‘Look alive, peeps. Tell me what you know so far.’ DI Rutherford tapped the evidence board beside her.
‘Well, guv,’ Maggie spoke first, ‘after speaking to the manager at ArrowRoot agency who finally gave us access to the records, we now have confirmation that both victims were registered there. I don’t think it’s coincidental. Either our killer works at the agency or he’s registered there. I’ll be interviewing the manager to see if there’s anything else he can add. I got a funny feeling when I spoke to him.’
‘OK. Follow that instinct and Bethany can start on the list when we’re done. We’ll be able to weed out most of the people though, I suspect, if we look at the profile and compare.’
Bethany nodded.
‘OK, what else?’
Nathan stood and went to the evidence board. ‘I was chatting with Dr Blake and she’s confirmed, albeit unofficially, that both victims were put through some form of rough lobotomy. It was like the killer was trying to make these women into his own personal plaything, as crude as that sounds. Both had the infinity symbol tattooed onto their backs and neither had any tattoos before.’
‘Hmm. Why do we think the killer is fascinated with Kate? Is it someone she’s met?’ DI Rutherford looked directly at Maggie.
‘Kate can’t recall anyone specific – she has come across a few … erm … weirdos in her line of work, but we all could say that. I’ve asked her to make a list of anyone she has come into contact with who could be a person of interest, but I’m not holding my breath.’
‘Why’s that then?’ DI Rutherford’s head tilted.
‘Whether Kate will admit it or not, this is really affecting her. I think she may be blocking out some things that could be significant as well as seeing things that may not be there.’
‘Can you explain that further?’ DI Rutherford pushed.
‘The other night someone knocked on my door. A guy was helping his friend look for a lost dog. Kate became really agitated afterwards. Said she thought she recognized the guy’s voice. But then calmed down and everything went back to normal.’
‘Did you check this guy out?’
‘Well, I didn’t ask for his personal details, guv. He was looking for a lost dog, so I had no reason to be concerned. But I did find the missing dog poster, contacted the owners and they confirmed they had a few people canvassing the area, so it seemed legit to me.’
‘OK. I’m just going to add the information anyway – in case we need to refer back to it at any time. I do think that while Kate is staying with you, you should keep an extra eye out – any suspicious vehicles in the neighbourhood, people coming to the door, that sort of thing. I’m assuming you have decent security and that the panic alarm has been set up? Your house has also been red-flagged, but let’s just be that one bit more cautious.’
‘Yes, ma’am. Sorry, I should have taken down his details to be on the safe side. I won’t make that mistake again.’
DI Rutherford looked at Maggie and smiled. ‘Great. OK, Bethany I’d like you to check CCTV in Maggie’s area; see if we can find this guy just so he remains on our radar. If Kate felt she recognized his voice, I think we need to investigate that further. To put your mind at ease, I’m looking to add another member to the team. With Nathan Acting Up, we have a gap and I think I’m close to having that filled. I don’t want any of you burning out.’ She looked in Maggie’s direction and held up her hand. ‘Before you jump in and ask, no I won’t be sharing details just yet. Nathan will take over from here. Keep me posted.’
DI Rutherford left the briefing, and Nathan stood to take the floor. He had an odd look on his face, and Maggie was keen to hear what he wanted to share with the team.