Page 57 of Smokescreen

“It wouldn’t be a good look if I didn’t. Plus, I don’t mind—and I need an excuse to talk to more people and find out more information, hopefully.”

He nodded slowly. “Then whatever you’d like to do, feel free. I’m sure Hannah or Miriam could use a hand.”

“I’ll make myself useful then.”

“And just as a reminder, the property is being surveyed today, so if you see a drone, don’t be alarmed.” His voice rose, as if he wanted anyone listening to know that also. “I already told my guys at morning round up about it.”

Olive heard the subtext of his words. Tevin was out there working.

She hoped her colleague might be able to figure something out, that maybe his drone footage would prove something. Maybe someone had been scoping out the property. Maybe the government had used part of it as a staging area. She wasn’t sure yet.

She also needed to look into those flashlights she’d seen outside last night and to figure out if she would confront Reid about that will she’d found.

But she’d do that later.

For now, Olive walked into the kitchen, ready to offer her services—and to find out information.

Could Hannah be behind this? Or was it one of the ranch hands? And, if it was one of the ranch hands, who else working here knew what was going on?

That was what she needed to find out.

“Olive . . .” Hannah said as she stood by the kitchen island polishing some silverware. “I didn’t expect to see you in here.”

“I wanted to see if I could help with anything.”

Hannah didn’t look away from the spoon in her hands. “You should take it easy. I think the staff has everything covered.”

Olive grabbed a soft white rag anyway. “I can help you polish.”

Hannah glanced at Olive as if skeptical. “You really don’t have to.”

“I don’t mind.” Olive picked up a knife and began to get busy. “Where’s Miriam?”

“She had to run to the store for a few more things. She should be back soon.”

Olive was thankful no one else was in here except the two of them. She could use a moment alone with Hannah. She had some questions for her.

She continued to rub her rag against the silverware to get rid of any spots. “So, I’m curious. Did you know Daphne when she and Reid dated?”

Hannah’s eyes narrowed cautiously. “I did.”

“I take it you weren’t her biggest fan?”

She snorted. “Not at all. I know I’m hired help. But it’s always nice when people realize that people who are hired help are also still humans.”

“I agree. Daphne doesn’t seem like the type who makes that distinction. Am I right?”

“She was always bossing me around and then telling on me to Reid when I didn’t do exactly what she said.‘Hannah, I left my laundry on the floor. I need it washed by this evening. Hannah, I like my sheets to be changed every other day, and I only like a certain type of detergent used when washing them. Make it happen. Hannah! I only drink pour-overs. And I know you’re trying to make a pour-over for me, but you’re not doing it right. You need to do better.’”

Olive’s eyebrows shot up. “She really said all those things?”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Olive paused from polishing the silverware. “Do you know if Daphne stayed in touch with anyone working here after she and Reid broke up?”

Surprise flashed through Hannah’s eyes. “That’s a question I wasn’t expecting. But since you’re asking, I always thought Daphne and Cooper had a strange relationship.”

Nowthatwas interesting . . . “What do you mean?”