Page 56 of Hidden Depths

“You put your life at risk when you testified against Lansky.”

“That’s different, and you know it.”

“At least he’s dead now.”

* * *

It took Sara several seconds before what Tom had said sunk in. “What did you just say?”

“You hadn’t heard? I should have said something. There was so much going on, I didn’t think to mention it.”

“Lansky’s dead?”

“Yeah.”

“When? What happened?”

“It’s pretty recent. When I looked into your case, I came across a news item. He was involved in a fight inside the prison, and he died.”

“On accident?”

“That’s what they’re saying.”

“You disagree?”

He shrugged. “It could have been a hit. The article mentioned he’d recently been talking about changing his ways. Maybe his friends were worried he’d talk.”

“Do you think it was Balthazar who ordered it?”

“It could have been. But there’s no way to know for sure or why.”

She exhaled heavily as she collapsed back against the couch. “I can’t believe it. Lansky’s dead.”

“You okay?”

“I don’t know. I guess.” She shook her head. “Maybe it needs to sink in, but I thought it would make me feel better. All I feel is sad. Is that weird?”

“I don’t think there is any such thing as a normal response to an outcome like this.”

She stood abruptly. “There must be something we can do.”

“I thought we’d already talked about this.”

“No, I don’t mean I’m staying here, but I can’t sit around here talking. I need to do something. Is there anything safe we can do? My mind is moving in a million directions and I’m going to be spending hours on a bus soon. I’d rather save it all for then.”

Tom looked at his watch. “Maybe there is something.”

“Great. What is it? I’ll do anything.”

“My boss suggested that if I had any concerns, I should speak to the sheriff.”

“Sheriff Dodd?”

“I guess, if that’s his name. As of yet, I haven’t bothered.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’ve had nothing concrete. But you can identify them now.”

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