The Sentence Is Death

Hawthorne and Horowitz visit Adrian in his office. He dismisses Akira’s accusations and the haiku as vindictive. Hawthorne connects the number “182” to Adrian’s wedding date, February 18, or 18/2. Adrian tenses when Hawthorne mentions Lenny Pinkerman, the investigator Richard hired. Horowitz and Hawthorne confront him about the 1982 Château Lafite Rothschild and his undeclared £3 million wine collection. Under pressure, Adrian says that he spent the night of the murder with Davina. He admits that he and Davina have been having an affair which started while he was still married to Akira. As Adrian speaks, Horowitz notices a speck of “Green Smoke” decorator’s paint on his cuff—the same color used at the crime scene.

At home, Horowitz spread out his notes. Working late, he reviews the details around Adrian and believes he has solved the case. He calls Hawthorne late that night to explain his solution.

The next morning at the Notting Hill police station, Horowitz presents his theory to DI Grunshaw and DC Mills. He argues that Gregory’s death was an accident and that Adrian killed Richard to prevent him exposing of his hidden wine assets. He explains that “182” is a deliberate misdirection used by Adrian to frame Akira.