Maggie blushed. She’d never expected that DI Rutherford would speak of her so highly. She was still pissed off with Nathan though. ‘OK. Thanks for letting me know.’ She huffed.
‘Don’t be like that, Maggie. I wouldn’t be much of a boss – or a friend – if I didn’t tell you.’
‘Of course.’ Maggie pursed her lips. ‘I’m sure I’d do the same if I were in your position.’
Nathan shook his head. ‘I’m sure you would.’
Maggie turned to go. She hoped this was just a blip and they could go back to how things should be. Nathan knew she’d always been self-conscious about how she appeared to others, and hearing it, especially from him, really knocked her back.
‘Before you go, Bethany has been out to speak with the family of the missing woman, Tracy Holloway. I spoke to Dr Blake earlier and the forensic report should be with us at some point today. Contact any friends you can and I’ll see you in the incident room shortly.’
‘Yes, boss.’ She stood.
Nathan had a funny look on his face but Maggie didn’t want to push him. If he’d wanted her to know, he would have shared it there and then. She’d wait until the briefing.
Her shoulders tightened once again and her gut felt like someone had grabbed her insides and was having a tug of war. She didn’t have a good feeling about any of this.
Chapter 15
DI Rutherford called the team together to discuss victimology. ‘Good to see you all still smiling, though that soon may change once the details of Dr Blake’s report have been read.’
Maggie’s stomach tightened again. She looked to Nathan for some indication of what to expect, but he wouldn’t look her way.
‘Tracy Holloway was reported missing by her parents five weeks ago. She was last seen on her way towards Stafford town centre, where it is believed she was planning on catching a bus to her parents’ home. CCTV places her at Victoria Park entering from the east side. Last sighted by the bowling grounds, but there’s no other CCTV after this. The cameras lost her. It seems her abductor must have followed her or observed her in the park and made their move. It’s likely they are familiar with the CCTV locations, so as to have avoided being caught.’
‘That suggests the person is organised … methodical even,’ Maggie offered.
‘I’d agree with that assessment. Her family have said that Tracy was a slave to her routines and that would’ve made it a lot easier for the killer, if we assume they had been watching her before making their move.’ Rutherford tapped the evidence board. ‘They also confirmed they had been waiting for her to arrive, and the route she took would further support that she was heading for their address. A boyfriend or ex was mentioned. They’d had an argument; she called her mother to say that she would be a little late but that was the last they heard from her.’ The DI shuffled some papers on the table before her.
‘Has anyone spoken to the boyfriend or contacted the DAHU?’ Maggie didn’t believe that this was a domestic, but it would be worth pursuing, if only to rule out that angle.
‘It’s proving a little difficult to locate him as all we have is a first name, Joshua, even though they’d apparently been off and on for at least a year. The database has been checked, and we’re trying to locate anyone with that name, but there are more than we expected.’ The DI raised a brow.
‘What? You mean no one, not even her parents, knows his full name? I know there’s a backlog in the DAHU, but surely they would be able to give us some idea?’ Maggie’s eyes widened.
‘Afraid not on both counts. The Family Liaison Officer with the parents noted that the boyfriend wasn’t popular with them. Apparently, they thought he was a waste of space and it seems Tracy generally didn’t share much with them as it always ended badly. In fact, they weren’t even aware that they were still a couple – albeit off and on – until one of Tracy’s friends mentioned it.’
‘Sounds more like wishful thinking on their part if they didn’t really like him. What did her friends or colleagues know about him?’ Nathan sat back, crossing his leg.
‘Just first-name basis according to the field team. Though one of her friends believes his last name begins with either an A or H.’ DI Rutherford checked her notes.
Maggie sighed. ‘Well that should be easy to decipher, shouldn’t it.’
‘Sarcasm duly noted.’ The DI paused. ‘I’ve requested that the field team and our partner agencies keep their ears to the ground. It seems odd that this boyfriend hasn’t come forward despite the news reports. But there could be an innocent explanation.’
DI Rutherford didn’t sound convinced to Maggie.
