Chapters 1-15 Summary

In Chapter 1, detective Larry Millsaps and his partner, Tony Danks, arrive at the scene of a rape in the small town of St. Clair, Florida, a set of modest apartment buildings. Inside, the rape victim, Melissa Nelson, has already showered, making it more difficult to collect evidence. But Melissa names her attacker, her coworker, Edward Soames, who lives on the north side of town on Fresco Street. She and Edward Soames both work at Proffer Builders on Haynes Street, for Henry Proffer. Melissa explains that Edward had forced his way in after knocking on the door, threatening her with a switchblade. As Melissa is taken to the hospital, she is adamant about Larry and the other officers finding every shred of evidence they can. Tony feels as if something isn't right. Soames has so far managed to avoid detection, and Larry...