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T eddy’s growling was so unlike him that Jess turned to scan their surroundings. Rocky and Bryce were excited to see Teddy, and within seconds, the three dogs were playing.

Whatever had caught Teddy’s attention must have moved on. Had Teddy alerted on a wild animal? Or had he caught the scent of a human threat?

Her K9 had sniffed the footprints near their camp beside the hunting shanty with interest, so she knew he’d remember the intruder. Yet it seemed improbable that the bad guy had followed them all this way. What would be the point? If he was armed, he could have taken them out of the picture at any time.

“Hey, Logan.” Chase held out his hand. Logan took it. “Thanks for keeping Jess safe.”

“Of course.” Logan turned to greet her younger brother Shane too. “I feel bad about putting her in danger.”

“I’m fine, thanks,” she said curtly. “In fact, Teddy was the real hero. He scared the intruder away.”

Chase arched a brow. “Let’s head back to the SUVs. I’d like to understand exactly what happened.”

She sighed. “Sure thing. Although if you don’t mind, we’d love to stop for breakfast on the way home. All we’ve had so far is a couple of granola and protein bars, and after a five-mile hike, I’m famished.”

“I wouldn’t mind a second breakfast,” Shane said with a grin. “We burned a lot of calories worrying about you.”

“Yeah, that works,” Chase agreed. “Anna would be upset if we didn’t feed you both.” Chase raised his voice. “Rocky, here!” His K9 ignored him.

Hiding a smile, Jess called to her dog. “Teddy, heel!” Her dog loped to her side.

“Come, Bryce,” Shane added. The large shepherd obeyed his command too.

Rocky finally trotted to Chase’s side, but only because his playmates had stopped playing with him. It was an ongoing source of entertainment for the siblings how Chase’s K9 was so stubborn.

“If you don’t behave, I’m trading you in for a new model,” Chase threatened, reaching over to scratch Rocky’s ears.

The K9 wagged his tail as if knowing an empty promise when he heard one.

Jess knew Chase would never give up Rocky, especially now that his son, Elijah, and his new wife, Wynona, had settled in at the ranch. Eli loved that dog and had established a bond with the animal her brother would never break.

“We brought two SUVs.” Shane gestured to her backpack as they headed up the trail to the parking lot. “We knew you’d have a lot of gear with you.”

“Logan was prepared.” She glanced at Logan, who hadn’t said much since her brothers had joined them. “He had camping gear in the back of his plane. Oh, that reminds me.” She frowned. “We need to get back to his plane soon. Not only did some idiot damage it, but we found a piece of a tail fin that could belong to our parents’ plane.”

“Wait, run that by me again?” Chase interrupted. “Why did someone shoot at the plane?”

“It’s a long story.” She sighed. “It might be better if we started at the beginning.”

“I want to hear this,” Shane protested. “Wait until we stop to get breakfast before you spill the details.”

She knew Chase would drill them the moment they hit the road. As she stopped beside the SUVs, she noticed that her brothers had brought the two freshly painted ones, so there was no K9 Sullivan logo etched along the side. With a sense of relief, she shrugged off the backpack, dropping it to the ground. “Look, it’s not a long story. Chase dropped a charter off at the base of Cedar Mountain. While circling back toward home, he spied a piece of plane debris. He came to the ranch and asked me if I wanted to go with him to pick it up.”

“Without telling anyone your plan,” Chase said with a narrow gaze.

“Yes, as I said, it was supposed to be a short trip. A couple of hours at most.” She held Logan’s green gaze for a moment, then continued. “We found the piece of debris. Logan landed in an open area nearby, and we hiked out to grab it. That’s when the first shots were fired.”

“Rifle shots,” Logan said, filling in some details. “They sounded as if they came from a distance not a close range handgun.”

“We ducked for cover.” She picked up the story. “Logan ran out to get the plane part, and we headed into the woods. It was slow going without being on a trail, but we eventually got back to the plane. Logan took us up, and then the plane engine misfired. We believe because more shots were fired. If not for Logan’s expertise, we may have crashed. He managed to land the plane, driving it into the brush. We grabbed our gear and disappeared back into the woods to avoid the gunman.”

