But perhaps not to the marina owner, because she was sure that the killer had accessed that register, to look up some of the addresses of girls he'd spotted out on the lake. So he would have needed a reason to come in and must hopefully be known to the owner.
"Are there any fishermen who visit you in here regularly? Perhaps to buy supplies, or just to shoot the breeze?"
She glanced down at the register.
"Yes. There are a couple who do." The owner sounded curious now.
"I'm looking for someone who would stand here while he spoke."
May moved to where the register was. This was where the killer would have needed to be, to get within easy glancing distance of the names.
The owner frowned.
"Funny you should say that, because most of them take a seat near the coffee machine when they come in for a drink and a chat. But now that you mention it, there is one regular fisherman who stands exactly where you are now. I’m surprised I didn’t notice that before, as it does seem different."
May felt breathless. At last, they were getting the answers she knew they needed.
"Who is he?" she asked.
"I can have a look for you," he said, turning to the computer. "We ask all the fishermen to give us a copy of their license. We don't want trouble with the law if anyone fishes illegally using our boats or facilities."
May waited, feeling her tension build, as he checked the records, tapping his fingers on the desk.
"What's his name again?" he said to himself.
"Here you go. Josh Evans. That's the one."
"His address, please? In fact, if you have a copy of the license, can I see it?"
There might be other information she needed.
"Sure. I'll print it for you."
A moment later, the printer whirred, and May grabbed the black and white page.
She felt lightheaded with excitement and nerves. Now, she was absolutely sure they were on the right track. Without a doubt, Josh Evans was the killer.
But she was also sure that by now, he knew that the police were hunting for him.
He might be difficult to find, or else be panicking and already making plans to dispose of his remaining captives.
Every moment now counted in tracking this cunning and dangerous man.