In 2003, the mayor of a small town on the Sambre is horrified to learn one of her employees has been raped. She cajoles the victim into attending a press conference.

Winter 2012. Etienne Winckler, a detective specialising in cold cases, is handed the old 'Sambre rapist' case to see if it can be closed. As he pours over files at the local police archives he discovers more victims - including Christine.