Page 7

7

B ryce’s barking dragged Libby from her nightmare. Or maybe the dog was part of her dream, she wasn’t sure. Stumbling from the room, she came to an abrupt stop when she noticed the patio doors were open.

“Shane?” Her voice sounded like a croak. She tried again. “Shane!”

“We’re coming.” There was a slight pause, then she heard, “Good boy, Bryce. Good boy!”

Her heart settled into a normal rhythm as Shane and Bryce approached the patio. Bryce appeared satisfied with a job well done as he trotted into the cabin. Shane stepped over the threshold, sliding the patio door closed behind him.

“Was someone out there?” She frowned as she noticed he had a gun in one hand and something dark blue in the other.

“Yeah, and Bryce managed to bring a piece of his jeans back.” Shane held it up for her to see. “Do you have a plastic bag I can use?”

“Um, sure.” She turned into the small kitchen and opened drawers until she found some freezer bags. She held it open so he could drop the scrap of denim inside. It appeared to be the lower hem of a pant leg. She imagined it had been frayed already, and when Bryce chomped down on it, the fabric had pulled free.

“Thanks.” He took the bag and glanced at his dog. “Bryce heard the intruder outside before I did. I sent Bryce after him, but I heard the rumble of an engine. Bryce only got a small piece of him.”

“I can’t believe the poacher came back.” She dragged her fingers through her hair. “I don’t understand what he hoped to find.”

“I’m not sure either, but there must be a reason he risked showing up here.” Shane bent to stroke his dog. “I’m glad we stayed. I’ll see if Bryce can follow the scent trail in the morning. Maybe we’ll learn something new.”

“I’m glad you stayed too.” She shivered, wondering what might have happened if Shane and Bryce hadn’t been there. Especially the dog who’d alerted them to the danger. “It would be good to learn something new. None of this makes any sense.”

“Agree.” Shane pinned her with a look. “Could this guy be looking for the DNA file folder?”

The possibility hadn’t occurred to her. “I don’t see why that would be of interest.”

“I don’t either, but there’s something more going on here than we realize.” Shane dropped down onto the sofa. “I just can’t shake the feeling that these guys have targeted your grandfather for a specific reason. And not because they were poaching on his land.”

“Okay, but if that’s true, I’m as much in the dark as you are.” She crossed over to sit beside him. Bryce nudged her knee, and she cautiously stretched out her hand to pet him. His soft fur belied his scary teeth. The fact that Bryce had gotten close enough to rip some fabric from the intruder’s jeans was amazing. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt, boy,” she murmured.

“Me too. It’s always a risk to send a K9 out to take down a fugitive,” Shane said somberly. “If the guy hadn’t jumped on a four-wheeler, I’m sure Bryce would have been able to hang on to him.”

“I can’t imagine driving a four-wheeler through the woods in the middle of the night.” She frowned. “How can he see where he’s going?”

Shane’s blue eyes widened. “Good point, Libby. He must be wearing night-vision goggles of some kind to avoid running into trees and brush. Maybe we should be looking at someone with military connections.”

“I don’t know how that helps us.” She tried not to feel dejected. “We’d need to know his name before we can ask the police to dig into his military history.”

“Every little bit of information counts. We know more today than we did yesterday, right?” Was it her imagination, or was Shane trying to pump up her spirits? That he bothered to make an effort to put a positive spin on things touched her heart. He picked up the bag containing the strip of denim. “I was planning to use this as a scent source for Bryce. Now I’m wondering if we should try to have it tested for DNA.”

“That will take too long.” She wanted to find her grandfather in the next few hours, or a day at the most. Not in a few weeks or even a month. “I’d rather we use it as a source for Bryce to track first.” If that didn’t work? The image of Denali, Alexis’s K9, flashed in her mind.

No, she wasn’t going there. She needed to believe her grandfather was still alive.

Shane nodded slowly. “I’m inclined to agree with that approach. I just don’t want to miss anything obvious.”

