Free Heart's Haven by Lois Richer

wandering the streets after dark, Jack. I’ve told you how rough—”
    Cassidy rapped on the door and opened it quickly, before they were forced to overhear any more.
    “Sorry to interrupt,” she apologized. “I wanted you and Irina to meet.” She introduced them. “And Jack, of course.” She smiled at the boy, flinching at the rebellious glint in his eye. “Irina’s going to start helping me in the kitchen on Monday morning.”
    “Welcome. I hope you’ll enjoy it here, Irina.” Ty shook her hand but didn’t get to say anything else because Jack interrupted.
    “Are you Red’s mother?”
    “Yes, I am.” Poor Irina cringed as if embarrassed by her daughter’s activities.
    “Well, we don’t want to keep you, Ty,” Cassidy said pointedly. “I just thought you’d like to meet. Irina and I have some stuff to talk about.”
    Cassidy turned and headed for the door but just before she stepped through, Ty grasped Irina’s arm.
    “Wait!”
    A whimper whispered past the woman’s white pinched lips as she drew her arm away and tucked it against her side.
    “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to grab so hard.” Ty looked at Cassidy helplessly.
    “I fell down this morning. My arm hurts.” Irina stared at the floor.
    “I’m always injuring myself,” Cassidy said. “My friends used to say I’m like a walking bandage. What was it you wanted, Ty?”
    “I wanted to ask Mrs. Markovich something.” Ty paused a moment, his forehead pleated. “One of the construction workers mentioned the name Markovich earlier today in reference to basketball. Would that happen to be your husband?”
    Irina’s face tightened. She nodded once.
    “Perhaps he’d be interested in helping coach a children’s team,” Ty said.
    “I do not think he has much time.” Irina moved toward the door. “Excuse me, it is later than I realize. I must go.”
    “I’ll see you Monday,” Cassidy called as the other woman hurried down the stairs and outside, quickly disappearing into the street.
    “She acts like she’s afraid of something.” Jack stood behind her, watching.
    “Maybe she is.” Cassidy turned, smiled at him. “Thanks for pitching in today, buddy. You did a great job and I appreciate it.”
    “Thanks!” Jack glanced at his uncle reproachfully.
    “I’m tired. I think I’ll get my coat and go home.” Cassidy almost made it to the bottom of the stairs before Ty’s voice stopped her.
    “Jack wants to finish a chess game with Mac. Why don’t I drive you?”
    She didn’t need time to consider it.
    “Thanks. I’d appreciate it. I’m so tired my legs barely function. Too much time off before I came here, I guess.”
    “Meet you at the front door?”
    “Thanks.” Cassidy returned downstairs to check everything, clicked off the lights and grabbed her purse and coat. She waited for him on the stoop outside, watching the neighborhood fall into its night patterns.
    “You look a thousand miles away.”
    Ty held out a hand and despite her misgivings, Cassidy took it and let him escort her down the icy stairs, then let go.
    “Never left Chicago.” She walked beside him toward his car, noting the shiny new rims and wheels.
    Ty must have tracked her gaze.
    “Don’t even ask,” he ordered, his mouth tipped in a grim line.
    “Okay.”
    “Isn’t it a beautiful evening?” He rested a hand on her arm as they walked over the partially frozen yard. “When I was a kid, my dad took Gail and me outside after dark every Sunday night so we could watch the stars come out. We never felt the cold. We’d lie on the snow and peer up into the sky until each of us had identified at least two constellations and seen a shooting star. Then we’d go in for hot chocolate, giggling and laughing long after we were tucked up in bed.”
    “Sounds like you had a good childhood.”
    “Yes.” He held the car door, waited for her to get inside. “I think that’s what I’d like most for Jack to remember about his youth. Happy