DI Calleja’s office was not made to fit the number of bodies that were filling it at the moment. Maggie squeezed her way to the front and listened as Nathan shared the details of the latest victim.
‘Another one that resembles me?’ Kate paled.
‘I’m afraid so, Kate. After we found the letters in Tracy Holloway’s flat, we have no doubt that whoever is doing this feels some connection to you. This must be your stalker – and he’s spiralling out of control now. You can see why we’re all concerned.’ Maggie listened as Nathan relayed the information in a soothing manner. He clearly didn’t want to upset Kate any further.
Kate turned to Maggie. ‘Did they tell you I got another email?’
Maggie looked at Nathan and DI Calleja before turning back to Kate. ‘No. What did it say and when did you get it?’
‘It just said “see you soon” with two kisses. It arrived while I was waiting for you both. I sent it over to Bethany and she said they’d run a trace on it, but like the other one, he’s probably covered his tracks.’ She ran her fingers through her hair. ‘What’s the plan then?’ Kate looked around the room.
Nathan was the first to speak. ‘We can provide you with a personal alarm and have one installed in your flat. Your address is already red-flagged, so any calls from you are classed as an emergency. I understand that Maggie has invited you to stay with her until your security system is installed. I think that’s a good idea. Otherwise, I’ll have to issue you with an Osman warning.’
An Osman warning, currently known as a Threat to Life Warning notice but often referred to under its old name, was issued if police had intelligence of a real and immediate threat to the life of an individual. Maggie hoped Kate would realize the seriousness of the situation if Nathan was suggesting one at this stage.
‘It would make me feel much better, but I don’t want to place Maggie or her brother at risk from this person.’ Kate sat down, her shoulders tensed.
‘Hey. Nathan assured me that the same flag and alarm system would be placed on my house. Plus, how much safer can you get? Having your own police officer on call.’ Maggie smiled, hoping it would ease Kate’s mind.
‘You can’t babysit me twenty-four-seven. That wouldn’t be fair on you and I wouldn’t feel comfortable myself.’
Nathan interjected. ‘How about we leave you two to discuss the details while DI Calleja and I go and speak to the field team and make sure that a risk assessment plan is in place? We’ll see you both shortly.’ DI Calleja followed Nathan into the main office.
Maggie sat across from Kate and tried to reassure her. ‘Andy works nights mainly, so it would be nice to have some company in the evening. But I know how much you like your privacy, so there’s enough space in my house that you can go off and be on your own, knowing that there’s someone around for company. We can travel together into work and meet up to come back home. The less you’re alone, the better I will feel.’
‘Are you sure? Have you told your brother? He may not like the intrusion.’
‘Leave Andy to me. I know he lives there, but it’s my house. And I honestly don’t think he’ll mind at all. Like I said, we’ll be gone during the day when he sleeps and sleeping when he gets home, so no toes will be stepped on.’ Maggie reached over and squeezed Kate’s hand. ‘Please consider it. Plus, I may need your help – if you have any idea of who might be doing this, tell me. I know you can’t actually work the case, but if I had any questions it would be handy to be able to talk to you …’ Maggie winked. She could be disciplined if she did discuss the case with Kate and anyone found out. She’d be as careful as possible.
‘OK. I’ll stay, but only until my flat is secured. After that, I’m going home. What am I going to do about Salem?’
‘Oh shit. I forgot about him. I’m not sure how Scrappy would take to having another cat in the house. Plus, I have a cat flap. What if Salem got out and wandered?’
‘Yeah, that’s my worry too. I have a neighbour who’s quite friendly. I’ll see if he minds looking after him for a few days. Right, I guess I’d better get home and sort all this out.’
‘You do know I’m coming with you, right?’
‘I’d be surprised if you didn’t.’
Maggie thought she saw a smile forming.
‘I’ll just let Nathan know what we’re doing. Don’t leave the building without us.’
‘Yes, ma’am!’ Kate laughed.