Contents
Chapter Sixty-Four
Overview
Jane, urged by Dexter, resolves to hand all evidence to the police the next day. Tobias locates Avril Christmas, the clown-assault victim, and Jane and Dexter interview her at work. Avril identifies Jasper and the clown mask, detailing his non-contact but sexual assault and his notably short stature, strengthening the case against him.
Summary
Back in Covent Garden, Jane wrestles with the ethics of exposing Stuart’s family secrets while Daisy remains missing. Dexter urges decisive action, arguing that protecting Daisy outweighs shielding Jessamine and Annie. Convinced, Jane promises to deliver all evidence to the police the next day.
An email from Tobias arrives: he has identified the Winchester assault victim as Avril Christmas, now working in a department store in Guildford. Jane and Dexter immediately travel to meet her, aware they may be reopening old trauma.
In the store, Jane carefully presents a clown mask found in Jasper’s trailer and photos of Jasper as a boy and as Patch the Clown. Avril, composed and pragmatic, instantly recognizes Jasper and the mask. She recounts the attack: Jasper, masked, mimed and performed tricks, pressed close, covered her mouth, pulled a silk scarf from her ear, then masturbated and fled. He never physically hurt her but terrified her.
Crucially, Avril describes Jasper as very small—around five foot three to five foot six—corroborating the clown lead and providing a distinguishing physical detail. The interview solidifies Jasper’s identification, confirms his predatory MO, and gives Jane further justification to involve the police.
Who Appears
- Jane TrevallyPrivate investigator; decides to go to police and interviews Avril to confirm Jasper’s identity and MO.
- Avril ChristmasPast assault victim; identifies Jasper and the mask, describes the mime-and-masturbation assault, notes his short stature.
- Dexter LombardiJane’s assistant; pushes for police involvement and accompanies Jane to interview Avril.
- Tobias BloomJournalist contact; emails Jane Avril’s identity and workplace, enabling the interview.
- Jasper BlackSuspect; identified by Avril as the masked assailant; small in stature with a predatory clown persona.
- Daisy BlackMissing young woman; presumed abducted by Jasper, the focus of Jane’s investigation.