Dead Perfect

Chapter 10

Kate leaned against the front door as the details of the situation sank in. Her heart was racing but she didn’t want to let Maggie know how she really felt. Maggie would only start to stress out and she needed her focused. She needed her to catch this killer.

There would not be much sleep for Kate tonight. She went into her room, gave Salem a quick tummy rub as he stretched out across her bed, and picked up her laptop. If she could put some of her thoughts down on paper, she’d share the information with Maggie and help formulate a profile. Until she had some details from the current investigation, she decided to focus on what she could ascertain from the notes and gifts she had been sent. Kate had meticulously logged all the information, including her own photos, taken carefully so as not to disturb any evidence that might have been on the items. Her gut instinct that the individual was good at covering their tracks was proven correct when forensics had found no identifying evidence on the items.

The letters had arrived in black envelopes with gold writing. No stamps, so they had been delivered personally. Each had a common theme: possession. They said, for instance, ‘I will have you’, and although in and of themselves they were not threatening per se, it was the gifts that ramped up the obsessive qualities: dead roses, a wreath with ‘together soon’ on it, rings made of skin, and vials filled with liquid that looked like blood – sinister and threatening, as if this individual were trying to make a point.

Who are you? Have we met before?

Kate looked at the photos of the items she had received. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.

She looked around the room. Are you watching me now?

Kate knew that there were various ‘types’ of stalkers and wracked her brain trying to think of anyone with whom she had recently had an unpleasant encounter. No one in particular jumped out at her. She had been attending a lot of training events these last few months. Could the stalker be someone she had met, or possibly even someone she worked with? Her lips trembled and she wiped the sweat from her palms on her trousers.

Why have I been chosen?

A loud bang at the door made her jump out of her skin.

What the hell was that?

Kate stood up slowly. Her curiosity urged her to see what had happened, but her fear screamed at her to stay where she was.

If she didn’t check, she definitely would not get any sleep. She tiptoed to the door and put her eye up to the peephole. Inching closer and holding her breath, a loud BANG caused her to scream.

Then she heard the whispers and giggles. Two voices. She peered through the peephole again. A young man and woman were stumbling about in the hallway, trying to hold each other up. She shook her head and laughed.

Maybe Maggie was right. I think I do need to stay somewhere until I can get the security sorted.

Kate packed up her laptop and double checked that all the windows and the door were locked. She turned off the light in the hallway, headed to her bedroom and gently moved Salem over as she settled herself in bed.

It was the first time since her childhood that she slept with the light on.

Chapter 11

Maggie could smell the coffee even before she opened her eyes. Having her brother Andy living with her had some perks.

It was only 6am. Her sleep had been restless, as her brain had refused to shut down after seeing Kate last night. She hoped her friend would reconsider the offer of staying with her, but she wouldn’t push the idea.

Unless she had to.

Scrappy, her fluffy ginger cat, was curled up at the end of her bed, resting his big paw across her foot. ‘Sorry, boy. I’m getting up now.’ He stretched out and meowed in protest.

Maggie picked up the tracksuit bottoms she had thrown on the floor a few days ago. She had only worn them indoors so wasn’t too bothered that they were not fresh out of the wash. She pulled them on. Her T-shirt said SMILE but that was the last thing she felt like doing this morning.

‘Coffee time, Scrappy. You coming down for some brekkie?’ She walked out of her room knowing that she would hear a small thump as Scrappy jumped off the bed and followed her downstairs. He rarely missed an early breakfast call. She’d never found out where he had been when he’d gone missing some time ago. Maggie was still convinced that the serial killer, Bill Raven, had had something to do with her cat’s disappearance but couldn’t prove it. When Scrappy had reappeared, the vet had confirmed that he had some drug in him which had made him groggy but other than that, her cat was in good form. She was grateful for that as she was fond of the moggy, even though he could be a pain in the arse.

Maggie walked into the kitchen and yawned. ‘Morning. You’re up early, aren’t you?’

‘Sorry, did I wake you?’ Andy’s lips tensed.

‘Nah. I didn’t get much sleep last night if I’m honest. You look shattered. Everything OK?’ Maggie’s head tilted. Andy had dark circles under his eyes and was looking a bit pale.

‘Yeah. Just working some extra shifts is all. Taking its toll on me, I guess.’ Andy had been working overtime to put towards his savings. Maggie knew he was hoping to get enough money together to start his own business and move out. She hadn’t pressured him to leave, but understood that he needed his own space. He probably never thought he’d be living with his older sister at this stage in his life.

