The 50/50 Killer

The deceased police officer whose funeral is being held. His funeral is held, confirming his death Dyson's final CCTV footage is reviewed, showing his last moments before being killed by the 50/50 Killer. Andrew Dyson’s funeral is referenced as the occasion when John previously broke down, linking past trauma to the current situation. Andrew Dyson was recalled by Mark in reference to a past case

Widow of the deceased, seated with her daughters and asks John to speak.

Hallucinatory figure; criminal who chained women to radiators. Charlie prepares for the imminent 'Moment' in his shelter, handling a knife and awaiting the angels while guided by the devil.

Hallucinatory figure; criminal who murdered entire families.

John's supportive wife who comforts him before and during the funeral. Eileen contacts Mark and offers to influence John Mercer's attitude toward him. Eileen is a counsellor who uses a side door for client visits and interacts with client James Reardon, learning about his domestic situation and restraining order. Eileen escorts Mark out of the office after the briefing. Escorts John from the chapel and receives an unexpected visit from client James Reardon Eileen discusses John's late work, loops a phone cable, is interviewed by Detective Sergeant Geoff Hunter about James Reardon, and reveals she has counseled Reardon for over a year and knows about his crimes. Eileen spends the night in John’s study, drinks wine, argues with John over his late‑night work, demands he call every two hours, and reflects on their strained marriage. Woke from a dream, answered a late‑night call from Geoff Hunter, learned about her husband’s possible danger and James Reardon’s visit mentioning his daughter Karli Eileen's emotional breakdown, actions, and observations of John's collage are described, showing her panic and desperate state. Eileen spent extensive time caring for her husband John during his recovery and house remained empty. Eileen was referenced by Mark during his call to the dispatcher Eileen experiences a detailed dream revealing missing items belonged to her, writes a note to John, calls sister Debra and sleeps in spare room.

Another teammate of John present at the funeral. IT specialist handling the victim’s computer data and noticing the spider‑web drawing. Greg's IT team discovers two new audio files on Simpson's computer and discusses the possibility of recovering deleted emails. IT officer provides enhanced CCTV stills of six white vans and their identification. Shares sarcastic remarks and case‑related observations Detective Greg supplies background on Carl Farmer’s personal details and financial status. Drives van in snow, monitors hypothermia, participates in hospital briefing Handles technical setup, attempts video link with Pete, processes interview data. Greg uploads data files, examines crime‑scene photos, and notes the presence of unscrewed sockets, ripped light fittings, toppled boxes, and spider‑web drawings at multiple locations. Greg argues with Mercer about contacting Hunter, gives a reassuring look to Mark before leaving, and exits the office. Collected evidence at the flat, added it to the case file silently, and did not contact the team

Hallucinatory figure; known as the quarry murderer. Jacob Barrett is recalled as a past interview subject of Mercer.

