Page 107 of The Scene of the Crime

‘How do I know you’re not lying and trying to blame me for something else I didn’t do?’ Liam asked suspiciously.

‘Look, Liam, I know you didn’t break into De Klerk’s house. And you’re right about someone trying to frame you. But I need to ask you some questions to prove it.’

Palmer twitched and chewed at his lips. ‘All right, I’ll listen to you, but can I go back to my cell when I want to?’

‘Of course.’ Palmer reluctantly sat down, looked over to the closed door and then at Chapman. ‘Do you want a drink?’ Chapman asked. He shook his head. ‘Our forensic team examined your phone and the games consoles. We know you were playing games on the night De Klerk’s house was broken into. The same with your phone on the night the car was set alight, so we know you’re not responsible for either of those crimes.’ Palmer let out a trembling sigh of relief. ‘And you’ll be pleased to know your fingerprints and DNA were not on the watch, cash or burner phone found in your flat.’

‘You see, I told you I’d never seen them before. What about the clothes in the outside bin?’

‘Forensics are still looking for wearer DNA on them, but I believe you were telling the truth when you said they’re not yours.’

‘Yeah, that’s right, I was telling the truth. So the charges will be dropped and I can go home?’

‘I can’t make that decision, Liam. It will be up to DCI Anderson and the CPS. But if you answer my questions, it could help you. You have to be honest with me, though.’ Chapman showed him the photo of Wheeler on his phone. ‘Do you know this man?’

Palmer glanced at it, then quickly looked away. ‘No, I’ve never seen him before.’

‘You barely looked at it, Liam, which makes me think you do know him.’

‘I swear. I’ve never seen him before.’ His voice trembled, and he started licking his lips.

‘Are you frightened of him?’

‘If I don’t know him, how can I be frightened of him?’

‘His name is John Wheeler. I think he’s the person who’s trying to frame you for breaking into the house and stabbing Johan De Klerk.’

‘I want to go back to my cell. I’ve got nothing more to say to you.’

‘Did he give you the money in your wallet?’

‘No. Please, just let me go back to my cell.’

‘If I’m going to help you, Liam, I need you to tell me the truth.’

‘I am. I don’t know him.’

Chapman sighed. ‘The thing is, Liam, the money in your wallet had your prints and De Klerk’s on it, so it had to have been stolen from him. I don’t think you stole it, but I can’t help you if you don’t help me, Liam.’

‘I can’t help you because I don’t know him.’

‘What are you so worried about?’

‘I’m not worried.’

Chapman sighed again. ‘I can see that you are, Liam. Has Wheeler threatened you?’ Liam looked at the floor. ‘Have it your way. Wait here, and I’ll get the custody officer to take you back to your cell.’

Chapman got up and left the room, then went to see Jessica next door. ‘Liam must be terrified of Wheeler, but I don’t know what else I can do to get him to open up.’

‘Can the charge of attempted rape be dropped to indecent exposure?’

Chapman hesitated. ‘If that’s what you want, and the CPS agree, I don’t see why not.’

‘Then let me speak to him.’

‘I don’t think that would be a good idea.’

‘I’m not worried about being in the same room as him.’