The Word is Murder

Anthony is dismayed and discomfited by Weston’s reappearance in the case, since it seems to suggest the Godwins are more important than they previously seemed. He is “disgusted with [him]self” for letting Hawthorne dominate his behavior (234). He decides to use Hawthorne’s absence as a way to satisfy his curiosity about Amanda Leigh and Damian’s time at RADA. Anthony has a friend on staff there, Liz, who recalls Damian’s talent and obsession with success. She reports that he used the death of Timothy Godwin in a scene exercise, including the song, “The Wheels on the Bus,” and she told him she thought this was exploitative on his part. She dimly remembers Amanda Leigh and the viral outbreak during the production that led to Damian taking on the role of Hamlet when Dan Roberts became ill.

Liz shows Anthony the cast photo. He recognizes someone in it and begins to savor the “delicious payback” if he can use the information to solve the case before Hawthorne (239). Anthony then reports calling his assistant to cancel an event, calling an unnamed party to arrange a meeting, and telling his wife, “I might be a bit late for dinner. In fact, I wouldn’t have dinner at all” (239).