Main protagonist, a police officer struggling with anxiety about attending his colleague's funeral, experiencing panic and hallucinations. More details about John Mercer's career, personal life, and chaotic office environment are revealed. John appears in Eileen's dream where he leaves her and his possessions are missing. Senior detective who coordinates the investigation, assigns tasks and notes a mysterious spider‑web drawing. Mercer directs the investigation, plays two audio recordings of Simpson's murder, sets priorities and escorts Mark out of the office with his wife. Attends Andrew Dyson's funeral, suffers panic attack, hallucinates criminals, leaves escorted by wife and Pete Mercer coordinates the 50/50 investigation, directs canvassing, communicates with DI White, and later delegates tasks. John calls Eileen saying he is working late, mentions his deteriorating health, and reiterates his promise to keep work separate from home and to ring Eileen at intervals. Team discusses Mercer's current state and work habits Detective Mercer leads the investigation at the crime scene, examines the devil mask, poem, and spider‑web drawings, and assesses the suspect's profile and possible motives. Leads police team at hospital, coordinates with Doctor Li, plans search before dawn, arranges security and workspace John speaks with Eileen from a hospital corridor, explains he is busy with a case at Rutlands, and cannot return home immediately. Leads briefing, discusses Jodie’s status, coordinates search, and speaks with Pete via video feed. Mercer shows severe fatigue, bloodshot eyes and has an outburst asserting the 50/50 Killer is waiting in the woods until dawn to force the team to save Jodie, indicating a change in the killer’s MO. Mercer massages his forehead after the argument, offers coffee, prints Hunter’s investigation summary, and discusses Reardon’s background with Mark. Was working late, had promised to call Eileen every two hours, and his current whereabouts are uncertain Mercer confronts White, is ordered to stand down, learns about Dwyer’s attack and prepares a report for Hunter Mercer is stuck in a hospital, feeling isolated and powerless, but decides to act on the map to locate Jodie before dawn. John's wall collage and case status are detailed, revealing his mental state and recent removal from the case about the man who killed Andrew Dyson. Answered urgent call, provided map details, confirmed Pete’s status, and gave coordinates of Jodie’s likely location Anticipated to arrive at the crime scene and meet the 50/50 Killer soon. Mercer radioed from the woods confirming the girl and kidnapper are located John Mercer is in the woods, reassuring Jodie via headset, coordinating with Westmoreland and Mark Mercer reiterates his theory that three independent witnesses placed Reardon at the center of the case. An email addressed to Detective Sergeant Mercer is referenced in the chapter. Mercer's phone rang for Mark, showing a patch‑through number from the search team in the woods. John Mercer delivered the eulogy at the detective’s funeral, where the devil observed his reaction and identified him as a worthy adversary. John Mercer was mentioned as expected to arrive from the woods John appears in Eileen's dream, with his study depicted and papers floating. Attended Scott Banks' funeral, held an envelope containing Scott's unfinished "Five Hundred Reasons" list, reflected on religion and his own disbelief, and resolved to picture his lost love Lise smiling.

John's second‑in‑command who tries to calm him during the ceremony. Pete Dwyer, Mercer's second‑in‑command, assigns Mark his first field task. Provides the case briefing on Kevin Simpson’s murder and outlines the investigative plan. Pete is assigned to handle the press briefing and will issue a request for information about Jodie and Scott. Escorts John from the funeral and later dispatches Mark to the Simpson homicide Team member discusses door‑to‑door canvassing and assigns Mark to new leads. Provides personal details and insights on the case and team Officer Pete provides logistical details about the rental property and the suspect's finances, and comments on the weather and his own condition. Comments on killer's changed MO, suggests girlfriend may be dead, joins strategic discussion Pete is briefly mentioned as having left earlier, causing tension before the hospital visit. Provides live video feed from the woods, reports van location and search conditions. Co‑ordinating the search for Jodie after signing out Pete leads a night search, investigates a fire, and is ambushed, sustaining stab wounds to his arm and shoulder. Detective Dwyer (Pete) is reported stabbed in the woods and requires a car and helicopter support Pete’s earlier doubt about the search mechanics is shown to have been justified as teams are recalled before reaching the woods. Confirmed he is okay after the earlier incident

Hallucinatory figure; convicted murderer of five boys previously encountered by John.

Hallucinatory figure; convicted criminal known for building rusted‑iron devices, currently incarcerated.

Member of John's team present at the funeral. Simon is referenced as the forensics expert on the current homicide case. Lead forensic officer at the crime scene, gives Mark a tour and describes the victim’s condition. Simon remains silent and watches the recording with the rest of the team. Lab tech reports two sets of prints, one unknown possibly belonging to Jodie. Participates in conversation and offers subtle commentary Detective Simon observes the scene, noting the mask, poem and the significance of the drawings. Present in van and hospital briefing, provides input on case dynamics Simon streams live footage from his van, provides the building layout of the six‑flat block, and shares photographs of spider‑web drawings from various crime scenes. Simon is mentioned as having logged off before the 4:10 A.M. argument between Greg and Mercer.

