Page 155 of The Scene of the Crime

A tired and pale-faced Johan was sitting up in bed, sipping from a water bottle. The heavy bandages had been removed and the wound was covered with a large, padded dressing. His face still bore the telltale bruises from his attack, although the swelling had gone down, and he was also still attached to a drip, along with the heart monitor.

‘Good morning, Johan. I’m glad to see you are recovering. I’m Detective Chief Inspector John Anderson, and this is Detective Inspector Chapman.’

Johan’s voice was still a little hoarse, but he spoke clearly. ‘Michelle mentioned that you were leading the investigation. I was pleased to hear you caught the person responsible for the break-in and the assault. Though it saddened me to learn from Michelle that he might have died from an injury I inflicted on him.’

‘We realise that you were acting in self-defence, but we’ll still need to ask you about it – along with other matters.’

‘To be honest, I can’t remember a thing about that night or the days before it. Michelle has told me what you think happened, so I know I’m lucky to be alive.’

‘What are these “other matters” you need to ask Johan about?’ Michelle asked.

‘We arrested a jeweller called Nathan Cole and want to interview Johan about his association with him. Cole has also made criminal allegations against Johan which we need to putto him,’ Chapman said. Johan looked shocked but didn’t say anything.

‘We both know Nathan. Has he got anything to do with what happened to my husband?’ Michelle asked, sounding concerned.

‘We believe Cole hired John Wheeler to break into your house.’

‘Oh my God, Nathan? I can’t believe he’d do that to me,’ Johan exclaimed.

‘I’m afraid there’s evidence to suggest he organised the break-in. And, as I say, he has made some serious allegations against you.’

‘You know you are entitled to have a solicitor present,’ Michelle told him. ‘It just can’t be me.’

He sighed. ‘I’ve done nothing wrong, so I’d prefer to get the interview over and done with as soon as possible. I’m happy to talk to you without a solicitor.’

‘See what I mean about him being stubborn? You can change your mind about the solicitor anytime you want,’ Michelle said, kissing him on the cheek.

Johan reached for her hand, and she held it. ‘You must try to stay calm, Johan. Try to remember as much as possible and answer the questions if you can. You’re not well, so if it becomes too stressful, say so, and DCI Anderson will terminate the interview.’ Michelle looked at Anderson, who nodded in agreement. She gently released Johan’s hand, blew him a kiss and left the room.

Anderson cautioned Johan and began to ask him about his relationship with Cole.

* * *

Michelle entered the waiting room, looking tearful. She tossed her hair back with one hand, sat down and looked at Jessica, who sensed she was ready to put on a performance.

‘Are you OK?’ Dawn asked.

Michelle nodded, wiping away a tear. ‘I’m worried about Johan being interviewed and how the stress might affect him. He’s still in a very vulnerable condition.’

‘I take it DCI Anderson told you why he needs to interview him?’ Jessica asked.

‘Yes, but only briefly. Johan looked mortified when he said Cole had made criminal allegations against him and hired the man Wheeler to break into our house. It came as a shock to me as well, which is not good in my condition.’ She took a deep breath and looked about to cry.

‘Would you like some water or a hot drink?’ Dawn asked.

‘A tissue would be good if you have one. I’ve been through boxes of them.’ Dawn opened her handbag and handed Michelle a packet of tissues. She removed one, dabbed her eyes, and blew her nose.

‘Would you like some time to yourself?’ Dawn asked.

‘I’ll be fine, thank you. Hearing Johan being falsely accused is just so distressing when he’s the victim in all of this – I mean, he nearly died.’

Dawn’s sympathetic cooings were beginning to annoy Jessica, who was becoming increasingly convinced it was all an act. ‘If you don’t feel up to it, we . . .’ Dawn started to say, but Jessica took over before she could finish.

‘Do you mind if Dawn takes notes while I ask you some questions?’

‘No, that’s fine,’ Michelle said with a sniff.

‘What’s Johan’s relationship with Nathan Cole?’