Nothing about her grandfather’s disappearance was obvious. A wave of despair hit hard. Not only had her grandfather been taken away, but twice now, the same men who’d abducted him had returned to the cabin.

To find what? A DNA report? That made no sense.

“I left it in your SUV.” When Shane looked confused, she added, “The DNA report. I left it in your SUV.”

“Oh, right. Well, the vehicle is locked and equipped with an alarm, so if anyone tries to get inside, we’ll be alerted.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s four in the morning. You should try to get more sleep.”

A remnant of her nightmare flashed in her mind. “I dreamed we found Grandpa tied up in a cave, and when we tried to rush to the rescue, one of the bad guys shot him.” She shivered. “It was horrible.”

“Just a dream, Libby.” Shane reached for her hand. “I’m sure it was scary, but it’s only a dream.”

She clung to his hand. “I can’t bear to think about what these guys are doing to my grandfather.”

“Try not to imagine the worst,” Shane said. “Maybe they’re just holding him someplace far away so they can come back to search the cabin.”

“Maybe.” She wasn’t sure that scenario was any better. “What happens if they find what they’re looking for?”

“I can’t answer that,” Shane admitted. “But you’re the one who told me to have faith in God, remember?” The corner of his mouth ticked up in a half smile. “Thanks to you, I prayed for the first time in a long time yesterday.”

“Really?” She turned on the sofa to face him, searching his gaze. “I’m glad to hear that.”

He looked down at their joined hands. “For a long time now, I’ve been too focused on the losses in my life, rather than on the blessings I’ve been granted.”

“Rebecca and your parents.”

“Yes.” He hesitated, then added, “Working search and rescue has reinforced the fact that lots of people suffer loss. I’m nothing special.”

“I think you’re special.” She couldn’t help but smile when he glanced up at her in surprise. “I mean it, Shane. You and Bryce are a special team. And I know you’ll be the one to find my grandfather.”

“I hope so.” He sounded cautious as if he didn’t want to over promise. “Are you sure you don’t want to try to get some sleep?”

“I’m wide awake now.” She belatedly realized Shane might be hinting that he needed to sleep. “Why don’t you stretch out on the bed in my grandpa’s room? I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“No need. I’m up now too.” He gently squeezed her hand, then released it. She missed his warmth, then told herself to stop imagining a closeness between them that wasn’t there. He rose, and Bryce looked up at him as if anticipating they might be heading out soon. “I’ll borrow your bathroom, if you don’t mind.”

“No problem. I’ll start the coffee.” She rose to make her way to the kitchen. Her ankle felt better, and she was secretly relieved the injury wouldn’t hold her back from participating in the search. She noticed Bryce stayed in the living room, stretched out on the blanket she’d set out for him.

After starting the coffee, she poked around in the fridge. Thanks to her grocery trip, there was plenty of eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast. She frowned, wondering if her grandfather had been given anything to eat. He’d been gone for almost twenty-four hours now.

Even she knew that the longer he was gone, the less likely they would find him alive. As Shane mentioned, though, it was likely the bad guys were keeping him for a reason. She placed the eggs, bacon, and butter on the counter, then stood for a minute looking around the living room.

Had her grandfather hidden something there? She knew he didn’t have a lot of money, so it couldn’t be anything of real value.

Could it?

She turned away and began frying the bacon. Maybe when they’d finished eating, she’d search the cabin. It didn’t sit well to invade her grandfather’s privacy, but if there was something there to use as a bargaining chip to get him back, she’d take the risk.

And beg for forgiveness later.

Shane emerged from the bathroom showered and looking more handsome than ever. She poured him a cup of coffee, which he accepted with a nod. “Thanks. Come, Bryce.”

She watched as he took his dog out the patio doors. There was no reason to be so hyperaware of him. It had been a long time since she’d dated anyone. The last guy had decided to skip town to hit the rodeo circuit. She told herself she was better off without him since leaving wasn’t an option. Not when she had her grandfather to care for.

