Page 143 of Murder on Charity Lane

around Sunny W’s neck. Not sufficient

to kill him.

Lily-Ann

Someone strangled him, but

not to death?

Hamilton

Yes. They confirmed

from behind. Inside the car.

The screen dimmed when he didn’t continue, so I refocused on Jane, who was telling Nicholas about positive self-talk and the power of yes.

Lily-Ann

What else, Hamilton?

Hamilton

Sorry, back now. The assailant slit his throat.

Lengthwise. Which is rare and bloody.

Lily-Ann

Clearly.

Hamilton

Though I don’t know if bloodier than

normal throat slitting.

Lily-Ann

Why stop strangling him,

and slit his throat instead?

Hamilton

And takes some degree of skill.

The police don’t know.

Lily-Ann

I didn’t expect them to.

But the question strikes me

as a key one.

Hamilton