Page 88 of Deception

“I don’t know how long I can keep acting like this,” the shorter of the two said as they headed toward the hospital exit.

“I talked to the police about it, but they said they couldn’t do anything.”

“It should be a crime!”

Were they talking about Rebecca? Olive’s gut told her they were.

After all, these women were about Rebecca’s age. They were dressed casually in jeans and T-shirts. One was tall with short curly hair, and the other was shorter with blonde hair, cut into a bob.

Olive had to make a quick decision.

Before she missed the opportunity, she turned and called, “Excuse me!”

The two women stopped and turned.

Olive hoped this wasn’t a mistake.

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop,” Olive started, trying to sound casual as she scooted closer to the women. “But we’re here visiting Rebecca. It sounds like maybe you are too.”

The women glanced at each other, a silent conversation passing between the two, before nodding.

“That’s right,” the taller of the two said. “And who are you?”

“I’m Olive, and this is Nova. We’re doing the documentary on Rebecca and Matt.”

An unreadable emotion flickered in their eyes.

“Rebecca did mention that,” the tall friend said.

“It looks like you were coming from her room,” Olive said. “Is she not doing well this morning?”

“When is she ever doing well?” the shorter friend muttered under her breath.

That was an interesting statement to make, Olive mused.

“I’m sure it’s hard seeing her like this,” Olive finally said.

The women remained quiet a moment before the tall one said, “Yes, it is challenging.”

Olive had other questions she wanted to ask, things she wanted to know.

But she wasn’t sure this was the time or the place.

Instead, she pulled out a business card. “I’m looking for people who know Rebecca to interview for this documentary. It sounds like you two are close to her, so if you’re interested in being interviewed, I’d love to set something up. However, I’m only going to be in town for a few more days.”

The tall woman took the card, looked at it skeptically, and then slid it in her purse. “Good to know.”

Olive had a feeling the woman wouldn’t be calling. But she really wanted to talk to them.

She wouldn’t let this go. These women had opinions. She wanted to know what those opinions were.

She was determined to find out one way or another.

But not here, and not now.

CHAPTER 46

“The doctor wants me to stay a little longer,” Rebecca said from the hospital bed. “But I should still be able to make it to the fundraiser tomorrow.”

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