Page 93 of Boxed In

“No. But Luke made it sound like the location was hidden.”

“Right. He didn't even know where it was until he got that last communication.”

Beth glanced at the clock. “I should go and let you get dressed.”

Olivia stepped into the bathroom, undressed, and put on the fancy outfit. It fit perfectly, and she even found some cosmetics in the bathroom that she used to make up her face.

She felt like she was getting ready for a very special event—which was true. She just wished she’d had some advance warning about what was going to happen. Still, she couldn’t help a disturbing thought from skittering through her mind. Luke was going to need her.

She felt that even more keenly as she picked up the small purse that came with the outfit. It felt strangely heavy. When she looked inside, she found a snub-nosed revolver and a cell phone.

Olivia’s heart started pounding as she took in the special equipment. She might need the phone—to call for a ride home. But she hoped she wasn’t going to need the gun.

When she stepped into the hall, Luke was standing a few yards away.

Her breath caught when she looked at him. He’d carefully combed his hair. And he’d dressed in a dark suit, a white shirt, a red and black striped tie and polished black shoes. Instead of gripping the cane, he now carried a dark, soft-sided briefcase which she assumed held the box. The box—and probably the same kind of equipment she’d been given, in case they got into trouble.

She resolutely put the danger out of her mind and focused on Luke.

“You look fantastic,” she said, seeing he was taking her in with the same admiration.

The look in his eye made her heart leap.

“So do you,” he murmured.

Like we’re going to a wedding, she thought, then was glad she hadn’t voiced the observation aloud. That would have embarrassed both of them.

Brand came down the hall. He wasn’t dressed for a special occasion, but he’d changed into dark slacks and a blue shirt.

“There’s been a development,” he said stiffly.

“What?”

“The cops have gone into high gear looking for you. Someone reported the shootout with Peterbalm. Only they don’t seem to get it that you weren’t doing any shooting.”

“Damn,” Olivia muttered.

“You’re wanted for questioning.”

Luke glanced at Olivia. “You can stay here where it’s safe.”

“I could. But I’m not,” she said. “Anyway, if they think we’re on the run, they won’t expect us to be dressed like this.”

Luke nodded, then turned to Brand. “Let’s go.”

Dr. Valero was waiting by the elevator as were most of the people who had heard their strange story.

“I want to thank you for everything,” Luke said.

“We were glad to help out,” Beth said, then added, “Let us know what happens.”

Olivia gave a quick nod. She was waiting to find that out herself.

They went out the back way, where Brand ushered them to a Ford SUV.

She and Luke both climbed into the backseat and buckled up so that they were sitting at opposite sides of the vehicle. She wanted to slide over and sit next to him, but she felt frozen in place.

“Where to?” Brand asked.

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