced Witness A final meeting After speaking with Strike, Rochelle telephones someone and reveals that the detective asked about the person Lula had arranged to meet. Strike fears the killer has learned that his inquiry is closing in. A death misread Rochelle is found drowned in the River Thames. Police initially treat her death as suicide, but Strike recognizes the danger of leaving a key witness’s death inside the same assumptions that concealed Lula’s murder.

Before Lula's final day

On January 7 at Vashti

Two weeks after Strike first meets Rochelle