You Can't Hide by Theresa Sneed (uplifting novels TXT) 📕

slink in to disturb their peace was very comforting to her. In fact, without that assurance, she never would have considered coming to the sanctuary—ever.

When she awoke, she was lying on a couch. Wendy sat nearby, reading a book. “Oh, good, you’re awake.” She closed her book. Wendy looked different—almost radiant. “Ah, I feel so much better when I get back here.” Wendy gestured around the room.

Nancy sat up. She was in a room with one wall opened to a pristine lake. She drew in a breath. “Is that real?”

Wendy laughed. “Everyone says the same thing the first time they see it.”

“It’s so beautiful.”

Wendy nodded. At night, if the mosquitos get too bad, you can close it, like this.” She picked up a remote and pressed the button, and two walls came together, creating a regular looking room.

“Oh my, gosh, I love this.”

“Yes, I knew you would.” She sat down on the couch beside Nancy and handed her the remote. “You are free to go anywhere at the resort, just please don’t leave the grounds without telling us.”

“So you can drug me again?”

Wendy blinked. “Um, yeah.”

Nancy waved it off. “It’s okay. I totally understand why.”

Wendy’s face saddened. “We had to move locations a number of times because someone told someone who told someone—you know what I mean.”

Nancy nodded. She pushed the button on the remote and opened the wall. “I wouldn’t want to relocate from here, either.”

Wendy grinned. She handed her a map. “You’re golf cart is outside. Take a look around the place.” On her way out, she turned around. “The kitchen is fully stocked and always open, but so is your cabin’s refrigerator, too.”

She pointed to the map. “We eat dinner at the lodge, at 7:00, but it all depends on you if you want to join us or not. Some women never do.”

Understandable, thought Nancy. Ever since the cave, she hadn’t felt inclined to eat with strangers. “This place must be worth a fortune.” A bewildered look clouded her face. “I was expecting a small room in an institution of sorts.”

Wendy laughed. “Let’s just say that we have a very wealthy benefactor.”

“Really? Who?” But even before she said it, she knew the answer. “They probably want to remain anonymous, too.”

“Yes.” Wendy pursed her lips and nodded. “No one has met him or her. All we know is that whomever it is, owns the whole estate, grounds, and all, and has generously made it available for our needs.” She moved toward the door. “We’re a small group here—you make twenty.” She leaned against the door. “Each of us has our own cabin. When you do venture out, you’ll see.” She closed the door behind her.

Nancy walked the small cabin. Besides the sitting area, there was a bedroom, a tiny kitchen, and a bath. Plenty of room for someone who had lived in a cave for five years. But it was the lake that drew her attention. She stepped out onto the deck overlooking the lake. Hundreds of trees lined its edge, thinning out in front of a long row of cabins.

Looking up and down the shore, she counted twenty-five cabins just like hers, some with women sitting out on their decks. It surprised her that each cabin was painted a vibrant color—her own cabin was a deep blue. It seemed that if you were trying to hide from the world, you would be less brash.

A few women looked her way, as if anticipating a new arrival. One woman in particular, with long dark hair, would not look away. Nancy felt uncomfortable, as if the woman wasn’t happy to see her there. She gave her a slight wave, but the woman set her book down and went inside her own cabin, painted a bright yellow.

Such a sunny color for such a sour person, she thought. Stepping to the wooden railing facing the lake, she leaned into it, and breathed in deep. It was the perfect place for her to heal, and she was determined to get right to work.

First, however, she had a strong impression that she’d need to fit in to her new community—something she dreaded enormously. In her former life, before her abduction, she would’ve introduced herself to everyone. But ever since the rescue and going into hiding, she had become very reserved, and hardly knew anyone in Ireland, except for Mimi and Jacques.

“It’s one of the things you need to repair, Nancy,” she said to herself. “You’re safe here. Go.”

She felt her legs taking her out the front door. She stared at the long dirt road, estimating which cottage it was where she had seen the strange woman. Nancy, maybe she’s one of the women who never comes out of her cabin to join the others. She stopped walking and thought on it. “Nonsense. I’m no threat to her.” Inwardly, the struggle continued. Stop, Nancy. You’re not that young, friendly girl anymore.”

“And, why not?” she breathed out angrily. “Because I let him take her away from me?” She was talking about herself, but the duel meaning of Sally sank in. Her shoulders sagged, and she stopped walking. The woman’s bright yellow cottage was in sight.

The door of a green cottage directly in front of her opened and a young woman came out. She smiled when she saw Nancy and timidly approached her. “Hi.”

“Hello,” Nancy said. She stretched her hand out. “I’m Nancy.”

The young woman stared at her hand and giggled. “Oh, we don’t shake hands here.” She threw her arms around Nancy and hugged her. “Welcome.” She pulled away. “My name’s Millicent, but my friends call me, Millie.” Her face dropped when she saw Nancy’s surprised look. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, stepping back. “They keep reminding me to go easy on newbies.” A small grin played at her lips. “It’s just that I’m so happy to see you.”

Nancy tilted her head. “Um, thanks, Millie.” From the corner of her eye, she saw movement at the yellow cabin—a curtain swished back into place. She stared at