Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Douglas explains his investigation into Martin Lomax, a trusted middleman for international crime who stores vast valuables in a strongroom. He and Poppy previously infiltrated Lomax’s mansion, sparking Douglas’s current danger. Elizabeth rejects secrecy, asserting she’ll tell her friends. Joyce’s unexpected call interrupts, signaling outside events pressing in.
Summary
Over wine, Elizabeth listens as Douglas Middlemiss details his interest in Martin Lomax, a respectable-seeming fixer who safeguards deposits for major criminal deals. Poppy outlines the flow of valuables—cash, gold, diamonds, and stolen art—held in Lomax’s strongroom, beyond their current surveillance reach.
Douglas and Poppy recount a prior covert entry into Lomax’s house with Special Boat Service help, confirming priceless items left casually about and hinting at a larger operation. Douglas admits this incursion triggered the threat now requiring his protection.
Poppy tests Elizabeth’s discretion, confirming Elizabeth’s friends and asking about Official Secrets Act breaches. Elizabeth openly admits repeated breaches and refuses to keep Douglas and Poppy secret from her friends, asserting her independence despite Poppy’s orders.
Douglas and Elizabeth briefly trade titles—Dame and Sir—underscoring their shared past and habits. As Elizabeth weighs the “babysitting” request, Joyce unexpectedly calls, abruptly pausing the conversation and implying urgent news from home.
Who Appears
- ElizabethEx-intelligence operative; hears Douglas’s case, refuses secrecy, intends to tell her friends; receives a call from Joyce.
- Douglas MiddlemissElizabeth’s ex-husband, MI5; targeted after infiltrating Martin Lomax’s mansion; seeks Elizabeth’s help and protection.
- PoppyYoung handler of the safe house; assisted the break-in; challenges Elizabeth on secrecy and official orders.
- Martin LomaxWealthy fixer for international criminals; keeps deposits and valuables in a secure strongroom near Winchester.
- Joyce MeadowcroftElizabeth’s friend from the Thursday Murder Club; calls Elizabeth unexpectedly, interrupting the meeting.