[2] The story opens in a Tokyo police station where 34-year-old Lucy Fly is being questioned over the murder of her friend and fellow British expatriate Lily Bridges.

She is evasive in her answers to the police but recounts to the readers what led to her current situation: her estrangement from her family in England, her relationship with Teiji, an enigmatic photographer, and the recent arrival of Lily.

While living in Japan, Lucy befriends Teiji, who works in a noodle shop by day and takes photographs at night, after a chance encounter in the street which leads to casual sex.

When Lily decides to return home to her abuser, Lucy manipulates her into staying in Japan with the promise of a trip to Sado Island.

In a fit of contrition Lucy falsely confesses to the murder, but she is cleared when CCTV footage shows Lily alive several hours after the supposed time of death - and meeting Teiji, who has disappeared.