Page 104 of Misdirection

“No, he hasn’t.” Tears began rolling down Claudine’s cheeks. “I didn’t want to do any of this. I don’t want anything to happen to my mom.”

She needed to keep Claudine talking before the woman completely fell apart and could offer nothing. “I understand. Did this guy give you any indication he’d be calling you again?”

Claudine shook her head, tears still flooding from her eyes. “No, but every day I’m afraid he will. That whoever this caller is will put more pressure on me to do what he wants for the sake of my mom’s well-being. That thought scares me. There’s nothing I won’t do for her . . .”

“Where does she live?”

“Kentucky. Why?”

“She needs protection,” Olive said. “I can help with that.”

“What do you mean? How?”

“I know people. I have connections within the FBI and the government.”

A spark of hope filled Claudine’s eyes. “You would help her? That would . . . that would mean the world to me. I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to her.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” Olive’s phone vibrated.

Jason was calling her. Thankfully, she was ready to wrap up this conversation with Claudine.

She rose. “I need to go. But I’ll see what I can do for your mom.”

“Are you going to turn me in?” Panic laced Claudine’s voice.

“Don’t worry about that right now. But if you hear from these people again you need to let me know right away. Understand?”

Claudine nodded, her eyes still moist.

Then Olive stepped from the office and put the phone to her ear, eager to hear what Jason had to say.

CHAPTER 45

“Adriana just called,” Jason said. “She told me that on the way home from the airport she was in a car accident and that she’s at the hospital now.”

Olive scowled, disliking the woman even more for continuing on with this charade. What did she want from Jason?

“That’s her excuse, huh?” No one was nearby, so Olive paused in the hallway and leaned against the wall. She needed privacy for this conversation, and this was the best she would get right now.

“I went along with it and acted like I believed her . . . though it killed me.” Irritation rumbled in Jason’s voice.

“I’m sure it did. So what’s the plan?” She continued to scan the hallway and make sure no one else got close.

“I told her I was leaving right away to come see her,” Jason said. “She said I didn’t have to. But, of course, I’m going to go anyway. It’s what a good boyfriend would do.”

Olive wished she could go with him. But she knew that was a bad idea. Jason had to handle this alone.

“Will you let me know what she says?” she asked instead.

“Of course. But right now, I’ve got to get going.”

Her throat thickened, and she blurted, “Jason?”

He paused. “Yes?”

Her heart thrummed in her ears as she said, “Watch your back.”

“I will. Adriana isn’t going to get the best of me. I promise you that.”

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