Page 59 of Hidden Depths

“I see. Why don’t you two have a seat?”

Tom sat on the edge of his, while Sara sat with her legs crossed and hands clasped tightly in her lap. She watched Tom, waiting to follow his lead.

Dodd waited until they were both settled before he joined them at the table. “Tell me what I can do for you. It sounded urgent, but I have not received any information about the FBI’s presence in town or any investigation in this area. I hope you understand why it’s important that I am made aware of any federal investigations being conducted in my town? Crossed wires don’t work well.”

“I can assure you,” Tom said, “that the bureau is well aware of its obligations to local law enforcement. If it had been necessary to inform you earlier, we would have done so.”

“What’s changed?”

“I didn’t have anything solid to share with you until recently.”

“Don’t misunderstand, Agent,” Dodd said with his syrupy sweet grin. “I’m not wanting to start off on the wrong foot. I am more than willing to help in any federal investigation that hits close to home. But you’ve obviously been in the area looking into something.”

“No. Not originally. I’m not in Key West on official matters. I’ve been vacationing here.”

“Oh. That clears things up. How are you finding it?”

“It’s lovely.”

“Good. However, I have a lot on my plate, so if you’re looking for restaurant recommendations, I’m sure Sara here can give you an idea since she’s a local. I’m afraid my busy schedule doesn’t permit me to enjoy a lot of the tourist activities available to visitors.”

“That’s not why I’m here, either. I have some concerns.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Initially, I ran them past Stuart Armstrong, the Special Agent in Charge. He’s my boss in Chicago. He suggested I get in contact with you if my concerns strengthened. And they have.”

Dodd leaned an elbow on the table and tapped his lip. “I appreciate you coming to me instead of going over my head on this. I always thought of the FBI as more lone wolf types. But you’ve obviously recognized you need some help in the matter.”

“I’ll start by saying that my lead is thin at best as far as criminal activity is concerned. But I believe it’s important for you to be aware of any serious crimes that may be taking place. I imagine you’d like to investigate further as I am restricted in what I can access.”

“Because you’re not here on official business.”

“Correct.”

Dodd looked at Sara. “Does this involve you, Miss Walker?”

“Not directly,” Tom said. “Or at least, we don’t believe so at this time. I don’t know if you’re aware, but there are several members of a mafia group who have recently arrived in town.”

“You’re sure of this?”

“I am. We’ve been able to identify them as such. Two men specifically.”

“Well, I suppose we all need a vacation now and then, even the corrupt. But I’m afraid that, unless these men have been observed by you committing a crime or have outstanding warrants, my hands are as tied as yours. I’m going to have to leave them to their sunbathing.”

“I understand your position, but I have reason to believe they aren’t here on vacation.”

Dodd’s eyes flicked back to Sara. “I’d like to know what the mafia has to do with you, Miss Walker, even if indirectly. Are you worried about your personal safety? Or is this a discrimination against a certain people group?”

“Discrimination?” Tom said. “Interesting choice of words.”

“In this country, the public is innocent until proven guilty.”

“I—yes,” Sara said. “I suppose I am concerned for my safety.”

“Because of their connections to the mafia? I can assure you they don’t have anything against attractive women.”

Her hands tightened in her lap. “I have history with their boss, Sam Lansky.”

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