Friday 4 February, 01:10
Loxton looked around the almost empty CID office. Even in the police station she no longer felt safe. In a way she was glad it was quiet here. Just Lena and a couple of officers working nearby, while she waited for the protection officer. Loxton had been sent Dr Reynolds’s early examination notes on Sarah’s body via email. It was hard reading. Her friend had endured a brutal death.
Again, there was clear evidence that she had been raped, but the killer had not left any trace DNA behind. It was incredible that he was so forensically aware. And it was frustrating. Predators like this were so rare. Normally they were compulsive, making some mistakes along the way. But this killer, despite escalating in violence, seemed to maintain a firm grip on himself and preserve his discipline to a faultless forensic level.
On a search of the woods another printed-out note had been found near Sarah’s body. It had read, ‘Too late for Sarah. Will you be too late for Gabriella?’
Kevin Harding was a perfect candidate – almost too perfect. He fit the profile Lena had compiled, even down to the PTSD. The murders were calculated and must have been planned over a significant amount of time. It did fit someone with military experience. Someone with a hatred of the system, lashing out at authority in any way they could. And they’d had him and he’d got away.
Winter walked into the office. His face was grave, and Loxton saw that a firearms officer was following him. ‘Alana, your protection officer is here.’
She closed her laptop down, knowing that she wouldn’t be able to take it with her, wouldn’t even be allowed to take a mobile with her.
The man nodded a hello at her. ‘My name’s Philip. I’ve been doing this for ten years and I’m going to keep you safe.’
‘Thanks,’ she said, trying not to sound ungrateful.
‘I know this is weird, but we’ll get through it. I’ve got the car outside.’
‘We won’t be able to have any contact after this,’ Winter said. ‘So take care of yourself, okay? And I’ll see you on the other side.’
‘Thanks, sir,’ she said. Now was not the time to argue with him. ‘Catch him for me.’
‘We will,’ Winter promised.
She followed the protection officer out of the office. She couldn’t see Kowalski anywhere, but Lena caught her at the door. ‘Alana, thank you so much for everything. We’re going to stop him and then you’ll be straight back with us,’ she said.
‘I know,’ Loxton said.
‘It’s going to be so weird not being able to ring you about the case.’ She shook her head.
‘You don’t need me,’ Loxton said.
‘You were the one who first realized this was a series. We do need you.’
Loxton smiled. ‘I’ll see you soon.’
‘Take care of yourself.’ Lena hugged her briefly and then stepped back.
‘I will,’ Loxton said.
‘We’ve got to go,’ Philip said.
Loxton glanced around the office one last time, watching the team working. She couldn’t see Kowalski, but maybe it was for the best.