They cleared a few inches of dirt. Nothing. They’d reached hard-packed earth. “I’m second-guessing this,” she said. “That circled word might’ve been a coincidence. The Civil Wars album might not even be the album he wants me to pay attention to.”

Luke pulled out his key ring and jabbed the largest key into the ground, breaking it apart.

Crunch crunch scrape. Crunch crunch scrape.

His mouth set in determination, he didn’t complain and he didn’t let up. At this pace, however, they might be here all evening. Perhaps she should go back to the house and return with a shovel—

Crunch crunch scrape.

Crinkle.

At the new sound, Luke stilled. He leaned back, silently giving her access.

She pressed aside handfuls of soil and caught a glimpse of something white. Her breath snagged. She moved faster, knees aching as she fought to excavate what her dad had buried.

Finally, she slid out a telltale envelope sealed in a Ziploc. On the front, her dad had written For Finley.

Amazement moved through her like a cascade of droplets.

Scrambling to her feet, she brandished the envelope high. “I can’t believe we found it.”

Luke rose. She thought she detected a hint of warmth in those steely eyes.

“Dad,” she called to the sky, “I hope the rest of the clues aren’t this tricky. If you want me to figure this out, I’m going to need for you to give me more obvious direction.” She opened the plastic bag, broke the seal on the envelope, and pulled out the cardstock within.

Do you remember the train depot we visited together, Finley? I never enjoyed trains as much as I did when seeing them through your eyes.

I love you, Dad

Her exultation swooped into dismay.

She handed the note to Luke.

He read it. “Do you remember the train depot?”

“I have a vague memory of him taking me to a depot. Maybe when I was in high school? But I have no idea where the depot’s located.”

A blue sedan waited on the main road near Ed Sutherland’s property. Its driver had parked in the lot of a mini mart across the street and a good distance away. Several other cars occupied the lot. There’d be no reason for Luke or Finley to notice him when they exited Ed’s land.

Killing time, he listened to music. He patiently ate the food he’d brought and drank the soda he’d purchased when he’d arrived.

When Luke’s Chevy truck finally pulled back onto the road, he saw it clearly through the binoculars held to his eyes.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The following Monday afternoon, Ben Coleman entered Furry Tails Animal Rescue Center for the first time.

After checking his ID to verify he was an approved volunteer, the woman at the welcome desk directed him toward a room down the hall.