Page 3 of The Scene of the Crime (Jessica Russell #1)

‘Yes, ma’am. Diane Thomas. She’s a forensic scientist specialising in DNA, blood pattern analysis and fibres. I have worked alongside her many times at major crime scenes and her knowledge and skills have been invaluable.’

To Jessica’s surprise, Anderson nodded. ‘She lectured on my senior investigators’ course. She impressed me; her blood pattern work has solved some big cases. Who would be your second pick for the team?’

‘Stephen Jones. He’s a fingerprint expert who also specialises in footwear, tool and weapon mark comparisons. He’s worked on numerous murder and terrorist cases.’

Williams nodded. ‘They’ve both applied to be on the team. I’ve spoken to colleagues, and they are both highly respected. Have you spoken to them about working on MSCAN?’

‘Yes, ma’am. I felt I should get their approval first if asked to put any names forward.’

‘Would they still be interested in joining the team if you didn’t get the job?’ Anderson asked.

‘Of course. They see it as an opportunity to get more hands-on experience rather than being called in as and when for their expertise. I’d love to work with them more permanently, but that’s not for me to decide.’ Jessica smiled at Anderson, who frowned and looked at his clipboard.

‘Your CV states that after completing your master’s degree, you worked as a trainee probation officer in Southwark, supervising young offenders to help them avoid re-offending. Is that correct?’ he asked.

‘Yes, sir. It was challenging as the kids I dealt with were often impulsive and tested boundaries at every level. But it was also very rewarding.’

‘So why did you leave after only a year in the job?’ Anderson asked, looking at her pointedly.

Jessica knew she could have just said she didn’t feel it was the right job for her but decided to be open and frank with the panel.

‘I was sexually assaulted by a fifteen-year-old boy I was supervising. Unfortunately, he wasn’t charged, but I’d rather not go into all the details.

At the time, I couldn’t handle the emotional distress it caused me and found it difficult to concentrate on my work.

I decided on a different career path and joined Kent police as a scene of crime officer. ’

Anderson and the others looked shocked. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t know that, um, you know . . .’ Anderson mumbled.

‘It’s not something I’d want to put on my CV. Bad things happen, but you learn to deal with them.’

Anderson didn’t ask another question during the remainder of the interview, which focused on Jessica’s personal life and interests.

She told them that she currently lived with her brother, but was looking for a place of her own.

She also explained that due to her long hours as a crime scene manager, she didn’t have much of a social life but enjoyed staying fit and practising yoga to relax and stay focused.

Williams looked at her watch and said she had a couple more questions. ‘If you are not selected as the team leader, would you still be interested in being a crime scene investigator on the team?’

‘Yes, ma’am, I’d welcome the opportunity to be on such an elite unit.’

‘And if selected for either role, how long would it be before you could start?’

‘The Kent director of forensics is aware of my application, and I’d have to hand over my current cases, but I think two weeks would be a fair estimate.’

Williams nodded. ‘You’ll be contacted with the panel’s decision on Friday.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’ Jessica shook hands with each officer before leaving, and Williams and Morgan wished her well. As he gave her a limp handshake, Anderson said nothing.

*?*?*

Once Jessica had left the room, Williams turned to her colleagues. ‘I have to say Miss Russell impressed me. She has all the requisite skills, and her knowledge of behavioural analysis is definitely an asset. What did you think of her choice of Diane Thomas and Stephen Jones as part of the team?’

‘I wouldn’t argue with that. Five of the eight candidates said they would like them on the team,’ Morgan said, and Anderson nodded his agreement.

‘If Miss Russell was on or leading the team, there could also be a cost-saving opportunity,’ Williams remarked.

Anderson looked confused, but Morgan could tell what she was considering. ‘Are you thinking about giving Miss Russell a dual role?’

Williams nodded. ‘Yes, as the team leader, she can also be the behavioural adviser and a CSI.’

Morgan nodded. ‘A team of three will certainly be more costeffective than four.’

Anderson frowned. ‘Just because it would save money doesn’t mean Russell is the right choice.’

‘What is your problem with her, John?’ Morgan asked, clearly exasperated.

‘I don’t have a problem with her. She’s clearly an excellent CSI, but she’s not on the NCA-approved list as an analyst. I believe employing her as a behavioural analyst is a massive risk and could do more harm than good.’

Williams stood her ground. ‘Behavioural advisers do not have Russell’s crime scene skills and forensic knowledge.

They are generally called in by an SIO a few weeks after a murder or rape by an unknown offender and never visit a live scene.

They base their analysis and conclusions on scene photographs, police and witness statements.

Russell would be there right from the beginning. ’

‘Sounds like you’ve already made up your mind,’ Anderson grumbled.

‘I haven’t. I’m merely pointing out her all-round abilities. We need to discuss our notes on all the candidates before making a final decision.’