While Bethany went out to interview the pub owner at The Smith’s Forge and speak to the agency about the other places where Kelsey Gilbey had worked, Maggie did some digging of her own. After speaking with DI Rutherford, she waited for Human Resources to send over details about Kate’s previous work history. It felt wrong; she’d wanted to go directly to Kate and ask the questions, but DI Rutherford and Nathan made it clear that it was not an option.
Her emailed pinged and she opened the message. Kate’s work history was limited. She’d had a few jobs in Galway in her youth, which she had noted but hadn’t gone into details on – the basics, various retail and fast-food restaurants. She then went to university in Dublin and ended up in London to start her career in criminal psychology. But there appeared to be a gap in Kate’s history of a few months.
‘Nathan! Can I get your opinion on something?’ Maggie called across to him.
Nathan strolled over to her desk. ‘Sure. What’s up?’
‘I’ve got hold of Kate’s CV. I’m hoping to see if we can find anything in her work background where she may have come across her stalker, and our possible killer.’
‘OK. Have you found something?’ He leaned forward.
‘I’m not sure. Look here.’ Maggie pointed to her screen. ‘There seems to be a gap in her history. Between this job at the university and the freelance consulting she takes a break and it notes that she left her previous employment due to personal reasons and nothing else. Knowing what we do about Kate, does that seem a bit … unusual?’
‘Hmmm. I see your point. Maybe there was a family issue? Has Kate ever mentioned anything like that to you?’
‘No, that’s the thing. But I guess a lot of the time when we talk it’s about work stuff. Maybe I don’t know her as well as I thought I did. How would we find out more about that? Do you think there may be more information in her personnel file?’
‘Even if there were, I don’t think Human Resources would share that information with you. It’s one thing to share a CV but you know we can’t look up personnel records for other reasons, despite the current situation.’
‘Damn. Do you think I should just come out and ask her? If I explain that it has to do with the case and looking at her background for possible links?’
‘Won’t she know that you’ve looked at her personnel file? And I thought the DI didn’t want to push Kate on anything without due cause.’
‘Perhaps I can slip it into casual conversation? It could be important to the case, don’t you think? I’m at a loss here and, if I’m honest, I feel a bit like a shit officer and an even worse friend.’
‘I’m not saying you’re wrong, but if it turns out to be nothing you could ruin any trust that Kate has in you. Is that something you’re prepared to risk?’
‘If it means saving her life from a messed-up killer … then yes, I’ll take that risk.’
Nathan shrugged and started to walk back to his office. He looked over his shoulder to make a final point. ‘Before you do any of that, have you contacted the police in London to see if Kate made any previous complaints? That one call could save your friendship as well as a lot of wasted time dancing around the situation.’
‘And this is why you’re the boss! I’m sure I would’ve eventually thought of that, you know.’ Maggie was missing things she should have picked up earlier, because once again her personal feelings were affecting her judgement.
‘I’m sure you would. Now, why are you wasting time still talking to me?’ A crooked smile on his face was directed her way. Maggie knew he would be taking pleasure in this and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
‘Dialling now … sir.’ She saluted as he closed the door to his office.