They look at each other. “What was his name?” O’Mackey asks.

“The U.S. marshal’s name?”

“Yes,” he says. “What was the U.S. marshal’s name?”

Naomi looks at me with her mouth pinched, like the playing field has changed in a way she wasn’t ready for. This is why I decide not to tell the truth.

“I don’t remember,” I say.

“You don’t remember his name?”

I don’t say anything else.

“You don’t remember the name of the U.S. marshal who showed up at your doorstep this morning. That’s what you are telling me?”

“I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night, so things are a little foggy.”

“Do you remember if this U.S. marshal showed you a badge?” O’Mackey says.

“He did.”

“Do you know what a United States marshal badge looks like?” Naomi says.

“Am I supposed to?” I say. “I also don’t know what an FBI badge looks like, now that you’re mentioning things I don’t know. I probably should confirm that you are who you say you are. Then we can continue this conversation.”

“We’re just a little confused because this case isn’t in the jurisdiction of the U.S. Marshals’ office,” she says. “So we need to ascertain who exactly was speaking with you this morning. They shouldn’t have been here without our approval. Did they threaten Owen in some way? Because you should know that if Owen’s involvement is minimal, he may be able to help himself by testifying against Avett.”

“That’s true,” O’Mackey says. “He isn’t even a suspect yet.”

“Yet?” I say.

“He didn’t mean yet,” Naomi says.

“I didn’t mean yet,” O’Mackey says. “I meant that there is no reason for you to be talking to a U.S. marshal.”

“Funny thing is, Agent O’Mackey, he said the same thing about you guys.”

“Did he?”

Naomi pulls herself together, smiles. “Let’s just start over, okay?” she says. “We’re all on the same team here. But, in the future, you might want your lawyer present before you talk to anyone who just shows up at your door.”

I match her smile. “That’s a great idea, Naomi. I’m going to start with that right now,” I say.

Then I point toward the gate and wait for them to walk through it.

Don’t Hold This Against Me

After I’m certain that the FBI agents are gone, I leave my workshop.

I walk back toward the docks, Owen’s computer tightly clasped to my chest. I pass the elementary school just as the kids are getting out for the day.