Page 54 of Artifice

She was escorted into Director Ingraham’s office where the blueprints and the project proposal were displayed.

Maybe she’d be able to find out something about those tunnels—where they were located, how they were accessed, and what purpose they might serve.

CHAPTER 28

As a knock sounded at the door, Olive looked up from Director Ingraham’s desk and rubbed her eyes, which were tired after studying the papers.

She’d snooped through Margaret’s office when she had the chance. She hadn’t discovered much, but she had managed to find a pamphlet on Simon Long. She photographed the information to evaluate later.

Principal Denarau—or Michael—stood at the door with an easy grin on his face.

He looked nothing like the conniving man she’d seen in the warehouse last night.

She could spot a con artist a mile away.

“Good morning, Ms. Bettencourt.” He stepped inside, his demeanor remaining friendly. “How are you this morning?”

She smiled up at him, determined to act pleasant. “Just fine. And you?”

“Fantastic.” He said the word with zest. “Lunch is in fifteen minutes. I thought it might be a good chance for you to see the students in action and talk to them. Although, I must say, you should do so at your own risk. They can get rowdy.”

“I think I can handle it.”

“I’m sure you can.”

Was there an edge to his words, or was Olive imagining it? She wasn’t sure.

“Shall I come back for you in fifteen?” he asked.

Olive stood and met him at the door. “I’m actually ready to wrap up here. I could use a break from studying these papers.”

She had so many questions she wished she could ask. But there was no subtle way to ask those questions without letting Michael know she’d followed him to the warehouse.

Still, she was more curious than ever as to what he was up to.

The blueprints had been no help. If the tunnels were there, they were hidden.

Someone didn’t want them to be found.

These blueprints could have been switched out for the real ones—especially if someone wanted to cover something up.

But what if they were keeping Colin—and maybe the other two missing students—down there for some reason?

She needed to find out.

Side by side, Olive and Michael started toward the cafeteria.

“We appreciate your family’s consideration of our school,” Principal Denarau told her.

“We’ve been blessed with much and love the opportunity to give back to worthy organizations.”

“How did you say your family came into this money?”

Her muscles tensed. Was he feeling her out?

“I didn’t,” she told him.

“Please, I don’t mean to be nosy. I was just curious.”