‘Well, don’t burn yourself out. You won’t do anyone any good if you get sick.’

‘Yes, Mum.’ He laughed. ‘Do you want a coffee?’

‘Yes, please. I’ll need as much caffeine as I can get. We have another case and I’ve a feeling I won’t be getting much sleep for a while.’

‘Oh shit! Already?’

‘Yeah. Sadly, these killers don’t think it’s fair to give us a break in between cases.’ She tried to smile, but she could tell from her brother’s frown that he wasn’t buying it.

‘Is this about that girl who was found in the park? I saw something on the news about it this morning. Do you think she was targeted because she was a Goth?’

‘Yes, that’s the case. We’ve no idea why she was targeted just yet. It’s still early days. But you’re right, it could be because of how she looked. There have been cases like that before, haven’t there?’ Maggie said this more to herself than to her brother as her mind ran over the few cases she was aware of in which Goths, or others whose appearances were different from the so-called norm, had been the focus of random, and sometimes brutal, attacks. She would discuss this with the team when she got into work.

‘Right, I’m off to have a shower. If I don’t see you before I go, have a good one and I’ll catch you later.’ Maggie headed upstairs feeling a bit better about things. The shower would clear the cobwebs. She’d call Kate when she arrived at the office to check that she had arranged extra security for her flat.

Chapter 12

Things weren’t working out as he had planned. She just wasn’t responding, and he didn’t know what he’d done wrong this time. He read the books again. Watched the YouTube videos. He’d followed each step meticulously.

With the first girl, he now realized he had hammered the orbital too hard. She’d haemorrhaged and there had been nothing he could do to save her. The poor thing had seized. But this one, he looked down, she was like a zombie, and that just wouldn’t do.

He kissed her forehead as he tucked the blankets in tightly around her and wiped the drool that stuck to the side of her face. ‘I’m sorry, sweetheart. I think we’re going to have to part ways soon. I really hoped you would snap out of this’ – he waved his hand – ‘state you’re in.’

Maybe if she sleeps? Yes, that might help. When he came home from work this evening, she’d be downstairs waiting for him. He had to remain positive. But he still couldn’t shake the feeling that she wasn’t the one. In his heart, he always knew. It was always Kate Moloney. The moment he saw her, a connection had been made. He needed his Kate.

I have to see her.

He looked at his watch. If he left now, there would still be time to go round to her flat. She wouldn’t have left for work yet.

He grabbed his coat, jogged down the flights of stairs, and out of the door.

The roads were fairly clear and it only took him half an hour to reach Kate’s home. He parked at the end of the road and waited. He figured he had at least another half an hour before she left, but she surprised him this morning.

His breath caught as he watched her bounce down the steps. So beautiful. That’s my girl. Pride swelled within his heart.

He put on the glasses, fixed the hair beneath the cap and checked himself in the mirror. He cleared his throat and tested out his deep voice. Perfect. He had been practising.

He started the engine and pulled away from the kerb slowly, so as not to attract any unwanted attention. As he came up beside her, he grabbed the map from the passenger seat and rolled down the window.

‘Excuse me, miss. I wondered if you could help me?’

Kate continued to walk. She was staring straight ahead and when a gust of wind blew her hair, he noticed the earbuds in her ears.

He tapped his horn and chastised himself when he noticed her jump. He didn’t want her to be afraid of him. She removed an earphone and looked in the car window.

‘Sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’m a little lost. I wondered if you could help me?’ Kate cocked her head, as if she was deciding whether or not to help the stranger before her.

‘Where are you going?’ Oh, her accent. Like music to my ears.

‘I’m looking for Anchor House. Do you know if it’s around here?’

‘Ah no. Sorry. I’m not familiar with that place. There’s a shop on the corner; maybe they’d be able to help you?’ She pointed to the end of the road.

‘Pardon? Can you come a little closer, I didn’t hear that?’

Instead, she spoke louder. Something was making her wary. Surely it couldn’t be him.

‘Try the shop down the road.’ She looked at her watch. ‘I wish I could be of more help, but I have to go.’ Her pace quickened and she looked back at him before she crossed the road, no doubt heading to the bus stop.

She stole another look in his direction. He had to stop himself from waving. She wanted to see me again. He folded the map up and shoved it in the glove box before pulling out and heading into work.

‘Living Doll’ came on the radio and he cranked it up louder.

It’s fate.

They were playing their song. The feeling of euphoria would last throughout the day.

Yes. It’s time. We’ll be reunited once again, my darling Kate.

