Page 42 of Hidden Depths

“I told you—”

“You didn’t know. Yeah, I got it. But there’s a fence.”

“Right. You’re right. I know. I was walking along the beach, and I did see the fence, but…I understand if you’d like to call the sheriff.”

A sly grin slid up his face. “I could.”

Sara had never met Sheriff Dodd, although she’d heard some of his speeches. Everyone liked him, but he reminded her too much of her dad, who she loved in the way any daughter might love her father, but he was a politician in the fullest sense of the word. He had always played the game well with manipulative smiles that no one could see through but her.

“I really didn’t mean any harm, and I promise I won’t come back.”

Slowly, he stepped backward. “Good. Because I’m sure the sheriff has better things to do with his time then give a stern word to a tourist.”

“Yes. It would be a waste of his time for him since I’m already feeling terrible.”

“You enjoy the rest of your vacation, and stick to the group tours from now on.”

“I will. Thank you for understanding.”

Her skin prickled as she took the first faltering steps, following him toward the gate. Once he stopped, she tried not to hesitate as she continued past him, but her movement was stunted.

She forced a smile to hide her erratic breathing, only allowing a full exhale once she’d gained some distance and neared the exit, but when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye, she looked to see another man who had come out of the shed.

“Who’re you?” he said as he marched toward her. His slick-backed hair revealed a familiar widow’s peak, and he scratched at a scar on his lip, partially hidden by his meticulously trimmed mustache.

A terrible weight threatened to suffocate her as she opened her mouth to answer. But the full brunt of her fear collapsed in on her, and she thought her heart would burst.

She knew this man. He’d sat in as part of Lansky’s council in the court room. She’d only ever heard him referred to as Dutch.

“I found her taking pictures.”

Her head jerked around to the other man, who hadn’t moved but crossed his arms, drawing her attention to his gold watch. How had she missed it before? Then her eyes dropped to his feet, and she nearly collapsed when she saw the snakeskin boots.

“Of what?” Dutch said.

“The boats.” He jerked his head back. “The old ones. Thinks she’s a photographer and can go anywhere she wants.”

Dutch cocked his head to the side and stepped up to her. She stopped breathing.

“You look familiar. Did you fly in recently? Maybe we were on the same flight.”

She shook her head. “Bus.” The word came out in a burst.

“Huh. Maybe you have one of those faces.”

She forced her shoulders into a stiff shrug.

“What do we do with her?” Dutch said, taking another step closer. She almost bolted down the road, but somehow they hadn’t recognized her yet, and running would only draw more attention.

Boots rolled his eyes. “What do youthinkwe do with her. I already told her we won’t press charges. She can go. She’s harmless.”

“Right.” Dutch was standing only a foot away and looked her up and down with that same shrewd look he’d given her in the courtroom when she’d testified against his boss.

She finally found her voice, although it was unsteady. “I have to go. My family will be wondering where I am.”

Dutch laughed, aware of her fear, amused by it. “Then go already.”

“Dutch.” It was a command and a warning from the man who’d watched Lansky kill her parents. He wanted Dutch to back off.

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