Page 48 of Sanctuary at MacLeod's Cove
‘Yep.’
She glanced at her mother, who stood looking out the window, drying a mixing bowl with a cloth.
‘What’s so fascinating in the garden?’
‘Looks like Sam’s got himself some extra help,’ said Kate.
‘We can’t afford—’ Jen stopped abruptly as she followed her mother’s gaze.
Liam, his face red with exertion, was pushing a toy wheelbarrow, which had once belonged to her brothers, around the corner of the house before coming to a halt behind Sam. They exchanged a few words, and Liam began unloading the two bricks from the wheelbarrow onto the pile that was already there.
Liam then clapped together his gloved hands, dust billowing out from them, before doing a ten-point turn with the wheelbarrow and disappearing around the front of the house again.
‘Well,’ said Jen, ‘I didn’t expect to see that.’
‘They’ve been working together for the last half hour. I don’t know how long Liam will keep it up. Sam doesn’t seem to make many concessions,’ Kate laughed. ‘Even had him helping to carry the old downpipe, taking it outside onto the skip.’
‘But it’s rusty, he might get hurt.’
‘He’s fine. I found an old jersey to cover his arms, and there was an old pair of gardening gloves in the shed which almost fitted him. They’ve been very careful. I’ve been watching.’
‘Checking up on them?’
‘No. It’s just lovely to see Liam open up to Sam so readily when only days ago he was scared of him. I don’t know whether it’s something we said or did.’
‘Maybe. And maybe it was as you said, Liam was taken by surprise and couldn’t see Sam properly. But mostly I think it’s Sam.’
‘Yes, he’s certainly very good with him. He’s given him space and treated him like an adult. And Liam’s response speaks for itself.’
‘Maybe a counsellor isn’t needed,’ she ventured.
‘Maybe.’
She met her mother’s doubtful look and knew she was stopping herself from speaking her mind. She could read her thoughts as if the written words hovered over her head. ‘But I’ll still go ahead with the booking,’ said Jen at last. ‘It can’t hurt.’
‘Good idea. Now,’ said Kate, ‘I think our helpers deserve some refreshments.’
While Kate took the scones out of the oven, Jen made some hot drinks and went outside onto the verandah. Sam immediately glanced across at her and nodded.
She raised her hand in a wave, suddenly feeling self-conscious. She turned away to unload the tray.
‘Hey guys,’ she called, ‘there’s some morning tea here for you.’
Copying Sam, Liam took off his work gloves and tossed them into the wheelbarrow.
‘Enjoy your morning tea,’ said Kate. ‘I’m off to have coffee with a friend.’
‘Oh!’ said Jen, jumping up, panicked at the thought of being alone with Sam. ‘I thought you were around this morning.’
‘No, Jenny, I said I’d see Marie. She’s not been well lately. And from there I’ll go straight to the school library. And,’ she said, addressing Liam, ‘I’m looking forward to you and your mum coming to visit the school. I’ll have some books to show you I think you’ll like.’
‘Cool,’ said Liam, watching Sam slather butter on his scone before doing the same. Jen and Kate exchanged relieved glances. Sam’s influence seemed to have diverted Liam from his worries.
Suddenly, Jen’s phone pinged, and she jumped. She took a deep breath and checked her phone.
‘Who is it?’ asked Kate, with a frown. She knew what Jen feared.
‘Just Lucy. One of her staff has had to go home sick, and she’s short-staffed. She asked if I could go in.’
