Picture Perfect

by Sherry Lewis

  As if echoing them, childish laughter sounded close to the house, followed by Pride’s enthusiastic barking. Footsteps pounded up the steps to the porch, and Abby heard the back door open. Swiveling in her chair, she saw the door hanging from the frame, and her eyes flew to meet the question in Kurt’s.

  “When did that door break?” he asked.

  Erin let it close with a bang and lowered her eyes before she spoke. “It’s been like that as long as we’ve been here. And the sink, too.”

  “The sink?”

  “It leaks.”

  “You should have called me.” The moment they’d shared was over. He stood and picked up his tools. “It’ll only take me a minute to deal with them right now.”

  He worked quickly, and in less than an hour he’d fixed the sink and reattached the screen door to its frame. He dusted his hands on his pants and gathered his tools again. “That door really needs to have the screen replaced, but I’ll come back for that later.”

  Abby could only nod. How could she explain why she hadn’t called him to fix these things? That she’d been avoiding him? That she’d discovered this overwhelming attraction to him and she’d been trying to keep him away?

  Between the lies about baseball, the dog and now this, he’d surely wonder why she was acting so strangely. And to make matters worse, this time together hadn’t done anything to cure her. She wanted to be around him now more than ever.

  She watched him pick up his toolbox and walk with Brody back to the car. As the Cherokee sped down the highway, she drew in a deep breath and scolded herself for being a fool.

  Just looking at him made every coherent thought disappear. And when he looked at her, she lost her power to concentrate on anything except the firm set of his jaw and, of course, those eyes. She could lose herself in those eyes.

  The strain of keeping the children occupied must be getting to her. Not to mention her constant worry—whether she’d managed to keep their whereabouts secret and whether Rachel was safe.

  She longed to hear from Rachel. The children needed to speak with their mother, but Abby couldn’t allow that to happen yet. Only when Rachel believed they were safe from Vic would she send a signal through prearranged channels. Then Abby would be free to let her know where they were.

  But until that time, Abby couldn’t do anything. And the children grew more restless and discontented every day. On their afternoon drives, they’d already explored almost every side road in the vicinity, and she’d taken more picnics in the past two weeks than in her previous thirty-two years.

  At least Michael was busy with Little League and Brody, but his sister had nothing to distract her. And Abby hadn’t yet found a way to break through Erin’s barriers.

  And she had nothing, except this attraction for Kurt Morgan. She’d thought once about planting a vegetable garden in the wide backyard, but abandoned the idea when she realized they’d have to leave before they could harvest anything. Housework kept her busy several hours a day, but left her mind free to wander. She had to find a distraction soon.

  Behind her a floorboard creaked in the hallway. Abby turned quickly, startled by the noise.

  Framed in the open door, Erin looked like a small child. “Abby?” She took a hesitant step forward. “Do you think Mom’s all right?”

  Though the reason for the girl’s concern saddened her, the fact that she’d come to her about it gave Abby hope. She tried to smile but feared the effort was wasted. “Yes, I do.”

  “But we haven’t heard anything.”

  Abby gathered Erin to her. “That’s a good sign. As long as my friend Ted doesn’t contact us, everything’s all right.”

  “Nobody even knows where we are.”

  “Our family doesn’t, but they know who to contact if they need to reach us. And if anything had happened to your mother, Grandpa and Grandma would have let us know.”

  Erin stared up at Abby in silence, her eyes huge with fear. Finally her face puckered and tears slid down her cheeks. “He…he said he’d kill her. He said no matter what she did, he’d kill her if she took us away from him.”

  Though Rachel had been married to Vic for more than fifteen years, Abby had never known him well, as she’d moved away shortly after Michael’s birth. But she’d seen enough men like him over the years to know Erin’s concerns were valid. Though he no longer had any legal claim on the children, Abby absolutely believed he’d try to carry out his threats to take Erin and Michael from Rachel.

  The family had pooled their resources, raising funds to keep Abby and the children in hiding for three months. They all hoped Vic would calm down enough by then to make it safe for the kids to go home. Or else Rachel would have to leave Tempe and take them somewhere safer.

  She smoothed Erin’s hair from her forehead. “I know how worried you are, but we have to believe that your mom’s going to be all right. She’s a strong woman. It wasn’t easy for her to send you two away.”

  Erin’s chin quivered. “It’s her birthday next week and we’re not even there. Can we call her?”

  “I wish we could, but it’s not safe,” Abby explained. “Besides, it would make your mom worry more, wondering whether your dad would figure out where you were from the phone call. She doesn’t even want to know where you are so she can’t slip up and say the wrong thing.”

  Erin turned away. “I wish she was here.”

  So did Abby, but she wouldn’t make Erin feel worse by admitting it.

  She watched Erin walk away, then she sank into a chair and buried her face in her hands. She had no idea what to do for her little niece. She didn’t even know what she wanted to do with her own life, once this was all over.

  She worried constantly about the effect her inexperienced care would have on Erin and Michael at this vulnerable stage of their lives. She’d seen too many bad parents over the years and the damage they wreaked on their children. After observing so much violence perpetrated in the name of love, and after losing Steven because she couldn’t give him children, Abby’s focus had shifted from home and family. Having made her life in other areas, she sometimes felt overwhelmed by the demands placed on her by Rachel’s children, their needs and fears.

