Page 48 of Misdirection

“Makes sense.” Olive nodded slowly. “And you didn’t have to go back to the office or go see Adriana?”

Olive probably shouldn’t ask about Adriana, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. She was curious about the woman. Olive had even thought about Googling her but hadn’t done so.

“Adriana’s working out of town this week. And I still might go back into the office after we talk.”

The microwave beeped, indicating her meatloaf and mashed potatoes were ready.

She opened the door, mostly so the appliance would stop beeping, and nearly burned her fingers as she pulled out the steaming container.

“A microwave dinner?” Jason raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound like you. You wrote a whole paper in high school about how microwaves were killing us.”

She shrugged. “Sometimes convenience wins out and teenage ideals don’t feel realistic. Besides, I was starving, and this was fast.”

Olive was surprised he’d remembered that. But she had indeed written that paper.Microwaves: The Death of the American Family.

She hid a smile at the memory. For a while, she’d flipped out every time her mom had tried to warm up any food in the appliance.

“Well, at least you have chicken tenders now.” Jason nodded at the food between them.

Olive had to admit they sounded much more appealing than mass-produced meatloaf.

She closed the microwave door, grabbed two glasses of water, and then sat at the kitchen table. She peeked at the tenders in the cardboard container, inhaling the fried, salty scent.

Her stomach grumbled. “I have to say, those do look good.”

“They’re the best in town. Even won a few competitions. Foodies everywhere rush to Chicago just to try them.”

“Then I should try them also.” She picked one up and tore a piece off before dipping it into some ranch sauce that Jason had already opened.

He watched as she popped the piece in her mouth, chewed, and swallowed.

Then she nodded with approval. “These are excellent.”

He grinned. “I thought you’d like them.”

They ate for a few minutes in silence.

Then Olive slowed down for long enough to take a sip of her water. As she set her glass back on the table, she asked, “Any updates? What did the police say?”

“All I got from them was that no one could find Ryan. But they’re looking into things. No answers yet.”

“That’s unfortunate.” Olive’s frown was sincere. She’d been suspicious of the man, but she didn’t wish him any harm. “I hope he’s okay.”

“Me too.” Jason paused and gave her a look. “Now your turn. Why don’t you tell me why you were really looking into Ryan?”

Her breath caught. “I’m just doing my job and making sure everyone who works at the company is aboveboard. Ryan asked if he could speak with me, and when he didn’t show up, I became concerned.”

“I’m just doing my job as well. Except there’s a personal aspect involved. Duncan is a friend of mine, you know.”

She twisted her neck as she gazed at him, unsure where he was going with this. “Okay . . . how do the two of you know each other?”

“I served in the army with his brother. I pulled his brother from the battlefield after IEDs exploded there. It’s how I injured my shoulder.”

“I see.”

“I take my job seriously. Though my primary responsibility is to keep anyone threatening out of the building and address any security issues that arise, I’m deeply invested in the company and the people there. Duncan keeps me apprised of any possible security threats.”

Did that mean Jason knew about the possible illegal sale that might take place?

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