Page 8 of Misdirection

She turned, poker face engaged.

Until she saw the man standing there.

Her jaw went slack.

The man in the black suit with no tie had broad shoulders, thick arms, and short dark hair. She never thought she’d see those brown eyes, thin nose, and square face again.

Her heart lurched into her throat at the sight of him.

No . . . it couldn’t be.

“Olive?” The man stared at her in disbelief.

“Jason?” The word escaped at a whisper.

Jason Stewart. The only man she’d ever loved.

The one she’d never had the chance to say goodbye to.

The one she’d never forgotten even after all these years.

Tension spread across her chest until an ache started, clutching her heart in its grip.

“When did you start working here?” Jason’s hands went to his hips as he glared down at her. “And why wasn’t I informed?”

What was with his hostile reaction? Sure, things hadn’t ended well between them. But still, they were in a professional environment. Besides, their breakup had been nine years ago.

Awkwardness jostled between them.

His scowl deepened as she hesitated.

Finally, she pulled herself together. “Only a few days ago.”

More awkward silence. She was usually good at reading people, but right now, she had no idea why Jason looked angry.

“You two know each other?” Duncan narrowed his eyes as his gaze flipped back and forth between them.

“We used to.” Jason continued to stare at Olive, not even a hint of affection in his expression. It was . . . bitterness if she had to guess. “A long time ago.”

“We lived in the same town back in Texas,” Olive explained.

Jason’s gaze still burned with accusation.

Sure, she’d left without saying goodbye. But that hadn’t been her choice. She’d only been sixteen.

There was so much she needed to say. Olive had thought about what she would do in this situation so many times before. But she’d do none of those things . . . especially not while Duncan watched and listened. Not with the police around. Not with a dead body on the floor.

Besides, nine years had passed. A lot had changed in those years. So why the antagonism now?

Before either could say anything else, a detective swept in, asking more questions.

Jason stepped away to talk to the man.

Relief washed through Olive. She could use some breathing room. But Jason remained on her mind.

Tevin was supposed to vet everyone at the company. How had he missed this connection with Olive’s past?

What was the Texas boy doing here in the Windy City?

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