Page 30 of Smoky Mountain K-9

Hanging up the mic, Carter flipped a switch and the lights and sirens came on. Maverick barked again and paced. His whines and short barks filled the silence in the cruiser as they crossed town to the equestrian center.

When Carter turned the corner onto the center’s street, he shut off the siren. Two other police vehicles—both from the city department—sat in the parking lot. He pulled up next to them, calling into dispatch that he was on-scene.

Mara’s knee bounced, her hand on the door handle, waiting for him to tell her she could get out.

He held out a hand. “Give me your building keys.”

“What?” She frowned.

“You’re not going in yet. Not until we clear it. And I don’t want to break down doors to gain access from the front.”

With a fierce frown, she stared at him for a long moment before letting out a huff and digging into her purse for her keys. They clinked as she dropped them into his open palm.

“Don’t leave the vehicle.” He opened his door, not waiting for a response.

Mara huffed again, but settled into her seat to wait. At least he’d left it running so she wouldn’t freeze.

Sixteen

Carter loped toward the building’s front door, Maverick straining at the end of his leash, to greet the officer watching the door.

“What have we got?” He reined his dog in and told him to sit.

The officer gave his attire a quick once-over, a curious frown wrinkling his forehead. “Signs of forced entry on the rear door. We were about to enter when dispatch told us to hold for you. This is city jurisdiction. Why are you responding? And off-duty, from the looks of it?”

Carter tipped his head toward his cruiser. “My girlfriend runs the place. She was at my house when the alarm company called. And extra hands—and a dog—are always useful at a burglary call. Plus, I have keys.” He held up Mara’s keychain.

The officer stepped back and motioned him toward the door. “By all means. I was not looking forward to sweeping up glass.”

With a grunt, Carter flipped through the keys until he found the one that fit the front door. Unlocking it, he pocketed the key ring. “Stay behind me.”

Nodding, the officer grasped the handle, speaking softly into his radio that they were ready to breach. When an affirmative came from the officer around back, he pulled the door open.

“Mav,lauf.” The dog lunged for the opening at the go command. Carter fisted the leash, holding tight.

“Ferris County K-9! Show yourself or you will get bit!” Carter waded deeper into the building, head on a swivel as they searched. He repeated the direction several times as they searched offices and conference rooms, then again, when they entered the arena.

A flashlight bobbed through the dark from the stables a moment before the police officer who came through the rear identified himself.

“Anything?” the officer with Carter asked his colleague over the radio.

“Negative. It’s clear.”

Carter grimaced. He led Maverick to the stables, wanting to run him along the stalls just to make sure, but doubted they’d find anyone. The building felt quiet.

After a walk through the stables, Carter confirmed it was empty. He took Maverick back to the cruiser and let him into his kennel.

“Well?” Mara peered at him through the slats from the front.

He shook his head. “Nothing. We haven’t done a thorough search for damage, but no one’s hiding in there.”

“Are the horses okay?”

“They seem to be.” He stepped back and shut the door after giving Mav some water. Rounding the vehicle, he opened her door. “Come on. I want you to walk through and tell me if anything looks out of place.” He offered her a hand.

She took it and slid out of the car. Carter threaded his fingers through hers and led her inside.

Flipping on lights as she walked through the building, she surveyed every room up front. He could see her consternation build as nothing appeared amiss. It hit him as strange, too, that there was no damage. Who broke into a building like this and didn’t take something or break something?