Page 36 of Enigma

“A woman needs to know how to present herself to the world.” Her mother raised her chin as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. “Sometimes that means hiding things that might make people uncomfortable or ask questions we don’t want to answer.”

“Is that why we move so much? Because people ask questions?” The question had been lingering on Olive’s mind for a while now, but she’d never voiced it out loud.

However, she was getting tired of the fact that she and her twin sisters seemed to be a pawn in her father’s games.

When she was younger, she used to make excuses for her father. But those days were fading.

They all deserved better than this. They deserved better than the lies. Better than having their lives upended every few years. Better than being manipulated at any given moment.

Her mother paused from doing her makeup. “We move because your father’s work requires it. But yes, sometimes it’s easier to start fresh somewhere new with neighbors who don’t know your history, who take you at face value.”

There was something about her mom’s words she didn’t quite buy. “Do you miss having friends, Mom? People who really know you?”

The question seemed to catch her mother off guard. For a moment, her careful mask slipped, and Olive saw something that might have been loneliness flash across her features.

“I have you and your sisters and your father,” her mother said finally. “And that’s enough.”

But was it?

Olive didn’t ask.

CHAPTER 22

Olive and Jason had both awoken early the next morning.

She’d had a fitful night of sleep. Too much weighed on her mind.

It was only seven a.m., but they were both ready for the day. They’d already grabbed something to eat at the breakfast bar downstairs—yogurt for Olive, and eggs with bacon for Jason.

Now they were back in the room, ready to discuss their plan for today.

They’d checked their phones. There was no update on Lloyd.

Olive prayed he was okay.

Yes, she’d prayed—something she didn’t often do.

She’d had an interest in church at one time in her life. Then her dad had decided, right after they moved from Oasis, to become a pastor.

Their family had never even gone to church together before that, except on Christmas and Easter. She’d had her doubts about whether or not his new career—and faith—was authentic. And the whole experience had made her dubious about God also.

But lately, she’d been thinking about her faith a lot more. Wondering if she was holding what happened with her father against God.

She let out a sigh and turned her thoughts back to this case.

Whether Lloyd was involved in all this or not, for Jason’s sake, she wanted Lloyd to be safe.

They’d decided to visit Lloyd’s employer. Then they’d check in with the police.

But first they picked up Olive’s rental car and returned it. They both knew they’d be working together from here on out. There was no need for two cars.

As they drove, Olive kept her eyes open for any more danger.

Everything appeared normal. But for how long would that be the case?

She couldn’t say for sure.

But she hated the bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.