Page 63 of The Scene of the Crime (Jessica Russell #1)

‘No one knows the exact cause of takotsubo syndrome, but it can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure, and in rare cases, it can be fatal. I need to X-ray his heart and do some histopathology and microscopy work before I can determine if that’s how he died.

I’ll have a full report done by midday tomorrow and send it to you two and DCI Anderson. ’

*?*?*

After the postmortem, Chapman and Jessica went to see Anderson, who was on the phone with Commander Williams. He smiled and pointed to the chairs, inviting them to sit.

‘Yes, ma’am, I’ve informed the CPS. They agreed the current charges against Palmer should be dropped.

However, he will be remanded in custody on the assault charge and burglary warrant.

’ He paused to listen before continuing.

‘We all got it wrong, and if it wasn’t for Jessica, an innocent man could have gone to prison for a long time.

She’s with me now, so I’ll pass on your appreciation.

’ He ended the call and looked at her. ‘As you probably guessed, Commander Williams has been very impressed with you and your team’s work, as have we all. ’

‘Just doing our job, sir, and thank you for your support. We all appreciate it.’

‘Just call me John or guv when we talk privately. I want to apologise to you both regarding my tunnel vision regarding Palmer. You’d probably have expressed your concerns earlier if I’d been more approachable.’

‘I was also convinced Palmer was guilty as sin at first,’ Chapman said.

‘What will happen to him for assisting Wheeler by turning off the CCTV?’ Jessica asked.

‘Palmer helped us, so I took the view that with Wheeler being dead, there was insufficient evidence to charge him with assisting an offender. As far as I’m concerned there will be no further action on that matter.’

‘You do have a heart after all,’ Chapman smiled.

‘I’m sure you’d have done the same, Mike.

What were the results of the postmortem?

’ They informed him of Doctor Giorgini’s findings, covering as much detail as they could recall.

‘The takotsubo syndrome is interesting. That said, whatever the cause of Wheeler’s death, the CPS feel there will be enough evidence to charge the person or persons responsible with murder . . . if we can find them.’

‘We will, guv. I’m sure Jessica’s team will come up trumps with a DNA or fingerprint hit on something from Wheeler’s flat.’

‘No offence, Jessica, but we can’t bank on it,’ Anderson replied.

‘None taken. I’ve had many a case where we thought we would get a result and didn’t, but we will do our best.’

‘DC Bingham has been leading the house-to-house enquiries at Fred Wigg Tower. Wheeler’s flat is owned by his sister, who lives in Derby and rents it to him.

She’s married, so his surname wasn’t on the voter register.

So far, we haven’t found a resident who saw anyone coming or going from the flat.

A few knew who Wheeler was and weren’t very complimentary about him. Some were glad that he was dead.’

‘Live by the sword, die by the sword. Is there any news on Johan De Klerk’s condition?’ Chapman asked.

‘I phoned Doctor Babu earlier. He’s off the ventilator and was moved to a private room last night. He’s still unconscious, but his eyes and hands have twitched, which is a good sign. Being a fit and otherwise healthy man, the prognosis is good.’

‘Any idea on when we might get to speak to him?’ Chapman asked.

‘Doctor Babu thought De Klerk should have come round by now. He said he might overnight, but he’ll reassess him tomorrow morning.’

‘Have you spoken to Michelle De Klerk?’ Jessica asked.

‘Yes, I called her after my conversation with Doctor Babu. She was obviously still very distressed about her husband’s condition, but I reassured her that the doctor was confident he could make a full recovery.’

‘Did she ask about Liam Palmer?’ she asked.

‘She wanted to know if he had been charged. I said I’d meet with her tomorrow morning and discuss the recent developments, but she wasn’t happy. She wanted to have some good news for Johan when he woke up.’

‘So, Michelle knows it wasn’t him now?’ Jessica asked.

Anderson shook his head. ‘Not yet. I said I’d rather speak to her personally and arranged to meet her at the hospital at six o’clock.’

‘Are you going to tell her about Wheeler and the diamonds?’

‘I’ll tell her about Wheeler and the cash, not the diamonds. If they came from Johan’s safe, I want him to tell me where he got them and why he had them when he wakes up.’

‘I think that’s a good move, guv. Are you taking Dawn Owens with you?’ Chapman asked.

‘No, I would have, but she called in sick this morning.’

‘Nothing serious, I hope?’ Jessica said.

‘The office clerk took the call. She said Dawn had stomach cramps and seemed quite upset.’

