A bead of sweat tickled her face as the enormity of what she’d just read hit her like a train. Her breaths became shorter and she knew she had to get a grip or risk being pushed to take enforced leave for her wellbeing. DI Calleja was aware of Kate’s background and past issues with anxiety, but she hadn’t shared any of this with her other colleagues.
Kate wouldn’t let the killer get the best of her. She refused to allow the crippling feeling of anxiety to take hold. She hadn’t had any new notes, gifts, or emails so it could be possible that he’d found a new target. Believing that might help her remain strong and focus. But she’d still have to be one step ahead of the killer while making sure her colleagues didn’t put her in a glass bubble.
She re-read the line that sent chills down her spine: ‘He is unlikely to cause Dr Moloney direct harm if she understands his reasoning; however if he feels rejected …’
The killer would already be feeling rejected as Kate involved the police and he was aware of this fact. The security firm that were supposed to be fortifying her property still hadn’t responded to her emails. She’d paid extra money to make sure that the job was done more quickly than normal, but it felt like weeks had passed and nothing further had been actioned. Initially they had responded that another important job had taken priority and they would get back to her property as soon as possible. She dialled their number.
‘Bullet Security Services, how may I help you?’
‘Hi, my name is Dr Moloney. I’m just following up on when the work at my flat will resume. It’s becoming a critical situation now. I’ve been waiting far too long and if I can’t get any way forward with your company, I’ll have no choice but to take my business elsewhere.’
‘Critical, you say? I’ll just be moment.’
Kate was put on hold and stared out of the window while she waited for someone to return to the phone.
‘Dr Moloney. Apologies for the delay in coming back to you. We should be able to come back to the job by the end of the week. I’ve deducted some money off your bill and I promise that it will be completed in the shortest time possible.’
‘Thank you. I don’t want the job rushed though, and I know that sounds like I’m contradicting myself but I would appreciate it if I could move back into my home as soon as possible.’
‘We’ll do our best. Thanks so much for your patience. If I need anything, I’ll be in touch; otherwise the next time you hear from me it will be to pick up your new keys.’
Kate felt more relaxed after hanging up the phone. She was desperate to speak to her colleague in London to discuss the profile, but knew that she risked having the information fed back to Maggie and the murder team. Should anyone then be arrested, the case could be compromised. That was one risk she wasn’t willing to take.
Just then, her mobile rang and she wasn’t surprised to see who it was.
‘Hello, Maggie. What can I do for you?’
‘I’m actually calling to see if you’re OK. I know you’ve probably read the profile that came through this morning. It wasn’t an easy read.’
‘Save your concern. I’m fine, really. It’s everything I had expected, so there’s no need to worry. What I’m more interested in is whether another woman has gone missing. We know that the killer quickly replaces his victims, so I imagine your team is actively pursuing that line of enquiry with the Misper Unit?’
She heard a sigh down the line.
‘I can’t discuss the particulars of the case with you. However, I can say that we’ve not heard anything about a missing person. We’ve asked to be kept informed of any calls that come in which may relate to our case.’
‘Hmm. Don’t you find that curious?’
‘Please don’t put me in an awkward position. I’ve already said too much …’
‘Forget I asked. Right then, I need to go and catch up on my work for Lucy and her risk assessment referrals. See you later.’
Kate didn’t bother to wait for a reply. Although Maggie hadn’t said much, she’d said enough. The killer had not abducted another female. That could mean only one thing: he was waiting to make his move on her and she wasn’t going to make it easy for him.