Page 83 of Hidden Depths

“That’s why you’re so upset,” Margaret said.

“That’s one of the reasons.”

“There are lots of causes for fires in the home,” Frank said. “Arson is not the most common, I’m sure. I’m sorry that you lost all your possessions. That must be very traumatic for you. You know we’ll do everything we can to support you. Our church will get behind you, and we can get you resettled. But it doesn’t mean someone is after you or that our lives are in danger.”

“You don’t understand. Someone tried to kill me.” She saw the concerned look on their faces, but it wasn’t fear for her life. “You don’t believe me?”

“Why don’t we have a seat in the living room, and you can tell us what happened.”

“Dutch, he’s this mafia guy. He broke into the apartment I was in and tried to shoot me,” Sara said as Margaret tried to coax her toward the couch.

“Wait, someone tried to shoot you?”

“Yes. And before you ask me if I’m sure, yes, I’m sure. They broke down the door.”

“Don’t misunderstand my question, but why would anyone want to do that? Are you sure?”

Sara let out a breath that took with it her remaining energy. She didn’t know if she had the strength to explain everything that had happened, but she had no choice. “I came to Key West because a man murdered my parents, and I testified to get him put into prison. He wanted to kill me. I’ve been hiding here since then.”

Margaret’s hand went to her mouth. “Oh my—Sara, we had no idea.”

“I know. No one did. But the men who were involved turned up in town and found out I was here.”

“Where are these men now?”

“The one who tried to kill me is dead. And so is the man who helped me.”

Margaret went pale.

“We need to call the sheriff,” Frank said as he went for his phone.

“No!”

“Sara, honey.” Margaret took her hand again. “This is serious. If someone has been shot and killed and more people are after you, we need to tell the authorities.”

“You can’t tell the sheriff. Please.”

“Why not?”

“Because—” They’d think she was crazy. It sounded crazy in her own head. “Because he might—arrest me.” That sounded better than telling them she thought the sheriff would murder her.

“Why?” Frank’s voice was measured. “What have you done?”

“Nothing. I promise you I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about from Sheriff Dodd.”

“Please. You have to trust me on this.”

“We’d like to, but nothing that you’ve said makes any sense. We’re only concerned for your well-being.”

“I know. I realize what you must think about my mental state, and you don’t know me well enough to judge my position. But before you do anything, I’d like the chance to explain myself.”

Margaret looked at Frank, who thought for a moment and then said, “That sounds fair.”

“But I won’t do it here.”

“Because you’re afraid for our safety?” Margaret said.

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