Page 20 of Misdirection

“I have no idea. But maybe you should be talking to her about this.” Olive started to get up. She needed to end this conversation before her emotions got the best of her. He was being ridiculous.

How had he ever gotten this job with delusional thoughts like that?

She didn’t have time for this drama right now.

CHAPTER 7

Jason grabbed Olive’s arm, stopping her in her tracks.

A jolt of electricity charged through her at his touch, but she tried not to give any indication of her reaction. The feeling surprised her.

She could get out of his grip, but she didn’t want to show her hand.

Instead, she sent him a sharp look.

His gaze relaxed, and he released his grip on her.

“Please.” His voice softened. “Can we just talk a little more?”

“Only if you promise to be civil and stop treating me like a criminal.”

He frowned but nodded. “Deal.”

Olive stared at Jason. The truth was, she wanted to talk to him. Wanted to find out more about his life and what he’d been up to since they’d last spoken and if he was married.

But it was better if she didn’t know those things. Better for her heart. Better for her mindset. Better for her ability to successfully complete this assignment.

However, if she simply dismissed him, he might keep asking questions. He might ask colleagues around the office questions that could put her cover in jeopardy.

The stakes of this investigation were much higher than simply succeeding so she could give herself a pat on the back.

She couldn’t let critical information get into the hands of someone who could use it to hurt innocent people.

This thief was targeting some smart dust Conglomerate had developed.

Smart dust was essential technology that contained networks of microscopic sensors. On its own, the technology had its own hazards. The microscopic sensors could be inhaled or ingested unintentionally, potentially causing respiratory or digestive issues. Large-scale deployment could interfere with natural ecosystems and harm small organisms. Or the devices could malfunction and release toxic materials from their power sources or components.

Environmentally speaking, it created electronic waste. If it malfunctioned, the units could accumulate in soil and water systems. The electromagnetic emissions could even affect sensitive equipment or wildlife.

She lowered herself slowly back into the seat. “I don’t know what else I can tell you.”

“Look, I know we got started on the wrong foot, and that’s my fault. Maybe you’re just as much of a victim here as I am.” He didn’t sound totally convinced of his words.

But at least he was trying, she supposed.

Olive swallowed hard. “So what you’re telling me is that your mom told you I was pregnant. And that’s why my family moved so suddenly . . . so no one would find out I was having a baby.”

“That’s correct.” His gaze was steady, showing no signs of deception. He wasn’t the type to be confused or make up stories.

She believed him that he thought this was the truth.

“This isn’t like the 1970s,” she told him. “Women get pregnant out of wedlock. And it wasn’t like my family was sometype of virtuous example in the community. What would it matter if I was pregnant? Why would we have to move?”

Olive might understand it if it had supposedly happened when her father was a pastor. But this was before her father’s religious turn, back when he’d worked at a local bank.

Jason continued to study her, not backing down. “Your father directly told my mom that information.”

Olive blinked. “Why would he do that?”

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