“A bullet struck the right wing,” Logan added. “Took off a big enough chunk that made it difficult to keep the bird level.”

“Had to have been another rifle shot,” Shane said.

“Exactly our thought,” she agreed. “And like I said, Logan had a bunch of camping gear on his plane. We spent the night near an old hunting shanty. Teddy barked like crazy early this morning. When we climbed out of the tent, we found a set of footprints about sixty yards or so from our camp.”

“The tent was covered with snow, so I believe Teddy caught the guy off guard.” Logan shrugged. “That’s the only thing that makes sense. If he’d seen the tent and known we were inside...”

She winced at Shane’s and Chase’s grim expressions. “We don’t know for sure he was armed. But yeah, Teddy’s barking absolutely saved the day.”

“Good boy,” Shane murmured. “I’m glad you had Teddy with you.”

“Oh yeah, one more thing.” She glanced at Logan who gave her a tiny nod. “I almost forgot that Teddy alerted on a glove that was left behind by Logan’s client.”

Chase scowled. “Are you saying the guy who chartered the plane is dealing drugs?”

“That’s our working theory, yes,” Logan said somberly. “If I had known, I wouldn’t have flown him to the Bighorns. But obviously, once someone started firing shots at us, we assumed Craig Benton is up to no good.”

“If that’s his real name,” she added. “He paid Logan in cash, so we suspect he provided an alias.”

“Well, that’s not good,” Shane muttered.

“We’re fine, and that’s all that matters.” She didn’t need Shane’s doom and gloom. “Now that we suspect drugs are involved, Teddy can help locate them.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Logan looked over her shoulder toward Chase. “It’s too dangerous. Law enforcement needs to take the lead on this moving forward.”

She was annoyed at Logan’s interference. “When exactly will Doug and Maya arrive home? Today, right? I know Doug’s expertise as a former DEA agent would be helpful in uncovering the truth.”

“Doug and Maya had a slight delay. They won’t get to the ranch until later tonight,” Chase said. “We can wait until tomorrow.”

She didn’t like the thought of waiting. “And what about Logan’s plane? We can’t just leave it there.”

“It’s fine,” Logan said. “Thankfully, I have two other birds to use in the meantime. And who knows if I’ll even get any charters in that time frame.”

“We still need to get that piece of tail fin that we were forced to leave behind.” She narrowed her gaze, willing Logan to support her on this. “I think we should head back tomorrow to repair the plane and to get the tail fin.”

Chase lifted his hand to end the discussion. “I thought you wanted breakfast? It’s time to hit the road.”

She was hungry, so she let it go. For now. “Yeah, I do. And I would love some coffee too.”

“Hop in.” Chase nodded toward the SUV closest to them. “I’ll put Rocky in the back. Teddy will have to share the backseat with you, sis.”

She glanced at Logan. He avoided her gaze, focusing on shrugging out of his pack and setting it on the floor of the back seat. He put her backpack inside, too, then opened the passenger door to sit up front.

Shaking her head, she turned to Teddy. “Up.”

Teddy gracefully jumped into the back of the SUV, pressing his nose against Rocky’s crate screen. She climbed in beside him. She nearly moaned in relief. It felt so good to be off her feet.

If she wasn’t such a wimp, she’d insist on heading out to get Logan’s plane later that day. But she couldn’t do it. Her body needed rest. And she knew convincing Logan and her siblings to head out again so soon would be impossible.

It bothered her to know Logan had been forced to leave his damaged plane in the woods. He hadn’t complained, yet she felt responsible. She wished she knew what was going on, who Craig Benton was, and what drugs he’d transported.

As Chase pulled out of the campground parking lot, she drew Teddy across her lap. She buried her fingers in his fur, leaned her head back against the seat cushion, and closed her eyes.

