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plunge-pull ainst the sides of the canoe

"Folksback in the canoe

Jack nodded

Charlie leaned back in the canoe "Don't be You're one of us, son Looks like I'm not the only one your wife convinced of that"

Jack looked up "Thanks, Charlie I really mean that Without you "

He laughed "WithoutIt was your wife that did all the work, son You're a lucky man to have a woman who loves you so much"

He s of Lissa "Yeah, I am"

They lapsed back into silence as Jack expertlywooden dock The islanders stood back frole of shadows that were curiously silent

Jack and Charlie stepped out of the canoe, their feet splashing in the cold water Alone, Jack brought the canoe onto the shore and pulled it high on the beach The wooden hull scraped loudly on the pebbles and sand

Then, slowly, he turned and faced the silent people

Charlie was the first to speak "You all heard about the Nuanna boys, I know Well, Joe ads Trial's set for a week from today in Port Townsend"

The crowd rustled around, talked quietly a themselves, then, slowly, Jerry Sikes came forward, his hand outstretched "Welcome back, Jack"

Jack stood stunned, unable to do anything except stumble forward and take the reet him, welcome him home

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