The light from the window framed her face perfectly.
“I don’t know of anyone,” she said. “I certainly didn’t mention it-there was really no need to.”
“Thank you for this,” Dawson said. “May we keep this copy?”
“Certainly,” Calmy-Rey said.
“What about here at Malgam itself?” Dawson asked. “Could anyone have held a grudge against Charles?”
Calmy-Rey shook his head slowly. “Very small chance of that. We all work well together with mutual respect from the CEO down to the housekeepers. Of course, I don’t know every employee intimately, but I would be tremendously surprised if we harbored anyone with such murderous intent.”
“However, I’ve heard something a little troubling.”
Calmy-Rey looked concerned. “About Charles?”
“Yes. That he was carving out business deals for himself while he represented Malgam.”
“I seriously doubt that,” Calmy-Rey said, confidently shaking his head. “If that had been going on, it would have been brought to my notice. People say all sorts of things for all sorts of reasons, and I always approach any accusations with great caution. I am not convinced that Charles was operating under any serious conflicts of interest.”
“What if someone felt he was doing wrong by the company?”
The CEO flicked his head sideways. “I know of no one. That’s all I can tell you, but you’re welcome to ask around, Inspector.”
“Have you ever heard of someone named Peter Duodo?” Dawson asked. “He’s a real estate developer who was a close friend of Charles’s.”
“No, never. I’m sorry, I wish I could help more.”
“No problem,” Dawson said. “How have you enjoyed your time in Ghana?”
Calmy-Rey smiled broadly. “It has been inspiring. The work environment in this country is highly attractive. My late father, Ulysses Calmy-Rey, founded the company in 1955. In Malgam Oil, he has left a legacy of ‘capitalism with care.’ He was always very concerned about the well-being of the people indigenous to the areas of oil discovery. I strive to follow his example and maintain a responsibility to the environment and to the people. I have to care about the people of Takoradi, and I have to care about the fishermen. It’s important to me. Ghana is a very important account for us, and we want to be around for many, many years as the country grows and develops because of well-managed oil exploration.”
Dawson nodded. The man was very smooth.
“Is there anything else I can help you with, Inspector? I’m at your disposal.”
