Page 30 of Hidden Depths

He laughed. “Maybe.”

To strengthen her position, she punched him in the stomach. Or at least she tried to, but he caught her fist.

“Typing reflexes?”

“You’re persistent.” He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his badge, handing it to her. “I don’t know why I brought it, but if it puts your mind at ease, I’m glad I did.”

She studied the ID. “Special Agent Thomas Bennet. FBI?”

“Yup. But I’ll have you know I sit at my desk plenty. More than I care to do.”

“But you work in the field.”

“Yes.”

She handed him back his badge and started walking. “Why lie about it?”

“I didn’t want to make things uncomfortable for you,” he said, catching up. “I thought telling you I’m a field agent would do that.”

“Lying to me is what makes things uncomfortable.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Any more questions?”

“Yes. You still haven’t told me why you’re really here.”

“That was the truth. I got in over my head at work. Or at least that’s what my boss thought. He decided I needed a break, even though I didn’t want to take one. It is my boss’s place where I’m staying. Although, to get me here, he told me he had a bunch of work that needed doing. When I arrived, I found out it didn’t need any. His way of manipulating me into unwinding.”

“So, you’re really not here for me?”

He stopped her, his brow compressing in concern. “No, but I’m beginning to think I should arrest you. You’re lucky I’m off duty.”

“I’m not talking about to arrest me.”

“Why else would I be here for you? What is it that you did?”

“Nothing. I didn’t do anything. Never mind.”

“Now who’s lying?”

“I’m not lying. I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“But you’re living in the Florida Keys, hiding it appears. And you think the FBI has sent someone to hunt you down.”

“I never said I thought you were here to hunt me down.”

“What other reason would I have for coming here for you?”

“I told you to forget it.”

“Oh, no. Not a chance. You can’t push something like that and then shut me down. Do you know how hard that is for me? My whole life is focused on solving puzzles and fighting crime.”

“Fine, then we can cancel lunch.” She’d messed up everything. Her fear and confusion had got jumbled together, and now she’d pay for it. “Sorry to make this so difficult for you. This was a mistake.”

“Hang on a second.” He pulled her back. “I don’t know what’s going on, but if you can promise me you haven’t done anything deserving arrest, I’ll let it drop.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I wanted to have lunch with you because…well…I’m just gonna say it. You’re beautiful and interesting, and you helped Evelyn up the stairs. I’m on vacation, and I want to have a nice time. Having lunch with you would be nice. There is no lie in any of that.”

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