‘I’ve never known her go sick,’ Chapman said. ‘Knowing Dawn, she’ll be upset by letting us down.’

Anderson nodded. ‘I don’t think there’s much more we can do today, Mike. A lot now depends on the forensic work. Do you still feel we might have some results by tomorrow morning, Jessica?’

‘Hopefully, but I can’t say if they will be positive. Guy’s working on Wheeler’s mobile and laptop, and Taff’s priority is the tape in Wheeler’s hair. I’ve asked Diane to look for touch DNA on the diamonds as well.’

‘Guy can examine De Klerk’s laptop and PC now. We’ve got a warrant. A copy should have been sent to him,’ Anderson said. ‘I’m happy for your team to concentrate on whatever they think will get us the quickest result to identify any other suspects.’

‘I’ll let them know,’ Jessica replied.

‘You two have been up since the crack of dawn, so go home and get some rest. Tell your team to do the same, Jessica. We’ll have another meeting at ten a.m. tomorrow to discuss any new developments.’

‘I was just wondering. Seeing as Dawn’s gone sick, would you like me to accompany you to see Michelle?’ Jessica asked.

‘I appreciate your offer, Jessica, but you’ve had a long enough day as it is.’

‘Honestly, I’m fine.’

‘OK, I appreciate it. I’m sure she’ll be more at ease with you there. I’ve got a couple of calls to make, then we can head off to the hospital.’

‘I’ll grab a drink and a sandwich in the canteen. Just let me know when you’re ready to go.’

Before Jessica went to the canteen, she and Chapman had a brief conversation in his office. ‘I reckon he’s phoning his wife to tell her he’ll be home late,’ Chapman said.

‘Looks like he’s beginning to stand up to her.’

‘Let’s hope he makes it to work tomorrow!’ Chapman laughed.

Jessica went to the canteen and ate a sandwich in a quiet corner. When she finished, she phoned Dawn. ‘Hi Dawn, it’s Jessica Russell. I just heard you’d gone sick and thought I’d call to see how you were.’

Dawn immediately burst into tears. ‘I don’t know what to do. DCI Anderson wanted me to go and see Michele De Klerk with him today, but I can’t face her right now. I’m terrified I’ll lose my job if anyone discovers what’s happened.’

‘Take a deep breath, Dawn, then tell me what’s worrying you.’

‘Is there anyone with you?’ Dawn asked.

‘No, I’m on my own. Whatever you say is just between us.’

‘Thank you. I did something stupid and I think I could be in big trouble.’

‘What did you do?’ Jessica asked calmly.

‘I told my boyfriend, Sam, about the investigation, you know, what happened to Johan De Klerk and who his wife was. I think it was him that told the media.’

‘What makes you think that?’

‘I remembered meeting his uncle at a family wedding last year. He said he worked for the BBC.’

‘Do you know what department he’s in?’

‘I think he said he was a producer or something.’

‘Did you speak to Sam about it?’

‘He said he hadn’t spoken to his uncle in ages and would never pass on what I told him. But I think he’s lying.’

‘Why?’

‘I don’t know, just the way he reacted. I asked him again, and he got really upset. He said if I didn’t trust him, then there was no point in continuing our relationship . . . then he stormed out.’ Dawn burst into tears again.

‘He might be telling the truth, you know.’

‘But what if it was him and someone finds out?’

‘Do you know his uncle’s name?’

‘It’s his dad’s brother, so I guess it will be Brian Moore.’

‘I’ll make discreet enquiries to find out if it was him. For now, don’t say anything to anyone. And please don’t get yourself all worked up about it. Sam may be telling the truth.’

‘What if it does turn out to be Sam and his uncle?’

‘Then you’ll have to tell Anderson, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Do you mind if I speak to DI Chapman about it?’

‘I’d rather you didn’t. He’ll just tell Anderson.’

‘I can assure you he won’t. Chapman will support you, and I also think Anderson will be quite understanding.

You’re not the first police officer who’s spoken to their partners about their work.

For now, try to patch things up with Sam.

Tell him you’ve been under a lot of pressure and you’re sorry for doubting him.

If we find out he lied to you, then my advice would be to dump him.

I’ll even come round and help you throw him and his belongings out the door. ’

Dawn let out a little laugh. ‘Thank you so much. You’ve made me feel a lot better.’

Jessica saw Anderson enter the canteen. ‘I’ve got to go now, but let me know how it goes with Sam, and I’ll call you when I find out more. Take care and chin up.’