Out of the Depths (8 page)

“I don’t mind working on the weekend.”

“Well, I do. I’ll be in church Sunday morning and evening. If you can’t wait till Monday, perhaps we’d better just forget the whole thing.”

“No, no! Don’t…don’t do that. Monday’s fine.”

His nervous, stammering protest was enough to prove to Trudy Lynn that something fishy was going on. She hung up and headed for Cody’s cabin without hesitation.

As usual, she found him and his dog lounging on the porch. “Don’t you ever go inside?” she asked pleasantly.

“Not if I can help it. At least not in nice weather like this.”

“Well, since this is Arkansas, you might as well enjoy it while you can. Folks say our weather changes every twenty minutes.” She joined him by sitting on the top step, as before. “Personally, I think that’s an exaggeration. It usually takes at least thirty.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He started to lower his propped-up leg.

“Sit still and be comfortable,” Trudy Lynn said. “I can’t stay. I just need a second opinion. Since you’re the only one aware of the mess my finances are in right now, I thought you could give me the best advice.”

“I’ll try. What’s up? Did you talk to your cousin?”

“Not yet. I did just get a call from a real estate agent, though. He says he’s had an offer on this place.”

“You told me you’d never sell.”

“I still feel that way. But if I’m going to owe back taxes or be fined for filing erroneous tax returns or something like that, I don’t know if I can afford to stay.”

“I wouldn’t make any rash decisions,” Cody said. “I’d hate to see you give up when none of this mess was your fault. That’s not like you. Where’s that faith you keep talking about?”

“Sometimes it’s hard to see God’s plan. I have a tendency to try to second-guess Him.”

“Must mean you’re human.”

“I guess so.” She laced her fingers together around one knee and leaned back. “So, what do you think? Should I even bother talking to the real estate agent? He wants to see me Monday.”

“Do you want to sell?”

“No. Of course not.”

“Then turn down the offer, no matter how good it is. If you’re meant to sell, there’ll be another one.”

“Trust God to work it out, you mean?” Trudy Lynn tilted her head back to grin up at him.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Yes, you did. But don’t worry. I won’t tell anybody. It’ll be our secret, just you, me and Sailor.” The Newf thumped his tail at the mention of his name.

“That’s big of you.”

The comical, cynical face Cody was making spurred her to chuckle quietly. “My pleasure. And speaking of things that are nice, how about letting me drive you to church tomorrow? I’m sure your sister would love to see you.”

Cody huffed. “Yeah. Especially in her husband’s church.” He shrugged. “Oh well, why not? I want to talk to Logan, anyway.”

“Not about the discrepancies in the books. Not yet,” Trudy warned. “I don’t want you to say anything to anybody till I’ve had a chance to hear Jim’s side of it.”

“I think you’re wrong to wait. The sooner you get to the bottom of things, the less opportunity your cousin will have to erase the files and destroy the evidence.”

“I’ve been thinking about that,” she said. “Why would Jim want proof of his theft? It’s nonsense to think he’s that stupid.”

“Not stupid,” Cody replied, “overconfident and egotistical. He’s sure he’s smarter than anybody else and he wants a record of his accomplishments.”

“Maybe he’s keeping track because he means to return what he’s taken.”

Cody stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter. “That’s the most naive thing I’ve ever heard.”

“Oh, yeah? Well, he deserves the benefit of the doubt, and I intend to give it to him.”

“Because he’s
kin
, as you all say around here?”

“Not entirely. I like to think I’d be that fair with anybody.”

“What about the Randall kid? Were you positive he was a thief when you fired him?”

“Of course. Jim even saw…” Trudy realized what she was saying and broke off before Cody had a chance to interrupt. “Uh-oh. Jim again. You don’t suppose…?”

“I don’t know. But I do think I’d look into it if I were you. Just because a kid’s family has problems, that doesn’t mean he or she has to end up the same.”

She scowled, studying Cody. His expression was innocent enough. However, if he’d been gossiping with Will there was no telling what tales he’d already heard about
her
parents.

Straightening and getting to her feet, she faced him. “Speaking of families, I want you to know my father was a fine man. He did the best he could for me and my mother. She was just fragile, that’s all. It wasn’t Daddy’s fault.”

