Page 63 of Misdirection

“Because I’m meeting with one of my contacts,” Bennett said. “And if he sees you following me then he’s going to think something’s up.”

“What are you talking about?” Jason bristled. “What kind of contact are you meeting?”

Bennett scowled. “What I’m telling you is that the US Attorney General’s office approached me about somebody potentially selling our products to overseas enemies. I’m trying to figure out who might be responsible, and if my contact sees me with you then this whole operation could be a bust.”

Olive’s mind reeled.

Was Bennett telling the truth? It all sounded so far-fetched.

Yet if anybody knew the truth about her, they would also think her job was far-fetched. But certainly Aegis’ government contact would have told them if the US Attorney General was also involved.

Except Olive knew the various branches of government didn’t always communicate with each other.

She would need to talk to Rex about this. Maybe he knew more, though she doubted it. He would have told her if he knew other people were investigating the same case.

“Now, can the two of you trust that I’m just trying to look out for the best interests of our country?” Bennett’s eyes shot fire as he looked between Olive and Jason.

“You have to understand that your story sounds outlandish,” Jason said.

“I know.” Bennett’s nostrils flared. “Believe me, I never wanted to be in this position.”

Olive knew what that probably meant.

The US Attorney General had dug up some dirt on him and was now using that as leverage to get this information.

“Do you know who might be responsible for possibly selling this information?” Olive asked.

He didn’t instantly dismiss her question—which meant maybe he’d answer.

She held her breath as she waited.

CHAPTER 26

Olive waited for Bennett to continue.

Even if he did know who was responsible for Beau’s murder, would he share? She had no idea, but she continued to hope.

Bennett glanced around to make sure no one was listening. Then he turned back toward her and Jason, stepping closer. “I have to admit that I wondered at first if Ryan was responsible.”

“You don’t think that now?” Jason asked. “Do you believe Ryan killed himself because of what he did—as the suicide note supposedly said?”

Bennett’s jaw twitched. “No, I don’t believe it. Ryan had just booked a vacation to Hawaii two days ago. Why would he book a vacation if he thought he might kill himself?”

Valid point.

“So who do you think is responsible?” Olive’s heart thrummed in her ears as she waited for his response.

Bennett hesitated again. “I shouldn’t tell you this. But you are head of security, Jason, and, Olive, you were hired to find any potential security challenges within the intellectual arenas. So I suppose if there’s anyone I should tell, it would be the two of you.”

She waited, giving Bennett a moment to build the courage to speak.

Then all at once he blurted, “I’m leaning toward Claudine Marshall.”

Olive’s eyes widened. Claudine hadn’t even been on her radar.

The womanwasvery nosy and chatty. But a killer? That conclusion seemed like a stretch.

Why in the world was she Bennett’s number one suspect?

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