Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Elizabeth secures Douglas’s locket and confirms it hides no clue, forcing a fresh line of inquiry. She covertly arranges retrieval of her hidden phone, lines up Bogdan to drive her to confront money launderer Martin Lomax, and deftly draws DCI Chris, his partner Patrice, and Donna into a briefing about the Hove spy murders.
Summary
Back home after MI5’s search, Elizabeth restores order and reflects on Douglas’s locket, which Sue allowed her to keep. Expecting a hidden clue, Elizabeth prises out the mirror but finds nothing, realizing the locket was simply a sentimental gift, not a lead to the diamonds.
Elizabeth coordinates with Bogdan, who has stayed overnight to help Stephen and has already delivered cocaine to frame Ryan as instructed. She reveals her phone is hidden behind a loose brick in Hove and asks Bogdan to retrieve it; he agrees. Elizabeth also signals an intent to pursue Martin Lomax, suspecting his involvement in Douglas and Poppy’s murders.
After Stephen recounts MI5’s fruitless search, Elizabeth calls DCI Chris Hudson to check on Ryan Baird, learning Ryan is charged with drugs and robbery. Hearing Patrice in the background, Elizabeth pivots, speaks with Patrice, and artfully invites both of them to Joyce’s the next evening, promising details and photos from the Hove double murder.
Elizabeth secures their attendance by revealing one of the victims was her ex-husband, Douglas, and asks that Donna be included. With allies gathering and her phone retrieval in motion, Elizabeth prepares to approach Lomax, shifting the investigation toward the money trail behind the killings.
Who Appears
- ElizabethCentral strategist; keeps Douglas’s locket, finds no clue, hides phone in Hove, recruits Bogdan, and convenes Chris, Patrice, and Donna.
- BogdanLoyal helper; watches Stephen, retrieves Elizabeth’s phone, previously planted cocaine for the Ryan setup, and will drive to meet Lomax.
- StephenElizabeth’s husband; amiable host to MI5, plays chess with Bogdan, offers light comic commentary.
- DCI Chris HudsonDetective; confirms Ryan’s charges. Reluctant about plans until Patrice agrees to attend Elizabeth’s briefing.
- PatriceChris’s partner; confidently handles Elizabeth’s call and agrees to attend the meeting about the Hove murders.
- SueMI5 officer; previously allowed Elizabeth to keep Douglas’s locket after checking it.