“I’m sure it wasn’t,” Cody said.

If he’d shown any sign of puzzlement she would have stopped explaining. Since he appeared to know what she was referring to, she continued. “After Mama died, Daddy was never the same. I was barely in my
teens but I did all I could to help him. I took over cooking, cleaning, paying the bills, everything. It was like he didn’t care anymore. I know he couldn’t stop blaming himself, wondering what more he could have done. In the end, I think it killed him, too.”

“So, you’ve had to be strong for everybody else.”

“Yes. I’m proud to say I’m nothing like my parents. I never give up.”

Nodding, he spoke quietly and with compassion. “I understand. No wonder you kept insisting my client’s drowning wasn’t my fault. You knew what harboring guilt like that can do to a person.”

“Yes. Firsthand.”

Trudy Lynn was watching him closely, waiting for an argument, when she saw the clear blue of his eyes grow misty. She wasn’t sure whether he was letting go of his misplaced blame or merely appreciating her opinion when he said, “Thank you,” but she took it as a very good sign.

S
unday morning dawned bright and clear. Cody had been planning to catch Logan after church and ask him more about good old Cousin Jim. Now that he’d heard Trudy Lynn’s sad tale of her childhood, he had a few questions for his sister, too.

Personal inquiries about his hostess were probably out of line, he realized, yet her revelation had touched him deeply. No wonder she was so determined to be self-reliant. At a time when she should have been enjoying childhood she’d been forced to step into a grown-up’s shoes. Her skill and perseverance spoke well of her, yes, but there were still invisible scars.

Cody smiled as he dressed. Early success in an adult role had made Trudy Lynn the most hardheaded woman he’d ever met. Although he now understood some of the reasons for her stubbornness, she still drove him crazy. For instance when she’d charged the prowler with only a canoe paddle for defense!

He raked his fingers through his hair, venting his frustration. Much more excitement like that and he’d be
turning gray before his time, as Sailor was starting to do around the muzzle.

One glance at the placid canine brought back Cody’s smile. “You’re going to be on your own this morning, boy. I’m going out. Think you can be good while I’m gone?”

The dog’s head drooped. He laid his ears back and settled a pitiful gaze on his master.

“That’s right. I’m leaving. And you’re staying here. I want you to behave. I’ll leave you plenty of food and water. Just don’t break down any more doors, okay? Will wasn’t real happy about fixing this one the last time.”

His dog’s expression made Cody shake his head and chuckle. “Now I know where the saying, hangdog-look, came from. That’s the most miserable face you’ve ever made.” He paused to ruffle the silky fur on the dog’s ears. “Cheer up, fella. I’ll bring you a treat. I promise.”

He was still petting the dog when he heard a knock. Gathering up his crutches he called, “Come in. I’m ready.”

Trudy Lynn eased the door open. The smile on her face grew to a grin when she saw him. “Morning.”

“Good morning. I was just telling Sailor we’d bring him a treat. Will that be okay? I don’t want to put you out, but I wouldn’t want him to think I’d fib, either.”

She giggled. “That’s fine. We’ll find something. Some of the stores are open on Sunday. And a few restaurants serve brunch after church, then close about two o’clock.”

“They close early?” Cody joined her on the porch and secured the door. “Why?”

“Because it’s Sunday, silly. The Sabbath.”

“Ah, yes. Sunday in the Bible Belt. You weren’t kidding about this part of the country being different, were you?”

“Nope.” She led the way to her pickup and opened the door for him.

Cody scowled. “You don’t have to baby me.”

“Sorry. My mistake.”

He watched her flounce around to the driver’s side, her skirt swinging gracefully against her calves. If the green dress she’d ruined had actually been her favorite, this blue one deserved to be number two. It looked wonderful on her. Then again, everything she wore did.

Trudy Lynn slipped behind the wheel and peered over at him. “Well? Get a move on.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He positioned the crutches against the seat, parallel to his leg, and slammed the door. “Sorry I snapped at you.”

“No problem. Sorry I was too nice. I’ll do my best to be much meaner in the future.”

“Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” She glanced at him as she drove out of the campground. “That’s a nice jacket. You clean up pretty decent for a Californian.”

“I was born in Illinois, remember?”

