Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Douglas confesses he stole £20 million in uncut diamonds during a break-in at Martin Lomax’s house, and CCTV now exposes him. Threatened by American and Colombian criminals, he hides at Coopers Chase and asks Elizabeth’s protection. Elizabeth agrees on two conditions: involve her friends and obtain MI5 intel on Ryan Baird.
Summary
Elizabeth walks with Douglas through the woods above Coopers Chase, struggling to focus after seeing Ibrahim in hospital. With Poppy trailing on headphones to maintain surveillance, Douglas recounts an MI5 break-in at Martin Lomax’s house that seemed routine.
Days later, Lomax accused MI5 of stealing £20 million in uncut diamonds, allegedly a cartel down payment. Douglas insists the team saw no diamonds, but MI5 assumes Lomax is seeking leverage. Then Lomax sends CCTV showing Douglas unmasked and threatens to tell American and Colombian partners unless the diamonds are returned within two weeks.
At the cemetery bench, Elizabeth learns the deadline has passed. Douglas reveals he did steal the diamonds and now needs protection to retrieve them and fence them in Antwerp. He chose Coopers Chase as a hiding place, believing Elizabeth could mobilize discreet help.
Elizabeth agrees to help on two conditions: her three friends must be involved, and MI5 must provide all information on teenager Ryan Baird. Poppy resists involving others but is overruled; she tentatively agrees to seek the Ryan Baird intel, while Elizabeth pointedly avoids promising that no harm will come to him.
Who Appears
- ElizabethStrategizes protection for Douglas; secures conditions to involve friends and requests MI5 intel on Ryan Baird.
- Douglas MiddlemissElizabeth’s ex-husband; MI5 asset who stole £20m in diamonds; exposed by CCTV and seeks protection.
- PoppyMI5 minder shadowing Douglas; oversees contact with Elizabeth and agrees to obtain Ryan Baird information.