CHAPTER SIXTEEN
After being in Hawaii for six months, Steve and Sandy flew to the States to take care of some business. While there they contacted Ellie, who was well settled into her new home just south of San Francisco. They visited there with her for a week and Steve and his daughter immediately felt the warmth of their old relationship with the older woman return. They spent long hours on the beach, and Sandy discovered the stables that were quite near and began riding. She and her father spent many hours riding the lonely beaches in the early morning or evening hours. Ellie was happy it seemed, but during their quiet moments Steve noted that she seemed preoccupied with something. He asked her just once if there was anything that she might need, and offered her his assistance, regardl
