Page 37 of Enigma
Things were coming to a head. She was certain of it.
The question was: Who would be left standing at the end?
The office for Sunshine Home Health Services was located in a small strip mall between a nail salon and a tax preparation service.
It was a practical, unglamorous location that suggested a business focused on function over form. Through the large front windows, Olive could make out a modest waiting area with a few chairs and health pamphlets displayed on a table.
Jason paused outside the glass door, his hand on the handle. “Let me take the lead on this. If Dad’s been hiding something about his work, his boss might be more willing to talk to his son than to a stranger.”
Olive nodded. She’d been thinking the same thing, though part of her was curious to see how much Jason’s natural protectiveness toward his father would affect his questioning.
The woman behind the reception desk looked up as they entered, her expression shifting from professional pleasantness to concern when Jason introduced himself.
“Mr. Stewart, you said? Oh my goodness, you’re Lloyd’s son. He talks about you all the time.” She stood immediately. “Is everything all right? Lloyd didn’t come in for his scheduled shift yesterday, and he hasn’t answered his phone.”
“That’s actually why we’re here,” Jason said. “Is Mr. Ross available? I need to speak with him about my father.”
Mr. Ross was the head of the agency.
“Of course,” the receptionist said. “Let me get him.”
A few minutes later, a man in his fifties emerged and motioned for them to follow him to a back office. He closed the door once inside and offered them seats across from his desk.
Thomas Ross had a warm, professional demeanor that probably served him well in healthcare management. Olive saw genuine concern in his expression as Jason explained the situation.
“Your father is missing?” Ross’s eyebrows drew together. “Since when?”
“Yesterday morning someone broke into his house and drugged him. Then he was taken from the hospital last night.” Jason’s voice was steady, but Olive heard the underlying strain. “We’re trying to figure out why someone would want to hurt him.”
“This is terrible. Lloyd is one of our best people.” Ross shook his head. “Have you contacted the police?”
“Yes, they’re investigating. But we’re trying to determine if there might be something work-related that could have made him a target.” Jason paused as if choosing his words carefully. “Has my father had any problems on the job recently? Any difficult patients or unusual situations?”
“Problems? No, none at all. All his patients love him. Lloyd has this way with elderly people—he’s very patient and kind. He treats them like family.” Ross looked genuinely puzzled. “Why do you ask?”
Jason glanced at Olive before answering. “We’re not sure why someone tried to kill him or why he’s disappeared. We’re trying to track down some answers and follow any lead that might help us understand what happened.”
Ross was quiet a moment, and Olive sensed him processing the gravity of Jason’s words.
When he finally spoke again, it was with a frown. “Now that you mention it, there was one strange thing that happened last week.”
CHAPTER 23
“What kind of strange thing?” Olive asked, unable to stay quiet any longer.
“A woman came in specifically asking for Lloyd. Said her mother was very ill and that he’d been highly recommended by someone. She wanted to schedule a home visit.” Ross frowned, as if trying to remember the details. “It isn’t unusual for people to request specific nurses or doctors, but something about her felt . . . off.”
“Off how?” Jason prompted.
“She was very insistent that it had to be Lloyd, no one else would do. And she asked a lot of questions about his schedule, what days he worked, what areas he typically covered.” Ross’s frown deepened. “Most family members are just concerned about getting help for their loved one. They don’t usually care about the logistics.”
Olive’s pulse quickened. “What did this woman look like?”
“Middle-aged, maybe early fifties. Brown hair, professional-looking. She was wearing a business suit and carried herself like someone used to being in charge.”
Olive and Jason exchanged a look. The description matched the woman from Lloyd’s house perfectly.
“Did she schedule an appointment?” Jason asked.
