Nowhere To Hide. Debby Giusti

      “It’s time away from your regular work so you can concentrate on special projects.”

      “Was that what you were doing on the computer at the library?”

      Lydia sighed. She hated lying, but she never wanted her child to know about his father’s nefarious activities.

      “I’ve got an idea for a project I think you should do.”

      Tyler’s shoulders slumped as he grabbed the books from the backseat, slammed the door and sighed. “More work.”

      “Would a PB&J make it better?”

      His face brightened. “Yum!”

      Lydia had just handed Tyler his sandwich when the phone rang. She tensed. Who would be calling?

      Slowly, she raised the phone to her ear and smiled with relief when she heard Katherine’s hello.

      “How’s your sister-in-law?” Lydia asked immediately.

      “Feisty and stubborn. The doctor said her progress is remarkable.”

      “Because you’re there to help. You’ve been so thoughtful to us, as well, Katherine. Clothing and toys for Tyler, groceries—”

      “Enough of that. I knew you’d never use my credit card. I decided to take the situation into my own hands. Besides, we’re family. And that’s what families do. Help one another.”

      “How can I ever thank you?”

      “By taking care of yourself and Tyler. You’ve been through so much. Use this time to heal.”

      Tears stung Lydia’s eyes. She blinked to keep them from spilling down her cheeks, grateful Tyler had gone into the living room to play.

      “I know what you had to put up with when it came to Sonny,” Katherine said.

      “He tried to be a good father. It was the husband role that seemed to be the problem.”

      “I blame his upbringing. And that sister of mine who ran off and left him as a child. Then his father thought he could raise him and wouldn’t ask for my help. Without God in his life, Sonny never learned about sacrifice and commitment. Tell me, dear, were you ever happy?”

      The question caught Lydia off guard.

      “At first everything seemed good. Maybe I was naive. We were young and poor.”

      Despite their differences, she and Sonny had made the best of a bad situation. Until the day she had walked into his office and discovered the vile pictures on his computer screen.

      Change of subject. “You know, Katherine, I saw some photos on a bulletin board in the Community Center.”

      “Joel Cowan’s work. He’s the island photo bug.”

      “Funny, but a man in one of the pictures looked like Sonny.”

      “Why that’s odd. Sonny always said he was too busy to visit the island.”

      “But he encouraged you to move here.”

      “That’s right, dear. After Patrick died. Sonny said a man he worked with knew about the gated community. Although Sonny never implied he’d been to Sanctuary.”

      If Sonny hadn’t visited Katherine, then what had he been doing on the island? And who was the other man in the photo?

      “My mistake, no doubt,” Lydia said. “I hope you can relax a bit while you’re in Ireland. See some of the sights.”

      “Actually, one of the neighbors took me for a nice ride today. A gentleman about my age. He’s been so thoughtful. I invited him to join us for dinner. I must say I’m enjoying his company.”

      Lydia smiled, happy for the woman who seemed more like her aunt than Sonny’s.

      “Wouldn’t hurt you to look around, Lydia. Find someone to make your days a little brighter. In due time, of course.”

      Matt Lawson’s smiling face as he worked with the children on the beach came to mind. Lydia shook off the thought and concentrated on what Katherine was saying.

      “Tell that sweet grandnephew of mine to go next door and meet Bobby Jackson. They’re about the same age. Sarah and Rob are good folks.”

      “The boys are already friends.” Lydia told Katherine about the contest and the fun on the beach.

      “I’m glad he had a good time. By the way, the Community Church is on the mainland, just off the Bay Road. Nice congregation. When you’re ready.”

      “Matt mentioned it.”

      Katherine gave Lydia her phone number in Ireland. “Your cell won’t work transatlantic.”

      “Stupid of me, but I forgot it in Atlanta,” Lydia admitted. Really stupid. In her rush to pick up Tyler, she’d left the phone at the police station.

      “No problem, just call direct. And hug Tyler for me.”

      Lydia hung up, wondering about the Community Church Katherine mentioned. Matt said he helped with the youth program. Not what she expected from a former cop. But then, she had a jaded view of law enforcement.