Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 2
Overview
On a stakeout of Connie Johnson’s lock-up, DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna De Freitas are outplayed when Connie calmly approaches their car with coffees and surveillance photos of the police. Connie shows she controls the pace, while Chris and Donna press on with building a wider case, including suspected murders.
Summary
DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna De Freitas sit on a late-autumn stakeout overlooking Connie Johnson’s lock-up, building intelligence on her drug operation and possible role in the disappearance of the Antonio brothers. Their usual banter is colored by Chris’s new relationship with Donna’s mum, Patrice.
They watch couriers and local faces cycle in and out of the lock-up as the team gathers evidence for coordinated raids. Donna notes they could raid now, but the strategy is to map the full network and reach Connie herself.
A woman in a yellow jacket approaches their car and introduces herself as Connie Johnson. She brings coffees and offers a sausage roll, then coolly reveals she has been photographing the surveillance team and even following some officers home, including Donna on a recent date.
Connie claims they have seen only what she allowed for two weeks, signaling her control and awareness. After departing in a Range Rover, she leaves Chris and Donna acknowledging they have been outmaneuvered for now but determined to continue and ultimately arrest her.
Who Appears
- PC Donna De FreitasOn stakeout with Chris; observes Connie’s operation; juggles embarrassment over Chris dating her mum; accepts Connie’s taunt calmly.
- DCI Chris HudsonLeads surveillance on Connie; healthier and buoyed by dating Patrice; rattled yet resolute after Connie exposes counter-surveillance.
- Connie JohnsonLocal drug boss; confronts police during stakeout, brings coffee, reveals photos of officers, asserting control and awareness.