Mysterious entity residing in the attic that watches the house, descends, ties Kevin, and threatens him with a hammer and lighter fluid. The Devil manipulates the scene, disables equipment, checks Simpson's computer, and prepares a recording for a phone call The recorded voice of the killer describes a twisted game involving Jodie and Simpson, using lighter fluid and fire. Confirms Simpson’s death and takes the audio tape for later use Mentioned confirming Simpson’s death and handling audio recording. The devil‑masked man interrogates Scott, questions his love for Jodie, holds stapled papers and a screwdriver, heats the screwdriver in the fire, and drives it into Scott’s eye before departing. The devil mask left by the suspect is described in detail. The devil‑masked man controls the scene: he locks Jodie in darkness, lights a fire with petrol, and later heats a screwdriver in the flames while tormenting Scott. The devil appears as a red‑black goat‑snouted face, taunts Scott about his artwork and physically assaults him. A devil‑like entity appears in Scott’s bedroom, calls itself “Number Eighty”, binds Scott with unseen forces, and tortures him with a heated screwdriver. The devil‑masked 50/50 Killer explains his "game" and taunts Scott The devil creates a magical fire, provides Charlie with a knife of magical properties, and instructs him on hiding from angels. The devil‑masked captor tortures Scott with fire and a heated screwdriver, lies near a fire, and watches Jodie from the stone storeroom. The devil‑masked captor materialises in Scott’s flat, interrogates him, presents a sinister paper, and departs after delivering his taunting revelations. The devil‑masked captor is found sleeping near a fire outside Jodie’s storeroom, with footprints leading deeper into the woods. The devil‑masked captor attacks Jodie and Scott, sets fire, wields a knife, and is ultimately killed by Jodie with a rock. The devil‑masked captor interrogates Scott, shows him the love‑list pages, cuts his rope, leaves him cuffed, uses a heated screwdriver to torture Scott and then drives the screwdriver into his own eye, revealing himself as a spirit in a shell planning to return in another body. The devil plans and executes the kidnapping of baby Karli, preparing a vehicle, hiding keys, renting a flat, and observing John Mercer’s funeral to identify him as the primary adversary.

Visitor who arrives at 9:15 am, has coffee with Kevin, and leaves at 4:15 pm, unaware of the devil’s presence. The Devil wonders about the girl who was in the house yesterday, assuming she is sleeping and unaware

Protagonist who discovers the devil in his attic, is captured, bound, and placed in a hot water bath by the devil. Simpson is shown drowning, severely injured and possibly near death, with his computer accessed by the Devil 30‑year‑old owner of IT company CCL, found dead in a bathtub after being tied, burned, and asphyxiated. Kevin Simpson is found burned, bound in a bathtub; his murder is recorded in an eight‑minute audio file. Found burned and bound in a hot bathtub; encounters a demonic entity and a masked intruder; the Devil confirms his death and secures an audio recording Simpson is identified as murder victim, found burned and bound in bathtub; investigation notes white vans and missing computer data. Victim whose house is now being examined for the killer’s signatures. Mentioned as possible link to Jodie’s whereabouts. Mentioned as Jodie's former university friend and affair partner Kevin’s neighbour identified Jodie; Kevin had an affair with Jodie; a spider‑web drawing was found on a wall in his house. Kevin Simpson is referenced by the devil as the man Jodie allegedly slept with, linking him to the current emotional conflict. An email shown to Scott reveals Kevin had an affair with Jodie and that he was murdered the previous day. Victim whose death was recorded; his unreciprocated love for Jodie was exploited by the killer through emails and a torture ritual. Scott imagines Kevin as the partner in Jodie’s alleged affair and recalls Kevin’s past involvement with Jodie.

