Page 77 of The Scene of the Crime

Williams wasn’t so sure but gave her the benefit of the doubt. ‘Would you like to continue working on the case?’

‘I’d love to, but my actions might be perceived as biased against Palmer. His lawyers could challenge the forensic evidence and allege I had a vendetta against Palmer and made the evidence fit the crime.’

‘I won’t deny that could happen, but the critical question is whether a fair-minded person, having considered all the facts, would believe you could be biased.’

‘Even if they didn’t, my continued involvement could be a big risk.’

‘There are ways of minimising the risk.’

‘How?’ Jessica asked, surprised by Willams’s remark.

‘You only knew the suspect as Liam until DI Chapman informed you of his full name and previous convictions. It was then you realised William Palmer was the person who sexually assaulted you ten years ago. It was a very personal and sensitive issue, so rather than speak to a male officer, you immediately informed me. We discussed all the details of the case and your involvement from the get-go. As a fair-minded senior officer, I believe you are unbiased, honest and always act with integrity. Your history with William Palmer will not bias your thoughts or conclusions, and the forensic evidence will speak for itself. I concluded that it is safe and appropriate for you to be involved in the investigation, and I will stand by my decision, regardless of who questions it.’

‘Thank you, ma’am.’

‘Is there anything else you wish to discuss?’

Jessica wasn’t about to disagree or challenge her decision. ‘No, ma’am.’

‘Problem solved then. From what Anderson told me there’s enough evidence to charge Palmer. If he’s found guilty, he will spend a very long time behind bars. I’d best get back to the Yard. Keep up the good work.’ Williams then started to type a text message on her phone as she left.

Jessica breathed a huge sigh of relief. It was as if an enormous weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She also realised she had misjudged Anderson and decided to thank him personally for supporting her and for his concern about her welfare.

A few minutes later, Jessica’s phone pinged. It was a text message from Chapman: ‘Sorry for not telling you Williams was involved. I was under strict orders to say nothing until she spoke to you. For what it’s worth, I agree with her decision and I’m glad you chose to remain on the investigation.’

Jessica realised Williams had texted Chapman, and probably Anderson too, to tell them about the conversation they’d just had. She texted back: ‘I understand. Thanks for your support. I’m looking forward to watching the interview and having a drink later. God knows I need one!’

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Jessica laid her notepad, pen and a bottle of water neatly on the table before switching on her computer and opening the link to the interview room at Barking. She could feel herself getting tense, not knowing how she would react to seeing William Palmer’s face after so many years. The interview room appeared on the screen, but it was empty. She opened the water bottle, took a sip and sat back, awaiting Palmer and the interviewing officers’ arrival.

A few minutes later, the door opened, and a tall, well-built, bald male entered the room. She couldn’t see his face as his head was down, but she knew it must be Palmer. He was followed by a short man in a dark blue suit, who Jessica assumed was his solicitor. Anderson and Chapman then entered the room, and they all sat down at the table, Palmer and his solicitor on one side and the officers on the other. Only then did she get a good clear look at him and instantly felt her heartbeat quicken. With his completely bald head, large dark eyes with no eyebrows, pointed nose and thin lips, he looked freakish. She realised she would never have recognised him if she hadn’t known who he was. Anderson turned on the digital recording machine and gave his name, the date, time and interview location. He then said the other officer present was Detective Inspector Michael Chapman.

Palmer kept his head down while Anderson asked the others present to identify themselves. The solicitor gave his name asMatthew Baldwin, but Palmer said nothing, and Anderson again asked him to state his name. Jessica watched as he slowly raised his head and scowled at the camera.

‘I am Liam John Palmer,’ he said assertively and pointed to his head. ‘I got these injuries because the officers who arrested me beat me up for no reason!’

Anderson informed Palmer that he and his solicitor were welcome to make an official complaint of assault, which he assured them would be thoroughly investigated. ‘Do you prefer to be called William or Liam?’

‘Everyone calls me Liam these days,’ he replied with a shrug.

Anderson cautioned him and asked him if he understood. Palmer nodded, and Anderson explained what the police had found at the De Klerks’ house, including graphic details of De Klerk’s injuries. ‘He remains in a coma,’ he added. Palmer remained silent and seemingly emotionless as he listened. ‘Can you tell me where you were on last Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning?’

‘No comment,’ Palmer replied.

‘We made enquiries at the Jet garage, Hollybush Hill, where you work. They told us that you had the weekend off and didn’t start work again until nine p.m. Monday. Is that correct?’

‘No comment.’

‘Is there anyone who can account for your movements on the night of the crime?’

‘No comment.’

‘I appreciate your solicitor may have advised you to give “no comment” answers. However, this is your opportunity to tell us where you were and what you were doing on the night Johan De Klerk was beaten and stabbed. Failure to do so could harm your defence if you are charged.’

‘No comment.’

‘Johan De Klerk’s sixty-thousand-pound Rolex watch was stolen during the break-in. We also believe a large sum of cash was taken. Do you know anything about that?’