Page 23 of Smokescreen

“I can see that. But for the time being, you might want to rethink that stance.”

“While you’re here, I’lldefinitelyrethink that.”

Reid’s words made Olive feel for a moment like they were actually dating. But the man was simply being a gentleman, and she could appreciate that. There was no need to read more into it than necessary.

He straightened and nodded at the table. “Now, let’s finish eating before our food gets cold. It would be a shame to let a meal this tasty go to waste.”

Olive couldn’t help but agree.

Olive felt so perfectly content and full by the time she finished dinner that she nearly forgot about the danger around her.

Nearlybeing the key word.

“Look, I know it’s still pretty early.” Reid set his napkin on the table. “Only eight o’clock. But I have some paperwork I need to fill out. Do you mind if we call it a night? Or if you want to, I can show you that bogus will first.”

She sensed Reid truly did have a lot to do. “It can wait until morning.”

She had plenty of other leads to follow first. Plus, she wasn’t sure exactly what that will would prove other than the fact that it was forged.

“I’ll walk you to your room.” Then he shrugged. “It’s only polite.”

That was right. They needed to keep up this act.

Before coming here, Olive had feared getting Reid to cooperate would be half the struggle of this assignment. But he was keeping up appearances in this charade surprisingly well.

They slowly walked up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom.

If she was honest with herself, Olive would admit she was tired. She could use some time to herself also.

He paused in front of her. “Good night, Olive.”

“Good night.”

For a minute, she wondered if Reid would kiss her cheek again. But no one was around watching them, making it unnecessary. Instead, he squeezed her hand before walking away.

Olive shouldn’t be feeling the warm, tingly feelings she did. The reaction was strange and unwelcome. Not only that, but the response could prove to be a vulnerability.

She was better than that, and she would buckle down to prove it.

She sighed before stepping into her room.

But as soon as she did, a scream caught in her throat.

Someone had been in here while she was gone and left her a message she couldn’t ignore.

CHAPTER 10

“Olive, what is it?”

Olive hadn’t realized she’d screamed out loud, but she must have made some kind of noise. Because Reid had appeared five seconds later.

She pointed to her bedpost. “That.”

Reid stepped into the room and glanced in the direction she pointed. Then he muttered something beneath his breath and shook his head.

Someone had taken an old porcelain doll and, using a black marker, had put Xs over the eyes. Then they’d taken that doll and hung it from a noose attached to the bed frame.

They were clearly sending Olive a message that she wasn’t welcome.