Page 74 of The Scene of the Crime

‘I’m fine standing. Do you agree with me or not?’ she asked bluntly.

‘Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?’ he asked, wanting to give her time to think and calm down.

‘For Christ’s sake, Mike, this is a serious situation, so just answer the question with a simple yes or no.’

‘So, my opinion doesn’t count then?’

‘I didn’t say that.’

‘Please, Jess, sit down and listen to what I have to say before making any hasty decisions.’

Reluctantly, she did as Chapman asked. ‘Go ahead,’ she told him.

‘OK, look, it’s not unusual for a police officer to arrest the same person more than once, so my involvement in the investigation would not be a conflict of interest. Your name isn’t on Palmer’s criminal record file, but mine is, so I will have to inform Anderson that I arrested him on suspicion of sexual assault.’

‘And what will you do if he asks who the victim was?’

‘I doubt he will, since it was an arrest without charge ten years ago.’

‘You didn’t answer my question.’

‘I’ll tell him I wasn’t the investigating officer, and it was so long ago I can’t remember. The thing is, Jess, this investigation needs you and your team. You shouldn’t have to withdraw because of a scumbag like Palmer.’

‘I appreciate you’re only trying to help me, Mike, and if William Palmer is guilty of assaulting De Klerk, then I hope he goes to prison for a long time. But the fact is, I’m not prepared to risk my future, or the team’s, by hiding my connection to him.’

‘OK, whatever you want to do, I’ll support you, but I still think you should keep quiet about it for now.’

‘You forget my name will be on the crime scene and forensic reports, which Palmer and his legal team will be entitled to read if he stands trial. I don’t care how long ago it was. My concern is that Palmer will remember me and tell his lawyers that I was once his probation officer and I made a sexual assault allegation against him. The fact that he wasn’t charged due to lack of evidence works in his favour. They will use it against me pre-trial or in court, alleging my evidence is biased, or worse, fabricated.’

‘But that could happen even if you withdraw from the investigation.’

‘I know, and that’s why I’d rather declare the connection between me and Palmer here and now. It will also help negate false allegations against me and show I have nothing to hide.’

‘You could wait until after we interview Palmer. If he confesses to the crime, his solicitor won’t need full disclosure, and Palmer will be none the wiser about your involvement.’

Jessica shook her head. ‘Let it go, Mike. It is what it is, and I’m not bothered about it. I mean that truthfully, I am not bothered and you have to believe me. I’ll soon have another caseto deal with . . . but hopefully, the offender will be no one I know,’ she said, trying to make light of the situation.

Chapman forced a smile. ‘Shall we go and see Anderson and tell him together?’

‘I don’t feel like speaking to him right now. I’d blow a gasket if he said the wrong thing. I want to tell Commander Williams personally, but you can tell Anderson, then if he wants to speak to me he can. I only ask that he keep it to himself and not tell everyone what Palmer did to me.’

‘I promise you, Jess, I’ll make sure Anderson says nothing to the team. I can also promise you that I’ll tell him just before the interview that I arrested Palmer years ago. That way, he won’t have time to ask for chapter and verse. Then, after the interview, I’ll tell him about you.’

‘Thanks, that will give me plenty of time to talk to Commander Williams. I’m going to head back to the lab now.’

Chapman lifted a property bag out of his desk drawer. ‘I’ve got a mobile phone that was in Palmer’s pocket. Could you take it back to the lab for Guy to examine?’ Jessica hesitated for a moment, then nodded and took the phone from him. ‘He also had a NatWest debit card in the name of Mr L Wilson. We thought it was nicked, but it wasn’t. He recently opened the account using his date of birth and first name, Liam, and has his work wages paid into it. Palmer’s wanted on a warrant for failing to appear in court two years ago on a burglary charge, so that’s probably why he used a false name.’

‘Makes sense. I better get on my way.’

‘I’m sorry this has happened, Jess. You’ve done all the hard work and now you’re the victim of circumstances beyond your control.’

‘That’s one way of looking at it. I hope the interview goes well.’

‘Anderson’s leading it . . . so it might not go to plan.’

‘Will it be video recorded?’

‘Yes. I can send you a copy. Will you be OK when you see his face?’