Page 45 of The Scene of the Crime

‘Yes, I’m sure she is. I told Anderson, and he said to let her have plenty of rest and leave the statement from her until tomorrow morning, but only if Mrs De Klerk feels up to it.’

‘That was sensitive of him,’ Jessica said.

‘It surprised me as well. I’ll contact her this afternoon and see if I can arrange it for the same time tomorrow at the hospital,’ Dawn said.

‘Do you know anything about a press release to theHackney Gazette?’ Jessica asked.

‘Only that Anderson approved it, but I don’t know why. DS Wood said it’s so low key he doubts we’ll get any useful information from it.’

‘You haven’t got any suspects or made an arrest then?’

‘Not as far as I know. We’re all hoping you can find something to help us identify him.’

‘We’ll do our best,’ Jessica said as her phone buzzed with a text message from Commander Williams. ‘Look, I’d better go. Thanks, Dawn.’

Jessica looked at the text message from Williams asking if she was free to chat this morning. She texted back that she was and asked when she should come to Williams’s office at the Yard.Williams replied that she wanted a bit of fresh air and would come to the lab, but she didn’t give a time. Jessica suspected she wanted to know how the forensic side of the investigation was going and replied that she looked forward to seeing her.

Entering the MSCAN office, Jessica noticed the lights were on, which she thought was odd, making her wonder if Taff and Diane were already there and in the canteen. She flicked the lights off and was startled when she suddenly heard a bang and someone shout, ‘Ow!’, from under one of the desks.

A tall, athletic-looking light-skinned black man stood up, rubbing his head. He looked to be in his early thirties, with short dreadlocks, and was dressed in a smart two-piece light blue suit, white shirt and green silk tie. Jessica noticed his tiepin had an emblem which looked like some sort of military badge.

‘Can I ask what you’re doing?’ she enquired.

He grimaced slightly as he stood upright, almost to attention, then walked towards her with a noticeable limp. ‘I’m Detective Sergeant Guy Jenkinson, your new HOLMES manager and crime analyst. I was setting up my computer equipment and sorting the wires when you came in. Sorry to startle you, ma’am.’

Jessica held out her hand, which he shook firmly. ‘I’m Jessica Russell, team leader of MSCAN.’

‘Yes, I recognised you from your photo on the Met Connect system. It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am.’

She smiled. ‘Please call me Jessica or Jess. Who approved your transfer to our team?’

‘Commander Williams. She spoke very highly of you all. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the team. I take it they are still at the crime scene?’

‘Yes, but they should be here in about an hour or so for a meeting, which you’re welcome to attend.’

‘Thank you. I’m eager to hear about the crime scene examination and your initial analysis.’

‘I had no idea you would be joining the team, but I’m delighted to have you on board.’

‘Commander Williams wanted to tell you personally. She’s just gone to the canteen. Would you like me to get you anything?’

‘I’m fine, thanks. So, tell me a bit about yourself.’

He relaxed slightly from his upright posture. ‘I was a commissioned officer in the Army Intelligence Corps. I served for seven years and nine months before I was invalided out at the rank of Captain. I then applied to join the Met as a direct entry detective. Thankfully, they didn’t see my injury as a problem. I completed my probation and was transferred to the Counter Terrorism Command, where I was promoted to Detective Sergeant and made the HOLMES computer system manager.’

‘Do you analyse crime scenes?’ she asked out of curiosity.

‘No, but I was qualified in the military to retrieve digital information from computers and phones. The Counter Terrorism Command uses a technical support unit to do that kind of work. My main job was to analyse statements and information to determine missed and other lines of enquiry before inputting it into HOLMES.’

Although Guy obviously had minimal police experience, Jessica realised his skills would be invaluable to the team. She also liked his manner. ‘I hope you don’t mind me asking, but were you injured in the line of duty?’

He laughed. ‘Nothing that heroic I’m afraid. I was knocked off my motorcycle when an old boy in his eighties pulled out in front of me. I broke my leg and fractured my ankle. The surgeon said I broke things that weren’t meant to be broken, whatever that means.’

‘Does it cause you much pain?’

‘Now and again, but I’ve learned to cope with it. Painkillers help, along with the occasional cognac.’ Seeing him grimace when he stood to attention, Jessica wondered if he was playinghis injury down and was actually in constant pain. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I’ll continue setting up my equipment. I should have it all up and running before the team returns.’

‘I’ll be in my office, and welcome to the team. I’m looking forward to working with you.’