Besides, Tommy hadn’t exactly invited her along. No doubt he’d been looking forward to mingling with the rodeo bunnies that clustered around the shows.

Deep down, she was forced to admit she didn’t care about Tommy’s decision to move on. She’d missed having someone to be with, but not Tommy in particular. Things hadn’t been that serious between them. He was a nice enough guy, but he was always looking for something more.

Something bigger and better.

And why was she even thinking about her lack of a love life? Nothing was more important than finding her grandfather.

While Shane was outside with Bryce, she took a turn in the bathroom. Feeling better, she refilled her coffee mug and continued cooking the bacon.

After another five minutes, though, she grew concerned. What was taking Shane so long? What was he doing with Bryce in the backyard? Hard to imagine he’d started the search for the bad guy without telling her.

Finishing with the bacon, she moved to the patio doors. “Shane?”

“Coming!” She was surprised to see him and Bryce emerging from the woods. He had asked Bryce to start his search.

“Don’t leave without me,” she said, as Shane and Bryce approached. Shane downed the last of his coffee before reaching the patio. “My ankle is much better today. I want to go with you when you ask Bryce to search for the bad guy.”

“I didn’t ask Bryce to do anything yet, I only went to look for tire tracks,” Shane said. “I found an imprint in the dirt, and it looked similar to the one in the clearing where we found your grandfather’s glasses.”

“Did you think he was driving something other than the four-wheeler?”

“He could have been on a dirt bike.” He shrugged and crossed to the backpack. “Something like that may be easier to use in the woods.”

“Interesting.” She noticed he pulled out doggy dishes for Bryce. The large shepherd sat tall, clearly anticipating his breakfast was near. “Um, how do you like your eggs?”

“Over easy or sunny-side up, whichever is easier for you.” He scooped dog food into one bowl, then carried them both to the kitchen to fill the second bowl with water. Bryce hadn’t moved an inch, but his dark-brown eyes seemed to bore into Shane as he waited. Shane set the dishes down in the corner of the room, then said, “Come. Go ahead and eat, Bryce.”

The dog shot across the room, attacking his food dish with exuberance. She smiled as water sloshed over the edge and onto the floor.

“He’s something.” Shaking her head in amusement, she turned back to the stove. Shane was close enough to be a distraction.

“I can help,” Shane offered. “What do you need?”

“Take care of the toast.” She cracked eggs into the frying pan, doing her best to ignore his presence. “Are you planning to ask your siblings to help with the search today?”

He shrugged. “I was thinking we’d head out with Bryce first, see how that goes. I hate to drag them out for another day of finding nothing.”

“Okay.” She wasn’t going to argue since heading out bright and early suited her just fine. She looked out the window at the woods beyond.

We’re coming, Grandpa. Hang in there, we’re coming!

* * *

Shane buttered toast, struck by the easy camaraderie between him and Libby. He wasn’t sure when their relationship had shifted from mere acquaintances to friends.

Or more?

No, thinking along those lines was dangerous. Libby was only leaning on him now because she trusted Bryce’s ability to find her grandfather. Once they’d found Marvin, their time together would be over.

And why that was a depressing thought, he had no idea. He wasn’t looking for anything more.

Once they were seated at the table with Bryce stretched out on the floor at his feet, Libby said, “I’d like to say grace.”

“Okay.” He reached for her hand, then paused. When she smiled and took his hand, he realized his mistake.

He liked holding her hand, more than he should.

“Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. Please keep my grandfather safe in Your loving arms and guide us to finding him. Amen.”

“Amen.” He was humbled by her faith and felt bad for having turned his back on Him for the past few years.

“I was thinking I should take Grandpa’s shotgun along,” Libby said, breaking into his thoughts.

He gave her a long look. “Do you know how to use it?”

