Page 58 of Hidden Depths

“When you’re in a room like this, you always assume there is. It’s safer that way.”

“Right.” She rubbed her hands together and kept circling the room.

“You cold?”

“No.”

“Nervous?”

“A little.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Now that we’re here, I wonder if it was a good idea.” She looked at the mirror. “Not because we’ve done anything wrong,” she said to her reflection. “But how do you know who you can trust?”

“If we can’t trust the sheriff, who can we trust?”

“I know, but I don’t like it in here. It’s uncomfortable.”

“These rooms are designed that way. You want suspects off balance.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

“Then what do you mean?”

“I take it you don’t feel it?”

“I’m not happy to be waiting in here, but my job is full of unpleasantness. You do what you have to do.”

“I’ll feel better once we’re back at your place. As long as we can turn down the air conditioning.”

“Okay, but only this once.”

The door opened, and Sara moved closer to him.

A man entered carrying a folder. He continued to peruse the contents as he shut the door, ignoring their presence.

Finally, he glanced up. Taking a moment to look both of them in the eye. “You’re Special Agent Bennett?” he asked Tom.

“Yes, sir. From the Chicago office.” Tom held his hand out, and they shook.

“Chicago, huh? I’m Sheriff Dodd.”

The Sheriff was around forty and handsome in a conventional way. He had a strong jawline and striking blue eyes that would have been helpful during his election campaign. He would have won a lot of people over just by the smile he was giving them now.

“And you are?” he said to Sara.

“Sara Walker.”

“Also an agent?”

“No.”

“What’s your connection to the FBI?”

“Tom.”

“She’s a resident,” Tom said. “I have some concerns for her safety and the safety of the other civilians in the area.”

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