Page 37 of Say Nothing
"What?"Alison shouted through the door.
"Do you want to comment on the triple homicide?"The man brought his hand out from behind his back to present a small dictaphone.
Alison was still wary.Could he be the killer trying to gain entry?Had he done something similar with one of the victims?
"Look," the man urged.He reached into his inside jacket pocket and pulled out some ID, holding it up to the peephole.
Alison studied the card.It looked legitimate—a journalist.
"It’s two in the morning," Alison told him.
"This is big news," the man said."Dr.Payne is back on the tail of another serial killer, and they’re coming after you next."
"They’re not—listen, I don't have any comment for you," Alison said angrily."It’s the middle of the night, and you march up here to scare me like this?I could have shot you."
"One statement," the man begged."Don't you want to get ahead of this?"
"I have nothing to say," Alison replied."Leave my property or I’m calling the police."
"So, they’re not on the way?"the man asked with a smile.
"Just leave me alone," Alison warned.
"When Dr.Payne was asked to comment on the recent spate of murders, she refused," the man told her."That’s what I’ll write."
"You can write whatever you please," she told him."Now, leave me alone and don't come back here."
"Oh, come on, you know I have to.This place’ll be swarming with reporters tomorrow morning.It’s almost a courtesy for me to come up here and forewarn you."
"Get off my property," Alison ordered.
"All right," the man said, holding up both hands.
Alison watched as he left the door and walked back toward the gate into the darkness.There was nothing for a while, then the headlights of a car came on, and they cut a blade of light across the outside world as he looked up and went back the way he’d come.Alison watched until the vehicle was no longer visible.
Then, she turned and placed her back against the door.
"It’s out there now," she muttered."That’ll only cause panic and confusion.What does that mean for the killer?They’ve been killing in the shadows so far.They want to be recognized for what they’re doing.It’ll only help them thrive."
***
Dr.Victoria Canton sat in her office with the TV on.The small flatscreen attached to the right-hand wall was there to keep track of the news cycle, and she had it on whenever she was in the office with the sound turned down.She’d turned the sound up as the story had broken (one she already knew about after talking with Alison Payne earlier that morning).
Special Agent Derek Sullivan had addressed the press earlier that morning, and they were playing the press conference again.
"Thank you all for being here this morning.I am leading the investigation into a triple homicide, and at this time, we will not be naming the victims in respect to their families who are already grieving enough.I can't share much information about the case as it is active, and there is some sensitive information that can't be shared.All I can tell you is that three women have been found in their homes.We are doing all we can to bring the killer to justice, and we have some very strong leads to follow.If anyone has any information on the case, please call our tip line directly.We appreciate your cooperation at this time, and we ask that you let us do our jobs.Thank you."
"Special Agent Sullivan, is it true that Dr.Alison Payne is involved in this case, not only in a consulting role?"
"I won't talk specifics about the case," Derek replied."We consult with numerous professionals on every case when chasing criminals.I won't name anyone involved in our investigations."
"Is it true that Dr.Payne is being targeted herself?"
"You will be updated on the case when we have more information," Derek told them."There will be no more questions at this time."
Dr.Canton picked up the remote and muted the TV.
She was surprised when Alison had turned up at the office that morning, but with the case now public knowledge and her involvement, her house would be inundated with reporters seeking a statement.Victoria was glad to have Alison in the office, being her best employee, but she didn't like the attention she was receiving and would receive.
