David Starr, Hilary’s husband, is accused of being involved in Gus’ disappearance. In Expats, Jack Huston plays David.
David and Hilary were once a happy couple. They live in the same building as Margaret’s family and are close friends with them.
Gus’ disappearance not only affects Margaret’s family but also David and Hilary, as David is accused of having a hand in Gus’ disappearance.
The accusation
David used to have a drinking problem, but he tries to turn his life around and quit drinking. Hilary believes that he has been sober for almost a year now.
David and Hilary did not want children when they got married, but now David has changed his mind. What he does not know is that Hilary is not on the same page as him.
While they are trying for a baby, Hilary starts taking birth control without telling him.
Soon after, Gus goes missing, and the police believe that in cases such as this one, the kidnapper is usually someone known to the family.
David was drinking at the time Gus went missing. Due to that, when he is later questioned about his whereabouts, he lies. The truth comes out eventually.
This leads to a desperate Margaret accusing David of kidnapping Gus. On top of that, when the police question Hilary, she pauses for a few seconds before defending David.
David is hurt by the fact that his wife could even entertain the idea of him being capable of kidnapping a child. His relationship with Hilary is irreparably damaged from this point forward.
The consequences
A year after Gus’ disappearance, David is still drinking. Additionally, he is having an affair with Mercy, whom he met on the night of the accident.
David cannot shed the weight of the accusation. He feels paranoid about people staring at him, accusing him of something he did not do.
While he cannot be with Hilary for long without arguing with her, he finds comfort in Mercy’s company, as she still blames herself for losing Gus.
A fight with Hilary results in David moving into a hotel. Then, he accidentally sends a message meant for Mercy to Hilary and ends up exposing his affair to Hilary.
Despite that, Hilary tries to save their marriage, but her attempts fail. The two of them no longer understand each other and have no choice but to accept the fact that their marriage is over.
Also Read: Mercy: Expats character explained