An Investigator’s Journey
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By Kitty Hailey, Copyright 2023
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Styling by KVaughn
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I am a professional private investigator. I didn’t choose this profession, it chose me. I actually started life as an art teacher and through a series of incredible incidents I ended up working for the last several decades in the role of private detective. I want to say that its just like television and the movies…but it’s not. It’s a lot less sexy and more work than anyone could ever imagine I’ve been an investigator so long and my life has become so serious because of the gravity of my work that I sometimes forget that I’m a woman. I’m just an investigator!
I deal with civil rights work. George Floyd by many other names is my client. Wrongfully convicted persons on death row are my clients. I’ve located missing children, tracked down deadbeat dads, infiltrated companies plagued by drug dealing and sat on surveillance for more hours than I care to remember. While doing this I began to write and help my fellow investigator by explaining the ins and outs…the dos and don’ts of this proud profession. I have dedicated my life to doing my work and doing it ethically. I’ve written more than 50 articles and published a total of seven books (although several were second and third updated editions). My work is my life.
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When Tony asked me to participate in this photo shoot it was surreal. I was playing the part that many people think is my daily life! Having an opportunity to play at dress-up and remember that I am actually a woman was something I couldn’t turn down. These photos are me being dressed and styled by Tony and his team. Laughing at the absurdity of a septuagenarian primping and posing was so much fun. It gave me a moment to reflect on all those things I have not done and do not do because my work takes me into the ghetto, prisons and on surreptitious assignments in less than safe places.
This was an afternoon of fun as I remembered that I am not defined by my profession. I am a woman of substance who doesn’t fit a mold, but who makes one! I’ve been honored as one of Forbes Magazines 50 over 50, received a lifetime achievement award for my investigative work and been acknowledged many times for my ability to write and teach others. So this totally fantastic and fun play date with Tony and his team became a celebration of the me that I sometimes forget about. And it was pure joy. I take myself very seriously, but not so much that I can’t have a little fun playing dress-up with a great photographer.
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About The Author:
Kitty Hailey, CLI, is an experienced investigator with a respect for the profession. She has worked all facets of the field. Her private investigative career concentrated on legal investigation in support of litigation in both civil and criminal cases. To learn more about Kitty Hailey, CLI click here: https://kittyhailey.com
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Editor’s Note: Kitty Hailey will be signing copies of her latest book entitled: The Professional Investigator (Book Two) on Wednesday, June 21 at the Chestnut Hill Bookstore. For more information click here: https://www.bookedch.com/events-2/author-event-kitty-hailey