Edward Shank is the novel’s central antagonist, a round and static character whose career as the Beacon Hill Butcher embodies the theme of The Corrupt Use of a Heroic Facade. The Prologue opens with his historic takedown of the Butcher, who has been terrorizing Washington, but that representation of him, which fulfills the trope of the “hero cop,” is quickly revealed to be a façade in subsequent chapters as he is revealed to be the Butcher. His entire career, including his legendary status for “taking down” the Butcher, is built upon a foundation of masterful deception. This duality is his most defining trait; he is at once a respected community figure and a sadistic serial killer, a double life that he maintains even in retirement. Edward’s revered status grants him impunity, first allowing him to frame an innocent man, Rufus Wedge, for his own crimes and later enabling him to murder fellow residents at his retirement home without suspicion.

Outwardly, Edward is a bluntly powerful man, possessing integrity, and his reputation is known throughout Seattle, where he is referred to, even after his retirement, as “the Chief.