Sheila shrugged. "Sure. But what's the big deal?"

Annja took a sip of coffee. "You don't think it's unusual for some giant apelike creature to be roaming around the forest?"

Sheila smiled. "We just accept it, I guess. One of those things. You know, like maybe how your neighbor likes to play loud music or something. We happen to live in a town near big foot."

"That's awfully nonchalant of you," Jenny said. "Would you mind telling me about your experience?"

Sheila shrugged. "Not much to tell. Tom and me were hiking one day and I got sidetracked by some blueberry bushes-they grow thick in parts of the woods out there-and I squatted down to pick them, thinking about how they'd make for some good pancakes. I popped a few in my mouth and happened to look up. That's when I saw it."

"Where? Was it far away from you?"

Sheila laughed. "Oh, my Lord, no. It was about as close as we are right now. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who liked blueberries. It had a mouthful of them with little bits all around its hairy chin. It looked as surprised as I was. Neither of us did anything, but then it sort of just walked off."

"You didn't scream?"

Sheila shook her head. "You know, I think I was just more shocked than anything else. We'd heard about the sightings, of course. Everyone around here does. Just part of life. Anyway, it didn't give me any cause to be afraid. Aside from the fact that it must have been more than seven feet tall."

"You're sure about that?" Jenny asked.

Sheila nodded. "It was huge. Anyway, I found my way back to Tom and told him what happened. And Tom, being Tom, well, he just nodded and we continued our hike. It really wasn't a big deal. Most folks around this area just consider it part of the landscape. It's obviously got a life to lead just like we do. No sense upsetting the balance, if you will."

"Have you seen it at any other times?"

Sheila shook her head. "Nope. Once was all I needed to convince me it was real enough."

"What about Tom?"

"Nope. But he believes me so I know he thinks it's real."

Jenny sighed. "Incredible. I'm jealous."

Sheila smiled. "Now, honey, there's no sense being jealous. If you're out there enough, chances are you'll run into it, as well."

Jenny slapped her hand down onto the table. "Well, that settles it. I'm leaving right away."

Annja smirked. "Not without a change of clothes, you're not."

Sheila stood. "I'll check on them and see if they're ready for the dryer yet."

Annja watched her go and then leaned closer to Jenny. "You don't buy that story, do you?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

Annja shrugged. "Isn't it possible that she might have had a few fermented berries and they went to her head? She could have seen anything out there and thought it was big foot."

Jenny frowned. "I see we haven't lost Miss Skeptical yet."

"Miss Skeptical has kept me alive for a long time. I don't fall for every person who can cook up a story."

"You think I do?"

"We've been over this already, Jenny. I'm just saying that, as scientists, we're supposed to use logic and facts to help us prove a theory, not the emotional memories of a person who may or may not be trustworthy."

"She seems trustworthy to me."

"We just met her barely an hour ago."

Jenny sighed. "Humor me here, would you? I'm having a bad couple of days. I nearly died from hypothermia. My love interest either doesn't like me or is pretending not to like me so I can concentrate on this big-foot thing. And now you think I'm too gullible."

Annja smiled. "Hey, the food's good."

"Small consolation."

Sheila came back out. "Your clothes are going to need more time. The rinse cycle just ended."

Annja stretched her arms over her head. "That's fine. I could use a nap, anyway."

"That does sound good," Jenny said. "But is a nap enough? I feel like I might sleep for days."

"I probably could," Annja said with a yawn.

Sheila held up her hands. "You two had better stop that stuff or else I'm going to pa.s.s out right along with you. Nothing like a good siesta to keep one on top of the world. You two wander upstairs and I'll make sure you get your clothes back when they're finished drying."

Annja pushed back from the table and looked at Jenny. "Do you have any plans for later?"

"What-like meeting up with David?"

"Yeah. Doesn't he have something he wants to show you?"

"I guess. He told me to call him when we got settled here. Maybe that means he'll take me out tonight."

Sheila stood quietly by with a vague frown on her face. But as soon as Annja saw it, Sheila made it disappear. What was that about? she wondered. Did Sheila know something about David that they didn't? And if there was something else to know about the small-town sheriff, what was it?

"Why don't you head on up, Jenny. I'll help Sheila clear the dishes. No sense not helping out after all she's done for us."

"I can help, too," Jenny said. She grabbed a handful of dishes and walked them over to the plastic tub set out for clearing the tables. Annja looked at Sheila, who busied herself with the plates.

"There's no need to help, girls. I've got this. You two go on upstairs and get some rest. By the look of it, you need it. And if you're here to find big foot, then you might need even more than you think."

Jenny looked at Annja, who shrugged. "You're sure?"

"Absolutely."

"All right, then. Thanks."

"Have a good nap."

Annja and Jenny walked upstairs. "That was a little weird," Jenny said. "Did you say something to upset her?"