Page 9 of Hidden Depths

“Meaning?”

“I have been informed by our friendly guard at the prison that Lansky found Jesus.”

“Is that so? Who would have guessed that Sam Lansky would turn religious?”

“Of all the people, and yet, that is how it appears to anyone that matters.”

“And he’s mentioned a desire to change, I take it?”

“He wants to do what’s right. Atone for his sins. Word is, he’s been spouting random scriptures and declaring that they’re all a bunch of sinners and everyone’s going to hell unless they confess.”

Balthazar laughed. “Sounds like our Sam, all right. He always did have a flair for the dramatic. Got him in the end, though, didn’t it? Letting that girl go? The look on his face when he found out she was going to testify against him was priceless.”

“You’re lucky you’re not locked up.”

“That’s because I know how to protect myself.”

“And so does Lansky.”

“What, with Bible verses? I didn’t even know he knew any of the Bible.”

“He has been inside for years. A lot of time to study.”

“And plan. Speaking of which, I take it everything’s in place?”

“Yeah, we’re ready to go.”

“Get it done. Then get down here as soon as you can.”

“You don’t want me to wait?”

“No. I need you for logistics. But bring Bernie with you if he’s ready.”

“Will do. See you soon.”

Balthazar hung up and looked out the window.

“Will you require me for the day, sir?” the driver said. “Or would you like me to return in the morning?”

“I’ll need you to hang around for now. I’d like to unpack, and then you can take me to the sheriff’s station where I have a pressing meeting. I’ll only be requiring your services for a few days. We’ll be purchasing our own cars for use while we’re here.”

“Yes, sir.”

It had taken Balthazar three years to get everything into place, but it was worth it. Being a boat ride away from Cuba simplified every aspect of their current operation, and Lansky was the last piece in the puzzle. Then, everything would be ready to go.

Using the Florida Keys as a jumping off point was a stroke of luck rather than a master plan. It happened to be where they’d found the cooperation they needed. It also happened to be the perfect place. There was nothing Balthazar liked better than either a sleeping town where no one wanted to rock the boat or a tourist destination where no one cared as long as you let them enjoy their vacation. This had elements of both, and he was looking forward to the promotion it would bring.

Chapter4

“Agent Bennett,could I see you in my office?” Special Agent in Charge Stuart Armstrong said as he’d walked past Tom’s desk without looking at him.

Those were the first words Armstrong had said to him since he returned to the office.

Tom held his fingers perched on the keyboard. “I’ll be right there,” he said before finishing the paragraph he was adding to his report.

Barlow said he was angry, but Armstrong wore his anger on his sleeve, so it was never far away. His request for Tom to meet him in his office sounded controlled. That could either be a good or a bad sign. Either way, Tom would handle it the same as he always did, with humble indifference.

Yes, he may have gone against orders, and yes, it was risky, but no, Tom was not irresponsible. It had been a good plan, and it had worked.

---