Rest, then food. Uncovering the truth behind the drugs that had been carried to the mountains via Logan’s plane would have to wait.

But not for too long. An image of Ella’s face filled her mind. Ella was just one of hundreds of thousands who’d lost their lives to drug addiction. If Teddy could help eradicate the illegal drug trade in their small part of the state, she’d accept that mission.

No matter what.

Logan battled fatigue as Chase took Highway 14 west toward Greybull. It was the soothing motion of the car that was doing him in. Well, that and the fact that they’d hiked well over twelve miles over the past fourteen hours.

“We’ll head to Della’s Diner for breakfast,” Chase said, breaking into his thoughts.

“Sounds good.” He blinked to keep himself awake and focused “My place isn’t too far from there. I appreciate you dropping me off.”

“It’s no trouble.” Chase glanced at him. “We’re grateful at how well you looked after Jess.”

He knew Chase was fishing for information. He glanced over his shoulder to see that Jessica had fallen asleep. So had Teddy. “We’re friends, that’s all. Besides, you know Jess would slug me if I tried anything.”

“That’s true.” Chase grinned. “I also know you have too much respect for Jess to have tried anything.”

He flushed and looked out the window. He knew his feelings for Jess weren’t much of a secret. Yet he also knew nothing would ever come of it. Burned bridges around Ella’s death had taken care of that. “Like I said, we’re friends.”

“Do you really think the gunman shot at you because you got too close to his drug stash?” He was grateful Chase changed the subject. “Seems rather drastic.”

“That’s the only thing that makes sense.” He shrugged. “Think about it from Benton’s viewpoint. I drop him off, then return a short while later, hiking through the woods in the general direction of where he was headed.”

“Still seems like overkill,” Chase muttered. “But I guess he could have been suspicious about the way you returned to the scene.”

“I didn’t expect him to try to crash the plane,” Logan admitted. “I assumed the first shots were a warning to stay away. And it worked as we sure left in a hurry.”

“Not your fault.” Chase waved a hand. “I’m just glad you were able to land the plane.”

“Me too.” As they approached the town of Greybull, he straightened. Della’s Diner was on the far east side of town. Now that they were close, his stomach rumbled loud enough for Chase to hear.

Greybull was smaller than Cody. Highway 14 merged with Highway 20 for a short distance before heading east again. Chase slowed and turned into the small parking lot of Della’s Diner. Shane pulled in beside him.

“Wake up, Jess,” Chase said.

“Huh?” Jess blinked, then ducked as Teddy tried to lick her face. “Wow, you got here fast.”

Logan couldn’t help but smile. Jess pushed Teddy off her lap to unlatch her seat belt. “I hope they don’t mind dogs.”

“They won’t,” Chase assured her. “I’ve been here before with Rocky.”

Logan wasn’t worried either. The Sullivans were well known across the state of Wyoming for their search and rescue efforts. Second only to the governor, the Sullivan family was treated like royalty.

A well-deserved reputation , he silently acknowledged.

Chase let Rocky out of the back. The three Sullivans let their dogs run wild for a few minutes, before calling them back. Logan followed them inside the restaurant. Every patron in the place turned to stare at them.

Three dogs and four people were a lot, he conceded.

“This way.” A server with four menus escorted them to a round table in the back. Logan ended up sitting beside Jessica, who kept Teddy close to her side. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please,” he and Jess answered in unison.

“We’ll have some too,” Chase added dryly.

The coffee was strong and hot, just the way Logan liked it. After placing their orders, he cradled his mug, grateful to be safe and warm.

“I was thinking that Logan should return to the ranch with us,” Jessica said, breaking the silence.

He was so shocked by her offer he nearly spilled his coffee. “Oh, I really should head home. I need to find spare parts to repair my plane anyway.”

“That’s just it. We should pay for the parts.” Jessica turned to her oldest brother. “Come on, Chase. You know we owe Logan this much.”

“I don’t mind reimbursing him for the plane parts,” Chase agreed. “Not sure that means he needs to stay at the ranch.”

