Because his new boss has taken against him; the case is a poisoned chalice with a 'faceless lady' victim; and his main suspect is pals with the Chief Constable. Does she really expect him to supply a free card for his cousin, Jailhouse Jack? When what Jack needs is a miracle. Rafferty's boss rubs his hands in anticipation of his failure; perhaps he's got some detective favourite ready to slot into his space. And the case of the 'Faceless Lady' looks likely to be the one that enables him to do it. His Ma's little problem just adds the cherry on the top. But when it comes, it's from such an unlikely source that he suspects the fates are having a laugh at his expense. But it's the only clue he's got, so he has to follow it up. Rafferty wishes he knew. The only thing he's sure of is his boss gunning for him if he fails. The victim needs justice, and Rafferty's determined to get it for her. But he also wants to deprive his boss of his petty satisfaction. So he goes with his gut-instinct, but keeps his fingers crossed all the way.