Thursday Murder Club, #2
The Man Who Died Twice
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 60
Overview
At Maidstone Crown Court, Ryan Baird fails to appear, and his solicitor confirms Ryan has vanished. Chris fears for Ibrahim’s justice, while Ron demands action and Bogdan promises help against Connie. A message from Donna about something strange at Coopers Chase sends the group hurrying back.
Summary
Outside Maidstone Crown Court, Chris waits with Ron and Bogdan, anxious that Ryan Baird’s case hasn’t been called. Ryan’s solicitor approaches in a new suit and admits Ryan is missing: phone off, flat empty, no trace. The news deflates Chris, who immediately worries about telling Ibrahim.
Ron insists they keep quiet until Ryan is caught and pressures Chris to deliver after Ron’s risky part in framing Connie’s associate. Chris doubts they’ll find Ryan, believing he will hide in a big city, but promises to try.
Bogdan reassures both men, pledging they will also find a way to stop Connie Johnson for Chris’s sake. Their solidarity steadies the moment, even as Chris voices the possibility of failure. Ron suggests more food as tension breaks briefly.
Chris then reads a message from Donna: something very weird is happening at Coopers Chase, and she hopes Ryan is in custody. With Ryan now a fugitive, the new urgency redirects them. Chris, Ron, and Bogdan decide to head to Coopers Chase immediately.
Who Appears
- Chris HudsonDetective awaiting Ryan’s hearing; learns Ryan has absconded; worries about Ibrahim and responds to Donna’s urgent summons.
- Ron RitchiePressures Chris to catch Ryan after taking risks against Connie; joins the dash to Coopers Chase.
- Bogdan JankowskiSupports Chris and Ron; vows to help stop Connie; goes with them after Donna’s message.
- Ryan BairdDefendant in Ibrahim’s mugging case; fails to appear at court and disappears.
- Ryan’s solicitorDelivers news that Ryan is missing and unreachable; briefly interacts with Chris and Ron.
- Donna De FreitasSends a message about something strange at Coopers Chase, prompting immediate action.