Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 40
Overview
Lance James, weary and distracted, stumbles on a flagged flight: Frank Andrade Jr., under alias Andre Richardson, is inbound to Farnborough. He alerts Sue Reardon and volunteers for the Andover surveillance team. The visit suggests a looming confrontation with Martin Lomax and raises stakes around the missing £20m diamonds.
Summary
In MI5’s temporary Godalming office, Lance James procrastinates, daydreaming about homes he can’t afford and the lure of the missing £20 million in diamonds. He reflects on his stalled career, a painful breakup, a draining commute, and his fading confidence, all while keeping half an eye on Sue Reardon.
Lance notes Sue’s stress and the steady stream of senior “grey men” visiting her, signs the investigation is under scrutiny. He receives an email from Sue asking him to verify the credentials of Doctor Carter from the mortuary night, a reminder of lingering doubts in the case.
Scanning updates, Lance opens an alert about a flight from Teterboro to Farnborough on a Gulfstream. The passenger list includes “Andre Richardson,” a known alias of Frank Andrade Jr., the man whose diamonds were stolen.
Lance informs Sue. They infer that the victim of the theft is flying in near Martin Lomax, from whom the diamonds were taken, signaling likely contact or confrontation. Seeking momentum and relevance, Lance volunteers to join the surveillance team based in Andover.
Sue agrees, assigning Lance to stay with the team for the week. As Lance prepares to decamp, the investigation tilts toward a critical meeting that could expose the truth about the diamonds and the murders tied to them.
Who Appears
- Lance JamesMI5 officer; spots Andrade Jr.’s alias on a flight to Farnborough and joins the Andover surveillance team.
- Sue ReardonMI5 lead; under pressure, tasks Lance with checks and authorizes him to join surveillance.
- Frank Andrade Jr. (alias Andre Richardson)Owner of the stolen diamonds; flagged inbound to Farnborough, implying a meeting near Lomax.
- Martin LomaxLocal figure from whom diamonds were stolen; likely destination for Andrade Jr.’s visit.
- Doctor CarterMortuary doctor; Sue asks Lance to verify credentials from the earlier identification.