Page 41 of Smoky Mountain K-9

Carter glanced over, but still couldn’t see anything.

She growled. “Oh, this person’s smart. They put on a ball cap and pulled it low, then raised their hood. I can’t see their face. But—” She tipped her head, staring at the screen. “I think it’s a woman.”

An image of Amy Spalding popped into his head. And so did the details from the break-in at the equestrian center. That figure looked like a woman too. Maybe the incident there was connected to the ones at his house. But why? If it was Amy, what reason could she have for destroying the center’s feed stores? It didn’t make any sense.

Grinding his molars, Carter willed Ben to drive faster, but the sheriff kept the same steady pace. When they finally turned into his neighborhood, Carter buzzed with pent up energy and frustration. He parked as close as he could get to the scene, then flew out of the car, calling for Mara to stay with Gemma.

“Dispatch filled me in,” Ben said, coming up beside Carter as they ran toward the rear of the house. “Good call on getting patched into the officers on-scene.”

“But you still didn’t drive any faster,” Carter growled.

“I went as fast as was safe, you know that. We weren’t in vehicles equipped with lights and sirens.”

With a grunt, Carter reached for the gate latch. He was sure he’d agree with Ben later, but not right now. Pushing open the gate, he stepped into the yard. Maverick rolled in the grass still, soft whimpers and whines floating on the chilly breeze.

Anger surged again, even as his heart bled for the dog. “Maverick,hier.” He called the dog, hoping his voice was enough to break past the animal’s pain.

Maverick rolled to his feet, his head turning toward Carter’s voice. Even in the low light, Carter could tell the dog’s eyes were swollen. He glanced at Ben. “Get the vet back here. And get me some water.” He ran toward his dog as Ben lifted the handheld radio he’d brought from his car. Carter repeated the command for Maverick to come. He was met with a whine before the animal flopped back into the grass and rolled again.

“Don’t touch him,” Ben yelled, running up. “You’ll get it on you and then I’ll have to call medical for your ass.” He held out a pair of winter gloves.

“Thanks.” Carter put them on, then dropped to his knees beside Maverick. “Oh, buddy. I’m so sorry.”

“Vet’s coming,” Ben said. “She’s getting her gear. I’ve got an officer raiding your kitchen for bottled water.”

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than the back door opened and an officer in a gas mask stepped out, holding several water bottles. He whipped off his mask and loped toward Carter.

“Here.” He held out the water. “There’s still more inside if you need it.”

Carter cracked one open and poured it over Mav’s face. The dog twisted, trying to get away, then paused as he realized the water helped.

“That’s a good boy.” Carter emptied the bottle and grabbed another. Commotion at the gate drew his attention. He looked over to see the vet, Kay Morris, hurry through. Gemma and Mara followed. He frowned as they approached, his gaze on Mara. “You were supposed to stay in the truck.”

“No. You told me to stay with Gemma. She decided to follow the vet.” She shrugged. “I did what you said. How is he?” She pointed at the dog.

Carter’s mouth flattened, but he didn’t argue. He glanced at Maverick, who was now drenched and still coughing.

The vet dropped to her knees beside the dog. “Carter, go get your hose. We need to wash him off.”

“In the cold?”

“Yes. The cold will actually help. It’ll close off his pores. Go.” She shooed him with one hand.

He stood and ran toward the house, pulling his hose out of its housing and turning on the spigot, glad he forgot to shut off the valve inside this winter. With the end of the hose in hand, he ran back to Maverick.

“Drench him,” Kay ordered.

Carter set the nozzle to full and squeezed the handle. The dog skirted to the side as the icy blast of water hit him. Calling him back, Carter held the scruff of his neck with one hand while he sprayed him with the other. Kay ran her gloved hands through his fur, making sure the water made it all the way to his skin. By the time she was satisfied, they were all shivering. Ben asked an officer to bring them some blankets, and Carter used one to dry the dog, then another to wrap Maverick up as he lifted him to carry him to the car. The dog still coughed and had started to wheeze.

Mara ran ahead and opened the rear passenger door. Carter stepped inside, laying the dog on the seat.

“Meet me at my clinic,” Kay yelled as she passed.

Carter waved in acknowledgment.

“You stay there. I’ll drive.” Mara shut the door before he could reply, but he didn’t mind. He’d be too distracted, worrying about Mav alone in the backseat to focus on the road.

“Do you know where you’re going?”