Summary

The next morning Strike lies in bed contemplating the case and his lack of progress. In the hope of learning more about the inner workings of the Roper Chard Publishing Company and its employees, Strike calls Nina, who invites him for dinner. Unbeknownst to Strike, in the street directly below him a hooded figure with a knife stands looking up at his flat. When Strike leaves his building in Chapter 33 and looks for a cab to drive him to Nina's, a woman wearing a black cloak attacks him with a Stanley knife. Strike blocks the knife with his cane and begins shouting, causing his attacker to panic and flee. In the process of defending himself, Strike twists his knee again which is excruciatingly painful.

Meanwhile, in Chapter 32, Robin, dressed in black, sits in the front of St. Mary the Virgin church with Matthew's...