“Aim and shoot, right?” She flushed, then shrugged. “It’s been awhile since I used it, but considering what we faced yesterday, I’d feel better having a weapon.”

“Your grandfather doesn’t own any handguns?” He wasn’t sure he wanted her to carry a rifle. Even though her ankle seemed better, the longer gun would be unwieldy.

“I don’t think so.” She frowned. “Although I guess I could look.”

He wished he’d have asked Joel or Alexis to leave a weapon behind. “Don’t worry about it. I’m armed, and we have Bryce.” He didn’t add that if the bad guys took aim at them again with a rifle, both the shotgun and handgun would be useless.

This was the new Shane, keeping his dour thoughts to himself.

“I’ll look around quick before we go.” She finished her breakfast and jumped to her feet. “It won’t take long. The cabin isn’t that big.”

“I’ll clean up.” He didn’t mind pitching in to help. His oldest sister, Maya, had made sure everyone carried their weight when it came to ranch chores. They had a housekeeper, Anna, but when it came to the dogs, the horses, the equipment, and everything else that was required to keep a ranch running, everyone did their fair share.

“Thanks, Shane.” She flashed a smile, then disappeared down the hallway. He heard the bedroom door open and shut.

Bryce didn’t jump up to follow, maybe sensing that he’d be put to work soon enough. Shane quickly filled the sink with sudsy water and took care of the dishes, stacking them in the second sink to air dry. Then he rifled through his backpack to find his belt holster. The one he hadn’t used yesterday.

He wouldn’t make that mistake again.

When Libby emerged, she held a shoebox in her hands. “I didn’t find a gun, but I did find a box of old photos and newspaper clippings. It’s rather strange, as Grandpa never showed them to me.”

“No secret stash of cash, huh?” He was mostly joking.

“Nope.” She set the box on the kitchen table. “I’ll go through them later. I didn’t find a backpack to use to help carry stuff either.”

“I’ll carry our gear. I’m used to hiking with a heavy pack.” He pulled Bryce’s vest out and strapped it around his K9’s torso. “Besides, most of the stuff I’m bringing along is for my dog.”

“That reminds me. I found some protein bars and a couple of water bottles.” She opened a cupboard and removed a box, then pulled the bottled water from the fridge. “Do you have room in your pack?”

“Yeah.” He stuffed four protein bars and two bottles of water in the large middle pocket. After double-checking to make sure he had both bags of scent clothing, he slung the backpack up and settled it across his shoulders. He slipped the .38 into his holster, then picked up the bag containing the denim strip. “Come, Bryce.”

The dog trotted beside him as they headed out back. In the middle of the yard, he knelt and offered the scent bag. “This is Bad Guy. Search! Search for Bad Guy!”

Bryce buried his nose in the bag for a long sniff. Then he wheeled and began trotting across the grass toward the woods. Shane rose to his feet and quickly followed.

He’d expected Bryce to follow the same path as yesterday, but apparently, the scent trail was stronger in a different direction because Bryce swerved to the left, taking a sideways route into the woods.

Libby hurried to catch up. “Do you see any evidence he’s been here? Like more tire tracks?”

“Just the ones I found earlier.” He kept a wary eye on Bryce as they moved through the woods. “Stay alert and let me know if you see anything suspicious.”

“I will.”

Heading out in the early morning hour was nice as the sun wasn’t beating down on them, and the air was cool and refreshing. If not for the worry lines etched in Libby’s brow, they could have enjoyed the outdoors.

Bryce moved with a sense of energy and determination. Almost as if the dog understood that today they were hunting a bad guy rather than searching for someone who was lost. Maya always cautioned them how their dogs could pick up on their handler’s emotions.

They walked in silence until Bryce stopped, made a circle, and doubled back.

“Did he lose the scent?” Libby asked breathlessly.

“Give him a minute.” Considering the bad guy was on a motorized vehicle, it wouldn’t be unusual for Bryce to lose track of the scent. “Search for Bad Guy,” he called encouragingly.

