Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
Donna De Freitas and Chris Hudson interview Ryan Baird about the mugging of an elderly man, but Ryan stonewalls under his solicitor’s guidance. With only CCTV placing Ryan nearby, Chris ends the interview and decides not to pursue further. Their choice leaves Ryan free, signaling a strategic shift.
Summary
PC Donna De Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson question Ryan Baird in Interview Suite B about his whereabouts during a mugging. Ryan, posturing and evasive, repeatedly answers “no comment,” while his solicitor supervises and minimizes the implications of nearby CCTV footage.
Chris presents a photo showing Ryan near the scene on a Norco Storm bike shortly after the attack, but Ryan refuses to engage. The solicitor argues proximity to a crime isn’t illegal, and Ryan maintains silence.
Recognizing their limited evidence and the futility of further interviews, Chris abruptly terminates the session. Outside Ryan’s earshot, the solicitor presses for the police’s strategy, but Chris and Donna confirm they will not bring Ryan back or pursue searches or accomplices.
Donna ends with a pointed “no comment” and a jab about the solicitor’s unclean suit, underscoring their decision to let Ryan walk for now despite moral frustration and insufficient grounds to charge him.
Who Appears
- PC Donna De FreitasCo-interviews Ryan; challenges his evasions; supports the decision to end the inquiry and let him go.
- DCI Chris HudsonLeads the interview; presents CCTV; concludes evidence is too weak and terminates the investigation.
- Ryan BairdPrimary suspect in the mugging; stonewalls with “no comment” and leaves without charge.
- Ryan’s solicitorAdvises silence, questions police tactics, and witnesses the decision to drop further action.