Page 69 (1/2)

“Gotcha” Bodie laughed He popped the last bite of his chili into his mouth, put his plastic spoon back into the empty bowl, then wiped his hands over his jeans

Pleased he’d teased her, Sarah put her hands on her hips “Youyou stop with that sotcha’”

He grinned, glanced toward the dog as lapping at his water “Lukas gave him to me”

The named clicked

“The Lukas you listed as a reference?”

“Yes”

“Your references were your stepfather and your best friend?”

He nodded “Can’t think of any reference that wouldfrom those two men They’re the most honest, trustworthy men I know”

When he worded it that way, Sarah couldn’t really question his choices further But she did have questions

“Why did your best friend give you his dog?” She couldn’t ireat pet

Bodie hesitated a uess he thought Harry would be better off with me” He finished his water “Done?”

Not by a long shot, but it was obvious he didn’t want to discuss anything personal any longer, so she nodded and gathered up her trash He offered to take it with his, but she followed him to the bin

They watched the end of the parade, thenhi to her friends and neighbors, Bodiewhen spoken to

More and lanced at their watches, then stopped what they were doing to head toward the far side of the courthouse yard

“It’s al” Yeah, that had been her voice hitting several octaves higher than normal, but she was excited