Page 20 of Smokescreen

“Yes, it does.” They reached the steps, and Olive paused. “I’m going to keep digging, and I’ll let you know what I find out.”

“You do that. And watch your back. I don’t know exactly who we can trust around here.”

The truth was, neither did Olive.

The extremes someone was willing to go through in order to either obtain this property or teach Reid a lesson were staggering. Until they caught the person behind this, no one was safe.

CHAPTER 8

Hannah had informed Olive that dinner would be served promptly at 6:30.

Even though Olive wanted to be in the middle of the action outside, she resigned herself to go freshen up instead.

A few minutes before dinnertime, she headed downstairs. She was anxious to talk to Reid and to get some more information from him. She hoped eating together would afford her that opportunity. As of right now, she wasn’t sure exactly who would be there.

When she stepped into the dining room, the hearty scent of roast beef and gravy hit her. In the center of the thick wooden table sat an off-white earthenware container filled with what she assumed was beef stew. A black basket with a black-and-white plaid napkin inside appeared to be filled with homemade biscuits. Fresh pads of butter sat on a plate beside the basket.

Hannah waited near the doorway to greet her. “Good evening, Olive.”

“Hannah.” She gave her a polite nod. “Did you prepare this?”

“Oh, no,” Hannah said with a laugh. “That would be Miriam. She’s our cook, and she does a fantastic job.”

“It looks and smells amazing,” Olive said. “Do you know if anybody else will be joining us?”

“Mr. Harrison often invites Cooper as well as other staff members to eat with him. I haven’t been informed if that will be the case tonight, however.”

Olive stared at the woman another moment before finally saying, “You are very efficient.”

“That’s my goal.”

“Reid is lucky to have you.” Although Olive meant the words, she also knew she needed to get on Hannah’s good side if she wanted to glean any information from her. Having the woman view her as an enemy wouldn’t get her very far.

“Have a seat.” Hannah pulled out a chair at the corner of the table.

Olive lowered herself there.

She’d changed into some stylish black pants and a creamy blouse along with some heels. She’d contemplated going more casual but had decided to stay on the dressier side. It seemed like the right choice for a wealthy socialite from California.

Just as she sat, Reid walked into the room. His eyes lit when he saw her.

He was a better actor than Olive had given him credit for.

“Olive, so glad to see you,” he murmured.

“Glad to see you unharmed. That was scary back there.”

“Another day in the life of a Wyoming rancher.” He shrugged as if it weren’t a big deal. Then he glanced at Hannah. “Listen, if you don’t mind, Olive and I would like some privacy during dinner. It’s been a long day, so we’ll take care of ourselves. Please close the doors as you leave so we can have some time alone.”

A strange expression crossed Hannah’s face, but as quickly as it appeared it was gone. Instead, she nodded obediently. “Of course.”

Hannahdefinitelyhad a thing for Reid. And Olive was nearly certain Reid had no clue how she felt.

That was something Olive would need to keep an eye on.

Until she had more answers, she couldn’t rule out any potential motives or suspects. Nothing was off the table.

Including unrequited love.

---