  Pushing herself away from the table, Abby gathered the glasses she and Kurt had used. On top of everything else, she’d met a man whose very existence complicated everything. She knew Kurt didn’t accept her story at face value, but she hoped he wouldn’t inadvertently do anything to jeopardize their safety.

  She was drawn to him, and she knew she’d seen a similar interest in his eyes. But she couldn’t give in to it. In fact, the only positive thing about the situation was that Kurt thought she had a husband. And she could tell that would keep him from pursuing her.

  She couldn’t allow herself to want anything more than friendship from Kurt. Casual affairs didn’t interest her, and anything else was out of the question. He wanted a wife and more children—he’d made that clear. But Abby’s life ran on a completely different track.

  After they’d tried for three years to have a baby, Steven had insisted on subjecting her to a series of fertility tests that had left her feeling dehumanized. And when the doctor had handed down the proof that Abby would never bear a child, Steven had been bitterly disappointed.

  In the end, her inability to give him what he wanted most had driven him away. After the pain of losing him had dulled, she was realistic enough to recognize that most men wanted children. And those who didn’t were too focused on their careers to attract her. So she’d given up her hopes of a family, and she’d put any serious involvements far behind her. She wouldn’t go through that kind of humiliation again for any man.

  And that included Kurt Morgan.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  BRODY REACHED for the volume control and turned up the music. Kurt winced inwardly, but struggled to keep his face impassive and his mind on the road. The last thing he wanted right now was to antagonize his son.

  Well, his visit with Abby hadn’t been
a total disaster. Not if you didn’t count that he hadn’t learned enough about the mysterious Mr. Harris to drive Mrs. Harris out of his mind. And if you didn’t count that he’d come away even more attracted to Abby than ever.

  Meeting her had been good for Brody in one way, but in another it had driven the wedge between Kurt and Brody even deeper. All the boy could talk about was Michael and Erin—and Abby.

  Kurt shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that listening to stories about Abby, even hearing her name, made him want to spend time with her. And that was dangerous.

  If he spent a little more time remembering Laura—and the pain she’d caused—he’d probably put Abby out of his mind soon enough, Kurt told himself grimly. He didn’t need a woman in his life right now. And he definitely didn’t need a married woman, no matter how she made him feel.

  But what frightened him the most was the fact that she felt something for him, too. He could see it in her eyes. And if Abby ever looked at him the way she did in his dreams, he didn’t know what he’d do.

  Besides, Kurt had a son who needed his time and attention. Abby connected well with the boys because she was home all day. When the boys wanted to do something, she was there; when they wanted a picnic, she could provide one. And she took them both.

  That was the answer. He had to find something he could do with the boys together. He let up on the accelerator and met Brody’s curious gaze with a smile.

  “I’ve got an idea, sport. What do you think about asking Abby if Michael can come for a sleep over?”

  That earned him a wide grin. “When?”

  “This weekend if she’ll agree to it. Okay?”

  Brody settled back into his seat and nodded. He didn’t speak again, but Kurt felt a difference in his attitude. And for the first time in days, Kurt knew he’d finally found something that would help him connect with his son.

  ABBY ADJUSTED the shutter speed on her Nikon, focused on the sun peeping up over the tops of the pine trees to the east and waited. Holding her breath, she watched the sun climb a little higher, then she snapped the frame and got off another shot before the light changed.

  Silence surrounded her, broken only by the gentle sound of the river far below and the occasional cry of a gull. The air, fresh from the water, carried a chill over the rocks.

  She focused on a tree, lifeless and barren, silhouetted against the sunrise, and snapped three more frames. The camera rested easily in her hands, as naturally as if she’d shot her last crime scene the night before.

  She hadn’t used her cameras in over a month. The thought of picking them up, changing lenses, focusing and adjusting F-stops frightened her. She doubted she’d ever be able to return to her career. Even now, putting her eye to the viewfinder brought snatches of scenes—tragic, violent, horrible scenes—to mind.

  As she watched the sky lighten after a sleepless night, Abby had suddenly thought she could do this. Something from outside had seemed to draw her. With the children still asleep, she’d felt free to venture onto the riverbank as long as she kept the house in sight.

  She’d grabbed her camera, leaving her lenses and extra equipment behind. She didn’t want to do anything elaborate this morning—but she just hoped the cool, clean air would help her work through some of the problems that had driven her from Baltimore in the first place.

  So much had happened since then. Even after more than two weeks in Pine Cove she had no idea if they were safe here, and she didn’t know how much longer she’d have to wait.

  Lately she’d done nothing but wait. She waited to hear from Rachel or her parents. Waited to hear from Ted. Waited for Vic to find them. Waited for the nightmarish crime scenes that haunted her to fade. Waited for disaster to strike.

  And she waited to see Kurt again.

  She couldn’t do anything to change the situation, and that was what made it so frustrating. She didn’t like not being in control, and everything about her sojourn in Pine Cove reminded her how little control she had.

