Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 12
Overview
Elizabeth briefs the club at Ibrahim’s hospital bedside, revealing Douglas’s theft of £20m in diamonds and the danger that follows. The group agrees to protect Douglas in exchange for information on Ryan Baird. Ibrahim struggles with the idea of revenge, while they plan to investigate Martin Lomax and the diamonds.
Summary
In Ibrahim’s hospital room, Elizabeth finishes recounting Douglas’s revelation about the stolen diamonds. Ibrahim, Ron, and Joyce work through the basics: Douglas is Elizabeth’s ex-husband, the haul is worth £20 million, and danger is likely. Joyce teases about Douglas’s looks, and Elizabeth confirms he is “obviously handsome.”
Elizabeth asks the group to keep an eye on Douglas. Ron enthusiastically adopts the term “bodyguards,” while Joyce and Ibrahim take it in stride. Elizabeth offers a quid pro quo: Douglas and Poppy will provide information on Ryan Baird, the young man who mugged Ibrahim.
Hearing Ryan Baird’s full name unsettles Ibrahim, who admits he doesn’t believe in revenge. Ron and Elizabeth disagree, insisting the matter is decided and they will handle it. The group agrees to stop repeating Ryan’s name and to focus on next steps.
Turning to the wider threat, they consider the fate of the diamonds and the need to understand Martin Lomax. Ron jokes about selling the gems, and Joyce joins in, but Elizabeth steers them back to strategy. Ibrahim and Ron plan to research Lomax that evening, while Ron stays another night at the hospital, keeping spirits up with banter.
Who Appears
- ElizabethLeads the debrief; reveals Douglas’s theft; recruits the club to protect him and seeks intel on Ryan Baird.
- IbrahimHospitalized after the mugging; processes the news; resists revenge; plans online research with Ron.
- RonEager to act as bodyguard; advocates revenge; stays overnight to support Ibrahim; ready to research Lomax.
- JoyceSupportive and curious; jokes about Douglas; agrees to the plan and offers practical help.
- DouglasElizabeth’s MI5 ex-husband; offstage but central as the diamond thief the group agrees to protect.