The older woman’s weathered face broke into a smile. “That’s Vanz. He seems like a good kid. Showed up a week ago asking if anyone needed help. I gave him cleanup duty because he was hanging around looking hungry, and I needed a rest.”
“Is he local?” Ivy watched Vanz working diligently, making sure every piece of pumpkin made it into the bin.
“I don’t think so. He doesn’t say much about himself.” Cookie’s expression softened. “But he’s a hard worker and does what needs doing without complaint. Some of the vendors have been giving him extra fruit and vegetables. He always thanks them and offers to help load their vehicles.”
That didn’t sound like someone who would vandalize property. Ivy’s chest tightened.
“Do you know where he’s staying?” Shelly asked.
“No idea. I asked once, but he changed the subject.” Cookie glanced toward Vanz, who’d moved on to sweeping the area around the flower stand. “I needed help with cleanup and mentioned that to one of the vendors. Vanz overheard, so he asked what I needed done.”
“That was good of you to hire him,” Ivy said.
“I give him a little cash for his work, but it’s only temporary.” Cookie’s expression turned thoughtful. “He looks like he has a lot on his young mind. Reminds me a little of Mitch when he first arrived in Summer Beach. Sort of looks like him, too.”
Shelly turned toward the teenager. After studying him for a moment, she frowned.
Ivy watched Vanz finish cleaning up the pumpkin and move to straighten a display of squash that had been knocked askew. Not the actions of someone destroying property for the thrill of it.
But she couldn’t shake the image of him walking past the library lot that night. He matched the description of what Jen and George’s security camera had caught.
Shelly shifted her bag to her other shoulder. “Let’s talk to him.”
As they approached the boy, he looked up with wary eyes in a lean face. He was younger than Ivy had thought. Maybe sixteen, if that.
“I saw you working,” Ivy said. “Cookie says you’ve been a big help.”
“Just cleaning up.” His voice was soft, barely audible over the market noise.
“That’s important work.” Ivy paused, choosing her words carefully. “I run the Seabreeze Inn. If you’re interested in more work, sometimes we need help.”
Hope flickered in his eyes. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here.”
Ivy hesitated. “Are you staying somewhere nearby?”
“I’m fine.” The words spilled out, and the boy’s hands tightened on the broom handle. “Why do you care?”
“Because people around here look out for each other,” Ivy said. “Do you have any family here?”
“Kind of. I mean, I don’t know. Not really.” His shoulders sagged a little. “I camp out on the beach.”
Shelly inclined her head, staring at the young teen and narrowing her eyes, but she said nothing.
Ivy’s heart ached at his response. “That must be cold at night.”
He shrugged off her comment. “I have a sleeping bag.”
“Well, my offer stands,” Ivy said. “Come by the inn if you want work. Or if you need anything.”
Vanz gave her a quick nod and returned to work.
As Ivy and Shelly walked away, Shelly asked, “What do you think?”
“I’m not sure he’s the one who vandalized Java Beach. The timing fits, but he seems like a scared kid who needs help. He should be in school.”
Shelly chewed her lip. “I hate to say this, but that kid looks a lot like my husband.”
Ivy glanced back at the teen. Sure enough, his profile was similar. “What are you thinking?”
