Page 28 of The Scene of the Crime

‘I’m afraid someone broke into your house and assaulted him . . .’

‘Where is he . . . is he all right?’ She started to walk towards the house.

Jessica didn’t want to use physical force to stop her from entering the house and was unsure what to say. ‘Johan’s not there, he’s in hospital.’

Michelle stopped and turned sharply. ‘In hospital! What’s happened to him?’

‘He has a serious head injury and was stabbed.’

‘No, no, this can’t be real.’ She started to cry, her whole body shaking.

‘I’m afraid it is, and your house is being treated as a crime scene.’

‘Where is he?’

‘Homerton hospital. All I know is he’s in a critical condition and undergoing surgery.’

‘I have to go . . . I need to be with Johan.’ Michelle reached into her designer handbag and fumbled for her car keys but couldn’t find them. ‘My car keys, they’re in the house. I need to get them.’

‘Understandably, you are very shocked, but I don’t think you should drive to the hospital,’ Jessica said.

‘Yes, you’re right. I’m not thinking straight. Can you take me, please?’

‘Of course,’ Jessica said, instinctively wanting to help the poor woman, but she couldn’t help wondering if she might also be able to ask her a few questions that might assist her crime scene investigation.

‘Can I leave my case here?’ Michelle asked.

Jessica took it from her, handed it to the officer at the front door and asked him to put it in the hallway.

As Jessica drove to the hospital, Michelle sobbed and stared vacantly out the window, occasionally wiping her eyes with a tissue. Jessica thought about calling DI Chapman on her car phone for an update on Johan De Klerk’s condition, but fearingit would further distress Michelle, she decided to do it privately when they got to the hospital.

Michelle sniffed, wiped her nose and took a deep breath. ‘Sorry, but what was your name again?’

‘Jessica Russell. I’m a crime scene investigator for the Metropolitan Police.’

‘What happened to Johan . . . was he attacked in the house?’

‘I think it might be best if the investigating officer discusses it with you. I’ll try to contact him when we get to the hospital.’

‘I’m Johan’s wife. I have a right to know what happened to him,’ she snapped back.

Jessica could see she was in distress and relented. ‘Someone broke into your house through the patio doors and forced the safe in the study open. It looks like Johan disturbed the intruder in the kitchen and was assaulted during a struggle.’

She started to cry again. ‘Is he going to live?’

Jessica let out a long sigh. ‘I honestly don’t know, but I was told his injuries are life-threatening.’

‘Oh my God, I don’t believe this, do you know who did this to him? Have you arrested anyone?’ She started crying again.

‘Not at present, but we are working on it. DCI John Anderson from the Barking major investigation team is leading the enquiry. He’ll be able to tell you much more than I can.’

Having parked her car at the hospital, Jessica accompanied Michelle to the Accident and Emergency Centre. Jessica informed the receptionist who they were and asked what ward Mr De Klerk was being treated in. They were told that he was in the intensive care unit on the first floor. Arriving at the ICU, Jessica spoke with a nurse who said she would contact the doctor caring for Mr De Klerk and take them to the nearby waiting room.

‘Would you like a hot drink or some water?’ Jessica asked, hoping Michelle would say yes and she could contact DI Chapman while out of the room.

‘I’ve got some water in my bag.’ She removed the bottle, unscrewed it, and took a sip.

‘Are you OK while I just nip to the toilet?’ Jessica asked.