Page 90 of The Scene of the Crime

‘Well done for asking for the bins to be searched,’ Diane said. ‘This unknown suspect appears to be very forensically aware.’

Jessica nodded. ‘I agree. Whereas Palmer doesn’t strike me as being that bright. If he committed the crime, it’s more likely we would have found the Ultraboost trainers and Sealskinz gloves at his flat or in the bin.’

Taff nodded. ‘We didn’t find a hydraulic door breacher or any crowbars at Palmer’s either. There was no tool kit or anything to suggest he was an active burglar. So maybe the unknown suspect still has the items we’re missing.’

Jessica agreed. ‘Palmer doesn’t appear to be a smoker either. There were no ashtrays or cigarette butts in his flat, and he had no cigarettes on him when arrested, nor was he ever in the Paras. All of which suggests he may not be the owner of the Zippo lighter.’

‘It’s a multiple entry warrant, so another search is fine,’ Guy said, returning from his desk. ‘What do you make of the money in his wallet with De Klerk’s and the glove prints on it?’ he asked Jessica.

‘It’s a bit odd, and he did seem very nervous when asked about it. For me, he either removed some money from the stash under the sink or someone gave it to him, possibly as a form of payment for doing something, which could be why he’s lying about where he got it from.’

‘The other person could be a hardened criminal, and Palmer’s scared of him,’ Guy suggested.

‘That’s a possibility. Can you identify Palmer’s IP address and see if he was online playing games during the relevant times?’ Jessica asked, referring to the Internet Protocol address,a unique numerical label assigned to any device connected to a computer network.

Guy nodded. ‘I can check his phone, laptop and the game boxes. They record the date, time and location of his internet connections, websites visited and online services accessed. I’ll need to ask the internet provider for a more detailed record, which will require a warrant.’

‘See what you can get from the items you mentioned first,’ Jessica told him.

‘Is there any way you can trace who sent the anonymous information to Crimestoppers?’ Diane asked Guy.

‘No. Their system is designed to protect your identity and cannot physically trace your IP address. When you fill out an online form, your device’s IP address is overwritten, masking it. However, if we can find the device we think might have been used, the browsing history, cookies and cache might confirm if he visited the Crimestoppers site. If he’s deleted them, the service provider might be able to help us. If he used a virtual private network, though, the data becomes unreadable to the service provider and network administrators.’

‘The DNA you found on the Rolex watch – can you have a result by tomorrow morning, Di?’

‘I’ll do my best.’

‘I’m not saying Palmer wasn’t involved in the crime in some way, but as you can see, a lot of things don’t add up or fit with his personality. Is there anything else you think we should be looking at to prove or disprove Palmer’s involvement or identify our unknown suspect?’ They looked at each other, but no one answered.

‘Are you going to tell Anderson about what we’ve just discussed?’ Diane asked.

‘I’ll have to, but first I want to know what results Guy gets from his digital examinations. I then need to draw up a reportdetailing all the evidence that shows Palmer is or isn’t involved in the crime. It will no doubt upset Anderson and some members of his team, but no matter what anyone thinks of Liam Palmer, it would be wrong to let an innocent man go to prison for something he didn’t do.’ They all nodded their agreement, then Jessica got up and headed to her office. Diane watched her go, then turned to Taff.

‘She never ceases to amaze me. I mean, I was emotionally distressed listening to that piece of shit. I can only imagine what it was like for her.’

Taff nodded. ‘She keeps a lot hidden, that one.’

‘Maybe that’s not such a good thing,’ Diane said, getting up.

Jessica had just started typing her report when there was a knock at the door, and Diane entered. ‘I just thought I’d ask how you were feeling after the interview.’

Jessica smiled ruefully. ‘I thought you’d guess it was me Palmer was talking about.’

‘I haven’t said anything to the others, and I don’t intend to.’

‘Thanks, I appreciate that.’

‘Do Anderson and Chapman know?’

‘Yes, and I have to say Anderson was actually very understanding. He spoke with Commander Williams, and that’s why she was here earlier. Thankfully, they both agreed there was no conflict of interest and decided I should remain on the investigation.’

‘That’s good. Anderson must realise how much he needs you. Anyway, I’ll let you get on with your report.’ She turned to leave.

‘You don’t need to worry about me, Di. Watching the interview hasn’t made me an emotional wreck or anything.’

Diane gave her a sympathetic look. ‘It must have been terrifying for you. I was close to tears when Palmer was talking about it. I know he confessed, but to accuse you of coming on to him was sick beyond belief.’

Jessica shrugged. ‘He felt trapped and thought making false allegations against me and Chapman was his way out.’