Page 16 of Scent of Evil (Sullivan K9 Search and Rescue #7)

“For the horses?” She frowned. “Will a garden hose work?”

“I’ll take them to the Lucky Charm,” Trevor offered, riding toward them. “I need to return these horses anyway. I’m sure the owner won’t mind if I borrow their feed too.”

“I’ll go with you.” Justin turned toward his brother and remounted Blaze. He glanced at her, and added, “Save some breakfast for me.”

“I will.” Raine stood for a moment as the two Sullivan brothers rode off, each leading a second mount behind them. She turned away, reminding herself that Justin was too young for her to be thinking about how handsome he was.

Besides, she had work to do. Ginny was safe, but Decker was still on the loose. Nothing mattered more to her at that moment than finding him and tossing him back behind bars.

* * *

Justin was impressed with the owners of the Lucky Charm farm. Edward and Nancy Drago were nice people who gladly shared their oats, hay, and water with their horses.

“I’m so glad Ginny was found safe,” Nancy said.

Justin nodded as Blaze and Timber chewed on their breakfast. “We’re blessed to have been able to find her. Decker is still out there, though, so everyone in the area needs to stay on high alert.”

Nancy and Ed shared a worried glance. Then the older man straightened, determination etched in his features. “I have a shotgun, and I’m not afraid to use it against vermin like him.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Trevor’s mouth. “Glad to hear it.”

Now that they were back in civilization, Justin was itching to return to Ginny and Camille’s place. Not just for breakfast and coffee, which were both high on his list, but he didn’t want to miss the debriefing from Griff.

“Was Raine’s boss back there?” He glanced at Trev. “Guy by the name of Mike Rowe?”

“Not when I was there, but I heard Griff talking to him.” Trevor shrugged. “Sounded like the guy was more of a ‘sit behind the desk to order other people around’ type.”

A flash of annoyance hit hard. Anyone who would sit back while an innocent kid had been kidnapped was as useless as a screen door on a submarine. He tried not to glance at his watch again. Normally, he was all about making their horses and dogs a priority, but he wanted to get back.

When the horses were satiated, he and Trevor rode Blaze and Timber to Camille’s home. The dogs loped alongside, thrilled to be together.

“Go on,” Trev encouraged when they dismounted. “I’ve eaten. I’ll get the horses settled in the backyard.”

“Thanks.” Justin heard murmured voices through the open windows as he approached.

When he knocked at the door, Camille quickly called, “Come in, it’s open.”

The door should be kept locked, the windows too, but with Griff there along with a couple of sheriff’s deputies, there was no reason to voice his thoughts out loud.

Ginny would be safe here for as long as the law enforcement presence continued.

“Coffee?” When he nodded, Camille filled a mug for him. “I’ll make more eggs.”

“I can make them,” he offered. “It’s enough that you’re providing the food, Ms. Clark.”

“Sit. I’ll take care of it. And call me Cami.” She was pretty enough, but his gaze strayed to Raine who was already eating.

He dropped into the chair beside her. “What did I miss while taking care of the horses?”

“Griff has three locations that need to be checked out,” Raine said between bites.

Ginny was eating, too, listening without saying anything.

If the girl was upset over their conversation about Decker, she didn’t let on.

“They’re all within a thirty-mile radius of the location from where we found the damaged four-wheeler. ”

He knew Griff had likely used Justin’s coordinates to find the possible hideouts. “What kinds of places are they?”

“All are hunting cabins from what I can tell,” Griff said. “The good news is that there are roads that go at least partway. From there, you’ll need either horses or four-wheelers. And two are to the north, which is the general direction you and Raine believe Decker was heading.”

Horses would be quieter, but he knew Raine wouldn’t want to get back up on a horse after their long ride yesterday and this morning. “The two properties to the north are a good place to start. What about air support?”

“I’ve asked Logan for help, and supposedly there’s a chopper from the US Marshal service that will be available as well.” Griff glanced at Raine. “Rowe said he’d wait to hear from you, Raine, before sending it.”

She finished her breakfast and sat back, sipping her coffee. “I’ll call him, but I want to see the two northern locations first.”

