Kate watched as Maggie collected the dinner plates and took them to the kitchen. She wanted to talk to Maggie about her own thoughts on the stalker-turned-killer but didn’t know if she would be overstepping the mark.
When Maggie returned to the room, Kate couldn’t keep her thoughts in any longer. ‘I know DI Rutherford won’t let me be involved in the case, but would you mind if we talk a few things through?’
Maggie’s eyes brightened. ‘I was hoping you’d say that. You’re right that it’s a conflict of interest, but I know you must have put together some thoughts and I think they would be helpful for the team. I can give them to Nathan, and he’ll decide how to take it forward.’
‘OK. Great. I’ll just go and grab my notebook from upstairs.’ She raced up the stairs and rifled through her bag. Shit. I must have left them at my flat.
She returned to the living room and slumped in the chair across from Maggie. ‘I think I left them at home, probably in the rush of things. I can go by and collect them tomorrow.’
Maggie frowned. ‘Not without someone accompanying you. We agreed and you promised.’
‘OK. I’ll make sure someone from work comes with me. How about we talk through what I can remember?’
Maggie nodded as Kate began to speak.
‘Stalkers are categorized in a few groups – I think the type of person we’re dealing with is someone seeking intimacy. I think this person is lonely. Given the way he tried to make the women into … how can I explain it? Childlike, almost. What did that reporter say? A living doll. A compliant, personal plaything. Victims are usually strangers or acquaintances who become the target of the stalker’s desire for a relationship – I don’t think I know this person, but that’s not to say I haven’t come across them.’ Kate looked off into the distance recalling an incident from her past, but immediately dismissed it and carried on her conversation with Maggie. ‘This type of stalker may have delusional beliefs about their victim, such as the idea that they’re already in a relationship, even though none exists. The notes, the gifts to me … as creepy as they were, he probably thought he was making a connection rather than trying to scare or threaten me or the other women. The initial motivation is to establish an emotional connection and an intimate relationship. The stalking is maintained by the satisfaction that comes from the hope that they are closely linked to another person. Not all will escalate to killing, but this one clearly has. I definitely think my stalker is our killer.’ Kate stared directly ahead.
‘That’s a lot of information to take in, but hearing you say it out loud, it makes sense. And I’m assuming it’s escalated because you went to the police, or at least that’s contributed to it.’
‘I’m afraid that’s probably true. The first victim was abducted around the time I reported the incidents, right?’ This was part of the reason she was reluctant to share things with the police. Every time she did, something bad happened.
‘Off the top of my head, I can’t say for sure – but that’s easily checked. Saying that though, I hope you’re not blaming yourself for this.’ Maggie looked reassuringly at Kate.
‘It’s hard not to feel responsible in some way, but I’ve studied this type of individual long enough to know that regardless of my actions, it could have ended up this way. Right now, I have to consider that I’m the one at most risk. Rejection can be taken hard and even though he may not see it as rejection at the moment, he was clearly angry that I went to the police. I still can’t get my head around how this person knew my work email.’
‘Bethany said he’s covered his tracks. The email is untraceable. These types of accounts are easy to set up. The reality is, we all know how sometimes people just give out details without checking someone’s credentials. He could’ve called the office pretending to be someone, and when you’re busy at work, you sometimes just forget protocol. I’ve probably done it myself and we may never find out. You said you may have come across this person before. Do you think you know who it might be?’
‘No. Ignore me.’ Kate hoped her nervous laugh wasn’t noticeable. ‘No one comes to mind, though I’ve met quite a few new people recently with all the training I’ve been on. Maybe I met them that way?’
‘You mean a colleague?’ Maggie’s head cocked to the right.
Kate laughed. ‘Not necessarily. It could’ve been someone who takes the same train or bus as me. It could be someone who saw me in town. I guess I really don’t know as I don’t think this person has approached me directly yet.’ Her mind was leading her down all kinds of paths and none of them seemed to lead anywhere.
‘Would you know if you did? Our minds can be our best friend or our worst enemy. You’ll be jumpy anyway with all that’s happening. Are you really OK?’ Maggie leaned forward.
‘I suppose you’re right.’ Kate stared at the wall. ‘It’s just so unnerving. I hate that someone has this much control over me. I’ll have to change my routines, or I’ll end up making myself a prisoner in my own home … or your home.’
‘I can’t imagine what you must be going through. Have you considered talking to someone about it?’ Maggie rubbed her knees.
‘That’s what I’m doing right now.’ Kate smiled.
‘Yes, but I meant someone professional. Someone who can help you deal with all the feelings you’ll be going through.’
‘I’m OK. Just a bit pissed off. But I do know professionals if I ever do need to go down that route. Right now, I want to help catch this guy … even if it is from the sidelines.’