“I wouldn’t tell that to too many folks till they get to know you better. I’m okay with it but some people think,
once a Yankee, always a Yankee
.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I doubt it.” She laughed. “You tend to do things your way most of the time, no matter what.”

Cody stared at her. “
I
tend to? What about you?”

“I can’t help it if my way’s the best way.”

“Not always,” he said firmly.

“Oh, yeah? Name one time when it wasn’t.”

His voice rumbled with emotion as he answered, “The time you charged an armed man and risked your life for a stupid canoe.”

Remembering, she shivered in spite of herself.

The parking lot surrounding Serenity Chapel was already crowded when they arrived. Trudy Lynn considered stopping near the front doors so Cody wouldn’t have to walk so far, then decided against it. She wasn’t being mean, as she’d jokingly threatened, she was merely making him exercise. His mention of their misadventure while guarding the canoes had reminded her of how well he’d managed to get around when he’d been forced to. She didn’t think for a minute that he was faking his disability and pain. But she did suspect he might be subconsciously punishing himself for the outcome of the original accident. If that were the case, it helped explain his refusal to continue physical therapy.

She found an empty space and parked. To Cody’s credit, he didn’t comment on how far they were from the entrance. By the time she’d gathered up her Bible and her purse, he was out of the truck, waiting.

“You’ve been here before, right?” she asked, leading the way.

“You know I have. This is where we first met.”

“That’s right. You were visiting Becky.”

“Yes. You and Carol Sue sat in the pew behind my poor sister and me, giggling and whispering during the service.”

“We did not!”

“Maybe not the whole time. But you two were sure enjoying yourselves.”

“Why not? Church is a happy place,” Trudy Lynn said.

“For you, maybe. Sometimes, I sit there feeling so much like an outsider I want to make a break for the door long before the sermon is over.”

“Try to avoid making that kind of an exit this morning, will you? Becky and Logan would be embarrassed.”

“Speaking of which, isn’t that Logan standing inside, shaking hands?”

“Sure is. Go grab a pew for us. I’ll join you in a few minutes. I need to pop into my Sunday school class first and explain why I wasn’t there this morning so they won’t worry.”

Before Cody had time to ask if she’d missed the class on his account, Trudy Lynn had dashed off down the hall.

He approached Logan. “Good morning. Where’s Becky?”

“Home,” Logan said. “I think she’s got a touch of the flu. We didn’t give you our germs the other night, did we?”

“Nope. I’m healthy as a horse.” He paused for a wry chuckle. “Of course, if I were a horse, they’d have shot me by now.”

“How is your leg?”

“Sore.” Cody shrugged. “But I didn’t come here to
discuss my troubles. I need to have a private chat with you about my landlady.”

“Trudy Lynn? Why? More vandalism?”

“I wish it were that simple,” Cody said. “What else do you know about her cousin, Jim?”

“Nothing more than what I’ve already told you. That’s public record so I wasn’t violating a trust. Is Jim causing problems?”

“You have no idea.” Cody lowered his voice and spoke aside. “I’m not going into any detail till you and I are alone, but it looks like he’s been stealing from her.”

“Really? Humph, that is a surprise. If I’d been asked to choose the person most likely to try to swindle her, I’d have picked her ex-boyfriend.”

“Whoa. That’s one suspect I hadn’t considered.” Cody was frowning. “I thought he was out of the picture.”

“He’s supposed to be. The thing is, my wife tells me Ned was never one to give up without a fight, even when they were kids. He had too much pride.”

“Will says the guy dumped Trudy, not the other way around. Isn’t that what happened?”

“In a manner of speaking. Once he’d graduated college, Ned let her know he wasn’t coming back to town. When she refused to join him, he apparently insinuated she didn’t measure up to his new standards of sophistication any more than Serenity did.”

“Ouch. That had to hurt.”

“If it did, you sure couldn’t tell. She didn’t even seem to care, which is why I wondered if Ned got his pride hurt and decided to cause trouble for her.”

Logan paused to welcome some late arrivals, then said, “It’s almost eleven. Come on. We can talk a little more on the way to my office.”

By then, Cody was so involved in their conversation he’d have accompanied his brother-in-law if he’d had to crawl.