He nearly passed the building because he was so caught up in thoughts of Kate. He took out his pass and held it against the flat surface, waiting for the beep to let him know the bar would rise. The parking lot was busy; he hadn’t been to this station in a while. Maybe he would see a friendly face or two, but first he would need to change.

Chapter 13

Kate pulled her coat around her as she looked back before crossing the road. The man in the car was still looking at her.

I’m just being paranoid.

He had been friendly enough and only asked for directions. Kate really hadn’t known the location he had asked her about, but there was no way she was going to lean in towards his car either. She’d watched various programmes on serial killers and that was definitely one of the tricks they used. With everything that had been happening, she wasn’t going to make it easy for anyone to grab her.

She’d reached the bus stop and looked around again. Kate thought she saw his car pass, but that wouldn’t make sense as the shop she’d directed him to was around the opposite side. Perhaps he’d changed his mind. She shrugged to herself. The bus arrived and after paying her fare and finding a seat, she put her earphones back in and relaxed as Muse took hold. She ignored the rest of the passengers.

Kate felt her mobile vibrate in her pocket. She smiled when she saw the message from Maggie.

I hope you have your mobile on you. Just wanted to double check that you’re sorting out the security we spoke about. Text me when you can. X Maggie

Kate texted back letting Maggie know that she was heading into work early and would update her on the security situation. She reminded her that they had already discussed this and there was no need to keep checking. To soften the conversation, she ended by thanking her for caring. She knew Maggie was only looking out for her, but she didn’t want to feel so vulnerable.

When she arrived in Markston she walked the long way around so she could go through the centre of the town. It was quiet at this time in the morning, so she popped into the café and picked up an Americano. She wouldn’t let her guard down though and continued to look around as she walked through the public parking lot towards the police station. Kate couldn’t help but feel someone was watching her, even though there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Once she punched in her password, she waited as the gate opened and then entered via the back door, taking the lift up to her office floor. She jumped when she heard someone call out, ‘Kate!’

Looking into the open-plan office, she smiled when she saw Lucy Sherwood. Lucy was an agency Probation Officer now after leaving her full-time post at Markston Probation. She was in the process of finalizing and opening a refuge for men and women who were in, or escaping from, abusive relationships.

‘Hi Lucy! How wonderful to see you. Had I known you’d be here, I would have brought you one.’ She raised her coffee. She walked towards Lucy, having to shimmy past Luke – the maintenance man from headquarters who was finally changing the flickering ceiling bulbs.

‘Well, I hadn’t planned on coming, but the accreditation from the Ministry of Justice has come through earlier than expected, so I’m here to talk over some things with Mark and the team regarding referrals. Are you OK? You’re looking a little pale.’

‘I’m grand.’ Kate wasn’t up for explaining recent events. ‘Great news about the refuge! If there’s anything I can help you with, just ask, OK?’

‘Thanks so much, Kate. I’m sure I’ll be picking your brains, as I’m working on an assessment to include in the referral and would love your input.’

‘No problem. We can catch up when you’re done here or book some time. I’d actually love to come by and see how you have set things up. I’m particularly keen to see how you have the male and female residential arrangements onsite.’ Kate looked at her watch. ‘I’m really sorry to cut things short but I need to do something. Make sure to catch me before you go, OK?’

‘I will. Nice to see you again, Kate.’

Kate smiled as she walked into her office, put her coffee down and slumped into her chair. It was exhausting putting on an act, but she couldn’t let anyone know just how shaken up she actually felt.

She turned on her computer and, while it booted up, she took out her notebook where she had recorded all the information about her stalker. Logging on to her computer, she opened the Google browser and searched for security firms within the area. She had already decided to have her locks changed even though there was no evidence to suggest that whoever this individual was had been in her home. She would much rather be sure that this wouldn’t be an option. She would also have the locks on the windows changed and alarms installed. A new alarm for the flat and a camera above the door would also ease her mind. She recalled Maggie’s offer to have a panic alarm installed, but decided that with all the additional security she was looking at, this wouldn’t be necessary.

After reading some of the reviews of the various companies, Kate settled on one and made the arrangements for them to come round on the weekend and do the work. She hadn’t meant to lie to Maggie when she told her she already had details for a company, but the situation had overwhelmed her and she just blurted it out. At least it was all sorted now.

What a relief.

She felt better about things. This was going to cost her a fair chunk of her savings, but in the long run her safety was more important.

There was a light knock on her door. ‘Morning, Kate. Are you coming to the meeting this morning?’ PC Mark Fielding raised his eyebrow.

