Rudi and Myrna

Myrna’s attraction to Rudi gives the police access to his plans, while her fear of implication initially keeps her quiet.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Charming Stranger

Romance at the Spa Flowers and Dancing Myrna Harris enjoys Rudi Scherz’s attention, his manners, and his willingness to buy flowers and take her to the pictures. His charm makes him seem more respectable than his record warrants. A Cautious Attachment Myrna is wary of foreigners and does not treat the relationship as deeply serious. Even so, she is hurt when Rudi cancels their plans.

The Cancelled Date

A Lark Revealed Rudi Explains Rudi tells Myrna he has been asked to stage a sham hold-up and expects payment for participating. He describes the plan as a joke and laughs at what he sees as childish English entertainment. A Partial Confidence Myrna knows that Rudi has a role in the event but does not learn who arranged it. Her knowledge will later be important, though incomplete.

Silence at First

Fear of the Police A Careful Denial Myrna insists that she knew nothing of Rudi’s criminal behavior and downplays their relationship. She fears that the police will treat her as an accomplice. A Telling Omission Her unease suggests that she knows more than she says. Jane Marple notices the change in her behavior and encourages Craddock to question her again.

The Full Account

Myrna Speaks A Story of the Plan Myrna explains that Rudi called the hold-up a lark and expected a wristwatch as payment. She had not known he would carry a revolver or that anyone would be shot. A Name Still Missing Rudi never told her who arranged the performance. Myrna’s testimony clears up his expectations but cannot identify the murderer.

A Relationship Ends

Affection Cannot Save Him A Young Man Misjudged Myrna remembers Rudi as charming and generous, and struggles to connect that person with the evidence of petty crime. His death prevents any fuller explanation of his choices. Truth Given to Police By speaking despite her fear, Myrna helps show that the hold-up was presented as entertainment. Her limited but honest account weakens the theory of a solo robbery.

During Rudi’s employment at the hotel

The evening before the shooting

During Craddock’s initial interview

After Jane Marple’s suggestion

After Rudi’s death is established