Bethany spoke up. ‘When I spoke to some of Tracy’s friends they described her as trusting and always looking for the good in people. That may explain why she stayed with a boyfriend who most of her friends and family didn’t seem to like. A dangerous trait in this day and age, don’t you think?’
‘Hmm. She could have been easily lured by the killer. Maybe he pulled a Ted Bundy, pretended to have a broken limb so needed help loading something into the boot of his car – that sort of thing?’ Maggie suggested.
‘Good spot. You might be onto something. It might be a useful theory to raise at the press conference.’ Nathan looked at DI Rutherford.
‘Hold fire. That might give the public the false belief that we have a lead, or it may heighten the mood of any vigilantes out there to take action by misrepresenting the situation.’ After the Raven case, DI Rutherford was treading carefully with the press. Maggie understood her reasoning even if she wasn’t sure she agreed.
‘I see your point, ma’am, but doesn’t public protection need to come first? Maybe if we put our heads together and carefully word the release we can get the message out without causing panic?’ Maggie caught the glare from her boss and instantly regretted opening her mouth.
‘Her colleagues did point out that in the last few weeks prior to her abduction she’d been behaving oddly.’ The DI scratched her chin.
‘In what way?’ Maggie wouldn’t do herself any favours by pissing off the DI. After the conversation with Nathan, she’d try to think more before blurting out her own theories.
‘She was constantly checking her drawers at work. Looking over her shoulder. A bit jumpy – that sort of thing. When her colleagues asked her about it, they said she brushed it off and her excuse was that she’d been watching one too many horror films lately. According to her friends, after that, it looked like she was making an effort to appear normal, but she wasn’t fooling any of them.’
‘Was she an overly private person?’ Nathan stared at the evidence board.
‘Only in relation to her boyfriend, it seems. Otherwise, she was described as outgoing, fun and quite talkative. Why? What are you thinking, Nathan?’ Maggie had to squint to read Rutherford’s notes as she scribbled on the whiteboard.
‘Hmmm … it just seems at odds with the behaviour described today. Did any of them give a hint that they may have known something more? Maybe they pushed her on it, she had a go, so they’re not sharing anything as they don’t want to be involved or break her confidence?’
‘Interesting you should say that as two of her work mates said they challenged Tracy and she did get very defensive, so they backed off. They didn’t really think much of it after the fact as they said they assumed she was having a domestic situation. One said they couldn’t remember the conversation and the other just went blank when questioned.’ The DI paused and waited for some feedback from the team.
‘Might be worth having another word. Maybe they were in shock after learning of Ms Holloway’s murder,’ Nathan offered.
‘Yes. Bethany’s going to interrogate Tracy’s social media accounts. Maggie, you can speak to the work colleague and Nathan, you’re with me. Let’s chat before the press conference this afternoon. We need to put something together that raises awareness so that people, particularly women, are more vigilant but without causing a bloody panic.’
Chapter 16
Nathan was coming out of his office with his coat on when Maggie grabbed his attention. ‘Can I have a word before you shoot off?’
‘I’ve only a few minutes. I’ve been summoned to a meeting with DCI Hastings after I speak with the DI.’
‘Oh. Hope it’s nothing serious. I just spoke to one of Tracy’s friends and she mentioned that Tracy had been sent some random notes from someone but had hidden them from her boyfriend.’
‘And what? She was seeing someone else?’ Nathan appeared distracted.
‘Well, that’s what the boyfriend thought. According to the friend, the couple got into an argument; he was charged with criminal damage and was given bail conditions to keep away. Possibly the reason he hasn’t come forward, so we should have his details on record. But why didn’t those notes turn up when her house was searched?’
‘You’re losing me, Maggie. What’s the significance of the notes?’
‘Could they be from the killer? What if Tracy was being stalked too, like Kate?’
‘Interesting theory but without the notes, it’s hard to say – and we can’t just make up evidence to link this to Kate’s situation.’ Nathan looked at his watch.
‘I wouldn’t do that. I just wanted you to know that I’m going to go and talk to her friends and colleagues again. See if they can shed further light on these notes. I’ll update you if I find anything of interest.’
