Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 52
Overview
Sue Reardon and Lance James confront Martin Lomax at his home about the missing diamonds and the murders of Sue’s colleagues. All deny involvement and admit they still need the diamonds. Sue suggests paying Frank Andrade, but Lomax reveals his assets are illiquid and borrowed, escalating the stakes.
Summary
Sue Reardon and Lance James visit Martin Lomax at his country house, noting his casual demeanor and talk of a long-time cleaner. The setting underscores Lomax’s complacency as he avoids offering hospitality and trades dry banter.
They immediately circle the murders of Sue’s colleagues, each side suggesting the other is responsible. Martin Lomax and Sue both deny involvement, even joking about their respective body counts, but the tension makes clear someone is still at large.
The conversation pivots to Lomax’s priority: recovering the missing diamonds. Sue confirms MI5 also needs them and presses Lomax on alternatives.
Sue proposes paying Frank Andrade the £20 million instead of producing the stones. Martin Lomax explains he cannot: his assets are illiquid and largely belong to dangerous partners. Paying one faction would require stealing from another, a chain that would end in his death.
The meeting ends with no progress on the diamonds, no confession for the killings, and heightened urgency. Lomax’s constraints and the looming threat from Andrade leave Sue and Lance with stakes rising and limited options.
Who Appears
- Martin LomaxCriminal broker fixated on recovering the diamonds; denies killing MI5 agents; cannot pay Andrade due to illiquid, borrowed assets.
- Sue ReardonMI5 officer investigating her colleagues’ murders; confronts Lomax; suggests paying Andrade; insists the service still needs the diamonds.
- Lance JamesMI5 colleague accompanying Sue; challenges Lomax’s story and denies MI5 involvement in the killings.