Prologue, Chapters 1 through 5 Summary

This is the story of Edward Berkmann, a medical doctor who is known for his brilliance in neurosurgery but who is on a killing rampage. Kali and the killer, who will eventually be identified as Edward Berkmann, are in a taxi in New Orleans. The opening is a letter written to his father, describing the trip across New Orleans, locating Karin Wheat and killing her.

Harper calls the New Orleans Police Department to report the connection he believes exists between the deaths of author Karin Wheat and six other women - that they were all account holders on a computer "chat" forum called EROS. Harper is a systems operator on EROS, recruited to the position by his childhood friend, Miles Turner, who is also a "sysop." Harper's call is returned by the lead detective, Michael Mayeux. Mayeux says that...