Page 64 of Artifice

“No, I’m callingwithan update.”

Olive’s lungs froze. “What’s going on?”

“We just got a text message from Colin.”

Her eyes widened. “What? That’s great news, right?”

“Maybe.” Mrs. Andrews’ voice trembled. “If it was really Colin who sent it.”

“What did the message say?”

“It said he was fine and that we shouldn’t worry. He couldn’t handle the program at Lighthouse Harbor, so he sneaked out and hitched a ride. He’s safe but he’s staying somewhere until he can clear his head.”

Sounded pretty generic to Olive. “And that’s it?”

“Yes. We texted back, but he hasn’t responded. I can’t help but think someone sent this just to try and throw us off.” Her voice cracked into a whimper.

Compassion panged inside Olive. “There’s a good chance that could be true.”

“I’m trying not to think anything really bad has happened to him. But how can I not? Please, tell me you have an update for me.” Her voice wavered until a cry escaped. “I’m so worried. I should have never sent him there. If only I could turn back time.”

Olive glanced around again, confirming that no one was listening. She still measured her words. “I’ve been hard at work trying to figure out if I should allocate these funds to Lighthouse Harbor or not. I’m getting closer to finding the answers I need. I’ve been at the school all week reviewing things. I hope to have my decision by Friday.”

“I see.” She sniffled. “Be careful, Olive. I don’t know exactly what’s going on there, but I don’t like it.”

Neither did she, Olive mused. Neither did she.

The creamy crab soup and salad were delicious, just as Stephanie had promised.

But the restaurant had filled up more quickly than Olive would have liked, and she still hadn’t had the chance to talk to Stephanie. At this rate, she wouldn’t.

Instead, she pulled out her business card—her fake business card proclaiming she was Liv Bettencourt—and jotted a note on the back.

Your recommendations haven’t let me down yet. Would love to hear some ideas from you about what to do while I’m here in town. Please give me a call when you have a chance.

Olive knew it was a longshot. But she hoped the note might work. It was the only way she could think to reach Stephanie.

She paid her bill and left the card. Then she stepped outside.

The weather had turned chilly, a biting breeze coming off the water. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, suggesting a storm might roll in later. Perfect weather for clandestine meetings and sneaking around, she thought grimly.

She had quite a bit of time until she was supposed to meet Abe—which was still a risky proposition.

Maybe she would check in with Rex and Tevin in the meantime.

But as she climbed into her car and shut the door, she suddenly felt a shadow behind her.

And she knew she wasn’t in the vehicle alone.

CHAPTER 33

“Don’t panic,” a familiar but unwelcome voice murmured. “It’s just me.”

Olive’s shoulders slumped—with relief and irritation. “Simon?”

“I needed to catch you alone.”

She didn’t try to hide her annoyance. “What are you doing here? And who are you?”