‘I get that,’ Connie said. ‘But in all three cases, the guy has acted as if he’s invincible. Maybe normal psychosexual parameters don’t apply. It could be that he’s not playing out a single fantasy, it’s more complex than that. If Meggy is the third victim then the ramping up is exponential. We’ve gone from stalking and an indoor, carefully controlled crime scene, to a public approach and a kidnapping on a driveway, this time at a school.’

‘You think he feels bulletproof,’ Baarda said.

‘Bulletproof’s not exactly right. He’s still taking some precautions. He doesn’t want to get caught. He has purpose, even if we haven’t figured out what that is yet, whether it’s sexual, retributive or whatever. There’s planning. The choices he’s making can’t be entirely random. But removing people from public places is unique. It’s like he feels unseen.’

‘Which is why you want to tell him that he isn’t?’

‘Exactly,’ she said.

‘What if that’s a trigger for him? Say he feels safe while he’s invisible, as if he’s off our radar. When we start trying to communicate with him directly, is there not a risk that his behaviour will deteriorate? He’s holding one captive who we hope is still alive, possibly two if your instincts about Meggy are correct. He could easily decide that it’s less risky for him to kill them before he’s discovered.’

‘You got a better idea?’ Connie asked.

‘Failure to have a better idea doesn’t justify taking a leap into the unknown. If the risk is unquantifiable then I’m not sure I’ll be able to, or should, convince my superiors to reach out publicly to this man. Could you put a profile report together, as far as you’ve got, with hypotheses that link into the hard evidence? As little speculation or supposition as possible. The detective superintendent here – Overbeck – is asking to see results. If we want her to back us, we’ll need to reassure MIT that we’re travelling forward rather than in circles. If you can get that to me before midnight, I’ll set up a meeting and see if the media liaison team will assist.’

‘I have a couple of things to do first. We’ve been ignoring our possible first victim. I’d like to assess how and if she fits in.’

‘Connie, if you’re thinking about going to Advocate’s Close alone—’

‘I’m losing reception,’ Connie lied. ‘Keep your cell on. I’ll be in touch.’