Chapter 29

Chris Hudson and Donna De Freitas arrive at Coopers Chase to speak with the Thursday Murder Club residents about Tony Curran’s murder. Chris is placed awkwardly on a small sofa between Ibrahim and Joyce, while Ron and Elizabeth take the armchairs and Donna settles comfortably in a recliner. Chris recognizes the seating as well-intentioned, but it leaves him physically trapped and unable to drink his tea.

Chris begins formally, explaining that he and Donna are investigating Tony Curran’s death and have questions for people who knew him. Joyce interrupts to offer lemon drizzle cake, which Chris cannot easily refuse or balance, worsening his discomfort.

Elizabeth quickly presses Chris about suspects and whether the police are only looking at Ian Ventham. Ibrahim praises Chris’s thoroughness, while Ron asks about forensics and CSI. Chris tries to redirect the conversation toward Ron, Joyce, and Jason Ritchie, who has texted to say he will arrive in ten minutes.

The residents continue to derail Chris with talk of cake, detective shows, crime novels, Sky Plus, and Coopers Chase groups. Elizabeth opens wine for the residents as Chris remains trapped with a scalding cup of tea and a slice of cake balanced on his saucer.

Elizabeth finally acknowledges that Chris looks hemmed in and suggests moving him to an upright chair. Joyce and Elizabeth encourage him to talk them through the whole investigation slowly, revealing that the residents are using hospitality and confusion to draw information from him rather than simply answer his questions.