Page 25 of A Dark Place

“You must be the agents who wanted to speak about my husband.” A pleasant smile spread across her face. “Please, come in and tell me more about this secret you’re planning.”

Olivia exchanged a look with Asher before they followed Miriam Holden inside the house.

“Please, have a seat.” She indicated the sofa near an inviting fire in the hearth. “Can I offer either of you anything? Coffee?”

“No thank you, ma’am,” Asher said. “We won’t take up much of your time, but we’re hoping that perhaps you can tell us a little about your husband.”

The woman’s brows shot up, and she smoothed her dress into place. “And this is about an award you wish to present to my husband?”

Olivia could tell the woman wasn’t completely convinced by the story. “That’s correct. We’d like to honor him properly, and it would be nice to know some personal facts about the director so that we can share them with his workers.”

“I see.” She stared between them, a frown causing lines to appear on her forehead. “Well, what type of things would you like to know?”

Asher pulled in a breath and took the lead. “For instance where did you and your husband meet?”

Miriam smiled. “We married while Robert was still attending the University of Virginia.”

Asher pulled out a pad. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to jot down some notes, so I don’t forget anything.”

The woman waved her hand. “Of course. Robert was such a handsome man back then.” Miriam glanced up as if realizing she’d slipped up, and Olivia’s radar went up. “He still is, of course.” She laughed nervously.

“Where is your husband from originally?” When Miriam’s frown deepened, Asher said, “People love hearing how someone worked their way up to become a success.”

“Oh, I see.” The lines smoothed, and she stopped for a second as if composing her thoughts. There was definitely secrets in Holden’s past that Olivia wanted to know.

“Well, my husbandisa success story. He came from humble beginnings. His parents were poor. They had very little to give Robert and his brother. . . or brothers. Then when Robert was about ten, they both died as did his brother. . .one brother I believe. Robert was raised by a close friend.”

Asher was busily scribbling down information. “And where did Robert live before his parents died?”

Miriam placed a hand across her throat. “Well, I don’t know exactly. Somewhere rural, I believe, in Virginia.”

Olivia thought it strange how little this woman knew about her husband. She needed to get in touch with the person who did. “What about the family friend who raised him? We’d love to speak to them.”

The woman appeared to lose all color. “Well, I don’t really know. But I believe he’s no longer alive.”

Asher glanced over at Olivia. She could almost read his thoughts about how strange it was that Holden’s wife knew so little about her husband. He slowly rose and hid his disappointment. “Thank you, Mrs. Holden. As soon as we have everything organized, I’ll be in touch.”

The woman rose quickly. “Oh, thank you. I hope I was of some help.” She followed them to the door.

Olivia turned toward her. “You were. Thanks again.” She shook the woman’s hand briefly before she and Asher stepped out into the cold afternoon. With a final wave, Olivia waited until they were in the car and heading away from Holden’s place before she voiced her doubts. “What woman doesn’t know about her husband’s past? She didn’t know how many siblings he had.” Olivia turned in her seat toward Asher. “Or even what town he lived in.”

Asher shook his head. “There’s something off about that relationship. And it makes me even more suspicious about Holden and his intentions. We need to find out where this guy came from and learn what we’re dealing with. I’ll call the university and see if I can get some more information there.”

Before he could make the call, the ringing of the phone in his hand had him glancing at the number. “It’s Declan.” Asher answered the call and put it on speaker. “Hey, brother.”

“Where are you and Olivia?” The tension in Declan’s voice had Olivia sitting up straighter.

“We’re following a lead.”

“Well, you should know Holden has gone into overtime spreading the news that Overton is the Van Gogh Killer. He’s held a press conference and has a nationwide manhunt underway to bring Overton in.”

“He’s not even thinking about another possible suspect,” Oliva said. “This is crazy.”

“That’s what I thought. So, where are you two?” Declan asked again.

“Best you don’t know, bro,” Asher told him. “Did Holden ask where we were?”

“No, he’s too busy leading the manhunt to bring Overton down. Are you on your way in?”

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