Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry(52)
“It was through a recruiter on campus my senior year. I had filled in for one of the on-air reporters who had the flu. He liked what he saw and said REL News made it a priority to hire people who had the versatility to work both behind and in front of the camera.”
“That must have been quite a transition, Iowa to New York City.”
“It was. I had never been east of St. Louis.”
“How long did you stay at REL News?”
“Three and a half years.”
“Did you enjoy your time there?”
“It was fine. It was a job.”
“Did you end up doing any on-air work for REL?”
“A little in the beginning.”
It was not lost on Gina how Meg’s answers were short and clipped when talking about REL News but more expansive when recalling her college days.
“So, Meg, three and a half years later. You decide to leave. Why was that?”
“The hours were long. Because I was low on the totem pole, I had to work overnight shifts. I had trouble adjusting my sleep pattern. I had a two-year-old. What was I supposed to do? I couldn’t afford a live-in nanny. And it’s impossible to schedule child care when your work hours are constantly changing.”
“Did Jillian’s father object to the long hours you were working?”
Her answer was vehement. “He didn’t care. My ex was a seldom-employed drummer. He occasionally got steady work with traveling theater shows. When he wasn’t working, which was most of the time, he was hanging out in Nashville trying to get discovered.”
“So the rotating work schedule and the difficulty in finding child care—are those the only reasons you left REL?”
“Yes.”
Gina paused, hoping Meg would break the silence by adding more to her answer. Meg just stared at her.
“When we spoke on the phone, you said you work in White Plains. What type of work are you doing?”
“I’m an account supervisor at a PR agency, Hannon and Ramsey. It’s a small firm, mostly clients in the health-care field.”
“You went there directly after REL?”
“Yes.”
“Meg, one of the women I was hoping to interview was Cathy Ryan.” Gina was certain that it was a look of pain that appeared on Meg’s face.
“You’re aware of her recent passing?”
Meg nodded.
Gina continued. “Cathy worked at REL News around the time you did. Did you know her?”
“We started at REL News within a few weeks of each other. We were right out of college, both of us new to New York.”
“Were you friends?”
“I’d say we were friendly. We saw a lot of each other at work. Not much outside of work.”
“There’s something else you have in common. You left REL News after three and a half years; Cathy stayed three years. Is that a coincidence?”
“I don’t know what you mean by that.”
“You left because you had a young daughter and wanted a job and lifestyle with more stable hours. Did Cathy ever share with you why she left?”
Meg appeared to be fighting back tears. Sorrow over her friend who died or something else? She collected herself. “I don’t want to speak ill of somebody I was friends, friendly with. But Cathy was not well respected by most of her colleagues.”
“Really?” Gina said, genuinely surprised.
“From the beginning she was difficult to work with. She was unreliable. She routinely blamed others for mistakes she had made. It pains me to say so, but she was a troublemaker.”
“From your description of her, it’s a wonder she lasted three years.” Gina took a sip of water, using the time to carefully frame her next question. “Shortly before Cathy died, I received an email from her. She made reference to a ‘terrible experience’ she had at REL News. Do you have any idea what she might have been referring to?”
“I have no idea what she was talking about. Everyone at REL News, particularly her male colleagues, was always professional and courteous. It sounds like another example of Cathy just trying to make trouble.”
Gina allowed the answer to sink in before continuing. “Are you aware of any women who after leaving REL News received financial settlements from the company?” Gina made it a point to look around the room at the expensive furnishings as she asked the question.
“Absolutely not,” Meg answered emphatically as she stood up. “I think it’s time we wrap this up.”
“Just one more question,” Gina said, remaining in her seat. “Did you stay in touch with Cathy after she left REL?”
“Briefly. Not really.”
“How did you find out she had died?”
“Um, I read it online. I don’t remember where. We’re finished. I’ll show you to the door.”
57
After returning the rental car Gina quickly walked the eight blocks back to her apartment. Her mind was racing with ideas about the research she had to do and the people she planned to speak to before meeting with Geoff. She sent him a text: Major progress on REL News investigation. When can I see you? Less than a minute later he responded: Flying back Tuesday night. 10:00 Wednesday? She typed back, See you then.