Marble Hall Murders

Susan thinks about how Charles has changed. She contemplates how murder mysteries argue that anyone can become a killer. While Susan is waiting for public transit to arrive, Elaine calls. Susan isn’t sure why Charles agreed to see her, and Elaine says he gets depressed. Elaine understands why Charles wanted Susan to cover up for him. Elaine assures Susan that she won’t get arrested, as Charles hopes. Susan hears the doorbell ring over the phone. Elaine says she has to answer it and hangs up.

When Susan returns to her flat, there is an Amazon package on the doorstep. There has been a break-in; the place is a wreck. Books, pictures, and furniture have been destroyed. Much of the destruction was done with a British Book Award; it was left in the toilet, which it broke. In the bedroom, someone wrote killer on the wall with Susan’s lipstick. She guesses the person got in through the French doors from the garden.

Hugo, her cat, was stabbed but is still alive. Susan wraps him in a towel with ice and rushes to the nearest animal hospital. The vet says Hugo is going to be okay, but they have to keep him for a few days.