Page 44 of Artifice (Pros and Cons Mysteries #4)

PRESENT DAY

O live received a call bright and early the next morning.

It was Principal Denarau.

“Ms. Bettencourt,” he started. “Sorry to call you so early. However, we had an incident at the school last night, and we need to delay the start of the board meeting until noon.”

“An incident?” Olive held her breath as she waited to hear how he would explain this.

“Unfortunately, Ms. Strickland . . . there’s no easy way to say this . . .” He cleared his throat. “Our beloved math teacher appears to have taken her own life.”

Olive gasped, the reaction authentic. The whole event had been shocking . . . and tragic. “What? I’m so sorry to hear that.”

“It’s a real tragedy. The police found her body early this morning, and they’ve been here asking questions. We’re also providing counseling for the students.”

“I’m glad. They’ll need it.” She paused. “Was Ms. Strickland . . . having troubles?”

“She’s always dealt with some depression, but we were working with her on it.” He paused again. “I guess maybe it wasn’t enough.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, but thanks for letting me know. I’ll arrive at the school closer to noon.”

She ended the call and stared at the wall in front of her.

She still remembered that radio call Ms. Strickland had made before jumping.

Had she sent a message? Or had she been listening?

Olive couldn’t know for sure.

But Tevin was monitoring the radio for anything suspicious. Maybe he’d hear something else that would give them a clue as to what was going on.

He’d already informed her that that text Colin had supposedly sent his family hadn’t actually been from his phone. Someone had used an app to make it look like it had come from Colin’s number.

Which meant someone was trying to cover up whatever had happened to him.

Now Olive had all morning to occupy herself. What could she do that would lead her closer to answers?

First, she needed to update her boss on what was going on.

Nearly as soon as Olive hung up with Rex, her phone rang again. She didn’t recognize the number, but the area code showed it was local. She put on her most elegant voice as she answered.

“Is this . . . is this Liv Bettencourt?”

Olive sat up straighter. “It is. Stephanie?”

“I saw your note. And I wasn’t sure if I should call or not.”

“I have questions . . .”

“It’s not just about what to do in town either, is it? It’s about the school.” Stephanie’s tone dropped even lower.

“It is.”

“I can’t talk about it here. I’m afraid someone might overhear.”

Olive’s pulse kicked up a notch. “Do you want to meet somewhere?”

“Yes. But I can’t meet until tonight after my shift.”

Olive fought a frown. She’d love nothing more than to meet with Stephanie this morning, especially if she had answers. “That’s fine. Just name the time and place.”

“I know it’s late, but how about at eleven?”

Olive supposed that made sense because the restaurant didn’t close until ten. “Where?”

“The lighthouse.”

“The lighthouse?” Was that the unofficial meeting spot of everyone in town? It seemed that way.

“I know it sounds weird, but you’ll understand when I tell you what I need to tell you.”

Olive supposed that explanation made sense. “I’ll see you then.”

Now she was more curious than ever about what Stephanie might have to say.