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Chapter 15

All good signs, he thought as he rose to his feet. Chip had woken earlier and was kneeling next to a puddle of water near the middle of the riverbed, naked, and pouring water over his body. His clothes and Dakota’s shirt lay drying on a bank nearby. Howie waded into the stream near him, and seemed to enjoy wetting his paws and taking a few drinks.

Watching them, Dakota suddenly felt the dirt and grime from the long journey from Dallas all over his skin. It had been weeks since he had a decent washing. He couldn’t remember the last time he showered or bathed.

He pulled off his boots, socks, and jeans and walked to the spot on the bank next to Chip.

“Good morning, sunshine,” Chip said, smiling and running his eyes over Dakota’s naked form. “I washed my clothes in the puddle over there and took a bath. I thought it best to use a different one from the one we’re drinking out of.”