Page 81 of Enigma

They slipped through the gate and approached the main building, a low concrete structure that looked like it once houseda manufacturing operation. Most of the windows were boarded up, but Jason found a service door that was unlocked.

“That seems too convenient,” Mitzi murmured as she stared at the door.

“Maybe whoever was here left in a hurry,” Olive suggested, though her instincts agreed with Mitzi’s caution.

Bracing themselves for the worst, they stepped inside.

The building was dark and smelled of industrial disinfectant mixed with something metallic that made Olive’s stomach clench. Jason used a small flashlight to illuminate their path as they moved through what appeared to be a former factory floor.

“Over here,” Nova called.

Olive approached carefully, her ribs protesting with each step. Jason immediately moved closer, his protective instincts kicking in as he noticed her labored movement.

“I’m fine,” she whispered, but she was grateful for his steadying presence.

Nova shone her light on what appeared to be a makeshift medical station.

The setup was crude but functional—a metal table scrubbed clean but still showing dark stains along the edges, surgical instruments scattered nearby, and IV bags hanging from improvised stands.

“Someone was definitely treated here.” Mitzi examined the equipment. “Recently, based on the condition of these supplies.”

Olive knelt beside the table and found what looked like bloodstained gauze that had been dropped and forgotten. “There’s a lot of blood. Whoever was hurt, it was serious.”

Nova pointed to suture materials and bottles of antiseptic. “Someone with medical training worked here.”

“That’s why they grabbed your dad,” Olive said, the pieces clicking into place in her mind. “It’s just like we thought. At first,they wanted to kill him. But then something happened, and they needed his help.”

Jason studied the makeshift operating area. “That theory makes sense. But who are these people?”

“People affiliated with Northwoods.” Olive stood slowly. “And whatever criminal enterprise they’re operating.”

“And you really think your mom might be the mastermind?” Mitzi asked.

Olive shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe that’s why Elena offered me money.”

“Because your mom doesn’t want to hurt you . . .” Nova said.

“But if itwasmy mom, why would she hurt my sisters? Or my dad?” The question had been eating at Olive since Simon’s revelation. She didn’t mean to voice it in front of Nova and Mitzi, but part of her no longer cared if they saw her vulnerability. “That’s something that hasn’t made sense to me. Jessie and Jules were just kids. They were innocent.”

“I have no idea,” Jason admitted. “But now we’re getting too close to the truth. These people are feeling threatened.”

As he spoke, Jason’s body went rigid. He held up a hand for silence, his head tilted toward the entrance they’d used.

The sound was faint but unmistakable—footsteps on gravel, approaching the building.

Jason clicked off his flashlight, plunging them into darkness.

CHAPTER 52

Olive counted at least four different sets of footsteps, moving to surround the building.

“We’re trapped,” Nova whispered.

“Not if we take the initiative.” Mitzi moved toward a door on the opposite side of the building.

“They probably expect us to try to run. Let’s give them something they’re not expecting.” Jason motioned for them to spread out.

Olive drew her gun despite the protest from her injured ribs. “How do we want to play this?”