The Word is Murder

Hawthorne takes a phone call and informs Anthony they will be going to Damian Cooper’s London residence for an interview. Anthony wonders who has been keeping Hawthorne apprised of such developments, and Hawthorne reluctantly admits his former boss, the detective chief inspector, is now a regular client and source of information.

Anthony is preoccupied with the knowledge that he will have to publicly admit to his new project, which currently seems like a case with no suspects. Hawthorne asks if the work has a title. Privately, Anthony ruminates that choosing what to call a work is difficult and that many famous works once had uninspiring titles. Hawthorne suggests Hawthorne Investigates, and Anthony becomes incensed when Hawthorne criticizes the title of his Holmes novel.

Anthony then reflects on the biography of the fictional Damian Cooper, giving him roles in real theatrical productions, movies, and televisions shows, including the rebooted Star Trek, Mad Men, and Homeland. These productions did involve famous British actors, including Simon Pegg and Damian Lewis, indicating that Anthony has constructed Damian Cowper as a composite of multiple celebrities. Anthony dislikes him instantly, noting both his good looks and his casual arrogance. Damian seems more interested in his career than bereaved.