Page 212 of Murder in the Family

(pointing at Hugo)

He knew her – back in the day.

Caroline Howard.

He never thought to mention that, did he?

LAILA FURNESS

(her eyes widening)

Hugoknewher? Are you sure?

MITCHELL CLARKE

Certainly am. They were all part of the same tight little W8 coterie. Same clubs, same dinner parties, kids at the same schools. Allverycosy.

HUGO FRASER

(looking uncomfortable)

It wasn’t like that—

JJ NORTON

Really? Then what was it ‘like’?

HUGO FRASER

OK, yes, we did move in some of the same circles, but that’s not that uncommon in that part of town.

BILL SERAFINI

So how close were you, exactly? Passing acquaintances? Friends?Closefriends?

JJ NORTON

(grimly)

Maybe even friends with benefits? That ‘unsuitable’ man she was seeing – was that you?

LAILA FURNESS

(looking from one to the other)

You mean, he wasn’t unsuitable because he was married, but because he wasblack? Oh my God—

There’s a silence; Hugo isn’t meeting anyone’s eye.

ALAN CANNING

(clearing his throat)

I think this may be the moment to mention the car—

LAILA FURNESS

Oh shit.

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