Page 57 of Obscurity
Cornelius Slattery.
The Hendersons gasped in amazement while the twins clapped their hands in delight, bouncing on their toes with excitement. Even Mom looked impressed, though Olive caught the slight frown that suggested she was wondering when Dad had planted the compass—and how he’d managed to do it without anyone noticing.
“This is unbelievable.” Mr. Henderson pulled out his phone to take pictures, his voice carrying the awe of someone witnessing a genuine historical discovery. “You’re actually finding pieces of history. This could be in a museum!”
“The map was accurate,” Dad said with satisfaction, holding the compass up to catch the light. “Which means we’re on the right track for the main treasure site. Cornelius left this hereas confirmation—a sign for anyone clever enough to follow his clues.”
Olive watched the compass spin in Dad’s palm, its needle seeking magnetic north just as it had over a century ago—if it was really that old. The craftsmanship looked authentic, the tarnishing seemed genuine, and the initials were worn in a way that suggested decades of handling.
But she’d learned not to underestimate her father’s attention to detail when it came to his cons.
“Can I hold it?” Michael’s voice was filled with wonder as he asked the question.
Dad handed over the compass with a smile, and Olive watched the teenager examine it with the reverence of someone touching actual history. His parents crowded around, marveling at the weight of the brass, the smoothness of the worn edges, the way the needle moved with their movements.
In that moment, watching their faces light up with excitement and wonder, Olive felt the full weight of what her father was doing.
This wasn’t just about money—though she was sure that was coming.
It was about selling people a dream, a fantasy of adventure and discovery that made their ordinary lives feel magical.
And the terrible thing was, Olive could see why it worked. Standing in that forest clearing, holding what appeared to be a genuine Civil War-era artifact, even she felt the pull of possibility.
Maybe this time the treasure hunt was real. Maybe this time Dad’s stories were true.
Maybe this time, she wouldn’t have to watch him break good people’s hearts.
But as Dad began explaining the next phase of their quest, Olive knew she was fooling herself.
The compass was just the opening move in a game that would end with the Hendersons poorer and her family on the run again.
The only question was: How much damage would be done before the final act played out?
CHAPTER 35
PRESENT DAY
Olive woke slowly, consciousness returning in gentle waves rather than the sharp alertness that usually marked her mornings. She felt surprisingly rested, warm and safe in a way that seemed impossible given their circumstances.
It took her a moment to realize why.
She was leaning against the wall, curled against Jason’s chest, her head tucked under his chin, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. She could feel the steady rhythm of his breathing, the solid warmth of his body next to hers.
For just a moment, she let herself enjoy the feeling of being held, of being safe, of waking up next to someone who cared about her. It reminded her of when the world had been simpler, and love had felt like something she could keep.
Then reality crashed back.
The investigation. Their cover. The professional boundaries she’d carefully constructed between them.
Olive pulled away, perhaps more sharply than necessary.
Jason stirred but didn’t wake. He merely shifted to accommodate her movement before settling back into sleep.
Pale morning light filtered through the cracks between the boards covering the windows. As the beams of light hit Jason’sface, he somehow looked younger, more peaceful than she’d seen him since they’d arrived.
She forced herself to look away and quietly stood. The closeness, the shared memories, the feeling of connection . . . they’d done something to her heart that she couldn’t let happen again. Those feelings were too dangerous, too distracting, too likely to compromise both her judgment and her mission.
Stepping outside, Olive stopped short at the scene that greeted her.
