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Content Warning: This section of the guide depicts abduction, suicide and suicidal ideation, domestic violence, and the exploitation of minors.

“Much of the so-called undesirable element have fled these dangerous in-person transactions for the relative safety of online commerce—much less need for the risky drive-by sex trade, yet another positive by-product of the internet—but if you go to the other side of the literal and figurative tracks, away from those shiny new towers, there are still places where the sleaze element survives in a concentrated form.”

As Win explores King’s Cross in pursuit of Patrick, he reflects on gentrification. He maintains that crime will always exist, but the means of engaging in crime will continue to evolve. The dichotomy of safe expectations and dangerous realities resonates throughout the text. The same tensions of King’s Cross are reflected in the Meatpacking District and the Baldwins’ and Moores’ upscale neighborhood.

“They both stopped as though they sensed it. When things are going this well, you sort of hold your breath because you want it to last. You don’t want to stop or even slow down time as much as you just want to stay safe in your little bubble.”

In this section, Myron and Terese are blissfully happy in each other’s company. However, they have both experienced significant trauma that makes them wary of appreciating special moments because they know that they are not going to last, a phenomenon Harlan Coben explains with the metaphor of a bubble: fragile and temporary. Coben examines The Impact of Trauma on Individuals and Families but uses Myron and Terese as an example of what can be achieved with communication and a proactive desire to improve the other person’s life.

“It was still daylight, but only the naive believe this sort of trade goes on solely under the blanket of darkness. Still, as Myron arrived at the lookout spot Win had used yesterday, he looked down and saw that this would not be easy. The police were here.”

Myron contemplates the prostitution ring and the impact of the internet on crime. Traditionally “bad” areas have been gentrified, and places (and times) that were once considered safe spaces can be easily corrupted. With Myron’s reflection, Coben again highlights how “bad” (crimes) can happen in any space, regardless of how safe and innocent it appears, and that contrary to