Page 17 of Enigma

“Must have. The next thing I remember clearly is waking up here at the hospital.”

CHAPTER 10

Jason reached over and took his father’s hand. “Dad, that woman could have killed you.”

Lloyd remained quiet for a long moment before saying in a hoarse voice, “I know.”

“Do you have any idea why this woman targeted you?” Jason continued.

Lloyd remained quiet a moment, and Olive sensed he was contemplating how to say something.

“Dad . . .” Jason prompted, urging him to talk.

“I might have an idea,” Lloyd finally said with a shrug.

“And what’s that?”

Olive pressed her lips together, trying to remain silent. More than anything, she wanted to jump in with questions. But she knew she was treading dangerous territory.

Lloyd looked directly at her. “I think she might have had something to do with my time in Oasis.”

Her throat tightened.

“Oasis?” Jason repeated.

Lloyd’s expression grew pained. “There are things about that time that I probably should have told someone years ago. I wasjust too scared, and then too much time passed, and I convinced myself it was better to let sleeping dogs lie.”

“What kind of things are you talking about?” A new edge entered Jason’s voice.

Before Lloyd could answer, a soft knock came from the doorway.

They all turned to see a woman wearing dark slacks and a light-pink cardigan standing there. She was in her fifties with graying brown hair pulled back in a neat ponytail.

Olive bristled.

Was this the same woman who’d gone to Lloyd’s house earlier? Had she come back to finish what she started?

“I’m sorry to interrupt.” The woman sounded subdued and apologetic. “I got a call from the hospital and rushed here. The nurse said it was okay for me to come in.” Her gaze found Lloyd, and her expression softened. “Oh, sweetie. How are you? I was so worried!”

Lloyd’s face brightened. “Nancy! I wasn’t sure if they’d called you.”

“Of course the hospital called me. I’m listed as your emergency contact, remember?” Nancy approached the bed and took Lloyd’s hand in both of hers, a gesture that spoke of intimacy and genuine affection. “I got here as soon as I could. I was so scared when I got the call.”

Jason cleared his throat. “Dad, I don’t think we’ve met.”

“Oh, right. I’m sorry.” Lloyd looked between them. “Jason, Olive, this is Nancy Brennan. Nancy, this is my son, Jason, and this is Olive—she’s the one who found me.”

Nancy turned to face them, and Olive could already see the toll this had taken on her. Her eyes appeared bloodshot as if she’d been crying, and her ponytail had loosened, strands of graying hair framing her face. Her cardigan was wrinkled, as if she’d been clutching it tightly, and her hands trembled slightly as she smoothed her clothes.

“Thank you,” she said simply, looking at Olive. “The nurse said if you hadn’t found him when you did . . .” She didn’t finish the sentence, but her meaning was clear.

“I’m just glad I was there.” Olive ignored the sheepishness she felt at the statement. She’d come to question Lloyd, not to save him. But she was thankful the timing had worked out like it did.

“Whywereyou there, Olive?” Lloyd’s eyes narrowed with curiosity.

She plastered on a smile, trying to put him at ease instead of raising suspicions. “I happened to be in the area and thought I’d visit. It’s been a long time.”

“It sure has been. Don’t get me wrong—I’m not complaining. Your timing was impeccable.”