The vivid recollection of the last time he’d been catapulted into an icy river was. Cody didn’t feel pain, only sorrow and deep regret. His brain tried to shelter him by shutting off all thought while his life jacket gave him the buoyancy to rise to the surface without trying.The pressure of strong hands grasping his throat snapped him back to reality. He slipped both hands between his opponent’s arms and shoved upward, breaking the vicelike grip.Instead of immediately resuming his efforts to strangle Cody, the man clutched at his life vest and tore it away, then grabbed him again and pulled him under.Cody kicked and tore at his opponent, oblivious to anything but the danger to Trudy Lynn. He didn’t even want to think about what might happen to her if he was defeated.Freeing himself once again, he struck out for the surface. For life-giving air. As soon as his head was out of the water he rejoiced. Trudy Lynn was still safe in his canoe. What a relief!He gulped down a quick breath and shouted,”
