Page 74 of Hidden Depths

When Dodd turned and saw she wasn’t following, he stopped. “You coming?”

“What development?”

“Pardon me?”

“You said there was a development in the case.”

“Listen, I’m sorry about how we left things before. I know I was abrupt, but I was doing what I thought best for my people. When I looked into it like I said I would, I found something.”

“What?”

“I’d rather not discuss it here. It’s best if I take you down to the station.”

“What if I don’t want to get in your car?”

He scoffed. “Why not? How else do you intend to get back into town? Or do you plan on walking to Miami instead?”

“It’s not that far back to the station. I don’t mind the walk. I could use the fresh air.”

“Are you scared of me?”

“No.” She was surprised to find she meant it, at least a little.

“Then get in the car.”

“Are you working with Dutch?”

“Who?”

“You know who.”

“I’m afraid I don’t.”

“The mafia guy.”

He squinted at her. “You think I’m bent?”

“I don’t know. But if you’re not, then you’ll let me walk back and find Tom.”

Dodd scratched his head. “I’m afraid I can’t let you do that. It’s not safe. You’d be too exposed walking back. And weren’t you the one who said your life was in danger from these guys?”

“I’ll stay off the road as much as I can. I know this town well. I can get back safely.”

His hand moved to rest on the gun at his hip. “I’m afraid this is nonnegotiable. You’re coming with me.”

She held her breath as she let her bag fall to the ground. Her hands were shaking, but she was still able to quickly pull back the slide, then grip it with both hands before Dodd pulled his own weapon.

She was unaware of the surrounding traffic, but somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard squealing tires. “Where’d you get a gun?” Dodd said, pointing his own. “Did Tom give it to you? As an FBI agent, he’ll be in a lot of trouble for giving you a gun.”

“I got it from Dutch after he tried to kill me. But unfortunately for you, he missed.”

“Don’t be stupid. You’re going to get yourself killed if you’re not careful. I’ve already got backup coming. Don’t make things worse.”

She stepped toward the edge of the bridge and climbed over the barrier. “Leave me alone.”

“I can’t do that. There’s nowhere for you to go.”

“I have options.”

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