The Hallmarked Man

Robin’s attacker is released on bail, and she has flashbacks to the other attacks she has survived. She knows that if she is honest about her fragile mental state, Murphy will advise her to give up her job.

Strike calls Robin, revealing that Barclay has taken photographs of Two-Times with an escort, and that Lord Branfoot has invited them to lunch at the Goring Hotel. Strike tells Robin that she must temporarily avoid potentially dangerous locations, assuring her that she is the best detective he has ever worked with, and he does not want to lose her. He also recounts his meeting with Rokeby, admitting that his biological father was more likable than he anticipated. Culpepper’s newspaper has since printed a retraction of the sex worker story and an apology. Robin tells Strike that she has been trying to contact Tish Benton, who is currently working at one of the Clairmont hotels abroad. Strike observes that one of Charlotte’s ancestors founded the Clairmont hotel chain, and Charlotte’s mother, Tara, is on the board of directors.

Following his conversation with Robin, Strike wonders why she did not tell him about her engagement to Murphy.