Maggie tapped on Nathan’s door and he waved her in, but before she could get any words out, his desk phone rang. She noticed the colour drain from his face as the call ended.
‘Grab your stuff – another woman has been found. Goth-like appearance.’
‘You’re shitting me, right? Our killer could be escalating.’ Maggie stood.
‘Looks like it. Can you ask Bethany to call Markston and make sure Kate doesn’t leave the office until we can get over there.’
‘I definitely think there can be no doubt now.’ Maggie relayed her earlier discussion with Julie Noble, who had already concluded the same, after realizing that Dr Moloney bore a resemblance to the dressed-up version of Tracy Holloway. She rushed over to Bethany. ‘There’s been another body found. Same MO as the first. Nathan wants you to contact Markston and make sure Kate doesn’t leave until we get there.’
‘Bloody hell. OK, on it. Do you want me to call you when that’s confirmed?’ Bethany was trying to hide her concern, but Maggie could see through her.
‘Erm … send me a text. Unless she’s already gone, then give me a bell. I’ll see you later.’
***
Nathan and Maggie drove out to the latest crime scene. Another park, though this one was a little more secluded – and it didn’t take long for Maggie to realize the village was again in close proximity to where Kate lived. Maggie wondered if they could use the geographical profiling that Kate had trained them in to see if they could pinpoint the possible anchor point where the killer worked or resided. It seemed too coincidental that both victims were dumped in locations surrounding the area where Kate lived.
Nathan pulled up behind the ambulance that was present at the scene. A crowd was gathering behind the police cordon that had been put up. ‘I’m going to see if the SIO is nearby and find out more. I’ll meet you at the Forensic Investigation van.’ Nathan turned off the car and got out.
Maggie checked her mobile. One message from Bethany to confirm Kate was still at Markston. She tucked her phone back in her jacket pocket and got out of the car, headed over to the forensics van and put on the crime-scene suit, trying to see past the crowd of people who were clearly fascinated by whatever lay beyond the police cordon.
Nathan made her jump as he approached from behind. ‘Sorry. I really need to stop doing that, don’t I?’
‘Yeah, you do. Jesus.’ Maggie’s heart was thumping so loudly in her chest, she thought everyone could hear it. ‘What did the SIO say?’
‘Female. Approximately twenty-five to thirty years old. Black hair. Sounds like she was dressed almost exactly the same as Tracy Holloway. Dr Blake is there now. They’re sending the ambulance away. No need for it – she’s definitely dead.’
Maggie followed Nathan as they made their way through the crowd and under the police cordon. They signed in with the crime-scene manager and followed the path laid out by the forensics team to the body in the crime-scene tent. The victim was positioned in almost the exact same way as Ms Holloway – similar clothing, face down, no personal items like a handbag nearby. Maggie shuddered.
‘Ah, Maggie, Nathan, how are you both? I was just about to head back to the lab while my team finish up here. Glad I caught you though.’
‘Hi, Fiona. I’d say we’re good, but two bodies within such a short amount of time is never a good sign. What can you tell us?’
‘My initial observations are that this victim has not been dead long due to the presence of rigor mortis. We are looking at similar circumstances to the first murder – so same killer.’ Fiona beckoned for them to come forward as she pulled down the top the victim was wearing and revealed an infinity symbol tattoo on the right shoulder. ‘First thing I looked for. I don’t think it’s coincidental that both victims have this, do you?’
‘Damn. Damn. Damn.’ Maggie slapped her hand against her leg.
‘My feelings too, Maggie. No full black eyes this time – slight bruising on the one, but they are sewn shut, as is the mouth. Also, no other discernible lacerations or injuries to her body that I can see. She has marks on her wrists and I suspect her ankles – once I get those boots off, I can check. Though they seem to be fading.’ Dr Blake shook her head. ‘I don’t think her death was as quick as the other one. Right. I’m heading back. As per usual, I’ll send you over my findings as soon as they’re available.’
‘Thanks.’ Nathan left the tent and was looking around the area. Maggie followed him and they saw a PCSO talking to a lone male. ‘That must be the witness. Go over and see what you can find out. I’ll meet you back at the car. I’m just going to call Dr Moloney and let her know we’ll be there within the next hour.’
Maggie nodded and headed towards the PSCO and witness, who seemed more interested in the body than in answering whatever questions were being asked of him.