Page 4

CHAPTER 4

“ A s I told you on the phone, we want to do a preliminary interview with you—nothing that’s recorded or official,” Olive started, grabbing a cracker and piece of cheese from the board in front of her. “When it comes to our documentaries with Union Bay Productions, we like to first get a good feel for our subjects. Then both parties decide whether or not they want to proceed.”

“Of course.” Rebecca munched on a grape.

“The good news is that we already have financing lined up and guaranteed distribution to streaming networks.”

“That’s amazing.” Rebecca nodded enthusiastically.

If this documentary were real, then it would open up incredible opportunities for Rebecca. Only she didn’t know none of this was real. It wouldn’t make her TikTok career flourish. If anything, this investigation could ruin her.

Olive was working undercover as a documentary producer. The team behind her at Aegis had expertly put together some clips of other documentaries she’d supposedly produced in the past. One on conditions at an animal hospital. Another on the effects of processed foods on health.

It had been quite the feat to get it all done and to get fake reviews and interviews online. But Olive’s team was amazing, and her backstory looked both authentic and impressive.

“I’m thrilled y’all could come.” Rebecca practically glowed as she said the words with bright eyes and a big grin. “There’s nothing I love more than sharing my story so that maybe someone else can be inspired by the events that changed my life. I want them to know that even though bad things can happen to us, good can still shine through.”

Another great sound bite.

“That’s a great way to look at life when things like this happen.” Olive meant the words—she knew from experience. “Sometimes having a positive attitude can truly make such a difference when we face trying times.”

“You can say that again.” Rebecca’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “I’ve learned so much about myself, and I’ve become a better person because of everything that’s happened to me. People often ask me if I had this journey to do all over again if I’d change anything. The answer is no. Yes, it’s been a terribly difficult time. But I’ve grown so much and have become a better person through these trials.”

Olive swallowed hard and nodded. Rebecca was both charming and believable—much like Olive’s father had been.

If the woman truly was sick, then Olive could see why people wanted to support her.

But if she was lying . . . then she was preying on people’s kindness and goodwill. She was using emotional exploitation to benefit herself.

Olive had to find out if this woman really had cancer. If she didn’t, then she was scamming this community out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

And the only possible motivation this woman might have was greed.

Nothing made Olive angrier.

The waitress brought their food. Rebecca got a turkey sandwich, Olive some potato soup, and Nova a salad.

They’d talked as they’d eaten. A few times, Olive glanced around, halfway expecting to see someone she recognized from her stay here.

She saw no one familiar.

When Olive wrapped up her initial interview with Rebecca, she paused. She needed to sell her cover if she wanted to proceed with this investigation. This was the moment when push came to shove.

“I really feel like people can find inspiration with your story,” she started. “I’d love to move forward with this documentary if you’re on board.”

Rebecca paused a moment, and Olive wondered what she would say.

Time seemed to stand still.

If she said no, then investigating this case would be a lot more complicated.

Finally, a grin spread across Rebecca’s face. “I’m totally on board. I really feel like we’d be a great fit. We need to share the tough times in our lives so others will know they’re not alone in their struggles.”

Olive smiled, trying not to show her relief as she reached her hand out. “Then it’s a deal. A handshake will suffice until you sign the actual contract—which you should have received a few days ago.”

Rebecca took her hand and gave it a hearty shake. “I did. I already had my lawyer look it over, and I’ve decided to sign.”

“Wonderful.” Relief filled Olive.

Their first obstacle had officially been conquered.

“I really think this will be great.” Rebecca lowered her voice. “I mean, we’ll have to work around my treatment schedule. I’m assuming you knew that, right? Then again, assuming things can be dangerous . . .”

“Of course,” Olive told her. “That shouldn’t be a problem. What do you have coming up?”

“I have a few appointments, but I should be mostly clear for the next two weeks—unless something else pops up.” Rebecca touched her chest.

Olive could barely make out the outline of what appeared to be a medical port beneath her dress. Could Rebecca fake having a port?

Olive wasn’t sure. That was one of the many questions she needed to explore.

“I’d like to get started right away.” Olive pushed her plate away. “The initial filming would be ideal at your house. It would let people have a glimpse into your life. Would that work?”

“That sounds fantastic. I’m not sure how clean it’s going to be.” She let out a self-deprecating laugh. “My housekeeper went AWOL and stopped returning my calls earlier this week, then she never showed up yesterday.”

“Good help is hard to find,” Olive said.

“And I know it sounds weird that I have a housekeeper, but cleaning my house takes so much energy. It’s a splurge Matt and I allowed ourselves.”

“It makes sense.” Olive patted her hand. “You have enough on your mind without worrying about how clean your house is.”

“I appreciate your understanding.” Rebecca paused. “I watched some of your other documentaries, and I have to say I was really impressed. I was a little skeptical when you first called me. The last thing I’d want to do is to agree to do a documentary with someone sketchy. But I’m so glad we met because you seem like the perfect person to partner with. I think our paths crossed for a reason.”

Olive forced a smile. Rebecca was good. Really good. She had what came across as a genuine sweetness and sincerity about her.

The best con artists did.

“I think this is going to be a great opportunity.” A great opportunity to get to the truth. Olive kept that thought silent.

In Olive’s years going undercover, fooling people still bugged her to an extent. However, she usually tricked the bad guys. Those people deserved consequences for their actions.

Other times, Olive had to fool people who were decent humans. Those instances were the ones that haunted her.

If it turned out Rebecca Hansen truly did have cancer, Olive would feel terrible for investigating her. That was why she had to proceed very carefully.

Olive was primarily doing this assignment for Jason . . . though she had to admit she did have an ulterior motive.

She’d lived in this town at one time, and she was determined to figure out what her father had really been up to.

Was he a con artist who preyed on the innocent in order to take their money? If that was the case, then why were his financial accounts at zero after he was murdered? Where had all that money gone?

Or was what her father had told her true? He’d told her he secretly worked for the government, taking on new roles and identities in order to investigate classified crimes in different areas of the country.

Olive wanted to believe her dad was one of the good guys.

But what if he wasn’t?

That was the question she struggled with.

Maybe being here in Oasis would help her find some of the answers she desperately sought.