Page 22 of Enigma (Pros and Cons Mysteries #6)

O live 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.

Things were coming to a head. She was certain of it.

The question was: Who would be left standing at the end?

The office for Sunshine Home Health Services was located in a small strip mall between a nail salon and a tax preparation service.

It was a practical, unglamorous location that suggested a business focused on function over form. Through the large front windows, Olive could make out a modest waiting area with a few chairs and health pamphlets displayed on a table.

Jason paused outside the glass door, his hand on the handle. “Let me take the lead on this. If Dad’s been hiding something about his work, his boss might be more willing to talk to his son than to a stranger.”

Olive nodded. She’d been thinking the same thing, though part of her was curious to see how much Jason’s natural protectiveness toward his father would affect his questioning.

The woman behind the reception desk looked up as they entered, her expression shifting from professional pleasantness to concern when Jason introduced himself.

“Mr. Stewart, you said? Oh my goodness, you’re Lloyd’s son. He talks about you all the time.” She stood immediately. “Is everything all right? Lloyd didn’t come in for his scheduled shift yesterday, and he hasn’t answered his phone.”

“That’s actually why we’re here,” Jason said. “Is Mr. Ross available? I need to speak with him about my father.”

Mr. Ross was the head of the agency.

“Of course,” the receptionist said. “Let me get him.”

A few minutes later, a man in his fifties emerged and motioned for them to follow him to a back office. He closed the door once inside and offered them seats across from his desk.

Thomas Ross had a warm, professional demeanor that probably served him well in healthcare management. Olive saw genuine concern in his expression as Jason explained the situation.

“Your father is missing?” Ross’s eyebrows drew together. “Since when?”

“Yesterday morning someone broke into his house and drugged him. Then he was taken from the hospital last night.” Jason’s voice was steady, but Olive heard the underlying strain. “We’re trying to figure out why someone would want to hurt him.”

“This is terrible. Lloyd is one of our best people.” Ross shook his head. “Have you contacted the police?”

“Yes, they’re investigating. But we’re trying to determine if there might be something work-related that could have made him a target.” Jason paused as if choosing his words carefully. “Has my father had any problems on the job recently? Any difficult patients or unusual situations?”

“Problems? No, none at all. All his patients love him. Lloyd has this way with elderly people—he’s very patient and kind. He treats them like family.” Ross looked genuinely puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

Jason glanced at Olive before answering. “We’re not sure why someone tried to kill him or why he’s disappeared. We’re trying to track down some answers and follow any lead that might help us understand what happened.”

Ross was quiet a moment, and Olive sensed him processing the gravity of Jason’s words.

When he finally spoke again, it was with a frown. “Now that you mention it, there was one strange thing that happened last week.”