Page 38 of Misdirection

Olive continued waiting to hear what Ryan had to say.

He knew something, she realized. But would he share?

Finally, he cleared his throat and lifted his chin. “Everyone I’ve worked with here at Conglomerate has been aboveboard and exemplary in their job performance. I don’t have anything bad to say about anyone.”

Her shoulders nearly sagged with disappointment, but she didn’t let them. “I see. And what about Beau’s murder yesterday? Do you have any theories as to what happened?”

His expression remained stoic. “It’s not my job to theorize. I’ll leave that to the police and to the security department. I know what I’m good at doing, and I know what other people are good at doing. And I’m not good at projecting potential crime scenarios.”

The man was blunt . . . but his words were true.

“I understand.” Olive knew she wouldn’t get very far with him right now.

But she felt as if she’d been close. That maybe he’d thought about opening up before second-guessing himself.

Or was it guilt she’d seen in his gaze?

She had one last trick up her sleeve. “I hear you got a new house a few months ago. Chatter here at the office is that it’s nice.”

He sent her a sharp glance as if trying to read between her words. “I saved a long time for that house. There’s nothing wrong with having nice things.”

“No, there’s not. Not as long as those nice things are obtained legally.”

His eyes lit with anger. “What are you suggesting?”

“I’m just having a conversation.”

“I highly doubt that,” he growled.

She leaned closer. “Ryan, the truth is if you’ve done something wrong, it’s better to come clean. Because if something is going on, I will find out.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. You’re just a poser!”

He hadnoidea.

“I’m just doing my job, one in which you think I’m unqualified. I will prove to you, however, that I’m not.”

“I doubt that,” he snapped.

His gaze burned into her.

She’d shaken him, which could be good.

“If I find out you’re behind any potential data breeches here at Conglomerate, I’ve been given permission to pursue every charge against you that the law allows. You understand that? You understand that the person responsible for selling any classified information will be going to prison for the rest of their lives?”

He only scowled at her. “You’re overreaching. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Or do I?”

He stood quickly as if desperate to get away. “Since I don’t have anything significant to report, I need to get back to work. Have a great day.”

“You too.” Olive watched as he left.

His foot caught on something near the door, and he stumbled a moment.

He threw a scowl behind him as if his clumsiness was her fault. Then he straightened his shoulders and kept walking.

He wasdefinitelyon edge.

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