Page 9 of Artifice (Pros and Cons Mysteries #4)

PRESENT DAY

O live dressed more casually the next day, knowing she’d be going to classes. But to keep up appearances, she’d donned expensive black pants with a lavender-colored top. That, along with her designer shoes and purse, should ensure she could carry out the persona she needed.

Breakfast was served at eight, and Olive headed downstairs right on time to find a seat.

Though Tevin was already at the table, Olive was careful to make it appear they didn’t know each other.

Five other guests were also seated: a twenty-something couple celebrating their three-year wedding anniversary and three women exploring Maine together. Olive had met the ladies yesterday.

Olive said a quick hello to everyone before sitting down and tucking in her chair.

Nearly as soon as she’d done that, Mrs. Potts—yes, that was her actual name—wandered out from the kitchen with a pot of coffee in hand and began to make the rounds. The woman was probably in her early sixties and thirty pounds overweight, with her gray hair pulled back in a loose ponytail.

Olive took a bite of her crisp bacon, knowing it was an indulgence she shouldn’t allow herself very often. Then Mrs. Potts began to make small talk with everyone, asking them where they were from and what they were doing here.

Olive had done some research before she came and knew this bed-and-breakfast had opened two years ago. Before that, it had been a private residence.

There were no hotels in Edgewood, only a handful of bed-and-breakfasts. There were also several private home rentals available, but Olive had wanted to immerse herself among the people and see if she could find out as much information as possible.

And Mrs. Potts just might be the source of some of that information. Her husband was retired, but he now worked part-time at Lighthouse Harbor doing maintenance. Olive had yet to see him at the house.

Olive made sure she was the last one at the table, taking the final bite of her savory bacon. “If you don’t mind me asking, how long have you lived in town?”

The question sent the woman’s gaze fluttering. “All my life.”

She began to gather up the dishes.

“But you’ve only been in this house for two years,” Olive asked. “Is that right?”

“That’s right. It’s always been a dream of mine to start a place like this, so when it went up for sale, my husband and I sold our old home and cashed out our savings to see if I could make it work. And I did—though barely.”

“Your new home is lovely, and the breakfast was delicious.”

Their gazes met again, and Mrs. Potts smiled. “Thank you.”

Olive shifted in her seat, not quite in a hurry, even though she had to be at school in fifteen minutes.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what did you do before you took over this place?”

Mrs. Potts’ gaze began to flutter yet again. “I’ve worked various jobs around town.”

“I see. I hear there are a lot of fishermen in this area as well as small business owners like yourself. I’m assuming those are the careers most people have here.”

Lighthouse Harbor was another large employer, but Olive didn’t want to say that out loud. When she’d introduced herself at breakfast, Olive hadn’t mentioned the place and had only said she was in town to do some business.

But according to Stephanie, the waitress at the restaurant last night, most everybody already knew who Olive was and why she was here.

Mrs. Potts might also know that already as well.

“Yes.” Mrs. Potts grabbed another plate and stacked it on top of the others. “Fishermen. Restaurant owners. Things of that nature. We’re pretty simple around here.”

Olive wanted to ask about Lighthouse Harbor. But if Olive pressed too hard initially, the woman might clam up.

That wasn’t what she wanted.

For that reason, she stood and thanked her again.

She would ask more questions . . . later.

Right now, she needed to get to the school to see what she could uncover.

Colin’s parents had mentioned their son had one close friend at Lighthouse Harbor.

His name was Abe Garcia. Olive had already found a picture of him, so she knew who to look for. But she had no way of talking to the boy unless she ran into him at the school, which she hoped might happen.

Somehow, the place looked a little brighter today when she pulled up—brighter than yesterday. Of course, yesterday it had been stormy. But Olive knew that storms were also forecast for later today, so she should enjoy the sunshine while it lasted.

The administration appeared to be waiting for her today because as soon as she pulled up, the gates opened and she was ushered through.

Margaret met her at the door, her face not quite as dour today as it had been yesterday.

Maybe it was because she wore a pale blue suit instead of all black attire.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she said before raising her thin eyebrows. “Although if you were any later you’d be tardy for class.”

Olive stared at the woman a moment before realizing she was joking. Maybe Director Ingraham did have a sense of humor.

Maybe?

Olive let out a little laugh. “I never was one for being on time when I was a student. I liked being social a little bit too much.”

Margaret’s grunt was full of disapproval. Of course, this woman didn’t seem the type who’d have any friends, so she probably didn’t understand.

“I’ve already arranged the first class you’ll sit in on as well as which students you will be speaking with today,” Margaret said. “I want to make sure you make the most of your time while you are here. Are you planning on spending all day with us?”

“I’m planning on staying for as long as I can. I do have some business I need to attend to a little later.”

“Of course. Let me take you to your class. I’ve already informed the students you’ll be there observing.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

As Olive walked down the hallway, she noticed the stares from the students as she passed.

Sure, people were curious about her presence here.

But why did she feel like there was more to these stares than mere curiosity?

Were their stares silent cries for help?