Page 38 of Artifice (Pros and Cons Mysteries #4)

“ W ho are you?” Olive remained in the doorway, knowing no one else was around.

“Someone who’s also investigating Lighthouse Harbor, though with considerably more resources than you appear to have.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Get out of my room.”

“After I came all this way?” His smile faded. “We need to talk. Colin Andrews isn’t the first student to disappear, and he won’t be the last unless we move quickly.”

A floorboard creaked in the hallway behind her. Olive whirled around to find Mrs. Potts frozen mid-step, a pitcher of water clutched in her hands.

“Just . . . bringing fresh water,” the older woman stammered.

Her eyes darted nervously between Olive and the glimpse of Simon visible through the doorway.

How had the woman gotten upstairs so quietly?

Olive’s muscles tightened. “How long were you listening?”

Mrs. Potts’ shoulders slumped, and the pitcher trembled in her hands.

“Long enough.” The woman looked up, her earlier nervousness replaced with something harder, more desperate. “You’re investigating the school, aren’t you? I thought so ever since you asked about the tunnels.”

Olive exchanged glances with Simon, who’d risen from the chair and moved to the doorway. “Mrs. Potts?—”

“They have Henry,” the older woman blurted, tears suddenly brimming in her eyes. “My husband. Please, you’ve got to help me!”

Olive drew in a deep breath before saying, “Tell me more.”

“Henry works maintenance at Harbor,” Mrs. Potts said. “Three days ago, he told me he discovered someone has been falsifying students’ medical records.”

“Why would someone do that?”

“He’s not sure. It’s some type of coverup.” She drew a shaky breath. “He went to ask Principal Denarau about it. That was the last time I saw him.”

“The police—” Olive began.

“The police said he probably went fishing on his boat and will turn up.” Mrs. Potts’ voice hardened. “Henry hates fishing. And his boat is still in the marina.”

Was someone in the police department in on this? Was that why they’d dismissed the missing person’s report?

Olive knew it was a good possibility.

Simon took the water pitcher from Mrs. Potts’ trembling hands and set it aside. “When exactly did your husband disappear? The timing might be significant.”

“Sunday.” Mrs. Potts wiped at her eyes. “I was at my sister’s, and someone went through our private residence while I was gone. But Henry wouldn’t bring anything home. He’s careful.”

Simon stepped fully into the hallway. “Mrs. Potts, I think you should tell us everything you know about Lighthouse Harbor. In return, we’ll tell you who we really are and why we’re here.”

Olive shot him a warning look, but he ignored it.

“We’re going to find your husband,” he continued. “And the missing students. But we need your help.”

Mrs. Potts straightened her shoulders, suddenly looking more determined despite her tear-streaked face. “Come to my private residence. No one will hear us there.”

Olive considered what to do.

Was this a trap?

Could she trust Simon?

Too much was uncertain right now.

Why hadn’t she told Tevin to stay with her?

Of all the times she needed backup, it was now.