Introduces the narrator, a new detective joining Mercer's team. Mark Nelson is a detective who spoke with Eileen earlier in the day. Detective on his first day, arrives late, receives briefing and is dispatched to a suburban homicide scene for door‑to‑door canvassing. Mark takes command of his first assignment, leads the team, conducts door‑to‑door canvassing and is later tasked with reading the case file after the briefing. First day as detective: signs in, gets ID photo, receives a cryptic message, and is sent to canvass the Simpson homicide Mark starts his first day under Mercer, reviews the 50/50 file and handles coffee duties. Narrator reveals personal background, recent breakup, current housing, and thoughts on the 50/50 case Detective present at hospital, interacts with Doctor Li, receives instructions not to interview Scott now, tasked with security and room setup Detective Mark Nelson conducts an interview with Scott Banks in the hospital, attempts to reassure him about Jodie, uses a recorder, and plans to keep him calm while gathering information. Narrator recounts his first day as detective, navigates hospital corridors, uses lift, and coordinates debrief with the team. Conducts the 3 a.m. interview with Scott and relays search orders Mark summarizes Scott’s second interview, prepares an alert message for the comms van, and repeatedly spills hot coffee while fetching it for the team. Mark Nelson is present at 4:10 A.M., receives coffee from Mercer, reads Geoff Hunter’s investigation summary on James Reardon, and notes detailed background information about the case. Nelson activates webcam, prepares report for Hunter, observes White’s orders and contacts Dwyer about the attack Mark conducts the early‑morning interview with Scott, shares his own drowning‑related trauma involving Lise, and urges Scott to help find Jodie before dawn. Conducted interview with Scott, monitored map progress, sent urgent request to comms, uploaded interview, reflected on emotional burden Analyzes the wall photographs at Carl Farmer's house, examines the poem and spider‑web drawings, opens the James Reardon file and anticipates Mercer's arrival. Mark receives radio instructions from John while moving through the woods Mark continues searching files and uncovers new leads about Reardon and the killer’s use of his photograph. Mark raced through the hospital at 6:58 A.M., observed the brutal killing of the security guard, noted the open window and possible escape route for Barnes, called for assistance and ordered the corridor cleared, and received a call from Mercer later in the chapter. Mark was first on scene at Mercer's house, confronted Barnes and rescued baby Karli Appeared at the funeral, spoke with Jodie, handed her his business card, and concealed an envelope for future use.

Amanda is James Reardon's ex-wife, deemed unsuitable mother, with a restraining order against James. A photograph of Amanda is shown; she is described with swelling and a single cut, identified as James Reardon's ex‑wife and mother of Karli. Described as estranged wife, original surname Taylor, appearance, temperament, and involvement in custody battle and the listening‑device incident.

James Reardon, a client with a criminal record, arrives unannounced at Eileen's house, apologizes and mentions his daughter Karli. Unexpectedly visits Eileen Mercer, apologizes, mentions his daughter Karli and then flees James is Eileen's counselling client; he was involved in assaulting Colin Barnes while his daughter Karli was present, abducted Karli afterwards, and his ex‑wife is Amanda. James Reardon’s photograph appears on the computer screen while the team reviews Hunter’s case. A comprehensive profile of James Reardon (aka Carl Farmer) is revealed, covering personal data, criminal record, family, custody battle, and recent abduction of his daughter. Visited Eileen, apologized, mentioned his daughter Karli and then fled the scene Revealed as the 50/50 Killer, his motives involve erasing love, using a devil mask, and targeting couples; he plans to meet Mercer soon. Court accepted he planted a listening device in his child's teddy bear; he denies it Reardon is implicated as a false suspect; the killer may have exploited his photograph and forced him to deliver a mask.

Karli is James Reardon's baby daughter, referenced as his motivation. Identified as James Reardon’s daughter during his visit to Eileen Karli is James Reardon's daughter; she was in a pushchair during the assault on Colin Barnes and has been abducted, currently missing. Mentioned as the newborn daughter of James and Amanda, central to the recent abduction case. Identified as James Reardon's daughter Karli is identified as Reardon’s child and possibly abducted by the killer. Karli, a baby, was taken from a hospital pen by the devil and transported in the car, crying throughout the kidnapping. Karli, a baby, was held by Barnes and rescued alive by Mark

Medical examiner who takes charge of the corpse in the bathroom.