She frowned, then shrugged. “I just feel like we should stick together.”

Logan was touched by her offer, but he privately agreed with Chase. There was no reason for him to spend time on the ranch.

“How far is your damaged plane from the campground?” Shane asked. “It might be easier to get there by car and snowmobile than to fly another of your planes.”

He nodded slowly. “That’s true. And once I get the plane repaired, I can fly it out of there.”

“Unless the gunman is still hanging around and waiting to take another shot at you,” Jess said.

He shrugged, unable to argue her point.

“Let’s hold off on planning a return trip just yet.” Chase looked exasperated. “When we do decide to return, we’ll need to take the local sheriff and maybe a couple of game wardens along in case there is more trouble.”

Jess frowned, then nodded. “You’re right. We need others as backup.”

Their server arrived carrying a large tray stacked with large breakfast meals. Teddy lifted his head, no doubt latching on to the scent of bacon. After they’d been given their respective plates and their cups refilled with coffee, their server left them alone.

“I’d like to say grace,” Jess said.

Chase looked surprised. “Go ahead then.”

“Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for keeping us safe in Your care last night and this morning. We ask You to bless this food and to continue to guide us on the path so that we might find these criminals and bring them to justice. Amen.”

“Amen,” Logan said. Chase and Shane exchanged a look before echoing the sentiment.

“I’m not sure bringing criminals to justice is our job,” Chase pointed out once they dug into their meals. “We do search and rescue missions, not search and arrest.”

“Even if that means turning your back on a drug dealer?” Jess asked. “Seriously?”

“We don’t know for sure what Craig Benton is involved in.” Logan spoke between bites. “We’re assuming drugs because of Teddy’s alert. But the guy could be poaching or doing something else entirely.”

“Something bad enough to try to kill us,” Jess fired back. “I highly doubt a poacher is going to risk killing two innocent people and a dog.”

He sighed and took another bite of his farmer’s omelet. The food warmed his belly. “I’m just saying we shouldn’t jump to conclusions.”

“Logan has a point,” Shane said. When Jess glared at him, he raised a hand. “I know Teddy is rarely wrong when it comes to finding drugs. But having drugs in your pocket for personal use and dealing them are two different things.”

“You’re all nuts,” Jess muttered. “And if Doug were here, he’d agree with me on this.”

They finished the rest of their meal in silence. Logan knew that no matter what he said, Jess would insist on being included in the trip back up the mountain.

When their server brought their bill, he dug in his pocket for some cash to pay for his meal. Chase waved him off. “Put it away. We’ve got this.”

Sensing that arguing was useless, he let it go. The Sullivans were known not to accept more than a bag of dog food for their services, and he’d always assumed they’d gotten some sort of inheritance from their parents.

Yet that didn’t mean he shouldn’t pay his way.

They all stood and began pulling on their winter coats, hats, and gloves. The dogs jumped to their feet, raring to go. Logan could feel the curious gazes as they trooped toward the front door.

“Nothing like drawing a whole lot of attention,” he said to Shane. “Does this happen all the time?”

Shane lifted a brow and shrugged. “Didn’t notice.”

Because they’re the closest thing to royalty around here . He shook his head and stood watching as the three Sullivan siblings sent their dogs out for a quick romp around the restaurant before calling them back. Even Teddy, who had to be exhausted from their earlier trek down the mountain, eagerly played along with Rocky and Bryce.

As usual, Rocky was the last one to head over when called. Logan tried to hide his amusement at Chase’s frustration.

“Rocky, heel!” He shouted the command loud enough to be heard all the way to Cody. After staring Chase down for a long minute, Rocky relented and trotted over to the SUV.

“That dog is something else,” he said in a low voice to Jess as Chase managed to get Rocky settled in the back crate area of the SUV. “I thought all K9s were well trained?”

