He shook his head. “Haven’t heard from Ms. O’Connor today. And I was doing my job last night.”
“Of course you were.” She let out a deep breath, fatigue skewing her good judgment. She was taking out her frustration with Atlanta’s dirty cops on a guy who managed security systems and island gate guards.
“Look, I’m sorry. It was a long night, and I doubt either of us got much sleep. Why don’t we start over?” She stuck out her right hand. “Lydia Sloan.”
He eyed her for a moment before he took her hand and held it as if not quite sure how to follow her lead. “Pleased to meet you, Lydia,” he finally said.
Their hands remained clasped for several seconds. His eyes never wavered from hers.
Self-conscious, Lydia withdrew from his grasp.
“Seems Katherine was afraid we’d either go naked or starve to death.” She pointed to the bags and boxes the teens had delivered. “Bet I can find some coffee in one of these sacks, if you’d like a cup.”
“Mind if I take a rain check? I’ve got a couple more things to do before I call it a day.”
Lydia tilted her head. “No rest for the wicked, eh?”
The chief shifted his gaze as Tyler stepped from the hallway and ran to her side.
“Hey there, buddy. How’s it going?”
The boy hugged Lydia’s leg and shrugged.
Matt smiled, then looked back at Lydia. “There’s a community beach not far from here. Safest place to swim on the island.”
He pointed toward the large picture windows. Lydia glanced through the glass at the jagged boulders and the ocean beyond.
“Don’t know if Ms. O’Connor told you. The water’s pretty treacherous in this stretch of the beach. Rocks look peaceful enough, but they’re riddled with caves. Easy to get trapped. Tide comes in and they flood out. Rip currents are always a problem.”
He glanced at Tyler. “You hear that? Don’t play on the boulders. And no swimming unless you’re at the community beach.”
Lydia watched her son’s eyes widen. She didn’t want anything else to frighten him. “We don’t swim, Mr. Lawson. It won’t be a problem.”
Matt pursed his lips, then looked back at Lydia. “The Community Church is holding a sand castle contest for the kids at eleven tomorrow. After the morning service. Why don’t you meet me at nine for worship. We can go to the contest afterward.” He winked at Tyler. “Bet you’re strong enough to build a great moat.”
Tyler nodded. “I am strong.” He drew in a deep breath and stuck out his chest as if trying to prove he was up to the task.
“Bring a bathing suit, and I’ll give you a few swimming lessons after the contest’s over,” Matt continued.
Was the man hard of hearing? “Mr. Lawson—”
“It’s Matt.” His dark eyes flashed a no-nonsense look that she was sure could intimidate the most hardened of criminals. Well, it wasn’t going to have an effect on her.
Tyler tugged on her arm. “Can we go, Mom?”
“Not to church, honey.”
“You could meet me at the park,” Matt suggested.
That was the last thing she wanted to do, but she didn’t want to disappoint Tyler. A little fun in the sun sounded like what her son needed. What could it hurt?
Plus, she might run into the photographer. She had a few questions that needed to be answered. Had her husband been on the island? And if so, what had brought him to Sanctuary?
Lydia nodded to the chief. “I guess we’ll see you about eleven.”
Tyler would have a good time, but she’d keep her guard up when it came to Matt Lawson. Law enforcement wasn’t to be trusted. That included the security chief.
“Hey, Chief Lawson,” the kids called from the picnic area as Matt pulled his pickup into the parking lot the following day.
Six boys, five girls, with probably more petty cash at their disposal than Matt had in his savings. Good kids who could use a little more attention from their jet-set parents. That’s why he worked with the church to organize activities. He knew firsthand the change a good role model could make in a kid’s life. Not that his family was rich. Far from it. But he’d been on a fast track to nowhere until his church youth director showed Matt the positive impact of putting Christian love into action.
Now, it was payback time.
Plus, he liked kids.
“Savannah and Mark, you team up with Josh. Spread out to the left on the sand.” He outlined the spots two more groups would use before he pulled aside the boys he wanted to match up with Tyler.
“You guys ready to build a sand castle?”
They both nodded.
“I’ll give you a hand until your teammate arrives. His name’s Tyler. He’s new on the island, staying at Ms. O’Connor’s house.” Matt tossed each of the boys a plastic shovel and drew a circle in the sand, outlining the moat. Dropping to his knees next to the boys, he began to dig.
Every few minutes, Matt eyed the road for passing cars.
Where were they? He’d given Lydia directions. Surely she couldn’t be lost. The main road ran north and south along the water. No one could miss the beach. Maybe he’d placed too much confidence in her rather hesitant agreement to meet him at the park.
Lydia tried to put up a good front, but under the surface, she acted like a skittish colt. Something had her spooked big-time. But what?
The kids worked hard, intent on the task at hand. A breeze blew from the water and sea gulls called from overhead. All in all the activity was going well.
So why was he letting a stranger sour his mood? This time, he’d make sure a pretty face didn’t lull him off course.
“I thought you wanted me to build the moat,” a voice said behind him.
Matt turned to see Tyler standing back from the group, head drooped almost to his chest. Lydia stood next to the child, her arms filled with beach towels.
“Hey, Tyler, I was just helping out until you and your mom arrived. I told the other guys you’d be here soon.”
Matt pointed to a boy with red hair and a face full of freckles. “This is Bobby Jackson.” He indicated a pudgy boy with a gelled flattop. “And Chase Davenport. Bobby lives next to your great aunt and Chase is two doors down. I thought since you guys are neighbors, it’d be nice for you to work together on the castle.”
Bobby handed Tyler a plastic shovel. “You can use this.”
“Thanks.” Tyler took the shovel and began
