Read City of Silence (City of Mystery) for Free Online Page B

another.”
    Emma
was given pause.  If a personality as powerful as Geraldine’s could undergo a
psychological shift in a matter of minutes, it did indeed seem likely that a
blindfold might have a dual purpose – not merely to obscure a woman’s vision
but to also render her passive.
    “Such
conclusions fall right in line with those issued by the forensic psychologist”
said Trevor, with a nod to Gerry.  “His remarks agree with our collective analysis
of the Railway Rapist as organized, self-controlled, and able to convincingly
pass as a normal, well-functioning man when in society.  But the psychologist
also feels our criminal has a strong desire to control or shame his victim. 
Not just by raping her, but by dehumanizing her.”
    “And
I presume this is the prototype for all rapists?  Tom asked.  His skepticism
about the entire line of reasoning had not completely waned, as evidenced by
the slight twist of his mouth as he said the word “prototype.”  There were
times when Trevor wondered if Tom lived perpetually on the verge of a sneer, if
having been born into a moneyed family had left the boy constitutionally unfit
for the realities of police work.  But then, just when Trevor’s exasperation
had built to the point of calling him out on the matter, Tom always managed to
do something so bold, say something so kind, or perform a task so useful that
he would immediately redeem himself in spades.  Trevor was beginning to accept
that Tom would always leave him slightly on edge.  On the surface it might seem
that their friendship was limited by the nearly oceanic differences between
them – differences of birth, education, age, and temperament.  But in truth
their vague antagonism was a result of the singular thing they held in common: 
their affection for Emma Kelly. 
    “They’re
working on the full prototype now,” Trevor said.  “But the preliminary report
is full of surprises.  For example, I’d venture to say most people might guess
that most rapists are bachelors, men denied the normal opportunities for sexual
congress and thus driven to rape by sheer biological impulse.”
    “A
ludicrous assumption,” Rayley said.  “The four men at this table are each
bachelors, with all the frustrations that depressing little title implies, but
I’d venture to say that none of us have ever entertained the idea of rape as a
way out of our dilemma.”
    “True,”
Trevor said. “But what I mean is that the general public sees rape as a crime
of sexual desperation so they would be surprised to learn that the majority of
rapists are married and thus presumably have access to intercourse by more
conventional means.”
    “Such
as begging,” said Tom.
    “Oh
dear,” said Emma.  “Shall Gerry and I retire for the evening and let you boys
break out the billiards and cigars?  We seem to have wandered into some sort of
men’s hunting club or perhaps a fraternity at Cambridge.”
    “Dreadfully
sorry,” Trevor said, although he wasn’t.  If Emma really wanted to sit at the
table with the boys she would have to get used to the occasional bout of
tasteless humor.
    “And
do they have anything else?” Rayley prompted.
    “Not
yet,” Trevor said.  “Further studies will cover such issues as method and
manner.  How does the rapist choose his victim, for example, or how long he
goes between attacks.  If there is a body, how does he dispose of it, and if
the victim is left alive, how does he escape?  Does he engage with the police,
as the Ripper did, or keep souvenirs?  So far the Railway Rapist isn’t showing
any such tendencies, which indicates a different type of mentality.  Even the
selection of a weapon can be telling.  You can threaten someone with a gun from
a great distance but an attack with a knife is closer, more personal.”
    “It’s
absolutely enthralling,” Rayley said. “Just as a fingerprint or footprint tells
us what sort of body our perpetrator has, so criminal profiling can