“You mean in person?” He frowned, then gave Cami a nod of thanks when she set a plate full of food in front of him. His stomach growled loud enough for everyone to hear. “I’m not sure we want to wait that long.”

“I have them pinpointed on a topographical map.” Griff gestured to Justin’s plate. “Eat first and I’ll show you both.”

Justin bowed his head and thanked God for their blessings, especially getting back safely, then dug in. Raine watched him for a moment, and he wondered if he had dirt on his face.

“I’m thinking we should take the horses.” Her statement surprised him. She grimaced and nodded. “I know, trust me, my body doesn’t want to, but I think the four-wheelers will be too loud. Decker will know we’re coming from miles away.”

“I think you’re right.” He smiled. “You’ll be so accustomed to riding by the time we’re finished, your muscles won’t hurt anymore.”

“Yeah, right.” She shook her head. “Doubtful, but I want Decker badly enough that I don’t care about how sore I am.”

Justin couldn’t help but admire her determination to do what was best, despite how she would physically suffer for it.

He held her blue gaze for a long moment, then forced himself to look away.

This wasn’t the time to think about how much he liked her.

Respected her. And enjoyed spending time with her, even if it was to search for a killer.

Arresting Decker was all that mattered.

Trevor returned with Archie and Stone. The dogs crawled under the table as Trevor poured himself more coffee.

Justin quickly continued eating, knowing full well Raine would want to head out as soon as possible.

For all they knew, Decker had already reached his destination and was on the move with an accomplice.

“How many miles roughly is it from the ATV to the closest property?” he asked.

“Ten miles,” Griff answered. “Raine and I discussed it, and it’s likely he hasn’t had time to get much farther than the hunting cabin, as he’s been forced to travel on foot.”

He nodded and took a sip of his coffee. The food and caffeine were helping him feel back on track. “Okay, so the cabin that’s closest is our first stop.”

“Agree,” Raine said. “Even if that particular cabin wasn’t Decker’s ultimate destination, he could have used it for shelter if he’d reached it last night or even earlier this morning.”

Justin nodded in agreement. Decker would be looking for food, for one thing. Most hunters in these parts left canned goods behind. He finished his meal, drained his coffee, and stood to carry his dishes to the sink. “Let’s see where we’re going.”

The sheriff’s deputies were sitting in the living room drinking coffee, seemingly content to let Griff and Raine call the shots. Trevor took time to inspect Ginny’s wound, advising antibiotics if the redness and swelling didn’t go away. Cami and Ginny nodded in agreement.

Justin didn’t recognize either of deputy, despite the many times he and his siblings had interacted with the locals. When Cami nudged him aside, he returned to the kitchen table where Griff had spread out the map.

“Okay, here’s where I’ve estimated the ATV was left behind.

” Griff stabbed a spot on the topographical map.

Justin peered down at it, recognizing some of the landmarks.

“And here is the closest hunting cabin. It’s owned by Cliff and Hilda Munroe, and they’re both clean with no criminal records of any kind.

” Griff met Justin’s gaze. “I don’t think Cliff is Decker’s accomplice, but you’ll know more once you check the place out. ”

“Sounds like a plan.” He gestured to the map. “Where are the other locations?”

“There’s a place here.” Griff tapped the map several miles from the first one. “It’s owned by a guy named Jim Kluck. He doesn’t have a record either, but from what little I’ve been able to learn, he’s a loner. If you ask me, he could be an accomplice.”

Justin filed that name away for reference. “And the third location?”

“South, right about here.” Griff pointed at another location on the map. It was farther and in the wrong direction from the way Decker had been headed. Yet that didn’t mean it wasn’t a possibility. “That one is owned by Rich Nader. I haven’t learned much about him either.”

“Can we take the map with us?” Raine asked.

“Of course.” Griff pushed it toward her. “Trevor and I will back you guys up.”

“No, really, I’d rather you stay here.” Raine glanced at Justin as if fearing an argument. “I need to know Cami and Ginny are safe with you in case Decker decided to double back here.”

Griff frowned. “That’s not likely.”

“Please, Griff.” Raine glanced over to where Ginny was helping her mother with the dishes. “Please don’t leave them alone.”

