Hidden Shadows (The Shadow Series Book 1) Read Online Free Page A

down and a bead of sweat popped up on his brow. Today’s work was a lot of job for one man.
    Maybe he should’ve called a few of the crew to come out, but the truth was, Ben liked doing the work himself. He liked the way his muscles ached after hauling pallets of sod, liked how sweat slid down his back from bending, lifting, bending, lifting. No matter how hot the day or how long the hours, he always felt useful and accomplished after finishing a job.
    And today, no matter how much help he had or didn’t have, there was work to be done—mulch to be spread, seeds to be planted, blooms to be re-planted—and Ben wanted to get it done as soon as possible.
    It was a Sunday after all. A man had things to do. Go home, shower off the day, eat some dinner.
    Maybe he’d catch the tail end of the Titans game if he really set a good pace.
    He unloaded more, dug, tilled, maneuvered, watered, measured the space, outlined where the beds would curve out, snake back in.
    Securing several jewel-toned tulip bulbs in the tilled earth, he realized with a mix of irritation and guilt that he hoped Heidi didn’t want to have one of her heart-to-hearts when he got home. It generally ended up being a lot of heart from her with a little head nodding from him.
    God love her, and he did, but that woman could talk a blue streak. He had heard once that women use over fifteen hundred more words a day than men, and boy did he believe it. Whoever finally stated that fact was a genius . . . with guts.
    Ben stood and leaned on his giant shovel, inhaling the mild mid-morning air, and stepped back to admire his half-completed project.
    His vision had been classic but elegant for the Stonehavens. Mid-size bushes and plants lining the front of the house, flanked by larger ones at each corner. He’d wanted a few colors to pop, but mainly intended the beauty to come by varying shades of green in the shrubs complimenting the dark shutters and rich tone of the brick.
    Today, he’d hauled the smaller items, and tomorrow, he’d return with help and his eight-foot lilacs to complete the look. Their height and beauty were sure to be noticed by neighbors (a Mrs. Stonehaven request), and the variety he'd chosen—Syringa Meyeri—wouldn’t put off too strong a fragrance (also a request due to grandchildren's allergies).
    “Hey, Mr. Ben!” A small voice called out, interrupting his thoughts.
    He glanced over his shoulder to see a little blonde-headed boy running toward him from the yard diagonal to the Stonehaven’s.
    “Mr. Ben, Mr. Ben!” the boy squeaked again.
    Ben grinned in surprise and recognition . Dawson. The feisty, mischievous ball of energy from his Tuesday night karate class. His, since Joseph left it behind.
    The boy halted to a stop when he reached Ben’s knee.
    “Hey, little guy. What are you doing around these parts?”
    “I live there.” Dawson pointed with excitement. “What are you doin’ around these parts, Mr. Ben?”
    Ben laughed, gave the top of Dawson’s head a playful rub. “Just Ben, remember, Dawson? I’m not an old man. And I'm here because of my job.”
    Dawson squinted, confused. “You don’t live here?”
    “Nope. I’m working here. Teaching you karate is just one of my jobs,” Ben explained. “Most of the time, I do this.” Ben waved his arm over the wide work area of plants and tools.
    “Wow! You’re a flower man?”
    “Yes,” Ben chuckled, “I guess I’m a flower man. I make people’s yard and homes look nice with flowers, trees, waterfalls, all kinds of nature.”
    “Well, dis one looks pretty good.”
    “I’m glad you think so. It’s a hard job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”
    “I can do it! I can help!” Dawson squealed. “Momma says I’m the bestest helper. Please let me help, Ben!”
    “Hmm, does your Mom know you’re outside?” Ben glanced back to the yard where Dawson had appeared.
    “She’s outside too, playing with Jacy. I want to help! I want to be a flower man too.”
    Ben