Page 73 of Hidden Depths

At least I have that,she thought as the bus pulled onto the road, hugging the coastline as they headed north. She leaned her head back onto the seat and looked out the window at the mangroves and dense, untamed foliage she’d grown accustomed to. She’d miss that too.

When they passed through the edge of town and turned onto the road that would take her away from this place for good, she took a deep breath to suppress the loss that welled up in her chest. Despite the fear that had nearly drowned her these past years, she’d somehow grown attached to this tropical paradise. But she wouldn’t mourn it yet. She’d have plenty of time for that later. For now, she’d focus on the joy of seeing Peter and Jemi again. It had only been a short time that she’d stayed with them before coming to the Keys, but it was enough for them to feel like family to her.

Flashing lights caught her eye as a sheriff’s car sped ahead.

Her stomach clenched as she scooted lower in her seat, wrapping her arms around her bag.

Grace craned her neck over the top of the seats, and others leaned into the aisle, but Sara kept her eyes glued to the seat in front of her. “Keep going, keep going,” she said under her breath. “Someone’s speeding. That’s all it is. That’s got nothing to do with me.”

The siren blipped on and then off when the bus slowed.

“Oh, my,” said Grace. “Looks like we’re being pulled over. Never had that happen before. I didn’t think we were going that fast.”

“I’m sure it’s nothing.”

“Look at you, all pale again. You seem to be afraid of everything. Have you had a bad experience with the police?”

“No.”

Grace lifted off the seat to get a better look after the bus stopped. “What if there’s an escaped convict on the bus or something. Like in the movies. Can you imagine?”

Sara risked a look up the front as the bus driver, a broken-looking man with a perpetual squint, turned to his cargo, and the murmuring stopped.

“Sorry, folks,” he said. “I don’t want any trouble, but it looks like the sheriff is interested in coming on board. Please remain calm and stay in your seats. Again, I don’t want any trouble.”

The murmuring escalated again once he turned back around as theories and accusation rose until Dodd boarded the bus. Sara slid farther down in her seat.

“Hi folks,” he said as the whispering stopped. “Sorry for the interruption to your journey. This won’t take long.”

Grace put a hand on Sara’s arm. “Are you—” Then she retracted her hand and scooted closer to the window.

“I’m looking for a young lady by the name of Sara Walker.”

A rumbling of concern lifted in volume, and Grace, now plastered against the window and wide-eyed in fear, tucked her hands against her chest as though to protect herself.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Dodd continued. “She’s not a felon. She’s a witness to a crime, that’s all. I need her help.”

Grace let out a breath and leaned close to Sara. “That scared me for a sec,” she whispered loudly. “If you’re a witness, you should go forward. It’s your duty. The sheriff can protect you.”

“Sara Walker? I know you’re on the bus. Please come forward. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Sara screwed her eyes shut.Helpwas all she could pray before getting to her feet. She could do nothing but surrender. Dodd wouldn’t leave the bus without her, and no one would believe her if she told them he was there to kill her.

“There you are.” He flashed his million dollar grin. “I’m glad we found you. Thanks everyone for your patience.”

Sara held her bag clutched against her chest and ran her hand along the side of it where she could feel the hard metal of the gun.

The sheriff locked eyes with her as she made her way to the front. “Miss Walker. I appreciate your cooperation. There’s been a development that I think you will be interested in.”

She held her breath as she nodded. When she reached him, she said, “I don’t suppose there’s any way you’d let me remain on the bus? I paid for my ticket already. I’m happy to make a full statement once I reach my destination.”

“Unfortunately, no. It’s imperative that I return with you.” He looked at the driver. “Thanks for your help, sir. You’re free to go.”

As Sara followed Dodd down the steps, she slipped her hand into her bag and wrapped her fingers around the grip of the gun. It would be impossible to load her weapon without him knowing, so she pulled her hand back far enough so that the gun was within reach when she saw an opportunity to use it.

As he headed toward his car, he said, “You shouldn’t have left without informing me.”

She remained in place, slipping her hand back into her bag as the bus returned to the highway.

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