Confusion had for a while ranged as to the exact identity of the serial rapist, and DS Susan Penhaligan had assumed that her assailant, must be one and the self same deranged lunatic, for one overwhelming reason that the last thing she could cope with, was to have to think too closely about the actual event itself.
However as the case itself is covered and the evidence comes in, Penahilgan finds herself however reluctantly having to, not only contemplate it but analyse all of the deep disturbing memories, and the resultant realisation is the coldest deepest cut of all.
The actual serial rapist has managed to dodge and evade the police dragnet, although they have come especially close on more than occasion, in his psychosis he is desperate to play them at their own game, especially in their analysis of his rationale, choosing to target Dr Edward Fitzgerald in his own backyard.