Page 37 of Hidden Depths

“What’s your problem, man?” the guy said, approaching Tom aggressively.

“I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to her.”

“Maybe she doesn’t want to talk to you.”

When the guy got in Tom’s face and lifted an arm like he was going to throw a punch, Tom grabbed his wrist and swung him around, throwing him against a nearby tree and holding him there.

“Let him go!” the woman yelled, slapping him on the back. “You’re going to hurt him.”

“He’s not hurting you?”

“No. Let him go. I lost my job yesterday, and I couldn’t sleep. We came out here to talk.”

“Oh.” Tom let the guy go and stepped away. “I thought he was threatening you.”

“Why don’t you get lost,” the guy said but kept his distance.

“At least he stopped to make sure I was okay,” the woman said to her friend.

“He didn’t have to assault me.”

“Thank you for caring enough to stop, but we’re fine.”

“No problem. And I’m sorry about the mix-up.”

Tom headed straight back for the apartment. He decided his edginess was a sign that he had to do something. It was time to take action.

“Agent Bennett, this had better be important,” Armstrong said when he answered. “I hope you’re getting ready to lounge on a sunny beach somewhere right now and you’re calling to thank me for my generosity.”

“I am very thankful, but I’m sorry, sir. I found a leak at your condo.”

“What? Where?”

“Kidding. Your place is great despite your assurances to the contrary.”

“Great. Then you have all the time in the world to take a cruise. They do a lot of those down there.”

“I know, but can you honestly see me sitting on a boat and enjoying the scenery for hours on end?”

“Bennett, why are you calling?”

“I met someone.”

The line was silent.

“Sir?”

“You met someone as in a woman?”

“Yes.”

“I guess…congratulations? I hope this won’t interfere with your return to Chicago. I realize I forced you to have a break, but I do want you back. I didn’t send you away only to lose you to a pretty face.”

“No, sir. I’m not interested in her romantically. I believe she’s here under witness protection, and I’m concerned for her safety.”

“This is a joke, right? You’re joking?”

“I wish I was.”

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