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Gem had her front paws against the wall, barking up at the ceiling, but so far Max hadn’t been able to see a bomb. He needed more light. “See if you can find a light switch.”

The beam from the K-9 officer’s flashlight bounced on the wall. “Found it.”

A light flickered on, revealing black cables running along the top of the wall. Max aimed the flashlight at the ceiling and followed the black wires.

His heart almost stopped when he saw a patch of white. Then he saw the cell phone. “Found it! Take Gem and get out of here.”

“Not leaving you.”

“There’s no need in both of us staying. I’ve had some bomb training. You?”

“Only in training Gem on how to detect explosives, not how to disarm them.”

“Then go.”

“Told you I wasn’t leaving.”

He admired Mark’s courage but questioned his sanity. “You don’t happen to have a ladder in your SUV, do you?”

“Sorry.”

“I can’t reach the bomb.” Sweat beaded Max’s face. “Is there a bench anywhere?”

“I don’t see any. Why don’t I get on my hands and knees and you stand on my back.”

It would have to do. “Okay.”

Seconds later, Max had his shoes off and was balanced on the K-9 deputy’s back. The cell phone had a wire attached to it—probably to the ringer. From there a wire ran to a detonator stuck in the C-4. At least it was simple.

But what if it were more complex than it looked? What if Donelson had put in a code in case someone pulled the wire out, triggering the bomb?

The phone rang.

His fingers shook as he gripped the wire.