“There are sheriff’s deputies,” he began, just as their radios went off.

The two deputies leaped to their feet and reached for the devices.

Seconds later, the two were headed for the door.

“Someone has reported a man matching Decker’s description as being in town,” one of them said over his shoulder.

“I know you think Decker is still in the woods, but we need to check it out.”

Griff sighed. “Go. I’ll stay here.” He didn’t look happy. Trevor joined them at the table.

“Thanks, Griff.” Raine jumped to her feet. “How quickly can we take off?”

“A bathroom break would be nice, but then I’ll get the horses trailered.” Justin stood as well. “We’ll drive my SUV as it has a crate area for Stone.”

Hearing his name, Stone crawled out from beneath the table where he and Archie had been stretched out to rest. Trevor drained his cup. “I’ll take care of the horses. I think I should come along as your driver.”

“That’s not necessary.” Justin kept his voice firm.

“I’d rather you stay here with Griff. We’ll call if we need extra hands.

” Trevor and Kendra were the youngest Sullivan siblings, fully capable of carrying out SAR missions.

But Justin knew full well Chase would not like knowing Trevor was anywhere close to a cold-blooded killer like Decker.

Trev looked like he wanted to argue, but Griff put a hand on the younger man’s arm. “I’d like you to stay in touch with Logan, while I continue digging into these mountain cabins. If there’s a way to figure out which might belong to Decker’s accomplice, we may need to move quickly.”

Justin knew his younger brother wasn’t happy, but Trevor nodded in agreement. “Fine. But if Justin and Raine find him, we’re heading over to back them up.”

“I’m on board with that plan.” Griff pinned Raine with a stern look. “No heroics, Raine. If you identify Decker at a specific location, you call in reinforcements, understand?”

“Trust me, I will. The more of us involved in taking him down, the less likely he’ll escape again.” Her gaze turned to steel. “I can’t wait to slap cuffs around his wrists.”

Ten minutes later, Justin and Raine met outside as Trevor led the horses into the trailer. It seemed like eons since Justin had done that, but it had only been yesterday.

Oddly, he felt as if he’d known Raine his entire life. Which didn’t make any sense. He and his siblings met strangers every day during their rescue missions. There was no reason for him to feel so connected to Raine.

What had his brother-in-law Doug said back when he and his sister Maya had gotten engaged? Feelings are rarely logical.

Wasn’t that the truth , he thought as he opened the back hatch for Stone. The lab eagerly jumped into the crated area. Archie, Trevor’s Red Fox English lab, clearly wanted to join them.

“Next time,” he said, closing the hatch. Trevor stepped back from the trailer. Justin nodded at his brother and slid in behind the wheel.

Raine settled into the passenger seat with the topo map on her lap. “We’re taking this road here.” She pointed to the faint line.

“Got it.” He suspected it was nothing more than two tire tracks that had been used by various vehicles over the years, rather than an actual road. He and Raine didn’t say much as he navigated the SUV and horse trailer through the twisty, windy road.

The two-track was so badly rutted he didn’t take it very far before hitting the brakes. “We’ll ride in from here. I don’t want to get the trailer stuck.”

“Okay.” Raine didn’t argue about taking a longer ride, and when he gave her a leg up on Timber, she didn’t grimace or groan.

He bent to give Stone some water. “Are you ready, boy? Search! Search Decker.”

Stone sniffed the air, then the ground. Justin quickly swung onto Blaze and followed his K9. The dog stayed on the two-track for most of the way, and Justin had to ease back on the reins when he saw the side of a building between the trees.

He gestured to it and slid off Blaze. “We should go on foot from here.”

Raine nodded. It went against the grain, but she took the lead, weapon in hand.

He pulled his as well as they crept closer.

It didn’t look as if anyone was around. No smoke wafted from the chimney, and he didn’t hear anyone moving around.

Stone darted forward sniffing with interest, but he didn’t alert.

A few minutes later, Raine shook her head after peering through a window. Justin knew the cabin was empty. Decker hadn’t been there.

One down, two more to go.

He prayed they’d find him soon. Before Decker could prey on another young girl.