Page 38 of Hidden Depths

“You met a woman during your brief time there, and she divulged to you that she’s in witness protection? Why would she do that?”

“She didn’t. And I don’t know for certain, but there’s too much evidence to ignore.”

“What evidence?”

“Barlow gave me—”

“Barlow?” There was a bang, then Tom could hear Armstrong bellowing out his door. “Barlow! In here! Now!” Then he picked up his phone. “I should write you both up for this. All I asked is that you go on a simple break. I should have known it wasn’t possible. It’s not in your DNA. You know what is in your DNA?”

“Sir—”

“Trouble. That’s what.”

“There is no trouble.”

“Oh no? So you called me to chat? You wanted to tell me about a nice girl you met who may or may not be in witness protection and whose life is apparently in danger?”

“Nothing has happened. I’m only concerned about what could.”

“Sit down,” he said to Barlow, then, “What exactly do you have?”

“I believe members of the mafia are in town.”

“The mafia. Good Lord, Bennett.”

Tom could picture Armstrong looking up at the ceiling in frustration. “I know the mafia when I see them.”

“I have no doubt that you do. What do you think, Barlow? You think Agent Bennett could recognize the mafia anywhere?”

“I have no idea, sir.”

“Oh, I’m sure he’s an expert at picking them out. Especially when he’s on vacation. Bennett, are the mafia not allowed to visit the Florida Keys?”

“Not if Sara’s here hiding from them.”

“Let’s back up for a second so I can confirm I have this straight. Yoususpectshe’s in witness protection, and you’ve also magically surmised that the people you saw are the very one’s she’s hiding from?”

“I know how this sounds, sir.”

“I don’t think you do. Because if you did, I don’t believe you would have been stupid enough to make this call.”

“There were a couple of guys at the airport who looked like they could be Sam Lansky’s men.”

“Sam Lansky?”

“He’s the one who killed Sara’s parents. I believe she testified against him.”

“Believe?”

“The court was closed, and her file is sealed, but you’d have clearance to look at it.”

Armstrong sniffed. “What else do you have?”

“I believe the men I saw at the airport were the same guys I saw in a speed boat yesterday afternoon.”

“And?”

“And something is up. If they’re not after Sara, they’re after something. Also, when I told her I work for the FBI, she thought I was there for her.”

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