Maggie had a restless night. She stretched her arms and forced herself out of bed. She wrapped her housecoat around her and made her way to the kitchen where she smelled the delicious aroma of coffee.
Maggie was still half asleep and not quite firing on all cylinders due to the lack of sleep, so she wasn’t quite sure she’d heard Kate correctly when she spoke. ‘Can you just say that again?’
‘I’d like to go and speak with Dr Blake about the latest autopsy and her findings if I can. Do you think you can arrange that?’
‘I’m not sure that’s going to be possible, given your involvement. Not only that, why would you want to find out more? Even if I get the OK from Nathan, I’m pretty sure DI Rutherford will raise serious objections, not to mention your own DI.’
‘Leave DI Calleja to me – I’m a civilian so I’m not sure what kind of influence he’ll have over the matter.’ Kate looked away.
‘He’s still your boss, and you haven’t answered my question. Why? Why would you want to put yourself through that?’
‘I actually want to help tighten the profile. I think we’re missing something and being on the sidelines is making an accurate picture impossible. From a personal point of view, I also want to know what I’m dealing with. Sometimes I feel like things are being blown way out of proportion and other times I’m a nervous wreck. For my own peace of mind, I just need to do this. Plus, I may be able to come up with some tips for the public, what to look out for, without causing a massive scare.’
Maggie eyed her suspiciously. ‘That’s a good argument. I guess we can run it by the higher-ups. I’ll ring DI Rutherford now and, if she’s OK with it, I’ll contact Dr Blake and we can see if we can head over there today.’
Kate nodded and left the room, presumably to get ready and give Maggie some privacy. Taking a deep breath, Maggie picked up her phone and contacted DI Rutherford.
‘What is it, Maggie?’
‘Morning, ma’am. Sorry to bother you so early. Kate has a request and before you shoot me down, I’d like you to hear me out.’ She wanted to warn her boss that it wasn’t going to be something she’d appreciate, while also allowing her the time to flesh things out and present a reasonable argument.
‘I’m listening …’
‘Kate wants to meet with Dr Blake and discuss the post-mortem findings.’ Maggie heard a slight noise coming from the other end of the phone, but Rutherford let her speak without interruption. ‘She thinks if she knows more details she may get a better understanding of the person we need to focus on. At the same time, it may highlight ways she can keep herself safe. And perhaps she can assist in putting together a press release for the public?’ Maggie waited with bated breath.
‘I don’t like it, but … I’m also going to go out on a limb and OK this. DCI Hastings will not be happy, and if he was here more, perhaps I’d care. Sorry, that remark was uncalled for. Right, if we can do the majority of it under the radar, then I’m happy to take any residual flak as, in all honesty, we have nothing and the longer this carries on the worse it’s going to get. However …’
Maggie had known there would be conditions, but if it meant they could speak with Dr Blake, she would oblige.
‘I want you to keep Nathan informed and if Kate becomes at all affected by any of this, you stop it immediately, whether she likes it or not. Do I make myself clear?’
‘Yes, ma’am. I’ll keep a close eye on her. We appreciate your backing.’ Maggie suspected Kate would have found a way if the idea had been shot down, so it was better to have everyone onside.
‘Speak soon.’
DI Rutherford ended the call.
‘Kate. We have the all-clear. I’m going to ring Fiona now and see if she can fit us in.’
Kate popped her head in the room and smiled, giving Maggie a thumbs up.
The call with Dr Blake was brief. She had a few hours free but they would need to get to Stafford Police HQ as soon as possible. Maggie grabbed what she needed and left a note for Andy. He’d have to take a taxi to and from work today as she needed the car. Given the circumstances, Maggie figured he wouldn’t argue.
They arrived at Police HQ within the hour and were greeted by Dr Blake’s assistant. It seemed every time Maggie attended the mortuary, there was someone new. He led them into Dr Blake’s office.
‘Morning, ladies. I didn’t have the chance to ask when you called, but to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?’ Maggie sensed a frostiness from Dr Blake.
‘I’ll save Maggie having to repeat herself again,’ Kate started the ball rolling. ‘I’m hoping you can talk me through some of your findings in relation to both of the victims. I’ve a general profile in my head of the type of person who may be committing these crimes, but there’s something that just doesn’t fit. I’m hoping you may be able to help fill in those blanks.’
Dr Blake’s forehead creased. ‘This is all a little unorthodox, isn’t it, given the circumstances and your situation. Are all the powers that be on board with this? I’m not prepared to have any grief at my door if I do decide to assist you.’
‘I’ve spoken to DI Rutherford and Nathan is aware. We all share your concerns.’ Maggie looked at Kate. ‘But we’re no further ahead with a solid lead, strong suspects, or identifying any persons of interest … and that’s where your expertise comes in.’
‘Fine. Let’s get started.’