Page 1 of The Scene of the Crime (Jessica Russell #1)

‘Not at work today then?’ she asked, surprised to see him.

‘I wouldn’t be here if I were, would I?’ He yawned and scratched his backside.

‘I was just asking, that’s all . . .’

‘I had hoped to have a lie-in, but all your chanting woke me,’ he grumbled.

‘Sorry about that. Is the day off to escape that little Chihuahua that keeps attacking you on your rounds?’ she laughed.

‘It’s not funny. The bloody thing’s mad. It’s bitten me twice now. I daren’t give it a kick in case it drops down dead.’

‘Tell the owner to keep it indoors.’

‘I have, but she’s eighty-six and doesn’t know what time of day it is . . . she’s as mad as her dog.’

‘So why the day off?’

‘I’m going to look at a racing bike in West Wickham. It’s a Fairlight Strael, a year old and hardly used, or so the seller says.’

‘How much is it?’

‘Two grand.’

‘For a bicycle!’

He frowned. ‘They’re nearer three thousand new. I’ll use it for the Ride London event if I buy it. I’m doing it for Cancer Research in memory of Mum, so it’d be nice if you’d sponsor me.’

‘Of course I will. Have you raised much so far?’

‘Nearly three grand. A lot of my postie colleagues have donated online. I’ve also been a bit cheeky and asked people on my mail round.’

‘Are you allowed to do that?’

‘No, but I stuck to people I know well who are unlikely to report me. They’ve all been very supportive actually.’

‘Well done, you. Send me the link and I’ll donate. How far is the ride?’

‘Hundred K. We start in central London, cycle into Essex and finish at Tower Bridge.’

‘Do you want anything?’ she asked, getting the granola from the cupboard.

‘Finding your own place to live would be good,’ he said, po-faced.

Jessica wasn’t sure if he was being serious. ‘I meant some breakfast.’

‘No thanks. All I want is some water and more sleep,’ he replied. As David reached for a glass, Jessica noticed him wince and then rub his lower back.

‘You all right?’

‘I pulled something pushing my mail trolley around.’

‘I thought they were meant to make your job easier.’

‘They’re still bloody heavy when they’re full.’

‘Maybe you should ask your manager about working in the sorting office if your back’s playing up.’

‘No way. I like being outside in the fresh air.’ David turned the cold tap on too far, splashing water everywhere.

‘Mind what you’re doing, David, I just tidied up.’ She grabbed some kitchen towel and placed it on the floor.

‘What is it with you and tidiness?’

‘Old Chinese proverb says a tidy house is a happy house.’

He grunted. ‘Less of your silly yoga chanting will keep me happy.’

‘I’ve got my big interview today. I was trying to calm my nerves.’

‘It’s not like you to be nervous about anything. It’s just another job, isn’t it?’

‘It’s more than just a job. If I’m selected, it will be a big step forward in my career, running a team of forensic experts.’

‘You’ll smash it. You’re bloody good at what you do.’

She smiled. ‘I’m meeting some colleagues after the interview. I should be home between three and four.’

He started to walk off, then turned around. ‘I was joking about you moving out. You know I appreciate everything you’ve done for me since Mum died, but I’m better now, so if you did want to find a place of your own, I wouldn’t be upset, that’s all.’

‘That’s OK. I’m happy here with my adorable little brother,’ she replied.

‘You may have popped out twenty minutes before me, but people say you look a lot older,’ he said with a grin.

‘And wiser,’ she responded.

He yawned and rubbed his lower back as he left the kitchen.

*?*?*

Jessica could feel her nervousness mounting as the train arrived at Charing Cross just after 10.

15 a.m. It was a cloudless but slightly chilly May morning, and the streets were bustling with people.

As she joined the crowd, she couldn’t help glancing at her watch again, knowing she had plenty of time.

Arriving at Scotland Yard, Jessica showed her Kent Police civilian identity card to one of the armed officers.

He nodded, stepped aside and let her in.

She then gave the receptionist a copy of the email from Commander Mary Williams confirming the appointment.

The receptionist checked Jessica’s name against the list, ticked it off and handed her a visitor’s lanyard.

‘Take the lift to the fourth floor, then turn left. Commander Williams’s assistant’s office is at the end of the corridor. ’

Jessica nodded her thanks, checked her watch one more time, then went into the Ladies opposite the lifts.