‘Sounds good, but tread carefully. I don’t want you planting any ideas in their heads – they need to be the ones who tell you the details, not the other way around.’
Nathan left without waiting for a reply. Maggie went back to her desk and made a list of the people she would speak to, starting with Tracy Holloway’s parents. They had already been interviewed by the field officers and from what the records said, it looked like Tracy had been close to them; she may have told them about the letters or be able to direct Maggie to someone who did know.
Chapter 17
‘Hello. Is that Mr Holloway?’
‘Yes, who’s this?’ His reply was abrupt.
‘My name is DC Maggie Jamieson; I’m calling about your daughter’s case. I know you’ve already spoken to the police, but some new information has come to light and I just wondered if you could help me?’
‘New information? Have you arrested someone? I’ll do anything to end this nightmare. My wife is beside herself. Not eating. Not sleeping. We just want this whole ordeal over so we can grieve properly.’
‘I absolutely understand that and I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong idea. We haven’t arrested anyone. I’ve spoken to a friend of Tracy’s and she mentioned that Tracy had received some letters that may have caused friction with her boyfriend. I wondered if you knew anything about that?’
‘Not this again. Her boyfriend would use any excuse to slander my daughter. We never heard of any such nonsense. For whatever reason, Tracy loved him; she’d never do anything to jeopardize that. Though we don’t know why. He showed his true colours when they fought, didn’t he!’
‘Did she have any close friends or colleagues she may have spoken to about her … erm … relationship?’
‘Well, yes. Of course, she did. I don’t know what he told you, but despite his best efforts, Tracy had many friends. Rona has been her best friend since they were toddlers. I can get you her details, if you want.’
‘We haven’t located the boyfriend yet and that would be really helpful. Thank you so much.’ Maggie wrote out the details and said goodbye. Mr Holloway was very defensive and clearly didn’t like his daughter’s boyfriend. She didn’t want to upset him further and doubted that their daughter would have shared anything about her relationship or any problems she may have had with them, given the hostility. Maybe the best friend would be more helpful.
Maggie dialled the number she had been given and her shoulders slumped at each ring. Just as she was about to hang up, the phone was answered.
‘Hello?’
The voice was barely audible.
‘Hello. Is that Rona?’
‘Yes.’
‘My name is DC Maggie Jamieson and I’m calling to clarify a few points in relation to Tracy Holloway. Are you able to talk?’
‘Sure. What can I do to help?’
‘We’ve learned that Tracy had received some … erm … notes that suggested she may have been seeing someone else? Do you know anything about that?’
Maggie heard a sniff through the earpiece.
‘She wasn’t seeing anyone else. Did that arsehole Josh tell you that?’
Rona seethed.
‘No, it was suggested that he believed that was the case and the couple argued. Had she hidden them from him and he found out?’
‘Josh is an idiot. Some weirdo had been sending her notes; it really creeped her out. She hid them because she knew how he would react. And she wasn’t wrong, was she? She didn’t tell anyone about them at first. But I noticed she was really jumpy and I had to beg her to tell me. She was going to go to the police, but then … well …’
The woman burst into tears.
‘I’m sorry to have dragged this up but that’s really helpful. Do you mind if I ask just one more question?’
‘If you think it would help, ask anything you want.’
‘Did you happen to see the notes?’ Maggie tapped her pen on her desk while she waited for a reply.
‘Yes. She showed them all to me.’
‘Can you describe them to me?’ Maggie didn’t want to lead the woman.
‘Yes. They were in black envelopes. On black paper. With gold writing. Why?’
‘No reason. Just want to make sure I have all the details. Thank you so much for your time.’ Maggie clicked the receiver to end the call and took a deep breath.
Without seeing the actual notes, she couldn’t be sure, but it looked very much like Kate’s stalker could also be their killer.
Chapter 18
Maggie wasn’t one for reflecting on other people’s opinions of her, not out of arrogance, but more because things like that tended to eat away at her. However, Nathan’s words from earlier had stung. She rolled a pen between her fingers. She didn’t want to put people’s noses out of joint by making assumptions about the notes Tracy had received, but all sorts of sinister thoughts were going through her head. Someone called out her name.
