Chapter summaries Kills Well with Others Deanna Raybourn

Killers of a Certain Age – Chapter 14 Summary & Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Billie texts Naomi before calling. During the call, Naomi is apparently in a shootout—she initially claims it’s church league paintball, but the popping sounds and her heavy breathing suggest real gunfire. Billie asks her to investigate who is trying to kill them, noting Benscombe was burned before they arrived. Naomi promises to look into Pasha Lazarov’s known associates, mentioning his only living relative is an elderly aunt, Evgenia, living in a Swiss retirement home. After the call, Billie reports to the others. The group brainstorms by listing Lazarov’s family: father, mother, sister, and aunt. Helen crosses off the deceased parents and sister, leaving only Aunt Evgenia. Akiko jokes about furry partners, and Mary Alice touches on Lazarov’s teddy bear, which Nat finds too sad to discuss. Minka quickly locates the Swiss facility online—an exclusive expensive home. Billie suggests Aunt Evgenia might have hired someone or know who Pasha’s partner is. Mary Alice notes that old women can be nasty, and Natalie toasts to that. Billie then announces, “Pack your bags, girls. We’re heading to Switzerland.”

Key Events

  • Billie calls Naomi, who is under fire (possibly real gunfire) and agrees to investigate.
  • Naomi reveals Pasha’s only known relative is Aunt Evgenia in a Swiss retirement home.
  • The team brainstorm using a tablecloth and eyeliner, listing Lazarov’s family.
  • Helen crosses off deceased relatives, leaving only Aunt Evgenia.
  • Minka uses her phone to find the Swiss facility’s location and photos.
  • Billie decides the team will travel to Switzerland to confront Aunt Evgenia.

Character Development

  • Billie: Maintains calm professionalism even during Naomi’s chaotic call. Shows frustration with modern phones but quickly refocuses. Her decision to go to Switzerland demonstrates proactive leadership.
  • Naomi: Portrayed as capable and evasive; her offhand tone about Aunt Evgenia raises Billie’s suspicion. The “shootout” scene highlights her dangerous lifestyle.
  • Mary Alice: Brings dark humor by calling Lazarov’s teddy bear “sad” and later suggesting old women can be nasty, earning a toast from Natalie.
  • Helen: Winces at mention of Benscombe’s destruction, showing lingering emotional attachment.
  • Natalie: Initiates the brainstorming session and prefers to avoid the emotional weight of the teddy bear anecdote.
  • Taverner: Observes silently until commenting on Lazarov’s lack of family, then seems to connect Billie’s remark about childhood trauma to his own experience, giving a sharp gaze.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

  • Family and Orphanhood: The discussion of Lazarov’s dead family underscores the theme of isolation and how loss shapes a person. Billie notes that losing your whole family young can make trust difficult.
  • Old Women as Dangerous: Mary Alice’s line “Old women can be nasty. We should know.” points to the novel’s motif of underestimated older women—including the protagonists themselves.
  • The Teddy Bear (Motif): Although not central to this chapter, the brief mention of Lazarov’s teddy bear reinforces the theme of lost childhood and vulnerability.
  • Improvisation and Resourcefulness: The team uses an eyeliner pencil on a tablecloth to map leads—a small act that mirrors their adaptability.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter narrows the search for the person behind the assassins, steering the plot toward Switzerland. It deepens the mystery of Lazarov’s connections and suggests Aunt Evgenia—though elderly—may be a key player. The call with Naomi also introduces an ongoing subplot about Naomi’s own dangerous activities, adding tension to the larger story. Billie’s decisive leadership solidifies her role as the group’s driver, and the team’s brainstorming reveals their collaborative dynamic.

Study Questions and Answers

1. What does Billie’s phone call with Naomi reveal about Naomi’s current situation?
The call shows Naomi is in a violent situation—likely a firefight—but she downplays it as “church league paintball.” Her heavy breathing and running footsteps suggest real danger, and she hangs up after returning fire. Billie doesn’t push for details, respecting Naomi’s need to focus.

2. Why does Billie decide to take the team to Switzerland?
With no other leads, Aunt Evgenia is the only possible link to Pasha’s associate. Billie notes she could have hired someone or known who Pasha would partner with. The team agrees it’s worth investigating, so Billie makes the call to travel to the Swiss retirement home.

3. How does the group’s discussion of Pasha’s family background affect Billie?
When Billie comments that losing your entire family young can mess with your head and make trust difficult, Taverner’s gaze sharpens. The exchange hints that Billie may be speaking from personal experience, and Taverner seems to recognize that—though he says nothing more. It deepens Billie’s character by connecting her empathy for Lazarov to her own past.

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