Page 39 of Hidden Depths

“No.”

“Sir?”

“No. Stand down. You are ordered not to pursue this.”

“But, sir—”

“Stop. Now. I know what you’re doing.”

“I’m trying to protect a possible witness.”

“No. You’re making trouble to get out of having a vacation, and I won’t allow it.”

Armstrong wasn’t completely wrong. He was always looking for a fight, like with his run this morning. “Sir, if you could just look—”

“Barlow, you are ordered not to engage with Bennett any longer while he is in Florida, or I will relieve you both of duty, do you hear that Agent Bennett?”

“Give me some time, and I’ll find concrete evidence.”

“I know you understand the meaning of the word no. Tell me you do. Promise me you do, or else Barlow is going to pay the price. Won’t you Agent?”

Tom heard Barlow grunt. “Yes, sir.”

“There is a safe in the closet of the bedroom,” Armstrong continued. “I am ordering you to lock your badge in there until you return to Chicago.”

“You think I brought my badge with me on vacation?”

“I know you did. I’m certain of it. And I’d bet real money you have your gun on your hip right now.”

Tom rested his hand on it but didn’t say anything.

“Put your gun and your badge in the safe. You are off duty. If you have any concerns for the safety of a civilian, call the Sheriff’s department, and then leave it in their very capable hands.”

“The sheriff.”

“You heard me. And also, you are not to engage any further with this woman.”

“Sir—”

“That’s an order. Not even for a date. Nothing.”

“Yes, sir,” he mumbled.

“Good. Now go get a bite to eat and relax.”

“Is that an order?” His tone was dry.

“No. I’m not going to tell you how to enjoy your time off.”

“Thank you, sir.” He hung up and stuffed his phone in his pocket, stalking to the bedroom while he put his badge and then his gun in the safe. He was no stranger to going against an order, but he’d only cross that line if absolutely necessary. For now, he didn’t need his badge to get more information, but he wouldn’t leave Sara to these guys if there was the smallest chance they were after her.

He may not be able to prove it yet, but he was certain this girl was in trouble or would be soon.

* * *

Sara sat on the deck, resting her feet up on the railing with her ankles crossed as she watched the sun rise on a new day. Humidity hung heavy in the air this morning, hinting at a wet change. Rain was coming soon. Finally.

She pulled her hair into a ponytail to get it off her neck, then stretched, thinking about her lunch with Tom. It was odd that she’d met an off-duty FBI agent who didn’t know anything about her past. Maybe that’s why she felt safe with him. Not safe enough to show him where she lived, but enough that she was looking forward to seeing him again. Or did that have nothing to do with his job status?

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