Chapter summary
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The prologue opens with John Mercer standing in front of a mirror, his wife Eileen helping him adjust his tie while urging him not to attend Andrew Dyson’s funeral. Mercer feels a deep sense of duty and shame about possibly missing the ceremony, but his physical weakness and emotional exhaustion make him doubt his ability to cope. He eventually decides to go, describing the chapel’s atmosphere, the uniformed police officers, and the placement of the coffin. The officiant, a Humanist Association representative, delivers a non‑religious tribute, speaking about community, loss, and the transformation of death through love. As the officiant speaks, Mercer’s anxiety escalates; he experiences ringing in his ears, a feeling of distance, and a rapid heartbeat. When it is his turn to read the prepared tribute, his hands tremble, his voice sounds foreign, and he struggles to recall his words. While speaking, he becomes convinced that several notorious criminals he has investigated are present in the congregation: Robert Parker, Sam Phillips, Charlies Yi, Jacob Barrett, Craig Harris, and a shadowy, horn‑headed figure. He perceives them as moving slowly down the aisle, staring at him, which intensifies his panic. Pete, his second‑in‑command, repeatedly tries to calm Mercer, placing a hand on his arm and urging him to sit down. Mercer initially rejects the help, insisting that Pete cannot see the men, but eventually, overwhelmed, he embraces Pete, begins to cry, and allows Pete to lead him out of the chapel. As they walk down the aisle, Eileen touches his arm, and the group—Mercer, Pete, and the rest of his team—exits the chapel together, seeking safety in the light outside.