‘I’ve been here for almost ten years.’
‘Any issues with colleagues?’ Stacey asked.
Wendy smiled and shook her head. ‘Everyone loves Gabe. I suppose a few think he’s a bit boring, but accounting is hardly a white-knuckle ride. He’s as straight shooting as they come; honest as the day is long, pleasant, professional and hard-working.’
That ruled out any work-related issues, Stacey thought. A part of her had wondered if he’d got himself into any financial trouble at work. She’d investigated her fair share of fraud and embezzlement cases over the years. People often chose to disappear before being found out. It wasn’t something she could rule out completely. Perhaps he had done something he shouldn’t have but it hadn’t yet been discovered.
‘Is he all right?’ Wendy repeated, showing genuine concern.
Stacey ignored the question and continued. ‘Do you know if Mr Denton suffers from any kind of mental-health problems?’
Wendy shook her head. ‘I’ve never got that impression, and he certainly never mentioned it.’
‘Any mood swings, outbursts?’
Wendy laughed out loud. ‘No, that’s absolutely not Gabe’s style. He’s a very calm man. He doesn’t get ruffled – I’ve never once seen him lose his temper.’
‘Did you find it strange when he didn’t turn up for work yesterday?’
‘Not really. All the accountants have the option of working from home if they don’t have client meetings. Gabe doesn’t do it often, and I’m sure when he does he still wears his suit. Can you just tell me if he’s been in an accident?’
‘We really don’t know, Ms Clarke. Mr Denton left the house yesterday morning and never returned home. He’s missing and obviously Mrs Denton is very worried about him.’
‘Of course,’ Wendy said, her eyes widening. ‘Have you checked the hospitals and—’
‘All in hand,’ Stacey said. ‘But it is important for you to tell me if you’ve noticed anything strange or different in his behaviour recently.’
She thought for a moment and began to shake her head. ‘We were only out back together on Friday and—’
‘Out back?’
She nodded. ‘We have a small courtyard area at the rear of the office. Just a couple of tables and chairs off the break room. Company policy not to eat at the desk, and we were often out there at the same time. We both enjoyed a later lunch, preferring to know the biggest part of the day was behind us and not in front.’
‘So you spent a lot of time with him?’
‘Well, if you call him with his phone and me with my Kindle spending time together, I suppose so.’
‘Beth Denton tells me that they texted or spoke most days.’
Wendy nodded and straightened up the magazines on the glass table. ‘Yes, I think they’re very committed to each other.’
‘Have you met Beth?’
‘Just once. There was a big celebration party some years ago when one of the partners retired. It was a formal dinner with drinks afterwards. She looked a little uncomfortable during the meal and they didn’t stay for drinks.’
Stacey could understand that. The first time she’d accompanied Devon on a work outing she’d felt completely out of it despite Devon’s best efforts.
‘She didn’t come to any more company functions?’ Stacey asked.
‘And neither did he,’ Wendy said.
‘So you can think of nothing that might prompt him to up and leave?’ Stacey asked.
‘Obviously I can’t be in people’s minds, but there’s definitely not been any indication here that there was anything wrong.’
‘Okay, Ms Clarke, please take my card and contact me if you think of anything else or if Mr Denton gets in touch…’
‘Oh, I don’t think he’d get in touch with me.’