Family in Hiding by Valerie Hansen

Author:Valerie Hansen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-03-03T16:00:00+00:00

TWELVE

The Smithfield house was more than impressive, as was everything inside it. From the first step through the front door into the entry with its high ceiling and crystal chandelier, Grace was awed. By the time Miranda had showed her the main floor she was practically speechless.

They made themselves comfortable in the modern metal chairs around a glass-topped table near the pool and watched their daughters splashing and squealing happily.

“So, Beth tells me you haven’t lived here long. Where did you come from?” Miranda asked.

“Um, Arizona.” This was the worst part of being in witness protection. You had to lie or die, as one of the marshals had phrased it. Under the circumstances, Grace figured since God had delivered her into their hands for safekeeping, He wouldn’t mind if she followed their rules for survival.

“I’ve always preferred Texas,” Miranda offered with a smile, thereby relieving the pressure on Grace to explain her own pseudo life. “My dad’s in politics and my uncle is a judge. How about your family?”

“It’s just...John...and me and our three children, two boys and a girl,” Grace replied, chagrined to have almost mentioned the wrong first name. That kind of mistake was unacceptable. Above all, she must never relax her guard, never forget who she was supposed to be. And why. Especially why.

“That’s too bad. My dad doesn’t have a lot of time for Jaclyn, of course, but he makes the most of his infrequent visits from Jeff City.”

“Jeff?” Grace squeaked.

“Sorry. That’s the Missouri nickname for the state capital, Jefferson City. It was named after Thomas Jefferson. There’s an impressive statue of him standing at the entrance to the capital building.”

“Oh?” Grace had to play dumb or take the chance of revealing why she had blurted out the question. She knew full well what city Miranda was citing. It had been the shock of hearing where the woman’s relatives were that had caused Grace’s slip of the tongue. The good part about the state capital was that it was located far from St. Louis.

Miranda smiled nostalgically. “I wasn’t born until Dad was already in his forties. I think that helps him appreciate my daughter more, too.”

“Probably so.” Turning to watch the children playing safely in the shallows, Grace didn’t elaborate. The less she said, the better, although it was hard to keep from chatting amiably when her hostess was so gracious.

An older woman wearing a starched white apron over a pale blue uniform-like dress appeared on the patio bearing a tray with tall glasses and liquid refreshments. Actual lemon slices floated among the ice cubes in a cut-glass pitcher and drops of condensation were running down its frosty sides.

“Oh, that looks delicious.” Grace fanned herself with an open hand. “I am thirsty.”

“Then you and I will share this while the girls are swimming. When they get tired we’ll dry them off and all have lunch together.” She addressed the apron-clad woman. “I’ll call you when we’re ready for the salads, Louisa.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Grace wanted to drink heartily because nervousness had left her parched.

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