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“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