The Ancient Craft

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Detective Paul Brooks had no intention of rushing his investigation, and methodically set about building a watertight case against the person he instinctively knew was guilty. First, he called in for questioning every patient the doctor had treated in the recent past, occasionally deferring to a request to discreetly meet at a quiet location for those who had no wish to be involved in the publicity free-for-all. Vandermeer had established himself as the most in-demand plastic surgeon in Sydney, having operated on numerous actresses and society matrons, and his every appearance with Jessica at the latest glittering function was always highlighted in the society pages of the newspapers.

Brooks also obtained search warrants for the bank records of the deceased and his widow, and another search warrant for the marital home, a magnificent waterfront mansion on Sydney Harbour. He enlisted the aid of three experienced detectives to assist in the search, which took place some four months after the death, and which took the best part of a day. Brooks was often criticised amongst his fellow detectives for taking too long to conduct an investigation and make an arrest, but he always made sure that everything was in place before he sprang his trap. He usually pointed to his conviction record to justify this approach.

Upon his search of the Vandermeer mansion, Brooks could not believe his good fortune. Hidden in the garage wrapped in some old rags was a small bottle. A bottle that was to become the centrepiece of the prosecution case.

With everything in place, Brooks had composed at least thirty questions which, when answered after a formal caution, he was sure would not only result in a watertight case, but could even ensure a guilty plea to murder. It was thus with supreme confidence that he called in the deceased’s widow, Jessica Vandermeer, for what he had called ‘a little chat’.

His usual modus operandi would be to offer a selection of cakes and biscuits together with freshly brewed coffee and tea. He would then embark upon a sad litany of complaints about his senior officers, a nagging wife and his difficult children. The formal caution he usually apologised for as a legal technicality, something he had to get out of the way before his search for the actual culprit continued unabated.

It was a constant source of amazement to him how often this ruse was a success. Even clever, sometimes brilliant, individuals were only too eager to display their superior intellect to this drab detective whilst making damning admissions in the process.

At the requested time of 10 am, Jessica Vandermeer attended police headquarters, but to the dismay of Brooks, she was accompanied by a burly figure who smiled and held out his hand as he introduced himself.

‘Matthew Jameson,’ he announced. ‘I’m the solicitor acting for Jessica Vandermeer, and I knew you’d be pleased that I’m here to look after her interests.’

Jameson was around mid-thirties with a thick mane of dark brown hair, hazel-green eyes and an easy smile. That name was familiar to Brooks, but he could not put it into any context. Still, if the lawyer was a little dim, perhaps the day would not be a complete waste of time.

Brooks effusively greeted Jessica Vandermeer, and indicated a chair for her before dragging another one from a far corner for the solicitor. Brooks had seen the woman in numerous photos in the society pages, and he could see how she could charm her way through a privileged lifestyle. Of slender build with jet-black hair and almond-shaped brown eyes, she radiated confidence and elegance.

‘I know it’s a bugger to have to call you down to the station for a chat, but I have to keep my bosses happy,’ Brooks commenced with a smile. ‘It’s just a formality really.’

‘So my client is not a suspect then?’ Matthew asked.

Brooks gave a shrug. ‘You know what they say – everyone is a suspect.’

‘Including the Police Commissioner?’

‘Hardly,’ Brooks replied with some irritation. ‘I’m just being thorough. I know you’re as anxious to solve this matter as I am.’

‘But my husband died of a heart attack,’ Jessica Vandermeer said sharply. ‘What is there to solve?’

Brooks was quite certain that the comment was part of her innocence act.

‘Our investigation is ongoing,’ he replied after a short pause.

‘Perhaps you could tell Mrs Vandermeer the result of any toxicology examination on her husband. Was anything untoward discovered?’

The detective bit his lip unconsciously. He had not wished to disclose details of the chemical analysis just yet, but he felt that he could hardly lie. He reached to the side of his table, picked up a thick folder then leafed through it for several minutes.

‘An examination has revealed the presence of a substance which we believe was the cause of your husband’s death,’ Brooks announced as he closed the folder, throwing it back onto a pile of papers. ‘I’m not at liberty to give any further details at this time.’

‘Are you saying that my husband was poisoned?’ Jessica Vandermeer demanded in a shrill voice.

‘Our investigation is ongoing,’ Brooks repeated, any pretence of friendliness now absent.

‘Well, what have you done about arresting the person responsible?’ she answered in the same tone.

‘That will come in due course,’ he replied.

Matthew took his client’s arm in his hand, partially to gain her attention but also to calm her down. ‘Let me handle this, Jessica. You don’t have to say anything further.’ He glanced at the detective. ‘I’m advising my client not to answer any questions. If there’s nothing else you wish to tell us, we’ll take our leave.’

Brooks shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving Jessica Vandermeer’s face.

‘Good afternoon then, Sergeant,’ Matthew said as he rose and half-lifted his client with him.

After the pair had made their exit from the interview room, Brooks grabbed a pencil that had been lying on his table and absent-mindedly snapped it in half. He then picked up his phone to speak to a colleague on another floor.

‘What do you know about a bastard by the name of Matthew Jameson?’ he growled.