While Piper was enjoying hot cinnamon rolls and a good cup of coffee, Joel was trying to make heads or tails out of the notebook Charles had given them. Flipping the last page closed, he stood up in frustration, pushing the book away from him. His movements brought his dog, Scout, to his feet, anticipating a command from his master. But Joel just reached down and scratched the dog"s ears.
"How about a run, Scout? I need a break from this. Maybe if I"m out in the fresh air, I"ll get a clue what I"m supposed to be looking at."
Scout barked in response and ran over to retrieve the leash kept by the dog door. Not that he needed to have a leash, but the county"s rules regarding dogs on the beach demanded that Joel at least have the leash in his hand. Grabbing a bottle of water, Joel led the w
