The Doll's House

? Assailant similar in build to victim, with dark brown hair ? Death by drowning within moments of arrival at canal ? Large blood pooling and blood splatters at crime scene; blood type that of victim ? Victim put up resistance prior to drowning

? Deposits below victim’s nails – test results outstanding ? Secondary evidence found at scene inclusive of hotel receipt: awaiting full police report Crime Inferences

? Crime scene: semi-organised

? Killer capable of overcoming victim with aid of weapon – small double-edged knife, exact type unknown; could be domestic kitchen knife ? Degree of planning: knowledge and use of canal ledge to facilitate drowning ? Minimal human traffic, reducing potential witnesses at time of killing ? Access to knife, or present on person, during initial stabbing ? Access to transport: car

? Victim: well-built male in good health, capable of defence ? Slash markings on victim’s right arm consistent with attempted defence ? Knife attack at secondary location severe; victim would have bled to death if left unaided ? Death does not appear to be financially motivated ? Multiple stabs wounds; frenzied attack, then a final thrusting ? Killer capable of planning next move

? Stabbing, although frenzied and indicative of emotionally driven aggression, inconclusive as to principal motivation ? Location and means of killing: appears planned

? Initial attack: also potentially planned

? Celebrity status of victim opens up wide pool of potential suspects Conclusions

? Killer: male

? Similar in build to victim; possibly similar in age ? Physically capable of overcoming victim with a weapon (knife) ? Stabbing indicates aggressive mental state

? First assault – knife wounds – ‘expressive violent act’, resulting from an outburst of emotional feeling ? Second fatal assault – drowning – ‘instrumental violence’: used as a means to an end ? Killer capable of displaying calmness after initial attack, following through on actions by driving to canal to carry out murder ? Choice of location could be critical

? Cause of death – preferred choice of killer – drowning, could also be critical ? Despite being deserted at time of killing, choice of public place ‘high risk’: fear of being caught not uppermost in the killer’s mind ? If method of killing, location of murder, and timing are not random, choice of victim unlikely to be random.

In many ways, it all pointed to the one question that had played on her mind since she had received the first call from O’Connor. Why bring a dying man to the canal to drown him?

She thought about the images pinned on her study wall at home. If she could turn back the clock, what would the dead Keith Jenkins say to her? Where would he tell her to look? Was it his missing wedding ring, the hotel receipt or something else? Semi-conscious when he arrived at the canal, Keith Jenkins would have seen the face of his killer. He would have been aware that the killer had the power to determine his fate. Had Keith Jenkins called out for mercy or, when he had looked into the eyes of the killer, had he known death would be the only outcome?

Kate hadn’t thought about Professor Henry Bloom in a while but they had had many conversations about society’s reaction to the killing of another. Socially acceptable in wartime, when the group dynamic shifts its view from the norm, doesn’t rest easily on the shoulders of the civilised world when the killing is outside this margin. The very existence of killers, people willing to harm others, threatens us all. Kate also knew from her time with Henry that the line between good and evil is within everyone. Given the right set of circumstances, all of us are capable of doing harm to another.



After the Jenkins report, Kate then forwarded her interim report on the Rachel Mooney rape. As she grabbed a coffee before her Monday-afternoon appointments, her mind again turned to Charlie. The way things had been with Declan lately, the two of them drifting further apart, must be affecting their son.

Opening the window in her office, she instantly felt the cold October wind attack her skin. Wrapping her arms around herself, she felt more alone than ever. The sound of traffic outside was drowned by the ringing of the bells at St Matthew’s. Instead of closing the window, she remained staring at the street below, wondering if Declan’s silence said more than his words. And as if Declan, for once, had the same thought in his mind, he rang her mobile. Only this time, from his opening words, Kate knew they wouldn’t be indulging in polite conversation.

‘Kate, it’s Declan. I know you’re at work, but we need to talk.’

‘I’m listening.’

‘I don’t know how to say this. It’s really difficult for me.’

She held the phone close to her ear, turning her back to the passing traffic outside, believing she already knew what he was about to say, for the words ‘it’s over’ were already etched on her mind. Clearing her throat, she spoke as calmly as she could, relieved Declan would be the first to say it. ‘It’s okay, Declan, go on.’

‘I’ve met someone else.’





Harcourt Street Police Station