Dr. Kit Quin, at the request of the police, does a psychological evaluation of Michael Doll, a disturbed young man seen hanging around primary schools. While in questioning, Doll smashes a mug and tears up Kit's face. Nightmares of a red room afflict Kit during her recovery. In the red room, nightmares become real. Three months later, the police again ask for Dr. Quin's help. They are questioning Michael Doll in connection with the possible murder of Lianne, a teenage drifter, by the canal where he fishes. Kit doesn't think he's the canal killer and explores a theory of hers with the help of Will Pavic, director of a center for such transients as Lianne. Will had cast off his prosperous yet hollow career in finance to look after London's runaways, the young and the lost.
