Chapter 16

Cody became aware he was smiling and began to ponder the reason. Of course, it was Baz. But why? He had been with the man little more than a week. He still knew very little about him, nothing except that, despite his often-gruff manner and immense size, there was a gentleness about him. His attention to his own hygiene and the orderliness of his dwelling demonstrated a man with standards, even in a place as remote as this. And then there was the story of his downfall, his self-imposed exile from society. How could Cody ever forget that—a tale of such love and devotion?

Yes. The more he got to know this man, the more he found to like.

“Nearly finished?” asked Baz, turning to face Cody.

Cody was momentarily speechless. He’d been miles away, deep in reflection. It took several seconds to realise he’d been asked something. Was he finished washing? He was just about to answer when Baz looked skywards.

“What is it?” asked Cody instead.