Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 72
Overview
Elizabeth and Joyce intercept Frank Andrade Jr at Farnborough and reveal Elizabeth controls the diamonds. They persuade Andrade to ride with them to Fairhaven for a coordinated pier exchange. The chapter confirms the police sting: the pier will be sealed, Sue and Chris will monitor, and Lance will deliver Martin Lomax.
Summary
At Farnborough, Elizabeth and Joyce wait for Frank Andrade Jr, bantering about the airport’s lack of shops and reviewing the afternoon’s plan: the pier will close for a sting at 3 p.m., with Chris’s team in position, Sue observing, and Lance bringing Martin Lomax.
Joyce voices doubts that Poppy is behind everything, hinting at a supportive note, but their conversation is cut short as Andrade arrives, casual and alone. Elizabeth and Joyce flank him, reveal they know he is meeting Lomax about the diamonds, and state that Elizabeth now controls them.
Andrade challenges them, threateningly testing their resolve, but Elizabeth stands firm, and Joyce backs her. Elizabeth offers a deal: come with them to Fairhaven pier, make peace with Lomax, and her representative will hand over the diamonds. She promises Andrade will be back at the airport by evening with his property.
With Mark’s taxi ready, Elizabeth emphasizes trust and practicality. Andrade, weighing the situation, agrees to go with them. They load his briefcase, and the group departs for Fairhaven, setting the pieces for the pier confrontation.
Who Appears
- ElizabethLeads the operation; confronts Andrade, reveals she controls the diamonds, and steers him toward the pier sting.
- JoyceSupports Elizabeth; softens Andrade with charm; expresses doubts about Poppy’s guilt; rides along to Fairhaven.
- Frank Andrade JrMafia heir seeking his diamonds; initially hostile, then agrees to travel with Elizabeth to the pier.
- MarkRon’s taxi-driver friend; transports Elizabeth, Joyce, and Andrade from Farnborough toward Fairhaven.
- SueElizabeth’s handler; furious but agrees to observe the pier sting from a concealed position.
- ChrisPolice lead; positions his team to shut the pier and catch Connie during the exchange.
- LanceSurveils Lomax and will drive him to the pier meeting as part of the sting.
- Martin LomaxTarget of Andrade’s meeting; to be brought to the pier to ‘make up’ and complete the swap.
- Connie JohnsonAntagonist expected at the pier with cocaine and a gun; primary focus of the sting.