The morning after Elena’s murder, Inspector Lynley arrives at Cambridge police headquarters under bright skies. Outside the station, he notices a handout posted by the Deaf Students Union seeking information about Elena’s death and realizes the deaf students are conducting their own investigation. Inside, Superintendent Sheehan greets him warmly despite his secretary Edwina’s protective coldness. Sheehan explains that his forensic department’s internal conflicts led them to mishandle a previous undergraduate suicide case, causing bad press for the University.

Sheehan briefs Lynley on preliminary findings: Elena was struck twice in the face, causing a sphenoidal fracture, then strangled with her tracksuit’s tie cord after being dragged from the footpath onto the island. Time of death is estimated between 5:30 and 7 am because the college porter saw Elena leave around 6:15, and the body was found shortly after 7:00. Artist Sarah Gordon discovered the body while attempting to sketch despite the foggy conditions. Sheehan concludes they’re looking for someone who knew Elena well and waited for her, someone filled with hate.

Meeting Sergeant Havers outside the college, Lynley mentions that the body’s pose resembles the sculpture of martyred St. Cecilia at Brompton Oratory. They go to Elena’s room and find it in disarray.