‘Are you coming to the briefing? Looks like Dr Blake’s worked some magic.’ Nathan popped his head into the open-plan office area.
‘On my way, boss!’ Dr Blake must have sent the full forensic report.
She gathered her notebook, turned her phone onto silent, tucked it in her pocket, and picked up a pen before making her way to the incident room.
Nathan stood at the front of the room, alongside DI Abigail Rutherford. A few members of the field team were asked to sit in, and this made Maggie a little bit anxious. What did that pathologist report say?
DI Rutherford spoke first. ‘Thank you all for coming. DS Wright will be introducing the details of the pathology report today, but I wanted to first say that this is an unusual case and one that we will need to be sensitive about. I’ve just passed the more sensitive information on to the FLO, so Tracy’s family will be aware of the details. I’ll leave you in the capable hands of DS Wright while I go and speak to the COMMS Officer.’
Maggie and Bethany looked at each other.
‘Christ. I’ve goose bumps after that delivery. What the hell is going on?’ Bethany leaned forward.
Maggie shrugged. She had no idea what they were facing but she wasn’t liking what she’d heard so far.
‘Thanks, guv. OK, folks. This is a case unlike any most of us will have come across in our careers. Until we know the motivation, we have to be very careful how we handle things from here on in. I’ve read the pathologist’s report and it is quite disturbing. Tracy Holloway is a twenty-eight-year-old white female. Her hair had been dyed black by the killer. Once the pathologist was able to remove the stitching from her eyes, she found that blue contact lenses had been inserted.’ Nathan pulled a picture from the folder in front of him and pinned it on the board. ‘This is what Ms Holloway looked like a few days before she was abducted.’
Maggie gasped. Although she had seen pictures of their victim before, they had been poor quality and from several years ago. Seeing the enlarged photo showed just how much Tracy had been totally transformed. Had they not had the details that confirmed their victim was the woman in the picture, she never would have said they were the same person.
Nathan continued. ‘The post-mortem concluded that Tracy died from a brain haemorrhage caused by trauma. According to Dr Blake, it seems that our killer attempted a leucotomy – more commonly known as a lobotomy – on Ms Holloway and punctured blood vessels causing internal bleeding on the brain. Tracy may have suffered from headaches, seizures and various other symptoms before her death. Our killer then left her in the park, face down.’ Nathan paused. ‘The report also indicates that the victim had an infinity-shaped tattoo on her left shoulder blade. When her parents were first contacted, they advised that she had no distinguishing marks or tattoos, but we’ll need to speak to her friends or others who knew her perhaps more intimately to confirm this. She may not have told her parents she’d had one done.’
‘Oh my god, Nathan. For once, I am at a loss for words.’ Maggie stared at the picture of Tracy on the board. ‘What would possess someone to do this?’
‘That’s exactly what we need to find out.’ Nathan then pointed to the side note on the board which had Kate’s details following her report of harassment. ‘It’s still too early to link Dr Moloney’s stalker – and I do believe we are also dealing with a stalker – at this time; however I think we need to look into this report further.’
‘Can I ask why the sudden change of heart?’ Maggie was both pleased and worried. If this murder was linked to the person who was stalking Kate, her friend may be in more danger than they all had thought. Maggie was reluctant to share the information from Rona about the letters at this time, as they had not been found. If she disclosed this now, and it turned out to be wrong, Nathan and the rest of the team would not be impressed.
‘I think we have to accept that the resemblance to Dr Moloney is not easily dismissed. The fact that Ms Holloway’s appearance was changed, and that Dr Moloney has recently been the victim of unwanted gifts and letters with a sinister undertone, makes it more than likely that the same person who has been sending Kate these items is our killer.’
‘If that’s true, he’s escalating. Do you think we should let Kate know about this?’ In normal circumstances, Maggie would have been straight on the phone to Kate, but without any concrete evidence, as Nathan had warned, she knew this could cause more harm than good.
