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a real proprietary interest in this place. I don’t know what I’d do without him.”
    “I hope he doesn’t mind my staying here.”
    “Don’t worry. First thing in the morning, I’ll explain everything to him.”
    “While you’re at it, would you mind explaining it to me, too? I’m still not sure how I wound up here.”
    “Providence,” Trudy Lynn said with a wide, satisfied grin. “I needed more security and God sent you.”
    That brought a wry chuckle from her guest. “If I’m the best God can do, I think you’d better start questioning His wisdom. I have.”
    “What an awful thing to say.”
    “Maybe. But I meant every word.”
    She sobered, eyes wide, and nodded. “I know you did. That’s what makes it a lot worse than it would be if you were joking.”
     
    Cody was so exhausted he didn’t bother to unpack. He sent Sailor outside, briefly, then lay across the bed, fully clothed except for his shoes. The Newf made himself comfortable on the floor and quickly fell asleep.
    Sailor snored, as usual, while Cody stared at the rustic pine ceiling and wondered why his dog had so much more peace than he did.
    Because he doesn’t think of the future , Cody decided. No worries meant no stress. Too bad he couldn’t share the dog’s easy ability to drop off to sleep anywhere, anytime.
    Relating the details of the fatal accident to Trudy Lynn had brought the tragedy vividly to mind for the second time that night. Not that the young man’s death was ever far from his thoughts. That moment would never leave him, never let him rest the way he once had.
    Why kept nagging at him, refusing to be rationalized away. Too bad it wasn’t a question that could be solved like a riddle that had an actual solution. There was no answer to his conundrum—at least not one that includedthe benevolent, loving God he’d sought and believed in as a lonely, motherless child.
    In that respect, his sister, Becky, had more faith than he’d ever possessed. He wasn’t about to pretend he still had a strong belief in the Lord, even if that meant he didn’t fit her idea of the perfect brother. As far as Cody was concerned, God had deserted him. Twice. No, make that three times. First when his mother had been killed, second when he’d prayed for the safety of his clients on the raft while fighting for his own life, and third, when Stephanie had walked away from the love she’d once sworn would last forever.
    He looked down at his injured knee. It was throbbing in time with his heartbeats. Must be time for another pain pill, which meant he’d also need a glass of water. Well, so what? Why baby himself? He was going to ache all night anyway, just as he always did. At least the cabin was small enough to hop to the sink without crutches.
    He swung his feet over the side of the bed and spoke to Sailor so the dog wouldn’t be startled, leap up and topple him. “That’s it, old boy. Scoot over. I’ll be right back.” The thick, black tail thumped on the bare floor.
    Cody pulled himself upright by grabbing the headboard and stood quietly for a second to make sure he had his balance. The brace on his knee would keep it from giving out on him but there was always the chance of a sharp pain causing him to falter. He switched on the bedside lamp and started across the room. Seconds later, he heard a throaty growl behind him.
    Grabbing the edge of the sink for support he stared at Sailor. The usually amiable, laid-back dog was fully alert. Had the vandals returned? Now that he’d switched on the cabin light, they’d know someone was close by. Would that be enough to scare them away? Cody hoped so.
    Leaning against the kitchenette counter, he listened. Other than Sailor’s rumbling, silence reigned. Whip-poor-wills had stopped calling to their mates, frogs had ceased their rhythmic chirping, and even the noisy cicadas were still.
    He tensed. The first thing he needed to do was grab his crutches so he’d be more mobile. Second, he had to