Free Out of the Depths by Valerie Hansen Page A

happened.”
    “What?”
    “You know.”
    She certainly did. And a wonderful hug it was, too. Good thing it was dark enough that Cody couldn’t see her face very well because there was an unusual warmth to her cheeks.
    “Oh, that,” she said, trying to sound nonchalant. “Don’t worry. Around here, everybody hugs everybody. It’s practically a given, especially among friends. No one thinks a thing about it.”
    “Really?”
    “Really. You were just making sure I was okay, not making a pass at me, right?”
    “Right.”
    “Well then, no problem.”
    Although Trudy Lynn was being totally honest with him, a hidden part of her heart wanted the circumstances to be otherwise. She’d thought she’d permanently cast aside all romantic notions long ago, yet Cody’s nearness kept urging her to reconsider. Given his physical and emotional scarring, not to mention his hardheadedness, that was not a good idea. Not good at all. Then again, as long as she kept her wandering thoughts to herself and merely befriended him, what harm could it do? Even cynics like Cody needed faithful friends and compassionate comrades.
    Speaking of which…a furry black blur the size of a pony galloped up and started to circle their legs with panting, drooling enthusiasm.
    Will joined them a few seconds later. “Sorry ’bout the dog, Miz Brown. He must’a heard the ruckus and busted out of the cabin. I know I shut him in.”
    Cody sighed. “I don’t doubt it. Sailor’s strong enough to break the links in chains made to tether normal dogs. There isn’t much that stops him when he makes up his mind to go somewhere.”
    Trudy Lynn patted the dog’s broad head. “That’s okay, Will. Mr. Keringhoven needs his crutches. Would you mind fetching them?”
    “Glad to. You folks all right? I heard an awful commotion a few minutes ago.”
    “We’re fine. Did you call the sheriff?”
    “Yes, ma’am. Was that okay?”
    “Perfect.” She smiled at him. “We think we finally have a clue.”
    “Well, well. About time.”
    “That’s for sure.” Trudy Lynn noticed that Sailor had wandered away. She frowned at his master. “Where’s your dog? He wouldn’t have tried to track the vandal, would he?”
    “I doubt it. He’s no bloodhound.” Cody cupped his hands around his mouth and broadcast a firm, “Sailor! Come.”
    Silence followed his call.
    “Where could he be?”
    “Best guess?” Cody sounded disgusted. “Swimming. It takes his coat forever to dry, too. That’s why I keep him inside at night. The last thing I want sleeping in the cabin with me is a soggy dog.”
    “Can’t argue with that. For your sake, I hope he’s just sniffing a tree or something.”
    “Me, too. Sailor! Sailor, get over here.” The words were barely out when Cody followed them with, “Here he comes.”
    Trudy Lynn looked around in time to see the Newf bound over an upside-down canoe and head straight for them. She didn’t realize what he was going to do next until he stopped between her and Cody and started to shake himself. Repeatedly.
    She gave a little screech and turned away in time to keep the flying drops off her face. The rest of her, however, was well showered. So was Cody.
    “I told you,” he said. “I should have known any dog with webbed feet would behave like a duck.”
    “No wonder he loves swimming.”
    “The mud he tracks in is the worst.” Cody’s eyes widened. “Oh, no.”
    “What’s wrong?”
    “The crowbar,” he said, pointing. “Sailor’s been stepping all over it. If there were any good fingerprints, after you handled it, they’re smeared, now.”
     
    The sheriff arrived shortly, visited the scene of the crime with Will and took brief statements from Trudy Lynn and Cody before leaving. They remained seated on the porch of Cody’s cabin, talking and unwinding, until long after the rest of the camp had quieted down.
    “Later in the summer we’ll need bug repellant to sit outside like this,” she warned.