Bryce went back to sniff at a specific spot, then veered to the right. Bryce moved slowly at first, but after a few minutes, it was clear his K9 was back on the trail.

“Makes me wonder if the bad guy drove back and forth in an effort to throw Bryce off track,” Libby said.

“Could be.” Shane squinted and paused beside a soft spot in the ground. “There’s another tire impression here too.”

“Same as the others?” She came up to stand beside him. “I have to be honest, I can’t tell the difference.”

“I’m not an expert, but they look the same to me.” He pulled out his phone and found the picture he’d taken yesterday. Kneeling down, he compared the two images. “See?”

She nodded and scanned the area. “Do you think he rode the four-wheeler all the way to the road?”

“It’s hard to say.” He repositioned the pack and set off after Bryce. “The way this guy keeps showing up at the cabin makes me think he’s sticking close.”

Her eyes widened with a hint of apprehension. “If he’s still out here, he could hear us coming.”

“Yeah.” He glanced at her. “Stay behind me as much as possible.”

She swallowed hard and nodded.

“Search, Bryce,” he called. Not that his K9 needed any encouragement. The dog paused a few times to sniff but then kept going.

Shane hiked for a solid forty minutes before stopping to take a break. Bryce didn’t appear tired, but he shrugged out of his pack to pour some water into a collapsible bowl. Bryce lapped at the water, then looked up at him, panting.

“You’re doing great, buddy,” he assured him. “Lie down.”

Bryce stretched out on his belly, still panting.

“None of this looks familiar,” Libby said as she sat beside him. She stroked a hand over Bryce’s fur almost absently, and Shane was pleased that her early fear of the dog seemed to have vanished. “I’m not sure how you manage not to get lost.”

“My oldest brother, Chase, was a hunting guide prior to our parents passing away.” He pulled the compass from his pocket and showed it to her. “Chase drilled us on using a compass to find our way, even sending us out in the middle of the night to search for each other as a test.”

“Sounds scary.”

“Not really. It’s more a matter of survival.” He cast a glance around the woods, then checked the compass. “We’re about a hundred yards from the path we took yesterday. I’m hoping this leads to something other than the clearing.”

“Me too.” She sighed. “I don’t want this to be for nothing.”

He fought the urge to hug her. When their rest break was over, he rose to his feet and offered her a hand. “Let’s keep moving.”

She stood too. “I’m ready.”

“Search, Bryce. Search Bad Guy.” He offered the denim scrap of cloth, but Bryce barely sniffed it. The K9 seemed to be telling him he knew what to do.

Bryce lowered his head to the ground, then set off at a brisk trot. After a few minutes, Bryce turned north. The incline wasn’t bad, but Shane was having trouble imagining the bad guy taking the four-wheeler up this way.

“Seems rather steep,” Libby murmured.

“I know.” He shrugged, quickening his pace to keep up with his K9. “We have to trust Bryce.”

The incline leveled out after a few yards. He glanced behind them, a little surprised at how far they’d climbed. Sweeping his gaze over the ground, he looked for more tire tracks. The pine needles were too thick, though, and the earth revealed nothing indicating the bad guy had come this way.

Ten minutes later, Bryce broke into a trot. Shane’s pulse kicked up, and his hand went to his weapon, half expecting to see the bad guy stepping out from behind a tree.

Instead, Bryce turned toward an outcropping of rocks. Then the dog abruptly sat and let out a sharp bark.

His alert! Shane pulled his gun and approached with caution. When he grew closer, he noticed there was a shallow cave opening on the other side of the rock.

“Bryce, stay.” He wanted to reward his dog for the find, but he needed to be sure the bad guy wasn’t hiding inside. He ducked and stepped into the cave opening. There was a small fire pit there, and several scuff marks in the dirt.

Then he saw a piece of a zip tie partially embedded in the dirt. Shane was sure Marvin and the bad guy had recently been there.

But where were they now?