too attentive, when he lost some of that gruff exterior with which he covered his affection and especially when she saw he was troubled about something and trying to conceal it. Rod didn’t conceal trouble. Sooner or later he always talked it out with her, explaining, seeking advice, or if she had none, just using her as a vent. In this facet of his personality alone, there had been a basis for a special understanding between them.
