Smokescreen (Pros and Cons Mysteries #2)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

TODAY

B y the time Olive awakened the next morning, preparations for today’s barbecue were already in full swing.

She showered and came downstairs in time to see Daphne standing by the front door.

The woman scowled as soon as she saw Olive.

Honestly, the woman was off-putting enough that Olive couldn’t see why Reid would have ever fallen for her.

Unless Reid was a lot shallower than Olive had given him credit for.

She didn’t want to believe that. She generally considered herself a good judge of character. She’d learned to listen for lies. To watch for gaslighting. To read people’s body language.

She could thank her dad for that.

Maybe, she realized, she wasn’t the only good actor around here. Maybe she should give Reid more credit—and therefore more scrutiny.

Olive paused at the bottom of the stairway and contemplated her next move.

Just then, Reid stepped out of his office.

He glanced at Olive before turning to Daphne. “It looks like you’re all ready to go. Safe travels.”

Daphne stared at him as if she wanted to beg him to give her another chance.

But to her credit, those words didn’t leave her lips.

Instead, she picked up her suitcase. “Thank you for letting me stay the night.”

Daphne glanced at Olive once more before turning and stepping outside, heading toward her car.

Olive walked to the window and watched as the woman loaded her suitcase and climbed inside.

Reid joined Olive at the window.

“Having her here was unexpected,” he murmured.

She glanced at him, trying to read his expression. “Any regrets breaking up with her?”

“None. Daphne seemed exciting and different at the time we met. Maybe I got more swept up in Hollywood than I thought. But I can now see where it was a mistake.”

“I don’t think Daphne thinks it was a mistake.”

He frowned and rubbed his beard. “I don’t either.”

Olive waited for him to continue, but Reid looked lost in thought. He definitely seemed notably more somber today. Why was that? Was it Daphne’s visit? Or something else?

Finally, Olive cleared her throat. “Why did you even do the reality show? That surprises me about you.”

He let out an airy chuckle. “That’s a fair question. The truth is, running this ranch is expensive, and I’ll do anything to keep it in my family’s name. We had a bad year—beef prices were down, and animal care was up. Some of my ranch hands quit and went to a ranch in Montana. I was trying to think of ways to diversify my income. When the offer came in to do the reality show . . .”

“It seemed like an answer to prayer?” she finished.

“Exactly. And I have to admit that it was kind of fun. I’m not usually one for drama, however, and reality TV is all about drama.”

“Yes, it is.” She stored that new information away before deciding to change the subject. “So . . . today’s the big day. What can I help with?”

He drew his gaze toward her and released a heavy breath. “I’m going to be outside setting up for the barbecue. Of course, you don’t have to help at all.”

“It wouldn’t be a good look if I didn’t. Plus, I don’t mind—and I need an excuse to talk to more people and find out more information, hopefully.”

He nodded slowly. “Then whatever you’d like to do, feel free. I’m sure Hannah or Miriam could use a hand.”

“I’ll make myself useful then.”

“And just as a reminder, the property is being surveyed today, so if you see a drone, don’t be alarmed.” His voice rose, as if he wanted anyone listening to know that also. “I already told my guys at morning round up about it.”

Olive heard the subtext of his words. Tevin was out there working.

She hoped her colleague might be able to figure something out, that maybe his drone footage would prove something. Maybe someone had been scoping out the property. Maybe the government had used part of it as a staging area. She wasn’t sure yet.

She also needed to look into those flashlights she’d seen outside last night and to figure out if she would confront Reid about that will she’d found.

But she’d do that later.

For now, Olive walked into the kitchen, ready to offer her services—and to find out information.

Could Hannah be behind this? Or was it one of the ranch hands? And, if it was one of the ranch hands, who else working here knew what was going on?

That was what she needed to find out.

“Olive . . .” Hannah said as she stood by the kitchen island polishing some silverware. “I didn’t expect to see you in here.”

“I wanted to see if I could help with anything.”

Hannah didn’t look away from the spoon in her hands. “You should take it easy. I think the staff has everything covered.”

Olive grabbed a soft white rag anyway. “I can help you polish.”

Hannah glanced at Olive as if skeptical. “You really don’t have to.”

“I don’t mind.” Olive picked up a knife and began to get busy. “Where’s Miriam?”

“She had to run to the store for a few more things. She should be back soon.”

Olive was thankful no one else was in here except the two of them. She could use a moment alone with Hannah. She had some questions for her.

She continued to rub her rag against the silverware to get rid of any spots. “So, I’m curious. Did you know Daphne when she and Reid dated?”

Hannah’s eyes narrowed cautiously. “I did.”

“I take it you weren’t her biggest fan?”

She snorted. “Not at all. I know I’m hired help. But it’s always nice when people realize that people who are hired help are also still humans.”

“I agree. Daphne doesn’t seem like the type who makes that distinction. Am I right?”

“She was always bossing me around and then telling on me to Reid when I didn’t do exactly what she said. ‘Hannah, I left my laundry on the floor. I need it washed by this evening. Hannah, I like my sheets to be changed every other day, and I only like a certain type of detergent used when washing them. Make it happen. Hannah! I only drink pour-overs. And I know you’re trying to make a pour-over for me, but you’re not doing it right. You need to do better.’ ”

Olive’s eyebrows shot up. “She really said all those things?”

Hannah rolled her eyes. “That’s just the tip of the iceberg.”

Olive paused from polishing the silverware. “Do you know if Daphne stayed in touch with anyone working here after she and Reid broke up?”

Surprise flashed through Hannah’s eyes. “That’s a question I wasn’t expecting. But since you’re asking, I always thought Daphne and Cooper had a strange relationship.”

Now that was interesting . . . “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I saw them talking all the time. So, if there was anyone Daphne stayed in contact with, I’d guess it would be Cooper.”

“Good to know.”

Hannah paused, and her expression tightened as if a new thought hit her. “Are you going to tell Mr. Harrison we had this conversation?”

Olive shook her head. “Why would I?”

“I don’t know . . . you do seem different than a lot of the women he’s dated. You don’t seem as stuck up.”

Olive shrugged. “I like to think I’m not stuck up at all.”

Hannah continued polishing the silverware another moment before asking, “Do you like it out here?”

Olive didn’t know why, but for some reason the question felt loaded. “It’s beautiful.”

“Is ranch life the life for you?”

She contemplated her answer. “I guess that’s what I’m trying to figure out.”

Hannah finally stopped polishing and turned toward Olive, her gaze serious. “Whatever you do, don’t break his heart. Please.”

With that statement, Olive knew with certainty that Hannah was in love with Reid Harrison.

How far would Hannah go to prove that love, however? Would she sabotage the ranch so she could make herself look like a hero somehow in the end?

Olive wasn’t sure that theory held much weight. But she would keep it in the back of her mind.