‘Morning. Um, yeah. Is this about Lucy’s refuge?’ Mark nodded. ‘Right, gimme five and I’ll be in.’ She pointed to the ceiling. ‘Any chance you can ask Luke to pop in here and fix that bulb before he leaves? It takes ages to get maintenance here.’ She held her hands together in a kind of begging prayer.

‘Ha! Yes. I’ll have a word and then let DI Calleja know you’ll be through momentarily. I think there’s some more news to be shared with the team, but DS Hooper is not saying a word.’

‘Intriguing!’ Kate waited until Mark walked away before she dug out her mobile and called Maggie.

‘Hi, Kate. Everything OK?’

‘Yes. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve a security company coming around this weekend, hopefully, to install a few things and talk about other measures. It’s all sorted and you can relax.’

‘Well that does ease my mind a bit. But I’m still not happy that you have to wait. The offer of staying with me is still open.’

‘I appreciate that and I’ll have a think and see how I feel. Is there any news on the woman?’

‘There’s a briefing later today. Hopefully, Dr Blake has finished the post-mortem and once we have official confirmation of her identity, we can move things forward. I’ll keep you posted.’

‘Sounds good. I’ve got to go now – Lucy’s here to talk to us about her refuge.’

‘Is that up and running now? Amazing! Say hello and we’ll catch up later today or I’ll give you a bell this evening.’

‘You don’t have to keep checking up on me, you know?’ Kate sighed.

‘I know. But it’s more for my sake than yours, OK? Talk soon.’

Kate smiled as she ended the call. She’d never admit it, but she was secretly glad to have Maggie watching her back. The more she thought about the stalker, the more anxious she became. She didn’t want this to impact her work in the DAHU and she didn’t want to have to discuss the possibility of being forced to take time off. Work was her escape. If she didn’t have that, she’d be in worse shape.

I won’t go to that place again – once the darkness consumes me, it’s harder and harder to crawl out of that hole.

Kate’s previous bouts with anxiety and depression hung around her neck like a noose and she had fought hard to bury that part of her life. Kate stood and shook her head, plastered a smile on her face, pulled her shoulders back, and headed to the meeting room.

Chapter 14

The overcast sky and spittle of rain hitting her face on the way into work that morning almost seemed to perfectly reflect Maggie’s mood that day. She stared out of the window. Kate was still on her mind after their phone call.

Maggie’s shoulders were tight, and she hadn’t realized how worried she was until this moment. She rubbed the back of her neck, and as she looked up she saw Nathan coming down the corridor.

‘Everything OK?’ Nathan came over to her.

‘Yeah. Just got off the phone with Kate and she’s organised some additional security as a precaution while all this is going on.’

‘Did you tell her more about the case than we agreed?’ Nathan frowned.

‘She’d already seen the news, and once she put my panicky calls and the news story together, she pretty much figured things out for herself.’

Nathan turned on his heels. ‘In my office now, please.’

Maggie raised a brow. Nathan clearly wasn’t happy with her. She stood and followed him back into his office.

‘Have a seat.’ He pointed to a chair.

‘OK. You look pissed off. What have I done?’

‘I’m slightly concerned that you may have unnecessarily scared Dr Moloney by linking these cases together.’

‘Are you being serious?’ Maggie’s eyes widened.

‘Yes. I am. Look, I’m not only speaking to you as your boss here. There have been a few discussions about how you sometimes come across as a bit arrogant.’

‘What the hell, Nathan? You’re the one who told me to speak to Kate. No one else was going to do it. I just wanted to be upfront with her. She’s a friend as well as a colleague – and she may be at risk.’

‘Hang on. Let me finish. People don’t know you the way I and some of the team do, Maggie. We know how your brain works, and how you have this uncanny ability to connect the dots sometimes well in advance of when the rest of us do. But you need to tone things down. Be confident in your thoughts, of course, but let others share their theories and support them the same way you’d expect to be supported.’

Maggie’s shoulders drooped. ‘Do I really come across that way? It’s not how I’d like people to see me.’

‘I know. And it’s not all the time. What I’m saying is, just be mindful in future.’

‘I hear what you’re saying, but it’s not something I do consciously. I’ll try my best. If you feel I’m overstepping the mark, just tell me. I’d rather that than have people talking about me behind my back.’ Maggie’s shoulders tensed.

‘For the record, no one was talking behind your back, and you did also receive some high praise, especially from DI Rutherford who is impressed with your ability to spot things while focusing on all lines of enquiry.’