Page 61 of The Scene of the Crime

‘Again, I apologise most profusely. I thought that Commander Williams was going to speak to you.’ Jessica knew he was lying. It was his responsibility as the SIO to contact Michelle.

‘So, whose decision, was it?’

‘Um, it was Commander Williams’s . . .’

‘So why didn’t she talk to me?’

‘She was in a difficult situation.’

‘What could be so difficult that she couldn’t tell me?’

‘I can’t say at present.’

‘Well, I have a right to know.’

‘Commander Williams decided that . . .’

Michelle cut him off. ‘Commander Williams isn’t leading the investigation, you are! Why didn’t you inform me about the press conference?’

Anderson was flustered, ‘Again, I can only apologise . . .’

‘Can you imagine how surprised and upset I was when I heard it was on the news?’

Anderson’s lip quivered as he tried to find a suitable answer. Dawn was spellbound, and Jessica felt like she was in court listening to the accused being fiercely cross-examined.

Anderson caved in. ‘Someone leaked information to the press, forcing our hand.’

‘Someone inside the investigation?’

‘It could be. Our department of professional standards is investigating it.’

Jessica thought Michelle would erupt, but she remained calm and composed. ‘I understand that these things happen, but I need people to be open and honest with me. I realise you’re busy and have a job to do, but as the victim’s wife, I have a right to know what’s happening.’

Anderson looked relieved. ‘Thank you for your understanding, and I assure you it won’t happen again. I also came to give you some positive news.’ Michelle sat down.

‘After the press conference, I received anonymous information about a possible suspect and executed a search warrant early this morning. During the search, I found a Rolex watch and two thousand pounds in cash hidden on the premises.’ Anderson put his briefcase on the table, opened it and removed an exhibit bag containing a watch, which he handed to Michelle.

‘The serial number on the watch is the same as on the documentation I recovered from your house. I wanted to show it to you for a positive visual identification.’

Michelle looked closely at the watch face. ‘It certainly looks like Johan’s Rolex. It must be if the serial number matches.’ She handed Anderson the watch, and he removed another exhibit bag containing bank notes from his briefcase. He held it up.

‘Did your husband keep bundles of cash in the house?’ Jessica couldn’t understand why he was showing Michelle the cash, as she could hardly say whether it was Johan’s or not. She supposed the only explanation was that he was trying to make himself look good.

‘I know he did some of his business transactions in cash, which I assume he would have kept locked in the safe,’ Michelle replied.

Anderson nodded happily. ‘We also found other property that was identified as the proceeds of crime from another burglary.’

‘Was anyone arrested during your search?’ Michelle asked.

‘Sadly not at present, as the premises were empty.’

‘Well, that’s not what I’d call positive news, then,’ Michelle said.

‘Because the watch and the cash were still on the premises, I don’t think the suspect has flown the coop,’ he said. ‘I’ve instructed my deputy, Detective Inspector Chapman, to observe the premises and await the suspect’s return.’

‘Is it near my house?’ Michelle asked.

‘No, it’s a flat in Montague Road, Leytonstone, a stone’s throw from where your husband’s car was found.’