Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti

khaki trousers, cap. Contact me if they see anyone who fits that description.”
    Matt ran north along the beach until Jason pulled up beside him.
    â€œJackson saw the kid,” Matt explained. “Ran through his yard, turned north.”
    â€œProbably one of those punks from the mainland.”
    Matt nodded. “Follow the beach to the marina, then do a sweep of the island. I’ll head out along Cove Road soon as I check on Ms. O’Connor’s houseguest.”
    Matt followed the path to the O’Connor property, circled the house and climbed the stairs to the front porch.
    He knocked twice. “Lydia, it’s Matt.”
    She inched the door open. The look on her face told Matt she was anything but pleased to see him.
    â€œHow dare you look through the sitting room window.” Her eyes were wide with accusation. “You’re depraved. Sick.”
    He held up his hands in defense. “You’ve got the wrong guy.”
    â€œI saw you running away. Same shirt, cap. You’re always snooping around. Last time you had your gun drawn. Now you’re looking in my window.”
    â€œLydia, you saw a Peeping Tom.”
    She laughed ruefully. “What? You just happened to be walking by and spied the guy?”
    â€œI wasn’t walking by. I was checking your house. Mrs. Davenport heard noise on the beach. I came over to make sure you and Tyler were okay.”
    Lydia looked as if she was trying to shift gears and couldn’t make the transition.
    â€œIf it wasn’t you,” she said, a line of confusion crossing her brow. “Who was it?”
    â€œProbably a mainland teen. It happens occasionally. We’ll catch him.”
    Lydia glanced down at her bare feet and ran a hand through her hair before she looked back at him.
    â€œI’m sorry. I jumped to the wrong conclusion. It’s just…I thought Sanctuary would be a safe place to live.”
    His heart went out to her. She looked frightened, alone. As if she were carrying the weight of the world upon her slender shoulders. And without a soul to help her.
    â€œWhy don’t you make sure all the doors and windows are locked before I leave? I’ll wait on the porch.”
    Lydia did as he asked and in a few minutes shereturned, stepped out into the night and stood just inches from him. He could smell her perfume. The breeze caught the scent, teasing him as it wafted past.
    â€œTyler’s asleep,” she said. “Doors and windows locked.”
    A few strands of hair fell over her cheek. He wanted to reach out and tuck them back into place.
    She stared up into his eyes and moved her lips as if she wanted to tell him something. Was she weighing her options and trying to decide if she could trust him?
    He must have lost the toss.
    She straightened her shoulders and shoved her jaw forward with determination. “We’ll be just fine.”
    The magic of the moment evaporated into the steamy night. He took a step back. Lydia Sloan wouldn’t divulge any secrets to him, at least not this evening.
    He could take a hint. Time to leave the woman alone.
    â€œLock your doors and don’t open them to anyone.” Matt heard the briskness in his own voice. “And turn on the alarm. Remember the secret code in case you need help.” She looked so inviting. He softened for a moment. “I can be here at a moment’s notice.”
    She nodded. “I’ve got it.” She held out her hand.
    Matt took it, wishing he could wrap her protectively in his arms. A tingle of electricity tickled his palm, and he held the embrace for longer than necessary.
    Then he turned on his heels and headed toward hispickup. No reason to stay where he wasn’t wanted. Two weeks and he’d say goodbye for good.
    But before he left, he’d find out what had brought Lydia Sloan to Sanctuary.

EIGHT
    A fter lunch on Saturday, Tyler packed his bag for the sleepover and spent the rest of the