Page 45 of Hunting Justice
“They match the documents I have in my office for all the cases,” Noelle said.
Matt scratched his jaw. “This is definitely unusual. I’d like the flash drive Ken gave you and copies of the reports you have on the serial killer.”
“Not a problem. We planned on giving the drive to you.” She held the USB stick out to Matt, and he took it. “And I can email you the reports on the cold cases.” She’d give them the evidence, but could she include her story?
Decia pursed her lips. “Is there anything else we should know?”
Now was the time to come clean about the past. Jonah had said it wouldn’t matter, but what if it did?
“Go ahead. They’re your friends.” Jonah kept his voice low.
She knew Matt and Decia had heard him. How could they not in the small room? Noelle tugged on her sleeves. “There’s…um…more to the story about the serial killer.”
The two detectives—her friends—waited for her to continue.
God, I could really use a bit of Your courage right now.
“Fifteen years ago, this particular serial killer abducted his first victim. At least, that’s what the police concluded.” She clenched her shaking hands and took a deep breath. “The killer snatched young women and tortured them until he finally decided to kill them.”
Matt leaned forward. “Did the detectives figure out his motive?”
“Not exactly. But the man seemed obsessed with women who had blonde hair, blue eyes, and were around my height. He didn’t like these women for whatever reason. Most likely a surrogate for whoever he was really angry with.”
Matt’s gaze never wavered as he digested her words. “Why work on these cases? And how do you have so much information about the killer?”
Jonah slipped his fingers into hers and held tight.
“Because…” She swallowed the bile creeping up her throat. “I was his first victim and have the scars to prove it.”
When neither detective responded, Jonah jumped in. “Obviously, she escaped, but not before she paid a high price.”
“How long have you known?” Matt asked Jonah.
“Noelle just told me about her connection. But ever since last summer, I’ve helped her toss around ideas and talk through the cases—never knowing that one of them was hers until yesterday.”
Decia tilted her head and focused on Noelle. “Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I felt like an idiot, and the scars aren’t pretty. In fact, they’re disgusting.” She shrugged. “No one around here knows. Lizzie, my parents, and my therapist know the basics. Only the detectives investigating the crime know all the details. Jonah’s the first person I’ve ever told.”
Matt blinked and shook his head. “How you kept it a secret this long, I’ll never know. But it explains a lot. Your apparent unease at night. The long-sleeve shirts. The intense security system.”
“I became good at hiding my damaged skin. And you’re right. I hate walking outside alone after dark. I might have overcome the paranoia, but the fear lingers.” She looked at Decia. Her friend. Her confidant on so many things. “Dish, are we good?”
The hurt in her friend’s eyes made her want to cry. “I wish you would’ve told me.”
“I know. And I’m so sorry.” Noelle lowered her chin.
“Noelle.”
She lifted her gaze.
Her friend stood, stepped in front of her, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “No need to apologize. I’m just happy you confided in us.”
Noelle nodded.
“You look like you could use some time to process telling us. Matt and I will leave you two alone. We’ll be in touch once we’ve examined the files. Let us know if you discover anything else.”
Jonah stood and escorted the pair to the door. “That’s a promise. We haven’t opened the last folder yet, but once we do, you’ll be our first call with any information.”