Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 76
Overview
In custody, Connie Johnson’s interview dissolves into threats, while Ryan Baird breaks down and postpones his questioning. Ryan’s solicitor makes a pass at Donna, which she sidesteps to protect the case. Chris Hudson, heartened by recent support, resolves to confess his love to Patrice and hopes Elizabeth and Joyce succeeded.
Summary
Chris Hudson reflects after a long day, chewing carrot batons. Connie Johnson sits in custody; her interview quickly collapses into graphic threats against Chris, Donna, Bogdan, and Ron. Patrice is notably unmentioned, and Chris resolves never to tell her about earlier threats.
Ryan Baird’s interview is subdued. Ryan silently sobs for minutes until his solicitor requests a reconvene the next morning, giving Chris a rare evening off.
Chris notes the solicitor’s sharpened appearance—and heavy Lynx Africa—before he privately asks Donna out for a drink. Donna deftly declines for now, citing the need not to jeopardize the ongoing investigation.
Thinking back to promises made by Ron and Bogdan at Maidstone Crown Court, Chris feels they delivered. Buoyed, he plans to tell Patrice he loves her when she visits next Sunday, hoping the universe continues to turn his way.
Chris ends the evening hoping Elizabeth and Joyce achieved their aims too, accepting that even carrot batons can seem tolerable when things start to improve.
Who Appears
- Chris HudsonDetective reflecting after interviews; notes Donna’s tact; resolves to tell Patrice he loves her.
- Connie JohnsonIn custody; interview devolves into violent threats against police and associates.
- Ryan BairdBreaks down in interview; questioning postponed to the next day.
- Donna De FreitasDeflects an advance from Ryan’s solicitor to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.
- Ryan Baird’s solicitorWell-groomed, wearing Lynx Africa; asks Donna out, rebuffed.
- Bogdan JankowskiRecalled by Chris for earlier promises that helped deliver results.
- Ron RitchieRemembered for promises at Maidstone that came good for Chris.
- PatriceChris’s partner; due to visit; he plans to confess his love.
- Elizabeth BestOffstage; Chris hopes her plans today succeeded.
- Joyce MeadowcroftOffstage; Chris hopes she achieved what she and Elizabeth wanted.