Page 84 of Smokescreen

Olive glanced around, soaking in her surroundings—something any good investigator would do. Knowing the lay of the land was important, even in what seemed like the most docile situation.

The motel had been erected against the side of a mountain with room for only a few parallel parking spaces in the back. The whole area felt smaller and darker than Olive had anticipated, like an alley you didn’t want to be caught in.

“Are you going to try to talk to Daphne?” Olive asked.

Reid’s gaze narrowed. “I’m not sure what that would accomplish. But I do think it’s interesting she hasn’t left yet—especially in light of everything that’s happened.”

He’d already said Daphne was more the type to ruin someone on social media than by physically threatening them. But Olive knew Daphne had the wiles to convince people to do what she wanted. Olive could read that in the woman.

“Should we start knocking on doors?” Olive glanced across the exterior of the motel.

“I’m not sure that’s the best approach,” Reid said. “Let’s walk around to the front and see if we can get any information from the desk clerk.”

They started toward the front of the building. But before they could round the corner, two figures appeared in front of them.

Olive’s eyes widened.

Jon and Edgar.

Based on the satisfied look on their faces, these two had been following Olive, waiting to catch her.

Their fisted hands made it clear they were ready for trouble.

Olive reached for her gun, but she’d left her purse in the truck.

She hadn’t thought she’d need it.

That had been her first mistake.

“Can I help you?” Reid stepped forward, his muscles bristling.

“Just the people we’ve been looking for,” Jon muttered as he strode closer.

“Why would you be looking for us?” Olive would play this off for as long as she could.

“What happened to that Texas twang you had last time we met?” Edgar narrowed his eyes. “And the blonde hair?”

“I’m afraid you have me mistaken for someone else.” Olive let out a fake nervous laugh.

Jon narrowed his eyes. “I’m afraid we don’t.”

Reid’s chest seemed to grow broader as if swelling with protectiveness. “I don’t appreciate you two talking to my girlfriend like that.”

Edgar practically growled as he turned to Reid. “I don’t appreciate her getting into my business.”

“Now, everyone. I think this is a misunderstanding.” Olive pounced the air with her hands. “I just have one of those faces that everyone thinks they recognize.”

“Nice try, sweetie.” Jon clucked his tongue. “But you know things you shouldn’t know, and that isn’t going to work for us.”

Edgar tried to grab her, but Olive rocked back.

Reid stepped in front of her. Jon lunged for him, and Olive stepped out of their path as fists began to fly.

Quickly, she surveyed her surroundings, trying to figure out what she could use as a weapon.

There wasn’t much. Some rocks in a small flowerbed near the sidewalk. A cleaning cart two doors back. Four vehicles parallel parked. A mountain face beside them.

As Edgar lunged at her again, Olive dropped her shoulder and prepared herself for the fight of her life.