Page 109 of Hidden Depths

The timeline filled in as the pieces came together. “It feels like a dream. But what about Lansky? He was in the boat. I think you shot him.”

Tom’s face fell. “Not sure. We think so, but I’m not comfortable assuming. Not when it comes to your safety. His boat exploded, but they only found the remains of Balthazar’s body. Lansky could have been thrown from the boat. If he was, it would have been close to impossible to survive. But…we don’t know yet what happened.”

“And the sheriff?”

“The Florida team finally turned up after all the fun was over. I would have liked to have had the pleasure of bringing him in, but I had other things on my mind, so they did the honors.”

“What could have been more important than that?”

He squeezed her foot. “Being here to make sure you were okay.”

“Oh…so…what now?”

“Now?” Peter said with a laugh. “Now, you rest.”

“We’ve got an agent stationed at your door,” Tom said. “Once you’re discharged, you’ll go home with Peter until we figure out what’s next.”

“Jemi,” Sara said, looking woefully at Peter. “How is she? I heard she’s sick.” She reached out to him, and he came closer, taking her hand.

“Yeah. She’s tired. But stubborn. Kind of like you.”

“I wouldn’t want her to lose that. I’d really love to see her if I can.”

“You will. We have carers coming in to look after her now so she can stay at home.”

Sara took a ragged breath to steady herself. “How long till I can get out of here?”

“Slow down there, tiger. We’re not in a rush. Focus on getting better, okay? You have enough to deal with. Let the rest of us worry about anything else.”

“Do you think I can stop hiding? I know Lansky’s death isn’t confirmed, but do you think I’m safe?”

“It’s hard to say. But for now, you are. And you’ll be safe with me and Jemi while we work out what’s next.”

“I should get going,” Tom said. “Now that I’ve seen you awake and well with my own eyes, I’d better go explain myself. I’ve got a lot of it to do.”

“If they give you a hard time, send them in to see me. I’ll set them straight. If it wasn’t for your recklessness, I wouldn’t be alive.”

“And if it wasn’t for your recklessness,” he pinched her toe playfully. “I wouldn’t have had to be reckless.”

“Does that make us even?”

“Not even close.” He smirked and left the room.

* * *

Tom went to the sheriff’s office where the FBI had set up their operation.

“Special Agent Bennett,” came a stern voice from across the room. “May I have a word?”

Tom’s eyes crinkled in a grin when he spotted Armstrong. “Sir, you made it to the Keys. Having a holiday?”

“I am at my wit’s end with you, Agent. But you know what irritates me the most?”

“What’s that, sir?”

“That your carelessness always seems to have a positive outcome. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Just talented, I guess.”

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