lost your trail at one point. Completely. When you went to the Yukon you almost disappeared off the map. You don’t use a credit card much, do you?”
Alex shook his head. “I prefer cash.”
“Why did you suddenly use one two months ago?”
“Two months ago? I didn’t—” Alex stopped. “Oh, yeah. Dog food.”
“Dog food?”
“My supplier said he’d give me a real good deal if I bought a huge order. I figured I could sell some at a profit back in Dawson so I went for it. I had to use the card. What’s that got to do with it?”
“Do you realize that’s the first credit card purchase you made since moving to the Yukon?”
“So?”
“Interesting that you did it just when Kenni had lost your trail. That purchase led her right to you.”
“Coincidence,” he said, but cursed himself for using the plastic. He should never even have gotten one. He swallowed to try and settle the churning in his gut. He needed a smoke.
Drew shook his head. “I don’t think so. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it was Kenni who was assigned to track you down.”
“What do you mean?”
Before he could answer, George walked into the room and the conversation was diverted. Within minutes they were discussing a case George had just been assigned, and became so engrossed in it that Alex slipped away and walked out onto the deck. He stared out at the sound again, the huge expanse of water turning gold under the setting sun.
There was something good in the way Drew talked about it. Something...what was it? Respect. Awe. Passion. Alex sighed. He’d never felt that way about anything. He’d never allowed himself to. He was trying not to analyze why when he heard a sound behind him. He turned to find Kenni standing in the doorway. He dropped his eyes briefly, then leveled them to meet hers.
Her words tumbled out as though afraid that if she hesitated, she wouldn’t say them. “Alex, I want to apologize. I’ve felt rotten all day.” She took a few steps toward him. “I had no right to say I had you all figured out. It was arrogant. I barely know you. It’s just that—”
“You were right,” Alex interrupted her.
She looked up at him. “Pardon?”
“You nailed me to the wall. Guess that’s what made me so mad.” Alex dropped his eyes. “Or you could chalk it up to lack of nicotine.”
Kenni’s eyes smiled. “Well, maybe if I’d had a bit more tact….”
Alex shrugged. “You might’ve noticed tact isn’t exactly my strong suit either.”
The smile moved from her eyes to her lips and she put out her hand. “Friends?”
Alex shook her hand briefly, then frowned and looked away. “George just accused me of not knowing what that word means.”
Kenni frowned. “George is a little…um…overprotective.”
“Maybe he’s right.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
When he glanced sideways at her he was surprised to see tears brimming at the corners of her eyes. He wondered what she’d do if he kissed her, and maybe he would’ve found out if George hadn’t walked out onto the deck right then. The man sure has great timing. He took a step away from Kenni. George’s eyes flashed from one to the other, then focused on Kenni.
“You okay?”
Kenni nodded as she blinked the tears out of her eyes.
George peered into her face. “You sure?”
“Yes. Yes, I’m fine. I was just apologizing to Alex for something I said earlier.”
“Oh.”
Alex couldn’t help looking smug. George ignored him.
“Your mom wants us all to come in for coffee.”
Kenni chuckled. “Ah, yes, the special Brazilian roast.”Alex tried to focus on the coffee and dessert as his hosts chatted and laughed, but his eyes kept wandering back to Kenni. They were fixed on her when George asked about going to church. Alex almost dropped his fork.
“The service is at 10:00,” Marie said, “so we can all go for lunch afterward before you young people head back to the city.”
“Why don’t you stay for a bit, Kenni?” Drew suggested. “George can take your car in and you can ride back with me. You’ve been working a lot of overtime. I think you deserve a break.”
Kenni grinned at her father. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“Wonderful, dear,” Marie said.
“You’re welcome to stay too Alex, if you like.” Drew drained his coffee cup. “I don’t know if it’s more comfortable than the hotel, but,” he winked at his wife, “I’m sure the food is better.”
“Uh...well I.…” Alex was flustered. He hadn’t expected this.
Marie jumped in. “Oh yes, stay, Alex. We’d like the company. Wouldn’t we, dear?”
Drew nodded. “Wouldn’t mind another man around. We can take the Angel out again or maybe do some fishing. You like to fish?”
He nodded. “Yes, but—”
Marie burst in again. “Oh good. I hate it. Hate to see the poor things pulled from the water. That will get me off the hook.” She chuckled. “No pun intended. Then I can stay home and be ready to cook when you get back.”
“I can guarantee a good catch, Alex,” Drew added.
Alex saw George flash a look at Kenni, then at Drew. “Maybe Alex would rather see more of the city,” he said.
Alex shook his head. “I’ve had enough of the city.”
Drew stood up. “Good. Then it’s settled. We’ll drive back on Tuesday.”
Alex couldn’t help but gloat when George refused Marie’s invitation for him to stay.
“I have a new case to get going on,” he said in a chagrined voice. “Thanks for the invitation, but I should head back tomorrow afternoon.”
“Well, you know you’re always welcome, George,” Marie effused. “Anytime at all.”
George said, “Thanks,” and gave Alex a look that made his fists clench.
Chapter Six
Inspector Sorensen towered over the young policeman and frowned. “You like digging, Rookie?”
“Depends
