‘I guess I should probably start by asking for this to be off the record. I’m not sure if I’m supposed to be sharing any details about what I’m going through but I need some answers and I think you may be able to help.’

‘Sure, Liz. We’re off the record.’

A mix of nerves and thrill coursed through me. ‘Well, after doing a DNA-ancestry kit recently that uncovered I was adopted, I uploaded my DNA to GEDmatch in the hopes of finding more biological family members.’ I took a long pause and I could sense an excited tension hanging on the line between us. ‘The FBI got a familial hit on my DNA that connects me to TSK. And even crazier, they think it’s one of two relatives I’ve been trying to get to know. One of which, I’ve already spent time with.’

Beccah gave a long, low whistle. ‘Wow. Liz, that’s huge. I mean I’ve been investigating this case for a very long time and that’s the biggest break in the case that I’m aware of.’

‘I know. Which is why I’m hoping I can trust you to keep this between us. I don’t want to mess up the investigation. But at the same time I really need answers. The FBI isn’t exactly being forthcoming with me and if I’m walking into the den of a serial killer, I need to know.’

‘I’m not surprised they’re keeping their evidence close to the chest,’ Beccah said. ‘But I can’t blame you for wanting to know the truth about your family history. How can I be of help?’

Relief bloomed inside me at her willingness to speak with me. It was nice having someone who understood the dark ins and outs of TSK and who wouldn’t shy away from discussing his horrible crimes.

‘I’m just hoping there may be some details on him, his profile, evidence he may have left behind. I don’t know really, anything that the FBI isn’t sharing with me. I know I’m asking for a lot but I just feel like I’m swimming blind here. All they would really tell me was his age, that he’s lived predominately in the Tri-State Area, and that he is manipulative and good at hiding in plain sight.’ I thought back for a moment. ‘Oh. And that he may have additional properties. Is there anything else you know that you could share with me?’ I knew it was wrong to share the information the FBI had given me in confidence, but I was so grateful to finally speak to someone who might actually help me. At last, here was someone who knew the case intimately and could connect some of the missing pieces of this dangerous puzzle.