Page 45 of Hidden Depths

“You want me to believe that an off-duty FBI agent just happened to find me at a random church and then asked me out on a date with no idea who I really was?”

“I can’t force you to believe it, but it’s true. My boss is adamant I have a good time. I thought going out with you would help.”

“What were you doing at that boat shed?”

“What wereyoudoing?”

She sighed. “I was taking a walk.”

“I saw you entering the property. You were on the wrong side of the fence.”

“Yeah. It was in my way, and I was exploring. I thought the place was abandoned. It looked interesting. I was curious.” She pulled up a picture she’d taken and held it up for him to see. “I tried to be a photographer and discovered I’m terrible at it. Now, tell me why you were there.”

“So you really had no idea those two guys were there?”

“If I had, do you think I would have gone anywhere near them?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know you well enough to make a judgement call like that.”

“Well…I wouldn’t.” She looked down into her lap. “You have to promise me you’re not with them.”

“I was there trying to find out what they’re doing here. I think they’re planning something. I went in there because I spotted them and thought they looked suspicious. It was too odd to ignore, even if I am on vacation.”

“You don’t think they’re here for me?”

“I don’t know. You’re not in witness protection.”

She stiffened. “How do you know that?”

“I’m sorry.”

“About what?”

“When you wouldn’t give me any details, I did a little digging. I didn’t want you to know, but it’s gone past that now.”

“I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.”

“Sara Fitzgerald, right? Is it because you testified against Lansky that you believe everyone is out to get you?”

“I thought something had happened and the FBI sent you to check up on me. Back then, they were going to put me into witness protection, but I wasn’t happy with how it was being put together, so I opted out.”

“Why?”

“I didn’t trust anyone. So the one person I did trust helped me disappear.”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it. He gave me this place to live in, so here I am.”

“Now you’ve got two people you can trust.”

“I don’t trust you. Not yet.”

“What can I do to change that?”

She thought for a moment. “You can answer something for me.”

“What?”

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