Maggie rubbed her eyes. She’d been trawling through records in the hopes of finding a solid lead when Nathan dropped a photocopied piece of paper on her desk. He pulled up a chair without saying a word. Things still weren’t right between them after he’d called her out about her often solitary working methods, but neither of them would let any of those feelings get in the way of solving this case. Maggie looked at him, waiting for an answer and when one was not forthcoming, she picked up the copy and looked closely at the words on the picture. A popular meme about fixing broken dolls.
‘What the hell is this?’ It sounded familiar but Maggie couldn’t place it.
‘That’s from our journalist friend. She claims it came anonymously in the post along with a note telling her the details from the crime scene and signed with the infinity symbol. She penned the name “Living Doll Killer” in her article.’
‘Is she claiming that no one told her of the living doll reference made by Dr Blake at the scene then?’
‘She denied any knowledge. Not sure I believed her though. Then she just showed me this,’ he pointed to the meme, ‘and the other letters, which I’ve handed over to evidence. She claims the killer is reaching out to her and she’s only trying to help the police and make sure women remain vigilant.’
‘Hang on. You said “letters”. What else did they say?’
‘Mainly nonsensical – poetry, references to family, finding a perfect match. That sort of thing. Once they’ve been processed, we’ll have the opportunity to examine them further and see how they fit in with what we know. But there was something interesting about them.’
‘What’s that then?’ Maggie sat up in her chair.
‘They were all written with a gold pen on black paper. Like the notes Kate received.’
‘I was hoping you weren’t going to say that. They are legit then and there can be no doubt about Kate, Tracy, and now the journalist having had the same contact. I think Kate is the main target, but why is he taking these other women? What’s the plan?’
‘That’s what we need to figure out. Our journalist friend wants to meet with you. She thinks she can set a trap for the killer in her articles and wants to work with you and only you on arranging this.’
Maggie stood. ‘No fucking way, Nathan. That is NOT going to happen. The fact you’ve even mentioned it leads me to believe you told her it might be possible, so I suggest you get on the phone with her and tell her no bloody way.’
‘Sit down and listen to me.’ He waited while she sat back down in her chair. ‘I know she’s not on your list of favourite people at the moment, but I think she may be on to something and I’d like you to just have a conversation with her … over the phone if that would make it easier for you to swallow. See what her ideas are and then we can talk about it further.’
Maggie crossed her arms. ‘What about the shit she put me through on the Raven case? If this all goes pear-shaped, she will crucify me in the press … again. Absolutely not, Nathan. I can’t believe you’re even asking me to consider this. What is she playing at? Hasn’t she done enough damage already?’
‘I’m not asking. I’m telling.’ He looked over his shoulder in the direction of DI Rutherford’s office. The DI was standing in her doorway and nodded at Nathan. ‘I’ve spoken to the guv and we both feel this is something we need to pursue. This is a direct order. I need you to call her and hear her out. Once you do that, you, me, and DI Rutherford will meet and come up with a strategy.’
Maggie’s jaw dropped. ‘I see. I have no choice or say in the matter. Right then, you’d best leave me to it.’ She turned her back on Nathan. ‘Just leave her details on my desk and I’ll get to it once I’ve finished what I was doing.’
‘Maggie, don’t be like that. Put your pride aside and remember we’re doing what’s best for the case.’
‘Of course, sir.’ Maggie stared at her computer screen, hiding the tears that threatened to fall. She’d never thought Nathan would place her in this kind of position. Although she knew he was right, it irked her that he didn’t seem to take her feelings into consideration at all.
That bloody reporter won’t get the best of me this time.
He stood and dropped the journalist’s card on her desk. He mumbled ‘fucksake’ as he took the few steps back to his office and closed the door.
‘Wanker.’ She picked up the card and looked at the details. She now had a name to put to the face: Julie Noble. Flicking the card between her fingers she took a deep breath before she picked up her phone and dialled.
‘Stafford Gazette, Julie Noble speaking.’
Maggie froze. Just the sound of this woman’s voice made her want to scream.
‘Hello? Is there anyone there?’
‘This is DC Maggie Jamieson from the Major and Organised Crime Department at Stafford Police Station. I understand you’re expecting a call from me.’
‘Well, well, well. DC Jamieson. I didn’t think your boss could convince you. Even though he assured me it wouldn’t be a problem.’
‘Did he now?’ Maggie slung daggers at Nathan’s door. She hoped he could feel each one of them tear through him. ‘My only concern is catching this killer, so why wouldn’t I want to be involved?’
‘Considering the looks you’ve thrown my way whenever I’ve seen you – and I’m guessing they’re the same ones you’re throwing at your boss as we speak – I figured you might be a little reluctant.’
Maggie had to bite her tongue. ‘Mrs Noble. Can we just start discussing what your idea is, please? I’m kind of busy and don’t have time to waste.’
‘It’s Ms. And yes, of course. However, I’d rather not do this over the phone. So, when can we meet?’
‘As I said, I’m rather busy and can’t really drop what I’m doing to meet you for what may turn out to be a no-go.’
‘It’s face-to-face or nothing at all. Unless you’d rather I just do things my own way, DC Jamieson. The choice is yours.’
Maggie cursed under her breath. She knew Nathan would order her to go if she didn’t so she may as well get it over and done with. ‘Fine. I’m tied up at the moment, but I’ll meet you in town at the café on the corner just down from the police station at 3pm. Do you know the one I mean?’
‘There’s only one, so yeah, I do. I’ll see you then.’
Maggie threw her phone onto her desk. This had better be worth it.
First things first. She needed to see the letters.