Page 80 of The Scene of the Crime

‘Are there any other forensic results that might help Anderson and Chapman in the next interview?’ Jessica asked. Taff said he was still working on the black bin bag from the communal bin and the roll of liners recovered from Palmer’s flat and hoped to have some results late afternoon. ‘What about the money Palmer had in his wallet?’ Jessica asked.

‘I’ve applied the black suspension powder and raised fingerprints on some of the bank notes. I need to enhance them with infrared lighting, and then I can enlarge and check them against Palmer and Johan’s prints. Be about twenty minutes before I can give you the results.’ Diane said she’d examined the Adidas clothing recovered from the bin bag. Small traces of blood were on the bottoms and the hoodie, which she would test for De Klerk’s DNA.

‘Was there any blood on the coir mat we took from Palmer’s flat?’ Jessica asked her.

‘No, and there were no traces of pollens or soil from the De Klerks’ garden. However, I did find a few tiny grey granules embedded in it. Mass spectrometry testing revealed they contained traces of magnesium, iron, calcium, sulphur and humic acid . . . the components of a slow-release compound fertiliser.’

‘How do you know it’s fertiliser?’ Taff asked.

‘I tested the soil sample you gave me from the De Klerks’ garden, but the compounds weren’t the same. I had a hunch, called Wanstead golf course and spoke to the head greenkeeper, and guess what . . . ?’

‘Their fertiliser contains the same compounds as the pellets you found in the mat,’ Taff said, looking impressed.

Diane nodded. ‘I can’t say positively it’s from their golf course, but the only other golf club in the area is the Ilford Club, about two miles away. I also called them, and they use a different type of fertiliser.’

‘That’s a great piece of work, Di. Palmer will have difficulty explaining how those pellets got on his mat,’ Guy remarked.

‘Not necessarily. He could say he went for a walk on the golf course, or it was an innocent cross-transfer,’ Diane said.

Jessica shook her head. ‘Put together with what we know about the burner phone and CCTV going down, it’s good evidence, so well done. Unless there’s anything else, I better call Mike Chapman and tell him about your results. Guy or I will let you know when Palmer’s interview is about to restart.’

Jessica called Chapman, who asked her how she felt when she saw William Palmer.

‘At first, I was nervous, and like you, I wouldn’t have recognised him. But to be honest, it didn’t bother me. I was more interested in what he had to say and his behaviour.’

‘What did you think?’

‘Hard to say as he didn’t really answer any questions. But body language wise, I think he’s hiding something and may have committed the crime or at least been an accomplice.’

‘Accomplice? What makes you say that?’ Jessica told him about the burner phone and the other forensic results. ‘That’s great work. Anderson will be happy. Also, DS Wood went back to the Jet garage and they didn’t have any sales receipts for petrol cans on Monday and Tuesday. But interestingly, they did a stock check a week ago and had five on the shelves, but there were only four today. It looks like someone either shoplifted a can or Palmer took it.’

‘How long has he been working at the garage?’ Jessica asked.

‘Five months.’

‘What does the manager think of him as an employee?’

‘Very good, always on time and a hard worker.’

‘When do you think you’ll be starting the second interview?’

‘Palmer’s solicitor is still talking to him, but hopefully soon. I’ll text you.’

Jessica was about to end the call when Guy walked in, holding an A4 printout and looking pleased. ‘I’ve cracked the WhatsApp messages. Palmer broke into the De Klerks’ and then contacted someone else who must be involved. There’s a bloody tracker on the burner phone as well.’

‘Did you hear that?’ Jessica asked Chapman.

‘A bit of it. Turn on your speakerphone.’

Jessica did so and nodded to Guy to carry on. ‘The burner phone from Palmer’s flat had been used to make contact via WhatsApp messages, apart from one call. The messages are to one other number, which is also registered to a burner phone. The communications are short, to the point and started on Friday afternoon at 4.08 p.m.’

‘Go slowly so I can write them down,’ Chapman replied.

‘On Friday afternoon, Palmer got a message saying, “he’s going away Saturday morning, back Monday.” Palmer replied, “will do job early hours Monday.” He got a thumbs-up emoji reply. Then, on Monday at four a.m., Palmer sent a message saying, “job done, call later”. This was followed . . .’

Chapman interrupted. ‘Slow down, I’m trying to catch up.’

‘Guy will send you a printout of everything,’ Jessica said.