Page 71 of Enigma

“What people?” Jason’s voice sharpened.

“I don’t know. They didn’t give names. But the calls made me nervous.” Dr. Schmitt stood and smoothed his jacket. “I came here to make sure there are no more misunderstandings between us. I don’t want to be drawn into whatever this is about.”

“What kind of misunderstandings?” Chelsea narrowed her eyes skeptically.

“The kind where people break into medical offices looking for things that might not be there anymore.” Dr. Schmitt looked directly at Jason. “The kind where old secrets get dug up and cause problems for people trying to live quiet lives.”

Olive stood as well, matching his energy. “Are you threatening us, Dr. Schmitt?”

“I’m asking you to be careful. For everyone’s sake.” His gaze moved to Chelsea and the toddler playing in the corner. “Some investigations can put innocent people at risk.”

The room fell silent except for the sound of toy cars crashing into each other.

After Dr. Schmitt left, Jason and Olive stayed to catch Chelsea up on things.

She listened with rapt attention, her eyes widening with each new detail. When they finished, she buried her face in her hands. “Oh, Dad . . .”

Olive and Jason exchanged a worried glance.

“We’re doing everything we can to find him,” Jason assured her.

“I know.” She lifted her head and reached for her phone. “I need to tell Dean.”

“Wait!” Jason pressed his lips together as if contemplating how to continue. “We need to keep this under wraps.”

“Even from Dean? He could help you.” Then realization swept over her features. “Wait . . . you don’t think he has something to do with this?”

Jason shook his head. “No, but we do believe someone in the police department might be involved.”

Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately, yes. We don’t want to pull you into the middle of this, Chels.” Jason’s gaze softened as he glanced at her. “But I couldn’t keep this from you any longer either.”

“I appreciate you telling me this. Did you tell everyone else?”

Jason shook his head. “No, I was hoping you might do that for me. Not because I don’t want to, but because I need to keep looking for him.”

“Of course,” Chelsea said. “Whatever I can do to help.”

Henry began to cry. He’d abandoned his toys and rubbed at his eyes. It was clearly time for his nap.

Olive and Jason excused themselves to grab lunch and promised to stay in touch.

Then Olive and Jason headed to the Oasis Diner.

The restaurant had red vinyl booths, black-and-white-checkered floors, and a menu that featured chicken-fried steak as the house specialty. She and Jason had chosen a corner booth that gave them a view of both the entrance and the parking lot.

“I still can’t believe Dr. Schmitt just showed up like that.” Jason picked up his burger, which was at least four inches thick with glops of mayo dripping out on the sides.

Olive picked at her chef salad, knowing she should eat but not feeling especially hungry. “He knows more than he’s letting on. I’m sure of it.”

Jason didn’t argue with her.

Her phone buzzed on the table between them, and Tevin’s name appeared on the screen.

“Excuse me a minute,” Olive told Jason before grabbing the phone and answering. “Hey, Tev.”

“Where are you right now?” His voice carried an urgency she hadn’t heard before.