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CHAPTER 11

Paxton

“How did you find her all the way out here if your ranch is a few miles down the road?” I know the drill. I was expecting it. It’s protocol. The first on the scene is always suspect number one.

I point to Riggs. “He did what he was trained to do. He must’ve heard her screams, but I didn’t until I cleared those trees.” I point to the clearing. “We were out searching for a doe who Riggs has become fond of. He barked when he found the doe, then he took off running in this direction.”

“A doe?”

I shrug. “She’s always out here. And I don’t have a say in who he can make friends with.”

The young officer’s lips quirk up as he writes his notes. This is probably a first for him. Hell, I’ve from the city and have seen a lot of shit, and it’s a first for me. I can’t imagine they see too much action out here in the country. Unlike the city, where shootings and murders feel like a daily occurrence. “Did you notice anything when you got here? Anyone hanging around?”

“No. Riggs was already digging when I got here, and had there been someone around, he would’ve warned me.”

“Have you ever seen this woman before?”

I shake my head. “Never.”