In the toilet, Jessica checked herself in the mirror to make sure she looked professional.

She was wearing a navy-blue trouser suit, white silk blouse and block-heeled court shoes.

Her thick, curly red hair was tied up in a bun.

She touched up her makeup and then washed her hands.

After carefully drying them with paper towels, she used the towels to clean the sink and taps.

Exiting the lift, Jessica made her way to Commander Williams’s PA’s office where a tall, dark-haired, good-looking man in his mid-forties was sitting behind the desk.

‘I’m Jessica Russell. I’ve come for the Murder and Serious Crime Analysis Team Leader interview.

’ She handed over the confirmation email and showed him her identification card.

‘I’m Jordan, the Commander’s PA. You’re nice and early.’

‘Gives me more time to compose myself before I enter the lion’s den,’ she joked.

He smiled. ‘I think you’ll find it less formal than you’re expecting.

So that you know, the panel likes to call it MSCAN for short .

. . it’s less of a mouthful. The waiting room is just across the corridor.

Help yourself to a hot or cold drink. I’ll come and get you when Commander Williams has finished interviewing the other candidate. ’

‘Thank you. Can you tell me who else is on the panel with Commander Williams and what their rank and department is?’

Jordan smiled. ‘Well done, you’re the first person to ask.

They all work in the homicide and major crime command.

DCI John Anderson is the small bald chap.

He’s a Senior Investigating Officer on the Barking homicide team.

The other officer is DCS Morgan. He’s based here at the Yard and is Commander Williams’s deputy. ’

‘How many people are they interviewing?’

‘Eight in total, and you’re the last.’

‘Thanks.’ Jessica entered the waiting room and got herself a bottle of water.

Thankfully she already knew Commander Williams from when she was a DCS in the Kent Police before she got a promotion and transferred to the Met.

Jessica had been the crime scene manager on Kent homicide cases when Williams was in overall command.

She was a highly respected, no-nonsense detective with a successful track record and the Met had recruited her to improve the efficiency of investigative and forensic work in homicide and major crime investigations.

Jessica removed her phone from her handbag, switched it off, and looked at the time again; it was 10.

45 a.m. She had thirty minutes before her interview and decided to review the notes she’d made in preparation.

Jessica read a couple of pages, then realised it was making her anxious again, so decided to do some deep breathing instead.

She was just exhaling when the door opened and Jordan entered.

‘The panel is ready to interview you, Miss Russell. Sorry it’s a bit earlier than expected.

The last candidate’s chances were pretty much over before the interview began.

Commander Williams does her homework on all the applicants.

She discovered the chap had made derogatory remarks on Facebook and X about the Met’s senior management.

He tried to deny it but had to fess up in the end. ’

Jessica shook her head. She wasn’t on social media herself, and couldn’t believe how foolish some people could be. Jordan took her to the Commander’s office, and she took a deep breath as she entered.

Despite Commander Williams’s desk being positioned in front of the windows, Jessica was surprised to find her sitting in a comfortable armchair and the two male officers seated on a matching three-seater sofa.

‘Nice to see you again, Jess,’ Williams smiled.

‘I don’t expect you’re used to being interviewed this way, but I prefer a less formal surrounding as it helps candidates feel more at ease.

’ Williams smiled, gesturing for Jessica to sit in the other armchair.

Morgan nodded in agreement, but Jessica noticed Anderson’s dour expression as he picked up his clipboard and pen from the coffee table.

Williams’s opening question was to ask her if she knew who the other officers present were, and Jessica was immediately thankful for Jordan’s tip as she reeled them off.

‘And what do you know about MSCAN?’

‘It was your vision to create a team of the best crime scene examiners working alongside a behavioural psychologist for the homicide and major crime command. They will deal with all forensic matters throughout an investigation, from crime scene to court. This will include crime scene analysis, reconstruction, victimology and suspect profiling. They will also consider the value and limitations of the available evidence, as well as suggesting any additional investigative and forensic opportunities.’

Williams nodded with a look of approval and wrote something on her clipboard.

DCS Morgan raised his pen. ‘The Commissioner was initially reluctant about Commander Williams’s idea as the Met already has its own forensic lab and crime scene managers. He was also concerned about the running costs. How do you think MSCAN will bring value to major crime investigations?’

‘Having a specialised unit of experts on hand to identify and optimise the best forensic opportunities in the early stages of an investigation should ultimately be more cost-effective.’