Demonic entity that binds Kevin Simpson, confirms his death and secures an eight‑minute audio recording for future use. The masked man with a long thin knife threatens and controls Jodie and Scott, holding a mysterious bag and issuing deadly warnings. The devil mask is identified as a symbolic tool used by Reardon to embody his perceived demonic role.

A newborn found crying in a pink blanket on the waste ground, prompting Jodie to rescue it before being attacked. Jodie finds an abandoned crying baby on a desolate waste ground. Found crying on a waste ground by Jodie The crying baby is recalled as being in the van during the earlier kidnapping scene.

Protagonist who works at an insurance firm, performs a daily sandwich run, listens to music to escape, discovers an abandoned baby on a waste ground and is attacked by a masked man. Witness describes a young woman leaving Simpson's house, providing a physical description and emotional state. Jodie texts Scott, participates in the hundred‑reasons game, offers brief affection, and later discovers an abandoned baby. Routine sandwich run leads to finding an abandoned baby and a sudden assault by a masked attacker with a spray bottle Jodie is handcuffed, walking through mud-filled woods with Scott, guided by an internal voice, and notices a distinctive black tree trunk. Jodie is handcuffed together with Scott, trekking through a snowy forest while the devil‑masked captor watches, helping Scott when he slips and hearing an internal voice urging one‑step‑at‑a‑time survival. Jodie is handcuffed in an old stone building, endures darkness, hears Scott’s torture, uses her iRiver player to drown out the internal voice, and observes the devil lighting a fire and heating a screwdriver. Jodie interacts with Scott’s paintings, supports him, and is present during the devil encounter, holding him tightly. Jodie is referenced as Scott’s girlfriend, believed to be alive. Identified as Scott’s girlfriend, possibly alive, works for SafeSide Insurance. Jodie calls Scott early in the morning, crying and apologising, admits she has been unfaithful with her business partner Kevin, later meets Kevin in a hotel room where she expresses self‑hatred and begs Scott not to leave her. Jodie is identified by Simpson’s neighbour, had set up CCL with Kevin Simpson, and disappeared during her lunch hour after taking a day off to be with Simpson. Jodie is referenced as the missing girl Pete is searching for. Jodie is handcuffed and locked in a dark stone storeroom, listening to the devil‑masked captor torture Scott, feeling physical pain and exhaustion as the iRiver dies. Jodie is shown asleep in the bedroom while Scott grapples with the devil’s claims of her infidelity, highlighting her physical presence but emotional distance. Jodie is referenced as the still‑alive girlfriend they must locate. Location inferred as a small farm clearing north of a river; presumed alive and needing rescue Jodie cuts a headphone cable into a makeshift hook, discovers a thin black lock line on the door, threads the cable through a spy‑hole to unlock the storeroom, escapes into a clearing and confronts the devil‑masked captor. Referenced as the object of Kevin Simpson’s unrequited affection, central to the killer’s motive to destroy love. Jodie battles the devil‑masked captor, uses lighter fluid, kills him with a rock, is rescued by police and learns Scott survived in hospital, and notices a spider‑web drawing on the stone storeroom wall. Jodie is believed to survive the night Jodie is alive, thawing, wrapped in a blanket, moving through the woods with John and Mark, hearing radio communications and aware Scott is alive Jodie is being held captive as part of the killer’s sacrifice game. Scott repeatedly imagines Jodie’s unhappiness, her possible affair with Kevin Simpson, and her lack of love for him, shaping his torment during the captivity. Attended the funeral, showed severe panic, was approached by Detective Mark Nelson who gave her his business card and hinted at another envelope.

A man Jodie visited the previous day, mentioned in her reflections about recent personal turmoil. Kevin is revealed as Jodie’s business partner and the man with whom she had an affair, meeting her in a hotel room where she confesses the betrayal. Email exchange with Jodie revealed personal history, business details, and recent contact offering help

Jodie's coworker and friend who offers to join Jodie on the sandwich run and shares a brief, supportive interaction before Jodie leaves.

