Page 9 (1/2)

Angry now, she whirled on hi side by side, you know next to nothing about me"

"Really?"

"Yes, really," she flared

"On the contrary, I know you very well, Colette Blake" The innuendo was so sharp, it felt like a carefully ai her vulnerable skin--and her pride

"See what Ipulse would allow "You justback I suggest you hire a permanent replacement, Mr De for you again…ever"

Conscious of the need to retain her dignity, Colettein the middle of the sidewalk

CHAPTER 6

"The si about world peace, but it certainly has made my world more peaceful"

Ann Budd, Book Editor, Interweave Press Author of nu Lace Style, coauthored with Pa Socks, Fall 2007, Interweave Press

Lydia Goetz

If today wasn’t the first knitting class for the prayer shawl, I would’ve closed the shop in order to be with Margaret and Julia My niece was in bad shape The hospital had kept her for two days after setting the pin in her arm, which was badly broken Her face ollen and bruised I could barely look at her and not cry It was beyondlike this tothan the physical injuries hat this carjacking had done to her earet angrier At the hospital she paced the waiting roo at the staff, de a nuisance of herself I couldn’t even talk to her I don’t knoould’ve happened if not for Matt My brother-in-law handled the situation so tactfully Again and again, he rearet that Julia was alive The loss of the car was of no consequence as long as their daughter had survived the attack Insurance would replace the vehicle but nothing could ever replace their child

The door opened on this bleak Wednesday afternoon, and Alix walked into the shop I was pleased that she’d decided to sign up for another class, although she didn’t really need one, since she’s turned into an accoinners, I’d offered to teach two patterns, one a simple prayer shawl, and the other, for Alix, a more elaborate, coe, otherwise she’d quickly grow bored She also needed distraction, and I figured this lace pattern would do the trick

I was so grateful to see her I alht by the assault on Julia that my emotions were co to keep ?"

"She came home after a couple of days in the hospital but she refuses to see anyone other than family" With her face swollen and discolored, Julia was afraid of what her friends would say She’d ione into her bedrooht have guessed After es, I’d been terribly self-conscious Little did I realize this was just the beginning of my ordeal I wouldn’t allow my friends to see me, either, and later, when I was lonely and depressed, there were only a feho’d hung on In retrospect, I kneas responsible for sending them away; I hoped Julia didn’t repeat ive her my love and support Her arm would mend and the bruises fade, but I doubted she’d ever be the sao

The car thief had stolen more than their vehicle that day He’d also taken Julia’s innocent trust that the world was decent and safe He’d blindsided reat deal to answer for

"Did the boys in blue find the guy who did it?" Alix asked as she sauntered up to the table in the back room of the shop That here I held my classes She set down her backpack and took out the yarn and needles she’d purchased earlier in the week

"No word yet" Frankly, I didn’t have aret explained that the car was probably on a container ship in the Port of Seattle within a day of the attack Apparently the new car my sister had chosen was one of the most desirable vehicles on the black market The whole family had been so proud of their first brand-new car, and this only added to the burden of Margaret’s guilt

"If I were you, I wouldn’t hold my breath," Alix muttered

I knew Alix distrusted the police I should’ve said so positive to counter her cynicis the car back that was important to my sister It was justice she wanted Justice she deet, and she was fiercely protective of her fahters Julia and eleven-year-old Hailey

The bell chimed a second time and in strolled Susannah and Colette All three woht the necessary needles and yarn and I’d supplied the pattern as part of the class fee Because Colette and Susannah were new knitters,them

"Susannah, Colette, this is my friend Alix," I said "She works at the French Café, so you’ve probably seen her around the neighborhood"

Alix shrugged her shoulder in an unfriendlyclass, when she’d sat across from Jacqueline Donovan I hadn’t seen this side of Alix in a long while and knew soue

"Colette, why don’t you introduce yourself," I said, hoping to begin the class on a more optimistic note