Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 49
Overview
Donna completes a fruitless surveillance on Connie Johnson’s lock-up with a London DCI, then joins him for dinner. Put off by his arrogance and his insult toward Chris, Donna ends the evening without pursuing him. Feeling isolated, she decides to seek Ibrahim’s guidance. A message from Chris arrives, hinting new movement.
Summary
After an uneventful evening surveilling Connie Johnson’s lock-up with a visiting London DCI, Donna notes no significant activity—just local lads on bikes and no sight of Connie or Ryan Baird. Reinforcements from London signal Connie is being taken seriously, yet there are no breakthroughs.
Post-shift, Donna agrees to dinner with the single London DCI, partly from loneliness and curiosity. As he boasts about London policing and belittles local efforts, he dismisses Bake Off, shares 5G conspiracy views, and subtly positions himself as superior.
When the DCI insults DCI Chris Hudson—calling him hopeless—Donna’s loyalty hardens. She decides against going back to his Travelodge, disengages when he asks to split the bill (noting she had wine), and reassesses what she wants from her life in Fairhaven.
Seeking support rather than a fling, Donna messages Ibrahim, sending him station CCTV and asking to visit. As she makes this decision, a text from Chris arrives, suggesting imminent developments in their casework.
Who Appears
- Donna De FreitasOn Connie stakeout; rejects arrogant London DCI after he insults Chris; seeks Ibrahim’s counsel; receives Chris’s message.
- London DCI (Jordan/Jayden)Visiting officer; arrogant and conspiratorial; belittles local policing and Chris; prompts Donna to walk away.
- Connie JohnsonTarget of surveillance; does not appear at her lock-up, sustaining investigative pressure without progress.
- DCI Chris HudsonOffstage presence; defended by Donna; sends her a message signaling possible case movement.
- Ibrahim ArifFriend and therapist; Donna sends CCTV and arranges to talk for guidance.
- Ryan BairdMugger under scrutiny; Donna wonders if he’s lying low before court; does not appear.