Page 77 of Artifice

She stared at him a moment, at once wishing that she knew without a doubt she could trust him.

Because he probably had information she needed.

Should she tell him about Ms. Strickland? About what she’d seen at the lighthouse tonight?

No, she decided. The fewer people who knew what she’d witnessed, the better.

If there was one thing her dad had taught her it was to keep her cards close.

Olive took a step back when the brick patio beneath her shifted, one of the bricks loose.

Before she could stumble, Simon grabbed her arm.

Her breath caught as she stared up at him, their faces entirely too close.

Her heart seemed to stammer in her chest for a moment.

But the moment was broken when she heard a footstep behind her.

“Is everything okay back here?”

Olive turned in time to see Tevin step from the shadows.

A confused look stretched across his face as his gaze went from Olive to Simon and then back to Olive again.

Instantly, Simon let go of her, and she nearly stumbled. Not because Simon had felt awkward and released her too quickly.

But because she’d been taken by surprise.

If there was one thing she knew for certain it was that she did not—could not—afford to be taken by surprise.

Being taken by surprise could mean the difference between life and death.

Simon extended his hand toward Tevin. “Simon. And you’re Tevin.”

Olive pressed her eyes closed. Of course Simon already knew who Tevin was also.

He was always one—if not more—step ahead of them.

“Olive?” Tevin turned back to her, questions hard in his gaze.

“I’m still trying to figure out exactly who this guy is and if he is a friend or a foe.” She went with the brutal truth. “He claims he’s a friend, and he’s also investigating Lighthouse Harbor.”

Tevin looked at him skeptically. “If he’s not working with us, then he’s not on our side.”

Tevin clearly knew their cover was blown with this man.

And with Mrs. Potts.

Olive was breaking all kinds of rules here. She generally didn’t like anyone to know who she really was. She liked to keep her cover story in place for the duration of her investigations. It was only smart.

Now everything felt as if it was on shaky ground.

“I can’t stay around long.” Simon took a step back. “I’m sure Olive will fill you in. But both of you need to be careful.”

“I don’t think you need to tell us that.” Tevin scowled.

“You guys don’t know what you’re getting yourselves into.” Simon’s lips pressed into a tight line.