Page 31 of Hidden Depths

She wanted to salvage the afternoon, and he’d offered her a lifeline. “Okay. I promise there is no reason why you would need to arrest me. I am a good, law-abiding citizen.”

“Great. Now we can talk about mundane things instead. Like how hot it is. Again.”

“Then lucky for me the food van is right over there. Instead of complaining, you can tell me how good the food is.”

“You’re right. It’s an afternoon to be grateful. There’s some shade over there, and a nice breeze is blowing. I’ll buy lunch. You go find our seats.”

“Deal.”

Chapter9

Tom waitedin the shade of the food van while the order was being made.

He watched Sara climb onto a rock and look out across the ocean. She curved her arm around her leg to hold her skirt in place in the wind.

“What are you hiding?” he mumbled as he pulled out his phone to make a call.

“Agent Bennett, why are you calling me on a Sunday?”

“Hey, Barlow, what’s happening?”

“Is it to gloat? How much do I have to screw up to take your place?”

“I’m sorry, my friend. You don’t have the gift of my foolishness, so you’re stuck in the city.”

“Wait, are you admitting you’re a fool?”

“To go on forced leave? Yes. I’d say it’s torment, but—”

“But a tropical paradise isn’t so bad?”

“No, I was going to say I’ve got something.”

“By something, I hope you mean snorkeling gear.”

“You know I don’t.”

“Don’t do this to me, Tom. Armstrong gave us strict instructions not to involve you in any cases.”

“It has nothing to do with any of your cases.”

“If he knew he had to specify that you shouldn’t be fabricating your own drama and calling it a case, I’m sure he would have.”

“It’s not a case. All I need is for you to look someone up for me.”

“Someone you’ve met in the short time you’ve been down there?”

“Yes.”

“What have they done?”

“I don’t know. That’s why I need you to look them up.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“It’s Sunday.”

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