The Word is Murder

On the train, Anthony is surprised to find Hawthorne reading a well-known French work of existentialism, The Stranger, by Albert Camus. Hawthorne surprises him further by saying it is for his “book group,” and Anthony attempts to get more details but learns little.

Anthony then explains his new triumphant theory of the crime: Clunes reported in his interview that Diana recognized him at a distance, without glasses. This leads him to believe that the story of the accident because of Diana’s lack of glasses is false and that Damian was the driver. Hawthorne reminds him that Clunes likely thought Diana’s glasses were not worth mentioning. He points out that that even Anthony’s draft chapter indicates that the funeral-home visit is key, not the accident.

They arrive at Nigel Weston’s comfortable residence in the town of Canterbury. Anthony is struck by his age, his pleasant personality, and the expensive art he owns. Anthony is surprised that the judge praises Hawthorne’s past investigative work. He also notes that Weston has photographs of himself with his male partner, bracing himself for more anti-gay bias from Hawthorne. Weston insists that he had to read the law as it existed at the time, which did not justify charging Diana since wearing glasses was not required.