Page 38 of Stolen Ones
Olivia allowed the suspicion to fade and a half-smile appeared. ‘What would you like to know?’
Oh, this really was too easy, Alex thought.
‘Where did you go to school? I’m guessing you were privately educated?’
‘I attended King Edwards Academy in Oldswinford,’ she said proudly.
‘Nice,’ Alex said appreciatively. Clearly, Olivia’s family hadn’t been on the breadline even before she’d found herself a high-earning husband. ‘I’m guessing that place was expensive enough to produce some notable alumni.’
‘Oh yes. My year alone produced a poet laureate, a physicist and a ground-breaking heart surgeon.’
‘Impressive,’ Alex said.
‘And a prison warden.’
Alex faked momentary confusion, as though it was taking a little while for the penny to drop. ‘Oh, this one? You were at school with Warden Siviter?’
‘School and college.’
‘You’re joking?’
Olivia shook her head.
Alex frowned. ‘That surprises me. I’d never have guessed. I mean it’s not like—Never mind.’
‘Not like what?’ Olivia asked.
‘Well, it’s not like anyone would know, is it? She doesn’t exactly do you any favours, does she, to say you once vaguely knew each other.’
Throw out the line.
‘Oh, it wasn’t vague. We were definitely friends. Right through to the end of college.’
Reel her in.
‘Oh my goodness. That’s a bit shocking, to be honest. I mean, I’m not sure what exactly she could do to make life more comfortable but surely there’s something. Although, she is a bit of a “by the book” person, isn’t she?’
‘She wasn’t always that way,’ Olivia said.
‘Really?’ Alex asked with wide eyes.
‘Pregnant at fifteen, baby adopted out, pregnant again at seventeen and miscarried.’
‘Blimey, she was busy. She must really love the kids she’s got now.’
Olivia shook her head. ‘She hasn’t got any. Can’t have them apparently.’
‘Oh no, what a shame,’ Alex said.
The reminder of that realisation seemed to put a muzzle on Olivia’s mouth. Her expression said that she felt like she’d revealed too much. Whether Warden Siviter gave her special treatment or not, this was personal information she was sharing. Very personal.
‘Well, whatever her past, she’s a good warden and I think we’re lucky to have her,’ Alex said, pushing herself up off the bed.
‘Agreed,’ Olivia said as Alex headed for the door. ‘And obviously, Alex, what I’ve said must stay with you.’
‘Of course, Olivia,’ Alex said, feeling the smile rest on her face. ‘I swear to you that I will never breathe a word.’
Twenty-Two
