Kate felt exhausted. Thoughts of a time in London kept creeping into her head – an unknown stranger pestering her with calls. Nothing had been done about him and Kate had felt like a fool for going to the police at the time. They’d made her feel that way. She was grateful that Maggie had a knack for cheering her up and the meal and conversation had worked a treat. They were just about to choose a movie when Maggie’s brother arrived home from work and popped his head into the living room.
‘Well, hello. You must be Dr Moloney. I’m Andy. Pleasure to finally meet you. I’d shake your hand, but I’m rather grimy I’m afraid.’
Kate smiled. ‘Nice to finally meet you too! And please, call me Kate. Are you going to join us?’ He was better looking than Kate had imagined. Nice smile.
‘I’m sure Andy will want to get a shower, right?’ Maggie glared at her brother and Kate was surprised at the frosty tone in Maggie’s voice.
‘Er, yeah. Best get cleaned up.’
She watched as he made his way up the stairs and turned to Maggie. ‘He seems nice.’
‘I guess so. What do you want to watch?’ Maggie flicked through the films.
The mood in the room seemed to have changed and Kate couldn’t figure out why. Maybe she was overthinking things. With everything going on, that would be understandable.
‘Do you like horror? I don’t really watch any fluffy stuff … Oh, that sounded bad, but you know what I mean, right?’ Kate wasn’t interested in a happily-ever-after film.
Maggie laughed. ‘Yes. I’m sure we can find something – a thriller maybe?’
While Maggie searched the menu on Netflix, Kate moved over to the couch and stared out of the window. The man with the missing dog poster popped back into her head. His voice. This would play on her mind until she remembered.
Andy returned to the room a short while later. ‘Can I get you ladies a drink? Or something to munch on while you watch your film?’
‘We’re OK here.’ Maggie carried on flicking through the options.
‘Actually, I wouldn’t mind a tea if you’re making one. Thanks.’ Kate flashed him a smile.
‘No problem. Maggie? You sure you don’t want anything?’
‘Well if you’re making one, I’ll have a coffee.’
When Andy had left the room, Kate whispered, ‘Is everything OK between you two? I haven’t said anything out of order to upset you, have I?’
Maggie shook her head. ‘Sorry, no. Everything’s fine. I’m just feeling a bit on edge.’
‘Shouldn’t it be me that feels that way?’ Kate nudged her leg, trying to lighten the mood.
‘You’re right. The case is just getting on top of me. We don’t have any good leads and the longer the killer is loose, the riskier it is for—’ Maggie stopped short.
‘For me. The riskier it is for me, Maggie. Please don’t walk on eggshells around me. I want to know what’s happening. Well, as much as you’re allowed to share. It’ll help me get a solid profile and that’, she tapped her friend on the knee, ‘will help you catch this guy sooner. OK?’
‘OK. Can I ask you something?’ Maggie turned to Kate.
‘Of course.’
‘This guy has escalated; I think we agree that it’s the same perpetrator in both the cases. How long do you think the stalking of each victim has been going on? And why has he moved from the letters and gifts to abduction and murder?’
‘Hmmm. All great questions and something I’ve been running through my own head too. Based on what we know, I’d say I’ve been on his radar for a least a few months; when I was initially receiving items, it was some time ago, just before the Raven case came to light. I just hadn’t realized the significance. I’d say that with the other two women, he could have been stalking them for a similar time frame, perhaps even at the same time – and without sounding crass, these women were his backup plan.’
‘Why do you think that?’
‘Because he dresses them to look like me. They both looked very different before he dyed their hair, changed their outfits and, at least in the first case, he even put in the blue contacts. I know it’s not a popular belief, but I definitely think this person has some medical knowledge. Maybe they went to med school and failed, but I’d say there’s a certain skill used that demonstrates a limited knowledge of procedures. Though …’
‘What?’
‘Maybe they have a fascination with serial killers who have done this before. Like Jeffrey Dahmer. He crudely attempted lobotomies in the hope that his victims would stay with him forever.’
‘He mentioned Dahmer in the notes he sent to that reporter, Julie Noble. I wasn’t aware that Dahmer had any medical skills.’
‘Interesting! And you’re right – he didn’t. Dahmer failed to keep his victims alive for a significant time … well, a significant enough time. I know in this case, the first victim died fairly soon after she was taken, but I’m betting that your latest victim lasted much longer.’
‘Christ, Kate. What kind of monster are we dealing with?’
Kate shook her head. ‘I don’t know, Maggie. But we need to find him fast – he could be hunting his next victim as we speak.’ The significance of that last sentence was not lost on the two women.