Page 60 of Hidden Depths

“In what way?”

She looked at Tom, who shifted in his chair and said, “He murdered her parents, and she testified against him. He was in prison, but he’s recently died in a prison brawl.”

Dodd pressed his lips together and studied Sara. “You were a witness to your parents’ murder?”

She nodded.

“But if Lansky’s dead, as you say, then what is it you have to fear?”

“One of the men, Balthazar, was in my house when my parents were murdered. The other who’s here with him was at the trial.”

“If he was at your house, why isn’t he in prison since, as you say, you were a witness to all of this?”

“I’m sorry,” Tom said. “But this feels an awful lot like an interrogation.”

“I’m only trying to get my facts straight. If an investigation is required, I need to have a clear picture of what’s going on.”

“I didn’t see his face,” Sara said. “I identified him by his shoes and watch.” She straightened when she saw the look on Dodd’s face. “It’s not a coincidence that a man with the same boots and watch is here with another man who sat with Lansky in court.”

“No, of course. So you believe they’re here to exact some kind of retribution?”

“Not at this point. No.”

“Do they even know you’re here?”

“I ran into them, and neither one of them appeared to recognize me. It’s been a few years.”

“I understand how this looks,” Tom said. “But I’m only here to let you know what I know. Investigate or not. You can make whatever decision you like. But I believe there is enough to warrant a closer look. I’d be happy to do the running around for you if you can offer me assistance as required.”

“I’d be happy to offer my assistance to an official FBI matter, not an off-duty federal agent going rogue in my town with a civilian, which, if I’m honest, is the bigger issue at present.”

“I haven’t gone rogue, Sheriff.” He spoke in a slow, measured tone. “I came here on vacation and learned something troubling. All I’m trying to do is get to the bottom of it and make sure there’s nothing criminal going on. Because of the potential risk to Sara due to her past, we are in the process of getting her out of town. The planes were full, and I’m sure you know about the situation with catching a bus.”

Dodd released a slow, thoughtful sigh as he leaned back in his chair. “There’s an alternative to Sara rushing out of town.”

“Which is?” Tom said.

“We keep her safe until these guys leave.”

“They appear to be settling in.”

“Please don’t tell me you’ve been trespassing.”

“Everything you need to know can be observed from outside the fence. They have a high-powered speedboat, and they appear to be doing some kind of renovation on a shed. I believe they’re here to smuggle.”

“Smuggle what?”

“Drugs probably.”

Dodd scrubbed his hands over his face. “I see what’s going on here.”

“Do you?”

“You haven’t got enough to get the FBI or, better yet, the DEA onto this, so you come to me hoping I’ll be so excited by a thin lead that I’ll jump on your bandwagon and follow you around town like an excitable puppy.”

“Then you have misunderstood. I told you my boss thought it would be best to work with the local law enforcement.”

“Because your evidence is shaky. If you had anything solid, you’d have a team behind you right now. I’m a little disappointed that your boss sent you to me to get you out of his hair. Now I’m the one who has to deal with your shoddy work.”

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