Maggie introduced herself to the PCSO and witness and stood directly in front of him to block his view of the body, but he still tried to see past her. That’s curious.
‘I know my colleague here is taking your statement, but could you just give me a quick run-down of how you came across the victim?’ She took out her notebook and pen.
‘Yes. Yes of course. Anything to help. I was on my way to work and decided to cut through the park as I was running a bit late. You see, I never normally go through the park, but the bus comes at …’
‘Sorry, I don’t mean to rush you along, but I just need the basics. I’ll get the details from your full statement.’ Wondering if she was being too abrupt, she added, ‘If that’s OK with you. I wouldn’t want to delay you any further.’ She smiled.
‘Oh, right. OK. So I was walking through the park and I noticed what I thought were filled bin bags – you know, all black, and from a distance …’ He peered over Maggie’s shoulder. ‘As I came closer, I realized it was a person. You can imagine my shock. I may even have screamed.’ A nervous laugh escaped his lips. ‘At first, I thought she may have fallen and injured herself, so I rolled her over …’
‘Wait. You touched the body?’ Maggie frowned.
‘Well, yes. How else was I supposed to check if she was breathing? I placed her back exactly as I found her, officer.’ He held his hands up and smiled.
‘Did you tell this to the police when they arrived?’
‘Hmmm. I’m not sure. I must have done. I’m afraid you’d have to ask them.’
‘Can I just get your name, please? You’ll need to go down to the station and provide your fingerprints and DNA – to exclude you from any evidence that’s found. Did you happen to notice any personal items nearby? A handbag or mobile phone?’
The man fiddled in his pocket. ‘It’s Oliver and no. It was just her … um … body lying on the ground.’
‘OK, Oliver. Thanks for your time.’ Maggie turned to leave when the man grabbed her arm.
‘That’s it? Don’t you need me for anything else?’
Maggie looked at his hand and then into his eyes. ‘Kindly remove your hand from my arm, please. No, I have what I need for the time being. Once your statement is taken at the police station, I’ll be in touch if I have any further questions.’
Maggie didn’t like the fact that his lips curled slightly when he responded.
‘Oh, OK. Good. Good. I look forward to that DC Jamieson.’
In fact, Maggie didn’t like anything about this guy at all.