Logan stopped just inside his office door and checked his watch. “I can give you all of three minutes. What makes you think Jim is stealing?”

“Two sets of books, for starters. He’s been doing all the accounts payable and giving Trudy’s staff lower wages than she thought.”

“He’s pocketing the difference?”

“Looks like it. I didn’t have time to go over all the records. Who knows what else he may have done? She insists she wants to talk to him before we go to the sheriff. If Jim finds out we’re on to him, I’m afraid he’ll panic and erase those files.”

“A good tech can almost always get them back for you if you need them,” Logan said. “That’s a mistake lots of criminals make. They think data that doesn’t show up in their computer’s active memory is gone. Trust me. It isn’t. It may be hard to access but it’s still there.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“So, tell me,” Logan said with a knowing smile. “When did you start referring to yourself and our Ms. Trudy Brown as
we?
”

Exiting Miss Louella’s Class for Extraordinary Ladies, Trudy Lynn was grinning. They’d teased her about
coming to church with Cody that morning, as she’d expected. She didn’t mind. The women in that class had the biggest, most loving hearts of any group she’d ever belonged to and it was their serious prayers she desired most.

Though she was loathe to admit it, especially to him, Cody had frightened her with his constant talk of danger. She’d never felt personally threatened before. Now, it was all she could do to make herself accompany Widget outside after dark. Having a spirit of fear was supposed to be wrong, so why was she unable to shake it?

Hurrying into the sanctuary, she paused at the rear. There weren’t many tall, blond men in the congregation so she expected to spot Cody easily. Puzzled when she didn’t see him, she started slowly down the center aisle, responding to greetings from fellow worshippers as she went.

She came upon Becky’s aunt Effie and her new husband, Brother Fred, seated in the first row. “Hi. Have you seen Cody? We rode together.”

“And you lost him?” Effie teased. “A big guy like that? My, my.” She sobered. “How’s he doing, anyway? We haven’t heard much lately.”

“Pretty well,” Trudy Lynn said. “We expected to visit with Becky this morning. Have you seen her?”

“She’s sick, I reckon. Nothin’ else ever kept her out of church.”

“That’s too bad. Cody’ll be disappointed. Assuming I ever locate him, that is.”

“When you do, you’d best keep a close eye on him,”
the elderly woman warned. “Turning a handsome, single fella like that loose in here with all these unmarried ladies is like wavin’ a pan of fudge under the nose of a gal who’s been on a starvation diet. Anything might happen.” She squeezed Fred’s hand. “I always hold tight to this good catch of mine.”

It warmed Trudy Lynn’s heart to see the fond look the older couple exchanged. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Her already generous smile widened as she spotted her guest. “There’s Cody. In the back. Safe and sound. If you talk to Becky, tell her I asked about her. I’ll phone her later.”

“Y’all could sit down here by us,” Effie suggested. “There’s plenty of room.”

“I know. But it looks like Cody’s having a little trouble balancing on the sloping aisle. We’ll visit after the service, okay?”

Trudy Lynn didn’t wait for an answer. She quickly joined Cody and motioned to an empty space in the back. “I was just talking to Effie and Brother Fred.”

“Do you want to go sit with them?”

“That’s not necessary. I said we’d talk later.” Entering the pew, she left room for Cody and his crutches. When he was comfortably seated she added, “I guess Becky’s sick this morning.”

“That’s what Logan said.”

“You had a chance to talk with him? You didn’t mention those problems we found, did you?”

“I certainly did.”

Trudy Lynn was irritated. “I told you I wanted to
speak to Jim before we said anything to anybody. I should have known you wouldn’t listen to me.”

“I listened. Calm down and think for a second. Logan was already aware of some of Jim’s problems and he also has a professional background. There was no reason to keep our suspicions from him. We need his advice.”

Trudy Lynn pulled a face. She had no plausible grounds to disagree. “Okay. I suppose you’re right.
This
time. So, tell me. What did Logan have to say?”

“Not to worry about the files being erased, among other things.”

“What other things?” Scowling, she tried to be patient. Expecting a man to make sense was problematical. Getting this one to reveal anything was like waiting for Widget to spit out a grasshopper—whatever parts did finally show up, it probably wasn’t going to be the whole insect.