Page 49 of Obscurity (Pros and Cons Mysteries #5)

O live pulled back slightly, though she remained within the circle of Jason’s arms. “Jason, this isn’t a festival scam. It’s so much worse than that.”

She quickly told him about what she’d found—the lists of employees, the projections, the financials. She told him about the conversation she’d overheard Elias having about people dying.

“I have a feeling this was never about the festival,” she explained. “This festival was an excuse, a way of covering up equipment and people coming in and out of this area. It’s ruse meant to disguise something much bigger. I’m just not sure what.”

Jason’s expression grew darker with each detail. “And not everyone is supposed to survive.”

“Exactly. Chloe and Becca must have gotten too nosy, too close to the truth.” Olive glanced around nervously, making sure they weren’t being overheard.

“We need to talk to Tevin. Maybe he can find out more about who’s really running this operation.

Because this is bigger than Brad. He’s the face behind it but not the brains. ”

“Agreed,” Jason said, though his protective instincts clearly warred with the practical need to continue their investigation. “But we also need to be more careful. If they realize you were in that house . . .”

“I know.” Olive’s throat tightened as she scanned the area again. There were no clear signs of surveillance. “The question is, how many other secrets are hiding in this place? And how many of these people aren’t who they seem to be?”

Olive and Jason made their way back toward the main stage area where the opening act was finishing their set to scattered, unenthusiastic applause.

The crowd looked both exhausted and demoralized, their initial excitement for the weekend completely drained by the poor conditions and constant disappointments.

Olive would have loved to be anywhere but here, listening to awful music among increasingly unhappy festivalgoers. The rational part of her mind wondered why people weren’t demanding to leave en masse.

That question was answered when Brad climbed back onto the stage, his smile looking more strained than ever.

“I know today has been challenging,” he announced. “But I have incredible news that’s going to make everything worth it!”

Somehow, Olive doubted that.

A large screen descended behind him, displaying the logo for Obscurity—the headliner many people had actually paid to see.

“Due to transportation difficulties, Obscurity couldn’t make it here in person today,” Brad continued over the crowd’s disappointed groans. “But they’ve recorded a special message just for you!”

The screen lit up with a video message from the band, promising they would definitely perform tomorrow night if people could just “hang in there” a little longer.

The lead singer looked directly into the camera as he said, “Grayfall Festival is going to be legendary. Don’t give up on us now—we’re going to make this worth every penny you paid. ”

Olive watched as hope flickered back to life in some faces around her. These people had paid enormous amounts of money specifically to see Obscurity, and the promise of tomorrow night’s performance was apparently enough to keep them from leaving.

“Brilliant crowd control,” Jason murmured. “Keep dangling the carrot just out of reach.”

As the video ended and Brad introduced the next local act, Olive’s blood turned to ice.

Walking onto the stage with a guitar was the pale-eyed man from Murphy’s Last Stop gas station.