Career of Evil

The streets of London are crowded with people celebrating the royal wedding. The killer searches for a vulnerable woman, his knife and machete hidden inside his jacket’s lining. In Shacklewell, he approaches a sex worker and leads her down a dark alley. The woman screams as he stabs her, attracting the attention of passersby. The killer flees with several of the woman’s fingers in his pocket.

Strike is surprised to find Robin in the office and notes she is wearing her engagement ring. Robin declares that if Strike won’t let her perform her job properly, she would rather find alternative employment. She also argues that finding the killer will ultimately make her safer. Strike reluctantly agrees that she can return to full duties.

Robin reveals she has been talking to Jason, a young man on the BIID forum who was in contact with Kelsey. Jason is keen to meet Strike, as he believes he is a voluntary amputee.

Strike sends Robin to Wollaston Close to watch for Laing, secretly believing that this is where she will be safest. He has seen no sign of Laing while observing the Elephant and Castle flats.