15. Suspect Grant Ashbury

As Kathy drove to Ashbury’s office, she wondered again if she should update Sandy. When she worked with him she was usually content to play the role of reporter researching for an article, but she didn’t hesitate to use her police connections if she thought it would help in an interview. Brampton didn’t object to her methods, as long as she was careful. What he did not like was being kept out of the loop.

She drummed a nervous beat on the wheel, weighing up how annoyed he might be. She told herself she didn’t know enough about Grant Ashbury to bother him with it. She would give him a call as soon as she’d finished her interview. If he wanted to scold her, she could take it. She blushed again and flipped on the radio.

***

The reception area of Ward Williams Publishing was huge. White leather couches floated on an improbably turquoise floor and a water feature splashed cheerfully down the wall behind the receptionist. Kathy wondered how often the young woman felt the urge to visit the loo in a day.

The receptionist greeted her and offered a visitors book to sign. “Do you have an appointment with Mr. Ashbury?” she asked. Kathy answered carefully, not wanting to give away too much.

“Actually, I just have a few questions for an article I’m working on,” she said, leaning in conspiratorially. The receptionist blinked and glanced down at the book. “Oh Ms. Chatsworth, how nice to meet you! I’m a big fan of your writing. I’m sure it will be fine. Grant, I mean Mr. Ashbury, is a great guy. I’m sure he’ll be glad to help.” She shoved the book to one side and hit the security button, nodding to an elderly security guard who stood at the glass doors. He stepped aside as they slid open.

Kathy straightened her jacket and walked through. First hurdle passed. Grant Ashbury was not in his corner office, and she faltered, looking left and right. A woman who had been standing in the hallway stabbing at her phone leaned in. “Can I help? Grant’s out on the floor I believe, but he should be back in a few minutes.”

Kathy took the moment to introduce herself, thinking she might learn something about Ashbury while she waited.

“Hi, I’m Kathy Chatsworth, I’m writing an article about the death of Shaye Alderson. Have you worked here long? Did you know her?”

The woman looked pleased. “Me? I’ve been here about three years. It’s an interesting place, a lot of fun.” She let the smile fade. “Oh, yes, Shaye, I knew her. Great girl. Always took time to ask how you’re doing, and actually listened when you told her. We spend so much time online you forget how nice it is to talk to someone in person.”

Kathy nodded and before the other woman could expand on her theme, she broke in. “I’ve met Grant socially, but I don’t really know him. Can you tell me a little more about him before we sit down to talk?”

The woman glanced over her shoulder as if to check no one was listening, but her answer was innocuous. “Grant really is a nice guy. He’s head of IT here and really helpful. He runs a small group, but everybody likes to have Grant, and because I’m right next door he always does quick fixes for me. He’s one of those positive types you know? Says things like, ‘There are no problems, only opportunities,” she frowned, “or is it challenges? I don’t remember, but he’s always up and cheerful. Always there, and always up.”

Kathy thought he sounded exhausting. “Did Grant know Shaye?”

The woman glanced over her shoulder again, this time more dramatically. “Not to tell tales out of school, Grant was sweet on Shaye. I believe they had some history, and he was really upset when she was murdered.” She thought about it and added, “We all were, of course, but Grant took it really hard.”

They had history, that was interesting. Before she could ask more, a tap on the shoulder made her jump. Grant Ashbury had come up behind and stood smiling at her.