Nathan was coming out of his office with his coat on when Maggie grabbed his attention. ‘Can I have a word before you shoot off?’
‘I’ve only a few minutes. I’ve been summoned to a meeting with DCI Hastings after I speak with the DI.’
‘Oh. Hope it’s nothing serious. I just spoke to one of Tracy’s friends and she mentioned that Tracy had been sent some random notes from someone but had hidden them from her boyfriend.’
‘And what? She was seeing someone else?’ Nathan appeared distracted.
‘Well, that’s what the boyfriend thought. According to the friend, the couple got into an argument; he was charged with criminal damage and was given bail conditions to keep away. Possibly the reason he hasn’t come forward, so we should have his details on record. But why didn’t those notes turn up when her house was searched?’
‘You’re losing me, Maggie. What’s the significance of the notes?’
‘Could they be from the killer? What if Tracy was being stalked too, like Kate?’
‘Interesting theory but without the notes, it’s hard to say – and we can’t just make up evidence to link this to Kate’s situation.’ Nathan looked at his watch.
‘I wouldn’t do that. I just wanted you to know that I’m going to go and talk to her friends and colleagues again. See if they can shed further light on these notes. I’ll update you if I find anything of interest.’
‘Sounds good, but tread carefully. I don’t want you planting any ideas in their heads – they need to be the ones who tell you the details, not the other way around.’
Nathan left without waiting for a reply. Maggie went back to her desk and made a list of the people she would speak to, starting with Tracy Holloway’s parents. They had already been interviewed by the field officers and from what the records said, it looked like Tracy had been close to them; she may have told them about the letters or be able to direct Maggie to someone who did know.