Jodie's boyfriend who texts her in the lobby, prompting a brief emotional exchange before she continues her walk. Scott is referenced as Jodie's boyfriend. Scott continues his personal list of reasons for Jodie, creates an iterative series of self‑portrait paintings, saves his work, reflects on his strained relationship, and performs a heavy bench‑press routine. Continues his ‘500 Reasons’ list, records reason 274 after a supportive text, works on self‑portrait paintings and weight training Scott is also handcuffed, has a bag over his head, and wears a tracksuit bottom, white T‑shirt, and bulky coat while being led through the woods. Scott remains captive in an old stone building, bound by rope on all limbs, continues his "500 Reasons" list (now at #274), is interrogated by the devil about his love for Jodie, and has a heated screwdriver driven into his eye. Scott is forced to wait by the fire, is handcuffed, repeatedly screams in agony while being tormented by the devil‑masked captor, and by the chapter’s end Jodie believes he is dead. Scott experiences a vivid dream, creates a block‑style painting of Jodie, and is attacked by a devil‑masked entity in his flat, suffering severe injuries. Scott Banks is injured in the hospital, heavily bandaged, on morphine drip, experiencing fragmented memories and anxiety about his girlfriend Jodie. His interview details recapped, including home attack, van ride, and bag over his head in the woods. Scott receives a distressing early‑morning phone call from Jodie, learns of her affair with Kevin, experiences a nightmare encounter with a devil‑like entity called Number Eighty, is bound and tortured with a heated screwdriver, and later travels to a hotel where Jodie meets Kevin. Severely injured victim interviewed in hospital; provides memory of child in van, Kevin, Jodie affair, stone building captivity, and details of the killer's "game" Scott recounts the affair between Jodie and Kevin Simpson, confirms Jodie’s disappearance, and mentions a baby the killer referenced, suggesting a baby was present in the van. Radio reports state that Scott Banks had been held in a stone building. Scott is bound and being tortured by the devil‑masked captor with fire and a heated screwdriver; his screams stop, implying he may be dead. Scott’s wallet contained a photograph of Jodie; the narrator reflects on his creative work and his ignorance of Jodie’s affair. Scott experiences a nightmarish dream in his flat where a devil‑masked figure confronts him, reveals Jodie’s alleged affair with Kevin Simpson, and forces him to read a taunting note. Scott is awake in his hospital room, recounts being shown an email about Jodie’s affair with Kevin, learns Kevin was murdered, and describes the captor’s actions before being released. Provided details about crossing a river, described his artwork, gave lead on Jodie’s location, expressed personal feelings Scott is captured with Jodie, tortured with fire and a heated screwdriver, appears dead, but is later revealed to have survived and be in the hospital. Scott is believed to survive the night Scott is confirmed alive and warm in hospital according to Jodie Scott’s testimony is considered possibly unreliable regarding Reardon’s identification. Scott is captured, bound in a stone outhouse, interrogated by a devil‑masked captor, shown a half‑finished "Five Hundred Reasons Why I Love You" list stopping at reason 274, forced to declare his love for Jodie, and later has a heated screwdriver driven into his eye while the captor self‑injures. The chapter revealed that the individual Mark spoke with all night was not the real Scott Banks but an imposter, confirming that the true Scott Banks remains missing or unaccounted for. More details of his death were revealed, including where he was found and the missing document he left behind.

Bellerby is the third officer assigned to Mark's team for the Simpson case.

Davy is one of the three officers assigned to Mark's team for the Simpson case.

Ross is another officer assigned to Mark's team for the Simpson case. Officer Ross supplies coffee to the team and comments on the heavy snowfall.

