Read Online Sweet Sanctuary by Kim Vogel Sawyer - Free Book Online

was concerned, and guilt twined through his middle. Though he had never been forced into telling deliberate lies, he had intentionally kept secret his involvement in Jeremiah’s work. Secrecy was necessary—the more people who knew, the more likely Jeremiah’s life would be in danger. The posters hanging in most public buildings—“Loose lips can sink ships”—weren’t displayed as a tool for amusement. Information overheard by the wrong ears spelled trouble. He supposed, in a way, he was also living a deception.
    Lord, I reckon there’s a fine line between the truth and the whole truth. Help me find a way to do Your service without breaking any of Your commandments. Help Lydia find a way to be open and honest in her relationship with Nicky, and keep a watch over both of them as they try to put to rest this threat from Nicky’s dad. Please don’t let anyone ever ask a question that might tempt me to lie. I want to be honest in all of my dealings. But I am pretty worried about my brother. . . .

    Lydia stood aside as Father knocked on the apartment door. No one answered. She waited until he’d knocked again. Then she braved a question. “Are you sure this is the right address?”
    He blew out his breath and shot her an impatient look. “I have been sending monthly payments to this woman for almost four years. I chose this apartment for her myself. Yes, I’m certain it is the correct address.”
    Lydia experienced a twinge of resentment at her father’s brusque tone. “Well, apparently she isn’t home. We may need to come back another time.”
    â€œWe don’t have the luxury of coming back another time. If we’re to convince a lawyer our claims are not manufactured, we need her testimony.” Father raised his fist and pounded on the wood door once more, the solid booms echoing through the hallway.
    â€œFather, perhaps we should—” Lydia began, but an irritated voice interrupted.
    â€œHey, why don’tcha stop that racket? Those of us who work nights need our sleep.”
    A woman, her hair hidden by a knotted kerchief, peered out from a doorway down the hall. Father strode briskly toward her, and at his commanding presence she withdrew slightly, clutching her ratty robe closed at the throat.
    â€œMadam, we are seeking Mrs. Fenwick. Do you know where we might find her?”
    The woman shrugged. “Had ya asked a week ago I’da said right there.” She pointed to the apartment. “’Cause she didn’t go no place much, just waited for ladies who needed her services to come to her. But she took off a couple o’ days ago—had a suitcase in hand. Ain’t seen her since.”
    â€œSuitcase?” Lydia’s heart raced with alarm. “Did she say when she’d be back?”
    Again, the woman gave a shrug, the worn fabric of her robe pulling across her chest with the movement. “I don’t figure she’ll be back. That feller finally run her off for good.”
    Father scowled. “What fellow?”
    The woman lowered her voice to whisper. “Don’t know that I should say—don’t want him comin’ after me. ”
    â€œMadam, I can assure you no one will come after you.” To Lydia’s relief, Father also tempered the volume of his thunderous tone. “Please explain your meaning.”
    After giving a furtive glance up and down the hallway, thewoman spoke, her voice so soft both Lydia and Father leaned forward to hear. “Some feller—big, wild-eyed man missin’ one arm—came round and said he wanted his kid. Mrs. Fenwick kept tellin’ him, ‘I don’t know nothin’, leave me alone,’ but he wouldn’t believe her. He come by here three days in a row”—she held up three fingers to emphasize her words—“and each day he was more wild than the one before, hollerin’ he was