Page 30 of Three Girls Gone

“I know you’ve been investigating an NYPD case since you left there. How you’re no longer employed as a cop, yet you insist on acting like you are?”

“I have nothing to say to that,” Katherine said at a low volume.

“Amanda and Trent seem to think you can help find Hailey’s killer.”

“And Julie Gilbert’s,” Katherine amended.

“Go on.” Malone sat back and clasped his hands.

Katherine filled Malone in on what she’d shared with Amanda and Trent. When she finished, Malone leaned forward, his elbows on the table, and his arms crossed.

“Huh. So you’re saying we find the photographer, we find the killer?” Malone said.

“That’s the running theory. And we think this person ID’d Dickson.”

“All right, well, you said he messaged through an online contact form. Digital always leaves a trail.”

Katherine inched forward on her chair, matching Malone’s posture. “I’m limited in what I can do. I tried emailing the address provided, as the form asks for one, but it bounced back as undeliverable.”

“We can take this to Detective Jacob Briggs with Digital Forensics. If anyone can track the sender’s location, it’s him,” Amanda said.

“That’s a great idea, Amanda,” Katherine piped in.

“It could work,” Malone admitted, with far less enthusiasm. “And I think that’s our strongest starting point before we invest too much time digging into all the people associated with the pageant and different venues.”

“Here’s the thing—” Katherine stopped talking when Malone let out a huff.

“Fine, go ahead. Say what you were going to say. I have a feeling I know what it’s going to be already.”

“I’m not sure if Amanda has spoken to you yet or?—”

“Oh, she’s spoken to me, and I’m not sure where I stand yet.She’s convinced your familiarity with the Gilbert case will be integral to solving the Tanner murder.”

Katherine remained silent, and from Amanda’s knowledge of the sergeant that had been a wise choice.

“If, and I meanifyou’re to help us, there can’t be any sleuthing around on your own. Any new intel is to be reported immediately, and you will share everything there is about the Gilbert investigation.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Most of it still in that storage shed?” Malone asked her.

“Between there and my laptop.”

“I will be upfront though. I’m not sure how comfortable I am bringing you in on this, Katherine,” Malone told her. “I think it’s best we stick to legal channels here. We should talk with your former partner. What was his name again?”

“The one who worked the Gilbert case with me is long gone, but my last detective partner was Mickey Fritz,” Katherine said.

“Well, he or someone at the NYPD needs to know what’s happened here and the link to Julie Gilbert.”

“I don’t disagree, but Julie’s case is taking up space in cold storage,” Katherine put out in a level tone. “No one is actively looking for her killer. That’s why?—”

Amanda shook her head for Katherine to stop. First, she slipped up by referring to the case asJulie’snot Gilbert’s. She might as well have screamed it was personal. Second, alluding to incompetence among the NYPD would never work with Malone. He was true blue to the core and refused to see any wrongdoing in his fellow officers of the law without solid evidence.

“Why what, Katherine? Please continue,” Malone prompted, though Amanda saw it as a test.

Katherine straightened her posture. “Someone has to look out for her.”

“Yes, well, I’m concerned someone should be looking out for you. I want to get a twenty-four-hour protective detail on you.”