Page 1 of Enter the Lair
CHAPTER1
Sarah’s tires made a crunching sound as she rolled to a stop.Three men stood casually in front of her patrol vehicle as she turned off her SUV and radioed in.“I’ve arrived at Galen Cascade’s property.”
There was brief static before Sam replied.“He already knows you’re there.”
“I thought you wanted me to explain in person?”Sarah replied.
“I do.I didn’t call them.”
“They’re waiting for me, Sam.”
“Yeah, they always are.You don’t get near any of the Cascade homes without a welcoming party.”
“What are they doing out here that they need that type of security system?”Sarah asked while keeping her eyes on the patiently waiting men.One was ignoring the other two as they spoke to him.I guess I’m not the only one with family drama.
“Just be careful Sarah,” Sam said.
Sarah exited the vehicle with one hand on her gun.She approached the men, extending her hand to the eldest.“Good morning.Mr.Cascade.”
Galen shook her hand.“Please call me Galen.These are my sons Talen and Devon.”Talen shook her hand politely while Devon kept his hands in his pockets.While all three men were attractive, Devon gave her the impression of a sleeping cat opening one eye.She shook off the strange notion.
“My name is Sarah.Sam sent me over to speak with you about a recent cougar incident.”
Galen smiled.“Sam’s a good man.He’s been a Park Ranger in these parts for almost thirty years.Is there some reason he couldn’t make the trip himself?”
Sarah didn’t want to admit that Sam’s age was catching up to him.“He had prior commitments.”
Galen’s eyes narrowed.“What brings you here today Sarah?”
“Two weeks ago, a cougar attacked and killed a woman just outside Portland.A week ago, there were two more attacks in Lacey.Two days ago, the cougar was spotted in Yakima.An hour ago, it was spotted on your property.”
“Where?”Galen asked.
“Kelsey Lodge.”
“How do you know this is the same cougar that attacked those women?”
“The animal is maimed.It appears to have some sort of flesh-eating disease.It’s in really rough shape.I’ve been tasked with putting the animal down.”
The men appeared outwardly calm, but Sarah felt the change in their demeanor instantly.There was a hushed silence that extended to the evergreen forests that surrounded them.“If there’s a threat on my land.I will take care of it immediately.”Galen said.
“I’m sorry Mr.Cascade, but I’m not here to ask your permission to hunt on your land.I’m here to inform you I will be.”
Talen’s face hardened.Galen’s eyebrow went up while Devon had the makings of a smile.She got the impression a smile was a rare thing for the sexy Cascade sibling with a scar.
“May I have your last name, Sarah?”Devon asked in a low clear voice.
Sarah ignored the ripple of awareness that skittered over her skin.Her attention focused on Galen and Talen’s look of surprise when Devon spoke.
Sarah hated this part.She always tried to stay on a first name basis if possible.“It’s Marksmen.”
“You’re Brian Marksmen’s daughter?”Galen hissed.
Talen was mad.“The Serengeti butcher is your father?”
Devon looked furious, but remained quiet.
“Yes,” she said.