Maggie hadn’t been back at the office for five minutes before Bethany handed her the list of individuals registered to the agency that she had put together. It took her almost an hour to scan the paper; her eyes immediately focused on one she hadn’t expected. She recalled a conversation she’d had with Kate when she first started receiving the notes. Kate had mentioned a few incidents which, on their own, would appear to be coincidences but in light of the current situation there could be something more sinister at play.
‘Anything of interest then?’ Bethany popped her head around the desk.
‘Actually, there are a few people, but definitely one in particular.’ Maggie pointed to the name.
‘Oh, shit. I knew that name looked familiar. Doesn’t he …?’
‘Yes. Dr Blake will not be happy.’
‘Have you already let Nathan know?’ Bethany bit her lip.
‘Not yet. He texted me earlier to say he’d be in a meeting when I got back, so I’ll have to wait, but in the meantime, is there any way you can do a background check without raising suspicion?’
Bethany smiled. ‘Of course. Leave it with me.’
Maggie tapped her pen on the desk. They would need to approach it sensitively because if the press found out … Maggie didn’t even want to think of the repercussions this could have.
She picked up her phone and dialled Kate’s extension at Markston Police Station.
‘Markston Police Station. Dr Moloney speaking, how can I help?’
‘Hey! I wondered if you could share with me again a bit of information. I’m just running through things, so I apologize if this is slightly repetitive. Remember when we were talking about strange people you may have come across or who’ve made you uncomfortable? Can you just remind me of them again and maybe what made you feel weird around them?’
‘Erm … All right. Is this one of those times I have to just give you what you ask and trust that you have your reasons?’
‘I’m afraid it is.’ Maggie hoped Kate would understand.
‘I don’t have names for everyone. Like I told you at the time, I’ve just been getting weird vibes off people. You know that guy who works in the forensic department?’
Maggie could hear Kate snapping her fingers.
‘The forensic assistant. I see him everywhere. He has no idea about personal space or boundaries and sometimes he just seems overfamiliar. But maybe I’m reading too much into things. You know, seeing things that aren’t there because this whole situation is just eating me up inside?’
‘Hey. It’s natural to feel that way.’ Maggie reassured her and checked a name on the list. ‘Anyone else?’
‘That guy who came knocking on your door. He said he lost his dog? He creeped me right out. His voice sounded familiar, but when I peeked out the window, I didn’t recognize him.’ Kate sighed. ‘See, none of this makes sense and, in fact, it makes me sound like a paranoid lunatic. Sorry I can’t be of much more help.’
‘Actually, you’ve been a big help. I’ll speak to you later, and I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry. We’re working really hard to crack this, OK?’
But even Maggie didn’t believe what she said. Kate should be worried, as they were no closer to finding her stalker or the killer.