If they sat there, she wouldn’t be able to see them. “What about the back step? It’s nice and cool there.”
“The veranda is good, too,” Charlie insisted. “And we can watch the other people walking past. They might see the sandwiches and want to come here for lunch tomorrow.”
“Nice try, but it’s the back step or at the table where you’ve been working.”
Andy picked up his sandwich. “Come on, Charlie. The back step isn’t too bad. It’s better than sitting inside.”
Charlie looked wistfully in the opposite direction before following his big brother.
“I’ll bring you some lemonade,” Andrea told Charlie. She knew how hard it was for the boys. Especially when she didn’t have time to do anything other than prepare the food for Katie’s wedding.
David left the marinade recipe on the counter. “I’ll get them a drink.”
“Thanks. The lemonade’s in the refrigerator.” Andrea’s cell phone rang. She checked the caller display and looked at David and Vanessa. “I’ll be back soon.”
As she hurried toward the front door, she answered the call. “Hi, Sabrina. Have you heard from Scotty’s lawyer?”
“I have. He didn’t know about the letter Scotty sent you. He’s trying to contact him, but he hasn’t responded to any phone calls or emails.”
“What does that mean for the boys and me?”
“Be extra vigilant. A judge has issued a temporary order of protection, but your ex-husband needs to be served it before it takes effect. Unfortunately, because no one can find him, he can still see you and the boys.”
“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Isn’t there something a judge can do to protect us?”
“The court has sent a copy of the order of protection to the police department in Polson. If you see Scotty, let them know. They’ll do everything they can to serve him with the temporary order. I’m sorry they’re so far away.”
“It’s okay. You’ve done your best.”
“A court hearing will decide whether the judge will issue a final order of protection. When that happens, we’ll be able to do a lot more. Until then, be careful.”
That was easier said than done. Sapphire Bay was a small town on the edge of a large lake. Scotty could be hiding anywhere.
“I hate to suggest this,” Sabrina continued. “But have you considered moving to another town until the order has been served? Scotty knows you’re working in Sapphire Bay. It will only be a matter of time before he finds you.”
Andrea looked down Anchor Lane. For all she knew, her ex-husband might be standing in the shadow of a building. “I’ve thought of leaving, but I’m not going anywhere. Even if I hadn’t opened a new business, I’m not running away from Scotty again.”
“Well, give it some more thought. You’re better to move and be safe, than stay and risk being hurt.”
“I’ll let you know if I change my mind.”
Sabrina sighed. “Do that. I’ll call you if I hear anything from Scotty’s lawyer. Be safe.”
“I’ll try to.” After Andrea ended the call, she stayed where she was, watching life continue on around her. She was mentally and emotionally exhausted. By staying married to Scotty, she’d robbed her sons of a childhood and taken away her peace of mind. And now the courts needed to find her ex-husband before he hurt them again.
“Is everything all right?”
She looked at David and shook her head. “The courts can’t do anything about Scotty until someone serves him with a temporary order of protection. But, to do that, the police need to know where he is. Even his lawyer can’t contact him.”
“What can you do in the meantime?”
“Pray that he doesn’t come here.”
David sat on the top stair and she joined him. “Prayer can do a lot of good but, in your case, I’m not sure it’s enough. Three days ago, I called a friend who lives in Bozeman. He works for a company that specializes in high-risk security contracts. Fletcher Security know how to find missing people.”
Andrea frowned. “Did you ask your friend to find Scotty?”
“I did.”
