Page 49 of Enigma

“What kind of business account?” she asked.

“Stewart Medical Associates. Registered address is 847 Commerce Street in Oasis, Texas.” Papers rustled on Tevin’s end. “Olive, this account has been moving money for nearly a decade. Not just the recent deposits to Lloyd’s personal account, but hundreds of transactions. We’re talking millions of dollars.”

“That’s Lloyd’s old medical practice,” Olive whispered, watching Jason sign rental papers twenty feet away.

“It gets better—or worse, depending on how you look at it. The account shows regular deposits from Northwood Investment Group.”

The name hit Olive like a physical blow.

Northwood Investment Group—the same organization her dad had been involved with.

Was this the link they’d been looking for?

Olive glanced back at Jason as he talked to the rental car agent. “Tevin, are you absolutely sure about this?”

“I’ve triple-checked everything. Olive, whatever Lloyd was involved in, it didn’t end when he left Oasis. It’s been continuing this whole time.”

After ending the call, Olive rejoined Jason at the rental counter.

Her mind was racing. Connections tried to form, but part of her didn’t want them to.

Because the implications felt too big, too serious.

When they got to their SUV—a black Tahoe that looked like it could handle whatever Texas threw at them—she filled him in on Tevin’s discovery.

“Northwood Investment Group,” Jason repeated, starting the engine. “I had a feeling we’d hear that name again.”

“Me too. I’m still trying to figure out how all this fits together, however. I need more connecting pieces.”

They drove in silence for a few minutes, both processing the implications.

Finally, Jason spoke again. “So, as far as our plan once we get to Oasis . . . my dad told me one time that he kept a hidden safe in his medical office. He even showed me once. Said he kept important documents there, patient records he said were too sensitive for the regular files.”

“Do you think he might have kept information about all this? Evidence of what he was involved in?”

“It’s worth investigating,” Jason said. “Although, I don’t know how he planned to get back into the office to access that information. Maybe he just kept paper copies there in case things went wrong.”

“I’m sure he could have thought of an excuse to get back inside if he had to.” She shrugged. “Maybe he even kept backup records of his secret financial accounts.”

Jason’s lips tugged down into a frown. “I hate to even think about that. But we need to know the truth—especially if my dad is in trouble.”

“Unfortunately, you’re correct.” Olive could only imagine how he was feeling right now.

He blew out a long breath as if gathering his wits. “But first, we need supplies. Clothes, basic toiletries, maybe something to eat that isn’t airport food.”

“We do,” Olive agreed. “Then we jump in. There’s no time to waste.”

CHAPTER 32

Olive and Jason found a Walmart near the interstate and moved through the store quickly, buying essentials. Olive grabbed some jeans, a couple of T-shirts, a hoodie, and basic toiletries. Jason did the same, adding a small backpack and a flashlight to their purchases.

“Planning ahead for breaking and entering?” Olive asked as they loaded their bags into the SUV.

“My dad always said preparation was the key to success in any endeavor.” Jason offered a slight eye roll. “Even the illegal ones, apparently.”

Thirty minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot of a motel on the outskirts of Oasis, hoping their pursuers wouldn’t immediately think to check there.

“I can’t believe we’re back in Texas,” Olive said as they walked toward the lobby. “After everything that happened here.”