Page 4 of The Scene of the Crime (Jessica Russell #1)

As she left Scotland Yard, Jessica untied her hair, shook it loose and ran her hands through it to fluff it out. She then switched her phone on and noticed a missed call and voicemail from Diane Thomas. She played it back.

‘Hi Jess, Taff and I are in Champagne Charlie’s. It’s in the arches off Villiers Street. Let us know when you’re on your way.’

Jessica had never been to Champagne Charlie’s before and was pleasantly surprised by the interior, which featured high ceilings, ornate mirrors and a classic Victorian-style bar.

She spotted Diane and Taff in a booth at the far end.

Diane saw her and was about to wave, but Taff, his usual gregarious self, raised his voice to get Jessica’s attention.

‘How’d the interview go?’ Diane asked as she stood up, hugged Jessica and kissed her on the cheek.

‘Hard to say. I won’t know the result until tomorrow. God, I need a drink after that. What are you two having?’

‘No, no, my round,’ said Taff.

‘A large glass of Sauvignon Blanc then, please,’ said Jessica.

‘Same,’ nodded Diane.

While Taff was at the bar, Jessica had a word with Diane. ‘I’m worried that going over the interview will just make me more anxious about the outcome.’

‘If you don’t want to talk about it, that’s fine by me, and I’m sure Taff will agree. But talking to friends about your thoughts and emotions might actually help relieve your anxiety.’

Taff returned with the drinks and a half of lager for himself, which he raised towards them. ‘Iechyd da,’ he said as they clinked glasses.

Jessica took her time trying to recall the interview questions and her answers. Doing so made her realise she’d answered some of the questions better than she thought.

‘Sounds to me like you did OK,’ Diane remarked.

‘That DCI Anderson sounds like an arsehole,’ Taff added.

‘Do you think he might have been playing Bad Cop just to see how you’d react?’ Diane asked.

‘It’s possible, but I think he meant every word. Commander Williams didn’t look happy with the way he spoke to me.’

‘Sounds like she was on your side?’ Diane said.

‘Williams and Morgan were charming, and their body language was positive, but Anderson had a face like a prune throughout the interview. And I’ll be up against some strong competition, where my lack of management experience might go against me.’

‘Do you know who they might pick for the behavioural adviser role?’ Taff asked.

‘Not a clue, but I’d guess it will be someone on the National Crime Agency list. I told the panel if I were selected as team leader, I’d want you both working alongside me.’

‘How’d that go down?’ Taff asked.

‘Williams said you are both highly respected in the forensic world.’

‘That’s odd because Taff’s always on another planet,’ Diane joked.

‘Even if I don’t get the position, you two are in with a good shout of being on the MSCAN team.’

‘It wouldn’t be the same without you, Draig,’ Taff said, using her Welsh nickname of ‘dragon’ on account of her flaming red hair.

‘Even so, I’d be upset if you two didn’t accept the offer. We’ve analysed my morning enough, so let’s move on to something more important. Do either of you want another drink?’

‘Not for me,’ Taff said. ‘I’ve got a Zoom meeting with the prosecution barrister regarding his footwear evidence in an upcoming murder trial.

’ He finished his drink and looked at Jessica.

‘If you don’t get the job, it’ll be a fucking travesty.

I’ve never worked with a crime scene manager as good as you.

Never doubt your worth or abilities, Jess, and know that me and Di will always have your back, no matter what happens. ’

‘Thanks, Taff. What will be will be.’ She gave him a hug.

‘It’s not often you see him being that serious,’ Diane remarked after he’d left the bar.

‘Underneath all the jokes, he’s got a heart of gold,’ Jessica smiled.

‘You want some lunch here or going somewhere else?’ Diane asked.

‘It’s a nice day . . . do you fancy a walk, and we could maybe grab a sandwich along the way?’

‘Sounds like a plan.’

‘Let’s get a sandwich on Villiers Street, then walk to Victoria station,’ Jessica suggested.

‘I can get a train home to Petts Wood from Victoria. What about you?’

‘I’ll get the train to Clapham Junction and then walk home,’ Diane said.

As they strolled through Horse Guards Parade eating their sandwiches, Diane asked about David.

‘He’s hurt his back, but otherwise I think he’s doing OK.’

‘Is he still off the drink and drugs?’

‘It appears so. I haven’t found any hidden vodka bottles in the house for a long time. He pretty much sticks to alcohol-free beer and wine now, but he’s been smoking cannabis. I’ve smelt it on him and in the garage and garden shed.’

‘Did you confront him about it?’

‘I don’t want to get into a row with him. I’m pretty sure it isn’t Skunk again, as he hasn’t exhibited any psychotic behaviour like before.’

Diane knew Skunk was made from unpollinated cannabis plants, which contained higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, making it stronger, and also causing nasty side effects, including paranoia and hallucinations.

‘You should talk to him about it. If a neighbour smells it and tells the police, it could harm your career.’

‘You’re right, but I need to tread carefully with David. He often takes advice the wrong way and becomes very defensive.’

‘He’s lucky to have you as a sister. I hope he appreciates how much you’ve done for him since your mother died. I know he took it badly and went off the rails, but he seems to forget it was also a terrible time for you.’

‘David’s not a bad person. He’s just had a tough life and . . .’

‘So have you. You gave up your flat and most of your social life to look after him. You should start looking for a place of your own again, you know.’

‘That’s what David suggested this morning.

I don’t mind living with him. It helps me financially, and we get on OK .

. . well, most of the time. But if I’m selected as the MSCAN team leader, my salary will increase significantly, enough to get a mortgage for a place of my own.

Anyway, what about you, how’s your family?

’ Jessica asked, wanting to change the subject.

‘Not bad, thanks. Mum and Dad have been godsends since the divorce, especially with looking after Ellory. He’s five now and starting primary school in September.

I’m lucky they live just around the corner.

But if I get the forensic scientist’s role on the MSCAN team, it will undoubtedly mean longer hours and being on call day and night. ’

‘Have you told your parents about it?’

‘Yeah, they’re very supportive, even if it will mean more work for them.’

‘What about your ex-husband, does he not help out with Ellory?’

‘He did until he buggered off to Leeds with that tart he had the affair with. She’s pregnant now.

He pays me child maintenance, but he only visits Ellory once in a blue moon.

You know, I’ll never forgive Paul for what he did to me, but he’s Ellory’s father, and as much as it galls me, I won’t bad-mouth him to our son.

’ She laughed. ‘You could move in with me, then we can grow old and miserable together.’

Jessica smiled. ‘I think we’d drive each other mad talking shop all the time.’

Arriving at Victoria station, they stopped and gave each other a big hug. ‘I really hope you get it,’ Diane said. ‘And Taff and I will be working with you.’

‘So do I. But if I don’t get it, I’ll stay in Kent as a CSM and still be doing work that I love.’

‘But then we won’t be working together on crime scenes anymore as the MSCAN unit only covers the Met area . . .’

Jessica shook her head. ‘Don’t you dare turn it down because of me. It’s an opportunity you may not get again.’

A departure announcement came over the station’s public address system.

‘Shit, that’s my train. I’d better get a move on . . . Ring me when you hear anything,’ Diane said and hurried off.