  She’d told herself a thousand times that if Vic knew where they were, he’d have made a move by now. But she couldn’t shake the almost overwhelming sense of apprehension.

  Rocks shifted underfoot as she sought a new position, scanning the horizon through the camera. She might not return to a career with the police force, but she could never give up photography completely.

  In the distance, she picked up a figure—actually, two. A man and his dog walking on the shore. Her heart fluttered. She liked the picture they made: the man long, lean and relaxed while the dog frisked at his side.

  She focused and shot, then waited until they got close enough for the camera to pick up what she now recognized as Kurt’s face. She’d been wondering whether she’d ever be able to photograph a human being again, but she captured this picture of him and his dog with ease.

  She saw the moment he spotted her. She caught the slight hesitation in his step before he raised his arm in greeting, and her heart raced.

  Lowering the camera, she returned his wave. Half of her longed to rush back to the safety of the house. The other half felt overjoyed at seeing him here alone. She hesitated, uncertain, and then Pride recognized her and bounded across the shore.

  The dog nudged her enthusiastically, wriggling against her before turning back to Kurt as if to say, “Look who I found!” Kurt arrived, breathless, a minute or two later.

  “Hi.” He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. Even in the morning chill he’d worked up a slight sweat.

  The air seemed almost magnetic, and Abby had to struggle to keep her face impassive. She replaced the lens cap and let the camera hang from the strap around her neck. “Are you taking the dog for a walk? Or is he walking you?”

  Kurt laughed, that warm rumbling sound that started deep in his chest. “Sometimes I wonder. Doesn’t it say somewhere that man is supposed to be the superior beast?”

  “I’ll bet whoever said that never checked with his dog.”

  He smiled and Abby’s breath caught in her throat. She’d been deeply in love with Steven, but even he had never affected her like this.

  Kurt ran his fingers through his hair and nodded toward her camera. “I noticed your equipment the night you arrived, but I haven’t seen you out here before.”

  “I haven’t taken any pictures since we got here.”

  “Our scenery finally got to you, huh?” He turned to look at the sun over the trees. “Morning is my favorite time of day. I miss it if I don’t get out here first thing. Even if I do have to bring a friend.”

  As though he knew they were talking about him, Pride tugged at Kurt’s pants, wagging his tail furiously.

  Abby laughed, then moved away from him. “It’s quiet here in Pine Cove.”

  “Don’t let it fool you. We get started early in the morning—at least the fishing boats do. The rest of the town is a little more laid back, I guess. It isn’t like— Wherever are you from?”

  “Baltimore,” she said automatically, and then caught herself.

  Why had she said that? She’d gone to such lengths to work out a believable story, but every time she got around Kurt she said the wrong thing. She was supposed to stick as closely to their history as possible so they didn’t get confused. She was supposed to say they were from Phoenix.

  “Baltimore.” His brows knit in confusion. “What brought you clear across the country for the summer?”

  Abby struggled to maintain a calm exterior. She had to keep her guard up better than this. “My husband spent some time in the area years ago. He thought we’d enjoy it.”

  “And do you? Enjoy it?”

  “Very much.”

  “Good.” He looked toward the river, hesitating before he spoke again. “I wondered whether Michael would like to come for a sleep over with Brody. If it’s okay with you, how about Saturday night?”

  She knew she should say no, though every instinct told her Michael was safe with this man. But co
uld she trust her instincts? Since the minute she’d agreed to hide the children from their father, she’d realized how easy it would be for Vic to grab one of them if they got separated from her. Would this be placing Michael in potential jeopardy?

  Fleetingly she wondered about telling Kurt the truth, but she discarded the idea immediately. She barely knew him, and the stakes were too high for that kind of gamble. Besides, she’d trusted a man before—Steven—and look where that had gotten her. No, she was on her own.

  But knowing that didn’t make her choice more clear. She had to protect the children—but she also had to help them heal. She didn’t want to make them prisoners of their fears.

  Hoping she was making a wise decision, she said, “This Saturday would be fine. And maybe next Saturday, Brody could sleep over with us.”

  “It’s a deal. I’ll call you about it later in the week.” He smiled again, the dimples tucking into his cheeks.

  Too soon, he turned to go, and with regret she watched him walk away. He strode across the sand and rocks, the breeze lifting his hair into the sunlight. A pleasant warmth curled through her. Every time she saw Kurt, her feelings grew. All her stern admonitions to herself to keep things in check did no good. All her resolutions to be careful around him were useless.

  Kurt Morgan made her head light. But she didn’t dare get involved with him. If she couldn’t avoid him, at least she could discourage the interest she saw in his eyes; it shouldn’t be too difficult if she played the part of a married woman the way she was supposed to. She’d just have to ignore the disappointment that filled her at the thought of discouraging Kurt’s attention.

  ABBY FOLDED her sweater under her on the bleachers and savored the rare sun on her shoulders. She pulled the baseball cap lower on her head to shield her eyes and squinted at the sea of children on the field. So far she hadn’t seen Kurt, but since this was the Jets’ first game, she knew he’d be here.

  Beside her, Erin propped her feet on the row of bleachers in front of them and stared straight ahead.