Nowhere to Hide by Debby Giusti Page B

how much the electronic game meant to him. “That would have made Dad happy.”
    Turning into the Jackson’s driveway, Lydia braked to a stop in front of the house. Tall potted palms waved a welcome from the wraparound porch decorated with white wicker furniture.
    Tyler stretched out his arms to Lydia. She kissed his cheek and felt a moment of panic slip over her. If anything ever happened to Tyler…
    Before she could worry further, he opened the car door and headed toward the house.
    Sarah Jackson welcomed them both with a warm smile as she invited them inside. “We’re so glad Tyler could be part of the fun.”
    The home was tastefully decorated but very livable. A couch, love seat and two overstuffed chairs with matching ottomans were attractively arranged around a large brick fireplace. A scattering of toys gave evidence this was a house even kids could enjoy.
    Bobby and Chase raced in from the kitchen. “Hey, Tyler. Put your stuff in my room,” Bobby said. “Dad’s grilling our dinner. Mom baked a cake for dessert.”
    Rob stuck his head through the kitchen doorway. “Good to see you again, Lydia. Hey, Tyler. Make yourself at home. Dinner in ten minutes. Care to join us, Lydia?”
    She shook her head, appreciating the offer. “Thanks, but I’m going out for the evening.” She gave Joel’s address and phone number to Sarah. “Don’t hesitate to call, if there’s a problem.”
    â€œThere won’t be,” Sarah insisted. “Enjoy the night. You can pick up Tyler about noon.”
    Her son raced upstairs, then turned back long enough to wave goodbye. Lydia’s heart felt a tug. Her little guy was growing up too fast. She was grateful Tyler had found friends and appeared to have forgotten—at least for the moment—all that had happened in Atlanta.
    The Jacksons seemed like a great family, committed to kids. Tyler would have a wonderful time at the sleepover.
    Lydia needed to find out more about the photo, but maybe she would have some fun tonight, as well.
    Then she thought of all that had happened over the last seven months, and she knew she was asking for too much, too soon.
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    Cars lined the driveway to Joel’s expansive beach house. A stone walkway led to the stately entrance where a contemporary crystal chandelier, hanging in the foyer, shimmered through the etched-glass double doors.
    Lydia parked her SUV and ran her hand over her stomach, trying to still the butterflies that fluttered there. Heading back to the seclusion of Katherine’s home sounded like a good idea at the moment.
    Before she could retreat, the front doors opened and Joel waved a greeting. Attempting to smile, she pulled her keys from the ignition and headed for the house.
    â€œYou look ravishing,” Joel gushed. He hugged her ever so briefly and kissed her turned cheek, then motioned her inside.
    An eclectic assortment of leather couches, chrome tables and textured animal-print furnishings filled the great room. On the far wall, a stacked-stone fireplace stretched to meet the crown molding and twelve-foot ceiling. Rattan fans circled lazily overhead while track lighting accentuated a group of muted watercolors and various collections of black-and-white prints.
    Jazz played in the background and a mix of twenty-and thirty-somethings, many dressed in sleek black outfits, milled around the great room, sipping red wine.
    Joel placed his hand on the small of her back and ushered her forward, dropping the names of those they passed along the way.
    Everyone seemed friendly, but when Joel went to check on the hors d’oeuvres, Lydia found herself wondering how soon she could see the photo and head home.
    A woman with shoulder-length raven hair and diamond-stud earrings approached. “Joel said you’re new to the island.”
    â€œActually, I’m visiting. Do you live here?” Lydia asked.
    The woman shrugged. “Only