"Yeah, I agree with that.If our killer is among the current members, they've been maintaining a facade while sitting in rooms with their victims' friends.That kind of psychological stress has to be taking a toll."
Kate consulted the list of book club members they had compiled."Eight current members, including Margaret and Jennifer.That leaves Eleanor Whitman, Sandra Morrison, Carol Stevens, Patricia Dunham, Diana Clark, and Mary Richardson.Plus, David Fletcher, though his alibis essentially clear him."
"Should we keep Fletcher on the suspect list just in case?"DeMarco asked.
"For now, yes.But let's focus our energy on the others."Kate stood up and gathered her notebook and keys."I think we should split up to cover more ground.You take Sandra Morrison, Carol Stevens, and Patricia Dunham.I'll handle Diana Clark, Mary Richardson, and circle back to Eleanor if needed."
"What's our approach going to be?"
Kate considered the question carefully."Direct but not accusatory.We're concerned about their safety, but we also need to understand the group dynamics better.Who had conflicts with Margaret and Jennifer?Who knew their routines well enough to predict their schedules?Who has the knowledge and access to plan these murders?And maybe even recommend the same thing I asked of Elanor—to suggest they not go anywhere alone until we can wrap this case."
DeMarco packed up her materials and prepared to leave."If one of these women is our killer, she's been playing a role for months.Expressing grief over victims she murdered, comforting friends whose lives she's destroyed."
"The psychological profile of someone capable of that level of deception is pretty specific," Kate agreed."We're looking for someone with significant acting ability, emotional control, and probably some kind of personal vendetta against the victims.Chances are good that they’ll be an exceptional liar."
As they prepared to leave the conference room, Kate pulled out her phone to check for messages.She had missed two texts from Allen and felt a pang of guilt about her lack of communication throughout the day.
The first message, sent around noon, read:"Michael's nap went well.Emma stayed until 2 PM as planned.Hope your investigation is progressing."
The second, sent just twenty minutes ago, was more detailed:"Michael had a good afternoon at the park.Dinner will be ready whenever you get home.Take care of yourself out there."
Kate typed a quick response and found herself wishing she was back at home with him.Yes, the case was exciting, but she couldn’t ignore the pull to be back home with her family.She was getting used to it now and any significant time spent away from them just felt wrong.She typed back:"Thank you for handling everything today.I know this case is demanding more than we planned.Should be home by 7 PM.I appreciate you more than I probably show."
She sent the message and immediately felt the weight of how much she was asking of Allen.When they had discussed her return to FBI work, they had agreed on boundaries that would protect their family time.But serial murder cases didn't respect those boundaries, and Allen was bearing the burden of her professional obligations without complaint.All while they also spent time planning their wedding.
"Everything okay?"DeMarco asked, noticing Kate's distracted expression.
"Just checking in with Allen.He's been covering childcare all day while I chase down leads."Kate slipped her phone back into her pocket."Sometimes I wonder if I'm taking him for granted."
"Allen seems pretty understanding about your work demands."
"He is, which makes it worse somehow.He never complains or makes me feel guilty, even when cases like this disrupt our entire routine."Kate gathered her jacket and badge."He's a good man, and I'm not sure I always appreciate that enough."
DeMarco smiled sympathetically but remained quiet… which Kate appreciated.DeMarco had always known when to say something and when not to say a word.
As they left the field office—less than forty minutes after arriving—Kate found herself thinking about balance and priorities.The case was consuming her attention in a way that felt both professionally necessary and personally challenging.She could feel herself slipping into the intense focus that Allen had warned her about, the single-minded pursuit of answers that sometimes came at the expense of everything else.
Kate settled into her car and started the engine, already planning her approach to the remaining interviews.Somewhere among the women she was about to question was potentially a killer who had successfully deceived her friends and neighbors while committing elaborate, premeditated murders.She just hoped they could identify that person before they struck again.
As she pulled out of the parking garage, Kate made a mental note to be home by seven o'clock as promised...no matter where the case was.Allen and Michael deserved her full attention when she walked through their door, regardless of how consuming this case had become.
Of course, that was easier said than done.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Kate pulled her car into Patricia Dunham’s driveway, preparing herself for the first of what would be two or three interviews to close out the day.Patricia lived in a small brick ranch house on Elmwood Circle, a home that looked quaint but rather dated despite careful maintenance.The property was modest but well-tended, with foundation plantings of azaleas and boxwoods.A concrete driveway led to a single-car garage, and the front yard was dominated by a large maple tree.
Kate parked at the curb and noted the ceramic wind chimes hanging from the small front porch, along with a welcome mat that had seen better days.The house number was displayed in brass numerals beside the front door, and lace curtains covered the windows facing the street.Kate knocked softly, but even that light sound seemed too loud amid the peace of the neighborhood.
Patricia answered the door ten seconds later.She was a heavyset woman in her late sixties with graying brown hair that rested in the shoulders of her floral-patterned blouse.Her expression immediately showed concern when she saw Kate standing on her porch.
"Oh my goodness, Kate, isn't it?From last night's meeting?"Patricia's voice carried the same slightly breathless quality Kate remembered from the book club gathering."What are you doing here?"
"Mrs.Dunham, I'm actually Agent Wise with the FBI.I was at the book club meeting last night as part of an investigation into Margaret Carlisle's death.I'd like to speak with you about some additional developments in the case."
Patricia's hand flew to her chest, and Kate could see genuine shock register across her features."FBI?But Eleanor said you were considering joining the group because you might be moving to the neighborhood."
"I apologize for the deception, but it was necessary for the investigation.May I come in?I have some serious matters to discuss with you."
