A half an hour later, Maggie hung up the phone with more questions than answers. She had spoken to a detective in London and learned that Kate had indeed made some complaints about nuisance calls, but as she’d had no real information and hadn’t felt threatened by them, the matter had not been pursued. A frustrating and familiar response when the police had no other option.
Why didn’t she mention this to us, or me? Especially given the situation.
When Maggie compared the dates that had been given, they tallied up with the gaps in Kate’s work history but the police in London didn’t have anything further to offer on that front. The only way she’d get to the bottom of things would be to speak with Kate herself. Maggie didn’t want to pressure her friend. If anything came up from the conversation, she could always try and delve a bit deeper by dropping the case into conversation. It was sneaky, but Maggie knew it might be her only way to get Kate to open up.
What she was beginning to realize was the strong possibility that the stalker had connected with his victims in some way prior to escalating to abduction and murder. Although they still didn’t know what the trigger was, she suspected it was something recent – and if he was masking his behaviour in friendship, Kate may remember someone who fit that profile. Kate could be the key to unlocking the mystery and if the memories were buried deep, she may need someone to help bring them to the surface.
Maggie dialled Kate’s direct extension at Markston Police Station and scrolled through her emails as she waited.
‘Dr Maloney speaking. How can I help?’
‘Hi. It’s Maggie. I just wondered if you had any plans after work? I thought it might be nice to take a bit of a breather away from everything and grab some dinner out this evening. What do you think?’
‘Oh, OK. Sounds wonderful. Should I catch the train to Stafford when I’m done? I may be here until about 6pm or so. I’ve got a few things I’d like to finish before heading out.’
‘Actually, why don’t I meet you at Markston? I’ve heard of a new restaurant there that I’d like to try out. This is the perfect excuse.’
‘That’s grand. I’ll see you later.’
Maggie wasn’t sure how Kate would take the conversation and hoped it didn’t make things awkward. She’d soon find out.