Page 30 of The Scene of the Crime

‘I’m sorry, I don’t mean to upset you with all these questions.’ Jessica paused, giving Michelle time to compose herself.

‘It’s all right. As a barrister, I know how police investigations work. In court I’ve had to deal with countless violent crimes. But it’s so different when it happens to someone you love.’

Jessica nodded. ‘Of course.’ She waited a moment before continuing. ‘We recovered Johan’s phone from under the kitchen table, and a laptop was on the table. Would that be Johan’s?’

‘Yes, I took mine with me.’

‘We’ll examine them for fingerprints and DNA in case the intruder touched them. The calls and texts Johan made before he was attacked could be crucial to the investigation too. The same goes for the laptop, in respect of recent emails. Are you happy to give us permission to examine them?’

‘If you think it might help the investigation, though I’d rather Johan made that decision about the laptop, if and when he can.’

‘Did Johan say if anyone was visiting him at home on Sunday or over the weekend?’

‘No, but he often had business associates and friends around.’

‘The police will probably want their details at some point.’

‘I’ll compile a list later, but my concern right now is Johan.’

‘There’s no rush. Did Johan use the basement cinema area to entertain friends?’

‘Yes. Johan’s a film buff . . . he spends hours down there watching movies.’

The waiting room door opened, and an Asian man in his forties, with a stethoscope hung around his neck, came in and introduced himself as Doctor Babu from the ICU.

‘How severe are my husband’s injuries?’ Michelle asked.

Doctor Babu sat down beside her. ‘He’s currently in an induced coma due to his traumatic brain injury. This resulted in cerebral oedema and haemorrhaging . . . that is, swelling and bleeding around the brain. These types of injuries can also cause brain damage. When Johan regains consciousness, we will be in a better position to assess his cognitive abilities.’

He paused for a moment, then continued, ‘In respect of his stab wounds, the prognosis is good. He has four to his back, but no vital organs were damaged. The knife embedded in his back just missed his heart, but his blood loss was restricted due to the knife itself forming a seal around the wound.’

‘What are his chances of survival?’ she asked, with a tremor in her voice.

‘Any brain injury is challenging, and the outcome is difficult to predict. Many factors are involved, including the severity of injury, age, prior functional levels and the onset of secondary complications. Fortunately, even with the most severe cases of brain damage, there is always a chance of recovery.’

‘Isn’t that just another way of saying he has a fifty-fifty chance?’

‘Yes, you could put it that way. But I assure you, we will do everything we can for Johan.’

Michelle started to cry. Doctor Babu reached over to a table by his side, picked up a leaflet and handed it to Michelle.

‘This leaflet has phone numbers for family support services and counsellors should you need them. On the back is the ICUnumber . . . you can call us for an update on Johan’s condition anytime.’

‘Can I see him?’

‘Yes, but I must warn you, he is connected to a ventilator to assist his breathing, IV drips and monitors. Due to his head injuries and swelling, he will look very different from the last time you saw him, but with time, the swelling will recede. I would recommend comforting him by talking softly and touching his hand. I will speak with the nurse, who will take you to see him.’

‘Thank you, Doctor Babu, and for all the care you are giving my husband,’ Michelle said. When he left, she looked at Jessica, still in tears. ‘It’s going to be so hard seeing him if he’s unrecognisable.’

‘Would you like me to come with you?’

‘I don’t want to keep you from your work.’

‘I’m more concerned about you right now.’

‘Well, if you don’t mind, thank you.’

‘Is there anyone you’d like me to call who can be here for you?’