“Elkhounds are a different breed.” She grinned. “More independent than most and not as anxious to please their handlers. Somehow, I don’t think Chase will get another Elkhound once Rocky retires from SAR duty. But since Rocky is only five, he has many years of fighting with that dog ahead of him.”

Logan held the back door open for Jess and Teddy. Soon, they were back on the highway. His log cabin home was only another three miles down the road on the outskirts of town. He’d purchased the property after his mother died. His dad had left when he was just a kid, and Logan had no real memory of the guy. Other than the scent of cigarette smoke. When Logan passed a smoker, he thought only briefly of the man who’d walked away without looking back.

His mom had done well enough without him, working at a small motel and then buying the place when the owner retired. Logan had felt bad selling the motel after she’d died, but his mother had always encouraged his love of flying, so he was sure she’d appreciate his desire to purchase a property with a built-in airstrip. Not to mention an airplane hangar. The previous owner had left an old plane behind, and Logan had pretty much rebuilt the engine from scratch to get her back in flying condition.

That was how he ended up with three planes. Well, two now , he thought with a sigh. He hadn’t had time to examine the damage too closely after the near crash landing. He hoped it wouldn’t take too much to get the bird airborne.

A few minutes later, Chase pulled into his driveway. He quickly pushed his door open. “Thanks again.”

“Back at you,” Chase answered. “We appreciate everything you did for Jess.”

“Jess can speak for herself,” she said irritably. Then she sighed. “I am grateful you were with me last night. And I hope to see you again soon.”

“Sure thing.” Logan told himself Jess didn’t mean that the way it sounded. She was more concerned about tracking the potential drug dealer than seeing him again on a personal level. And that was fine. He needed to focus on repairing his plane anyway.

He grabbed his oversized backpack from the rear seat and slung it over his shoulder. “Take care.” He gave Jess a nod and turned to head toward the airplane hangar. No reason to haul the pack into the house. He’d have to go through it to rearrange stuff, but he wanted to be sure he had the pack stored in his second favorite plane for his next trip.

Obviously, it had been a good thing he and Jess had been able to use the tent and other camping gear last night.

He was about halfway to the hangar when he heard the sharp crack of gunfire. Seconds later, he felt the impact of a bullet striking his backpack. It was enough to throw him off balance. He instinctively dropped to his knees while digging his gun from his pocket.

“Logan!” Jessica’s shout echoed around him. It was quickly followed by the roaring of the SUV engine. He frantically searched the section of woods located just north of his house, the most logical location for a gunman to hide.

“Get in!” Jess sounded angry now. “Hurry!”

He wasn’t sure that was the best move, but he feared if he didn’t go to the car, she’d rush toward him, placing herself in harm’s way. Without giving himself too much time to think it through, he leaped to his feet and used the backpack to shield his head and neck as he ran toward the SUV.

Jess had the back door open. He didn’t hesitate to dive inside. Without waiting for him to get situated, or even to get the door closed, Chase put the SUV in reverse and shot out of the driveway.

He finally managed to shove the backpack to the floor, leaning forward to grab the door handle to close it. Chase was still driving as fast as possible away from his home.

“Did you see who shot at you?” Chase demanded.

Dazed, he shook his head. He belatedly realized Teddy was sitting up in the passenger seat beside Chase. Surprised, he glanced at Jess. “No. I only heard the shot and felt the bullet strike the backpack.”

“What?” Jessica’s blue eyes widened in horror. “He just missed hitting you?”

He nodded and bent over to examine the backpack. There was a round hole on one side where the bullet had clearly struck and a larger frayed open area on the other side. An exit wound, so to speak.

“That was too close,” Jess muttered. “Way too close.”

“Yeah.” He sat back, his thoughts whirling. They hadn’t rushed their trip back from the mountain. They’d stopped to talk, then had stopped for breakfast at the Della’s Diner.

Meanwhile, the gunman had lain in wait for him to get home. This was the third attempt to kill him, if the first shooting hadn’t been a simple warning.

Three shootings within twenty-four hours.

Craig Benton had to be the man responsible.