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Chapter Forty-Four

DETECTIVE PAIGE WALKER

Oliver Tate was the last victim of The Widowmaker's deadly game. His body, like the others before him, had been discovered in a gruesome state. Despite the relentless search for answers and justice, no suspects or leads have surfaced in connection to these murders—except for Katherine Tate. My gut tells me she’s behind the murders. Perhaps the guilt was too much for her, and that is the reason she tried to take her own life.

Dr. Burton, her therapist, tragically passed away in a car accident after losing control of his vehicle on the road when his brakes failed. It seems like every person Katherine Tate comes in contact with dies one way or another.

“She did it.” I look up at Elijah, who is doing paperwork.

“Who? Katherine Tate?”

“Yep. I know she did.”

“There’s no evidence proving it, Paige.”

“Don’t you find it odd that the murders stopped after her husband?”

“Yeah, but as I said, we don’t have a shred of evidence against her. And even if she did commit those murders, she’s locked up at Bellevue. The cheating men of New York City are safe.”

I roll my eyes, roll my chair back, and stand up. Grabbing my purse from the drawer, I hook it over my shoulder and grab my phone from my desk.

“Where are you going?” Elijah asks.

“To Bellevue.”

I push open the doors and step into the lobby at Bellevue. After signing my name on the clipboard at the reception desk, I wait for the door to buzz and open. I make my way down the hall until I see a window with a woman in maroon-colored scrubs sitting behind it.

“I’m here to see Katherine Tate.”

“You can wait in that room right there.” She points behind me. “I’ll have someone bring her in.”

“Thank you.”

I walk into the room. The sterile white walls are cold and impersonal. A few patients sit around tables, visiting with their loved ones. I settle into a chair at a small round table near the window, my fingers tapping against the smooth surface as I stare at the snow slowly melting away.

“Detective Walker.” Katherine smiles, walking into the room and sitting across from me.

“Hello, Katherine. You look well.”

“Thank you. I feel much better. What brings you here?”

“Something is nagging at me,” I say.

“Okay? What is nagging you?”

“The fact that there hasn’t been another cheating man murdered since your husband.”

“That’s a good thing, right?” She cocks her head.

“Yes. It’s very good. But do you see where I’m going with this? ”

“No. I don’t.”

She’s different somehow. Her mannerisms, her tone. My gaze lingers on her face, trying to figure out what's changed.

“You haven’t been back to work since your husband’s death, and the murders have stopped. Don’t you find that coincidental?” I narrow my eyes.

“No.” She shakes her head. “I don’t.”

“Where’s the knife, Katherine? What did you do with it?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Detective Walker.”

“I think you do.” She leans in, mere inches from my face. “I know you’re The Widowmaker. You killed those men.” I grit my teeth, desperate for her to confess.

“Are you okay, Detective Walker? You’re looking a little pale.”

“Just admit you killed those men. You’re already locked up in this place. I can get the district attorney to cut a deal. I can make it so you stay here and not behind bars.”

She lets out an eerie laugh. “Why would I admit to something I didn’t do? This is harassment, Detective Walker. Maybe I should call your captain and tell him you’re harassing a mental patient in a mental facility.”

“I know you did it.” I point at her and stand up.

“Believe what you will, detective. I do believe this case has your mind twisted. Maybe speaking to one of the doctors here will do you some good.”

I stare at her with contempt. “Enjoy your stay here, Mrs. Tate.”

A sinister smile dances on her lips. “I am. Thank you.”