Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
A Case Under Pressure
Janusz is assigned to the feared Vampire murder investigation under pressure from authorities and senior officials. A large suspect pool and distracting letters make progress difficult.
Key Events
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Janusz Takes the Vampire Case — In 1972, Janusz is assigned to lead the investigation into the murders. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
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Pressure for a Quick Success — Authorities demand results amid public fear and political scrutiny. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
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Hundreds of Suspects Considered — Investigators consider hundreds of possible suspects. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
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Letters Distract Investigators — Letters claiming knowledge of the killer add distractions to the case. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
A Suspect and a Piece of Evidence
A woman is murdered despite a nearby police stakeout, and the investigation turns toward Kalicki. Police find a steel rod hidden in potatoes and present it as key evidence.
Key Events
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A Murder During the Stakeout — Another woman is murdered while police conduct a nearby stakeout. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
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Kalicki Draws Attention — The investigation focuses on Kalicki, who was in the park when a victim was killed. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Park
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Janusz Questions Kalicki — Janusz questions Kalicki as the investigation examines claims about burned shoes. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Unspecified
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Rod Found in Potatoes — Police find a leather-wrapped steel rod hidden among potatoes and present it as evidence. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Unspecified
Public Success, Private Doubt
Kalicki's arrest and the announcement of the capture bring public relief and rewards for Janusz. Janusz nevertheless doubts the case, and another suspect's death intensifies his concerns.
Key Events
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Kalicki Is Arrested — Kalicki is arrested after police identify him as the suspected killer. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Unspecified
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The Capture Is Announced — The announcement that the Vampire has been caught brings public relief. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Unspecified
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Rewards and Lingering Doubts — Janusz receives recognition and rewards but privately doubts the accusation. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
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Another Suspect's Death Raises Questions — A suspect's death deepens Janusz's doubts about the investigation. Characters: Janusz Jasiński
Location: Unspecified
Uncertain Testimony
Kalicki's trial becomes a public spectacle, with Teresa questioned about her marriage and the courtroom audience demanding punishment. A witness's identification is weakened by inconsistencies and her admission that she did not bring her glasses.
Key Events
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Kalicki's Trial Begins — Kalicki's case becomes a public spectacle as the trial proceeds. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Wiesław Kalicki, Teresa Jasińska
Location: Courtroom
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Teresa Testifies About Her Marriage — Teresa is questioned about her marriage and her account of Janusz's behavior. Characters: Janusz Jasiński, Teresa Jasińska
Location: Courtroom
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Witness Identification Is Challenged — A witness's weather account conflicts with the record, and she admits she did not bring her glasses. Characters: Wiesław Kalicki
Location: Courtroom