Page 12 of Hidden Depths

“Anything you don’t like about the way I work has nothing to do with Conners.”

“So, mentally, you’re good?”

“Yes. That’s what I’ve been saying.”

“Okay. Great. That’s all I needed to know.”

“That’s it?” He waited for the punchline.

“Yes.”

Slapping his hands on his lap, he stood. “Excellent meeting, sir. Thank you.” He shook Armstrong’s hand and then headed for the door.

“Oh, there was one other thing before you go.”

“I knew it.”

“No, it’s unrelated.”

“Then I’m all ears.”

“It’s Human Resources.”

“What about them?”

“Like I said, you’re my best agent, and part of that is because you work harder than anyone else around here. I wish more of my guys took your lead.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“However, HR doesn’t agree. I’ve put them off because I understand how men such as yourself use work to deflect internal pain. I thought that was what you were doing. But because I was clearly mistaken, I feel it’s an appropriate time to submit to their demands.”

Tom’s eyes narrowed. “What demands?”

“It’s about your vacation pay.”

“I haven’t taken a vacation in years.”

“That’s the problem. Apparently, they’re disgruntled about agents gathering too many days off. I’d keep you all here indefinitely if I could, but workers’ rights and all of that, there are rules that are supposed to protect employees of the federal government, and, apparently, you have several weeks owing. You need to use them.”

“All right. I’ll get around to it. Is that all?”

“You can’t ‘get around to it’. You have to take them now.”

“But I’ve begun work on a new case. It would put undue pressure on the rest of the team if I were to leave.”

“You’re worried about putting undue pressure on themnow?”

“I understand what you’re saying, but—”

“Do you?”

“Yes. And perhaps, once I’ve closed this case, we can talk again. In fact, I’ll make plans. I’ll be ready.”

“No. Barlow can fill in. He’s got room.”

“Sir.”

“I’m afraid it’s out of my hands. This comes straight from the top.”

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