Nathan shook his head. ‘No. I’m talking to DI Rutherford about how best to approach this. But until we can make a definite connection, we don’t want to upset Dr Moloney.’
Maggie took a deep breath before responding, but she couldn’t help herself. ‘I totally understand that, but if we wait too long we could actually be placing Kate in jeopardy.’
‘I can assure you no one wants that, Maggie. We are aware of the risks, but we have to be careful here.’ Nathan glowered at her.
Maggie let the words seep into her mind. She didn’t like this one bit – her instincts to protect Kate were screaming, but Nathan was right, they needed more to connect the cases. ‘Fair enough. Where do we go from here then?’
‘I’d like the field officers to find out more about Ms Holloway’s habits. Did she have a tattoo that she may have hidden from her family? Had she had any unwanted attention recently and the like? Bethany, I’d like you to dig further into her social media accounts. Any new friend requests? Anything that seems unusual. Also, let’s try to piece together her last movements based on CCTV and information from those we speak to. Maggie, I’d like you to speak to Probation to see if they have anyone on their books who’s raised some eyebrows recently and then go to Ms Holloway’s home. There are some forensic officers still there. See if anything stands out to you. That’s it for now. Keep me updated on anything that may be of importance.’
Maggie waited behind as her colleagues shuffled out of the room. ‘Can I have a word, Nathan?’
He nodded.
She waited until everyone was gone, stood up, and closed the door. ‘Between you and me, how concerned about Kate should we be? And please,’ she touched his arm, ‘don’t sugar-coat it or feed me the standard line.’
‘In my honest opinion?’
‘Yes. I need to know the truth.’
‘OK. I think we should be very concerned about her but I was instructed not to share this with the team yet as everything we have is only circumstantial. However, I’m using my own judgement now and I’m going to Markston Police Station shortly. I’ve already spoken to DI Calleja and shared my concerns. We’ve agreed to speak to Kate together and let her know.’
Maggie’s head pounded and she rubbed her temples.
‘I need you to stay focused, Maggie. It’s hard when one of our own is targeted. But we can’t let our feelings – no matter what those feelings are – cloud our judgement. Am I being clear?’ His brow rose.
Maggie nodded. ‘Right, of course. I’m going to contact Probation and see if there’s anyone acting out of the ordinary. And thank you for being honest, I appreciate that.’
Nathan squeezed her shoulder and left the room.
Maggie looked up at the board. They needed to find this killer before Kate was the next one on the mortuary slab.
Chapter 19
Back at her desk, Maggie couldn’t sit still. Her curiosity was getting the better of her. She wanted to know what information DI Rutherford and Nathan would be sharing with the press and whether they would allude to the connection with another stalking case.
She snuck in the back of the room and stood against the wall, her hands behind her, to stop her from reacting to anything that might lead to further frustrations. Looking at the attendees, she noticed that gobby journalist who had been out to get her during the Raven case. At the time, she had been investigating the dismembered remains of Bill Raven’s alleged victims while he had been appealing his conviction. The reporter had made a point of sensationalizing the case and making Maggie look like she was incompetent. She’d also thrown around accusations that Maggie had coerced an innocent man into confessing and was trying to sabotage his release. She shuddered as the memories raced through her mind.
Maggie listened as her DI advised the press on the current situation with the discovery and formal ID of Tracy Holloway’s body.
‘Our victim was discovered in the early hours and declared dead on the scene. After speaking with our colleagues in the Misper Unit, we can now confirm the victim has been identified as Tracy Holloway, who had been reported missing some five weeks ago. On discovery of her body, we’ve learned that her hair had been dyed black and clothing that she did not own was placed on her, presumably by her abductor and killer.’
‘Can you tell us if she had been sexually assaulted in any way?’ One journalist shouted out.
‘No, I can’t confirm that at the moment. As soon as more forensic details have been passed on to us, we’ll be sharing what we can with you. Our message today really is to ask you all to respect the family’s wishes and allow them time to grieve.’
‘What about the eyes being sewn shut?’ The mouthy journalist called out.
Maggie’s eyes widened. How the hell did she know that? She needed to find out the journalist’s name.
