Suzy led Steve in to the Sexual Assault team room. Looming large in one corner of the room was a map of the city under the title Operation Black Shadow. Before Suzy could show Steve the map, her phone rang. "I need to take this," she said before moving off some where more private, leaving Steve to study the board himself.
There were the details of four attacks on the board. Kate's would be added and make number five. Reading the details of the four cases he couldn't find anything that linked or connected the victims. The rapist obviously chose random women who were in the wrong place at the right time.
"Sorry about that," Suzy apologised. "My wife," she explained. "We've got a new puppy at home who has decided to have a rather nasty accident on her brand new rug,".
Steve grimaced. "That doesn't sound good,".
"Err no. Lisa is a little….miffed particularly as she thinks the puppy hates her. This is another case in point apparently," Suzy explained, not looking forward to going home.
"So Kate's number five," Steve said, indicating the map in front of them.
"Five that have felt able to report their assault to us," Suzy clarified. "We think there are a lot more victims out there,".
"How many?" Steve asked.
"About twenty we think, from what victims have felt able to tell SARC" Suzy revealed.
"Twenty?!" Steve asked, shocked. They had a serial rapist on the loose by the sound of it. "Over how long?".
"Nearly three years," Suzy said. "All have had their underwear taken and been photographed during their assault,".
"Jesus," Steve said.
"He's clever," Suzy defended her lack of progress. "No evidence left at any of the crime scenes,".
"Until now," Steve pointed out.
"I know," Suzy said. "This is the first mistake he's made. I just hope it leads somewhere," she continued. "A minor misdemeanour that has needed his DNA to be filed would be really useful,".
"Yeah,".
"He's getting bolder and more violent," Suzy added. "At first he seemed to attack under the cover of darkness. Now it can be any time of day. And with members of the public nearby. Almost as if he gets off on nearly being discovered,".
"You think he could go further?" Steve asked.
"I hope not," Suzy answered as she studied the map again.
"Are there any patterns?" Steve said. "I couldn't see anything,".
"I think we won't see another attack for a while. He doesn't seem to commit an assault in the summer months," Suzy revealed.
"Well assaulting women is hard work," Steve said grimly. "He deserves a summer holiday,".
Kate appeared at the team room door and saw Steve getting friendly with Suzy. She instantly felt jealous at watching the pair of them getting along. She couldn't blame Steve. He was a good looking guy and she was damaged goods now. "Having fun?" Kate said a little icily as she approached Steve and Suzy.
"You done?" Steve asked as his attention immediately switched back to Kate.
"Yeah," Kate replied, "but I'm not sure how useful it'll be,".
"Thanks Kate," Suzy said. She would go and have a look at Kate's likeness shortly.
"Can we go now?" Kate asked.
"Yeah I think so," Suzy said. "I'll be in touch if I think of anything else,".
"OK," Kate said before turning to Steve. "Let's go," she said breezily. They headed towards Steve car. "You seem to have hit it off with Suzy very well," Kate stated.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Steve asked, unsure of what Kate was getting at.
"Working your charm,". "I was simply being friendly," Steve retorted, now getting an idea about what Kate was thinking. Maybe it was because he had dated quite a few women before her, but Kate lacked confidence in exactly how deep his feelings went for her.
"It looked as if you a little too friendly," Kate said angrily as she got in to the passenger seat.
"Kate, I'm not her type," Steve said a little frustrated as he took his place behind the wheel. "You would have more of a chance with her than me, if you know what I mean,".
"How do you know that?" Kate challenged.
"Her wife called,".
"Oh," replied Kate, the wind having been firmly removed from her sails. She felt a complete idiot. "Sorry," she apologised as she burst in to tears. Why was she being completely oversensitive about Steve talking to other women? She'd never been like this before.
"I'm sorry too," Steve said as he rubbed Kate's back.
"I'm being a complete bitch today, aren't I?".
"You've had a few moments," Steve agreed, "but I think it's acceptable in the circumstances," he soothed as he wiped a few tears from Kate's cheeks.
"I hate being like this," Kate sniffed. "I just want to feel normal again,".
"I know you do," Steve replied as he reached over the centre console and gave Kate a comforting hug. "I want you back to normal again as well,".
"What if the old Kate never returns?" Kate asked worriedly.
"You'll find her," Steve encouraged. "You've just got to be patient. I'll do everything I can to help," he promised.