The Impossible Fortune
by Richard Osman
Contents
Chapter 51
Overview
Ron learns the full extent of Danny Lloyd’s abuse of Suzi and his attempt to have Jason killed, and he commits himself to retaliation. Elizabeth refuses to stop Ron, Jason and Bogdan, only urging them to avoid arrest or injury, which marks a rare moment when she lets events run without controlling them. Connie’s arrival expands the group, setting up a dangerous counterstrike that may pull the characters further from the murder investigation.
Summary
Back at his flat, Ron tries to absorb everything Jason has finally told him. Ron is horrified that Suzi has been beaten by Danny Lloyd, that Suzi pulled a gun on Danny and drove him off, and that Danny has now sent someone to shoot Jason. Ron feels powerless but quickly turns that feeling into anger, deciding that Danny must be dealt with. Ron confirms that Kendrick is staying safely with Ibrahim and Tia, and that he has already called for extra help.
Ron asks after Suzi, and Jason says Suzi is hiding with friends and keeping her head down. Jason explains that Suzi never told him about the abuse, not because she was weak, but because she knew Jason would try to kill Danny. Jason now openly says that is exactly what he intends to do after Danny failed to have him killed. Ron agrees they must strike back, but insists they must be smart and make sure Danny knows it is punishment for what he did to Suzi.
When the door buzzer sounds, Bogdan arrives as expected, but he has brought Elizabeth with him. Ron tells Elizabeth the truth about Suzi’s abuse, Suzi pulling a gun on Danny, and Danny arranging the attack on Jason. Elizabeth understands their anger, but she also points out the obvious risk: they are talking about revenge while Holly’s murder remains unsolved and prison is a likely outcome. Ron and Jason reject delay because Danny is still an immediate threat.
Instead of forbidding them, Elizabeth unexpectedly steps aside. She allows Bogdan to help and asks only that Ron and Bogdan keep each other from being shot or arrested. As Elizabeth leaves, Connie Johnson arrives after hearing from Ibrahim about Suzi and asks to join Ron’s group. Ron then sits down with Jason, Bogdan and Connie, turning his anger into a larger plan.
Who Appears
- RonSuzi’s furious father; learns the full truth and organizes a retaliatory plan against Danny.
- JasonRon’s son; reveals Suzi’s abuse, survives Danny’s attack, and pushes for revenge.
- ElizabethHears the plan, challenges it, but ultimately allows Ron’s group to proceed.
- BogdanArrives when summoned to help Ron and Jason, mainly as driver and backup.
- Connie JohnsonTurns up after hearing about Suzi and asks to join Ron’s gang.
- SuziRon’s daughter; abused by Danny, now hiding after pulling a gun on him.
- Danny LloydSuzi’s abusive husband; fleeing after her confrontation and retaliating by targeting Jason.
- IbrahimShelters Kendrick and Tia and tells Connie about Suzi’s situation.