Page 62 of Sanctuary at MacLeod's Cove
‘Where’s Sam gone?’ asked Liam, sitting up, looking anxiously at his mother and grandmother.
‘He’s making sure that everything’s locked up for the night. That… everything is as it should be.’ She didn’t want to mention Alistair. She wanted Liam to forget, even if she couldn’t.
While Kate stayed with Liam, Jen went around the house, peering out of windows, checking every angle, but all she saw was Sam, a hefty piece of wood in his hand, prowling through the garden, before heading out to the beach. There was a bright sickle moon in the sky, so he should be able to see if there was anyone about.
She met him at the front door. ‘Any sign of him?’
‘No, nothing.’
The relief undid her, and she sat at the foot of the stairs and burst into tears. Sam sat beside her and pulled her into his arms.
‘It’s OK, Jen. You’re not alone anymore. I’ll find him if he’s out there. And let’s face it, maybe he was never there. Liam is an imaginative boy, maybe he saw a shadow? Remember how he reacted to my appearing in his room? Maybe someone wandered in from the beach thinking it was a public footpath — it wouldn’t be the first time — and it set Liam off.’
Jen lifted her head and swiped away the tears. ‘I’m sorry, it’s the shock.’ She jumped up.
‘You don’t have to apologise,’ Sam said. ‘I mean, I don’t know what went on between you and your ex — that’s between you two — but I get it was rough. It’s bound to be a shock if you think he’s turned up. But he may not have done.’
She nodded. What Sam said made sense. Liam had a vivid imagination. Maybe he had made it up — saw something, or someone, which made him think of his father. Yes, she thought, rising and pacing the hall. That was logical. She took a deep breath. ‘You’re right. Of course you’re right. Thanks, Sam.’
He rose and caressed her arms. They were close now, and for a moment she nearly forgot everything because all she wanted was to be folded into his embrace and held by him in a way that had little to do with security.
‘Mum!’ shouted Liam.
Jen jumped away from Sam and went running into the kitchen.
‘Liam,’ she said quietly, determined to keep him calm. She sat beside him and drew him into her arms. He was no longer crying, just looked exhausted. She looked up at Kate. ‘I’ll take him up to bed now, I think. He can sleep with me tonight if he wants.’
‘Good idea,’ said Kate. ‘You two go to bed. I’ll stay up to make sure nothing untoward happens.’
‘No,’ said Sam firmly. ‘You look tired, too.’ He glanced around. ‘This chair looks more comfortable than my bed in the caravan. I’ll stay here, keep an ear out for Liam and make sure none of you get disturbed.’
They all knew what he meant. He was going to stand guard at the house while they slept. And she was glad of it.
Kate went in search of pillows and duvet for Sam, while Jen stroked Liam’s face. His eyelids began to droop until he fell asleep with a sigh.
‘Can I get you anything?’ she asked Sam.
‘A whisky would be good.’
‘Sure.’ She carefully disentangled herself from Liam and went and poured him one.
‘Now,’ he said, ‘you and Liam should go to bed and get some sleep. You’re both done in.’
She glanced at the curtained window. The colours were bright and unfaded down their centre because they were rarely drawn over the window. There’d been no need.
‘Jen, if he’s out there, I will find him and make sure he never hurts you, or Liam, again. I promise you.’ He kissed her on the cheek and pulled away before she’d registered it. ‘Now, go to bed.’
She nodded and stepped away. ‘You’ll be OK here?’
‘Sure. I’ve slept in a lot worse places, believe me.’
She nodded again, unwilling to leave him. But leave him, she had to. Because he was right; she felt exhausted and emotionally drained.
‘Goodnight, then.’
She slid her hands carefully under Liam and carried him out of the kitchen. The last thing she saw as she carried him up the stairs was Sam. He hadn’t moved. His eyes were trained on her.
The next morning, Jen rolled over gently to check on Liam. She couldn’t settle in her own room and so had snuck into Liam’s bed. Role reversal, she thought. But she couldn’t have done anything else. She was terrified Alistair would come in the night and simply take Liam.