Yvonne Gregory, a retired resident at number fifteen, provides a detailed description of the girl seen leaving Simpson's house. Suggested as contact to positively identify Jodie from Simpson’s house photograph. Tasked to be woken for identification of Jodie

Introduced as DI overseeing Mercer's case, receiving regular updates. White orders search teams out, tells Mercer to go home and dismisses his concerns

Introduced as a fabricated identity used by the killer; his house is empty and false.

Introduced as DS who retakes control of the case after Dyson's death. Detective Sergeant Geoff Hunter arrives at Eileen's house, conducts a taped interview about the assault on Colin Barnes and the abduction of Karli Reardon, and shows a photo of Amanda Reardon. Hunter’s investigation summary is printed, revealing extensive details on James Reardon’s identity, offenses, family, and recent abduction of his daughter. Called Eileen at 4:30 am, identified himself, and told her she deserved to know something about her husband Hunter is referenced as shouting at White on the phone Hunter contacts Eileen, informing her about John's involvement in a case and his removal from it. Referred to as not yet arrived at the comms van during the call

Colin Barnes was assaulted by James Reardon; he identified Reardon as his assailant and his youngest daughter was in a pushchair during the attack and is now missing. Identified as Amanda’s boyfriend who was assaulted by Reardon while taking Karli to the park. Barnes claims Reardon assaulted him and abducted Karli. Colin Barnes was identified as the man who had impersonated Scott Banks during Mark’s night‑long conversation and is suspected of murdering the security guard before fleeing through the window. Barnes appeared wearing a devil mask, self‑inflicted severe injuries, held baby Karli and was subdued by police Referred to as the perpetrator who mirrored Scott’s injuries and left the unfinished list in the old storeroom.

Primary suspect in the 50/50 Killer case, renting a house for a year and leaving a devil mask and cryptic poem at the scene. Referenced as location of earlier incident Identified by Scott as a man who visited their house months earlier A devil mask, a driver’s licence photo of Carl Farmer, and a spider‑web drawing were discovered inside his house. Identified as the same individual as James Reardon; photograph and alias confirmed in Hunter’s file. His rented house contains a wall with spider‑web drawings and a poem tied to the 50/50 Killer’s symbolism. Carl Farmer’s house was used as a nest by the killer; his licence photo was exploited.

Neighbour opposite Carl Farmer who provides a brief sighting of the suspect. Megan’s interview reveals she was on the phone by the front window for only a minute when Reardon entered.

Hospital doctor giving medical details on Scott Banks and refusing interview Doctor Li escorted Mark to Scott's room and remains protective about who can access Scott.

Scott's girlfriend, alleged kidnapping victim, fate uncertain Subject of Scott's recollection; her past affair and career details revealed Narrator believes Jodie is still alive hidden in the woods and notes a photograph of her taken from Scott’s wallet.

Half‑naked man claiming kidnapping, now in hospital with severe injuries, unable to be interviewed

A tall, solid security guard in a pale brown uniform blocks entry to Scott’s room. Scott nods to the security guard outside his hospital room before entering. The security guard was found dead in the hospital room, having suffered a brutal beating with a broken head and mangled arm.

Eileen’s sister Debra offers to come and help Eileen, but Eileen declines, insisting she will handle the situation herself. Debra receives Eileen's call and picks her up.

Young officer who called in from the woods, appeared terrified, reported a stabbing victim and that the suspect was an old man living rough. Officer Bates reports the discovery of the girl and later the team's movement out of the woods

Man whose faltering testimony the narrator visualizes, described with a bruised down‑turned face.

The narrator’s deceased partner, whose memory triggers panic and drives his emotional state. Mark recalled his past connection with Lise while racing through the hospital, indicating her emotional relevance to his motivations. Mentioned as a lost loved one who died at sea, reinforcing the narrator’s reflections on death.

Mark describes his late fiancée Lise, who drowned during a beach camping trip.

Narrator introduced as Mark Panic, a police officer coordinating the response to the kidnapping

Westmoreland leads the team in the woods, uses radio to request note reading and coordinate movement

Amanda Taylor appears as Colin Barnes’s girlfriend who identified Reardon.