Page 21 of Scent of Fear

She was right in that Denali didn’t alert during their trip through the woods. Since Marvin had been alive as of that morning, the scent of death would be fresh enough to be picked up at a distance. Unlike searching old sites, like when they’d scoured the mountainside searching for their parents’ remains.

“I think you’re right about that,” he agreed.

Libby relaxed a bit. “I appreciate you trying to spare me the truth about what Denali was searching for, but from here on, you need to be honest with me, Shane.” When he didn’t immediately respond, she added, “I mean it. I understand search and rescue is your area of expertise, not mine. That makes it even more important for you to let me know what you’re thinking.”

He glanced at her and slowly nodded “Okay. I’ll keep you in the loop moving forward. But you need to help me understand why anyone would have targeted your grandfather in the first place.”

She sighed. “I’ve been trying to figure that out for myself too. I just can’t imagine anyone being upset with Grandpa. He’s the sweetest man without a single enemy that I’m aware of. He worked construction for years and minds his own business. Why would anyone want to hurt him?”

Having never met the man, he couldn’t answer that. Libby obviously loved the guy, but there had to be something more going on here than they both realized. He thought about that file folder he’d found stuck inside the recliner cushions. “How long ago did you do that DNA test on your grandfather?”

“Three months ago, why?” She frowned, then added, “Grandpa doesn’t have any other family besides me. He told me he was adopted as a baby and that his adopted parents died when he was in his early twenties. He married my grandmother later in life, around the age of twenty-eight, and they had only one daughter, who was my mom. She in turn had only one daughter, me.” She tapped the file folder. “I was thrilled to find out that my grandfather had a sister. I thought he’d be happy, too, but he seemed more shocked than excited.”

“Shocked?”

“Yes, I think he convinced himself he was an only child when he was given up for adoption,” Libby said with a shrug. “I surprised Grandpa with the results last month when the results finally came in. He told me that it was the best birthday present ever.” Her smile faded. “I hope we find him, Shane. I can’t bear the thought of losing him.”

“We’ll do everything we can to find him.” The rash promise tumbled from his lips before he could stop them.

“Thank you, Shane.” She reached over and squeezed his arm. “I’m so glad I called you.”

He tried to look reassuring, but deep down, he feared he’d end up disappointing her. He highly doubted they’d stumble across a truck pulling a four-wheeler trailer with her grandfather sitting in the back seat safe and sound.

Then Alexis’s words came back to him.Have faith, Shane. In this search, God’s will shall be done.

Was his sister right about that? He wasn’t convinced. Then again, Shane hadn’t really prayed in a long time.

Libby continued to hold on to his arm, the warmth of her fingers radiating through him. And for the first time in years, he found himself wanting to pray for her. And for her grandfather’s safety.

“Is that a trailer up ahead?” Libby’s fingers tightened on his arm. “Get closer, Shane. Hurry!”

He obliged by punching the accelerator. The SUV surged forward, closing the gap. He had to admit her eyesight was sharper than his because he hadn’t noticed the trailer up ahead.

But as they grew closer, the side-by-side long hairy tails swinging over the edge of the trailer had him slowing down. “Sorry, Libby, but that’s a horse trailer.”

“I guess you’re right.” She sighed and released his arm. Oddly, he missed her touch. “From back there, it looked like something that could be carrying four-wheelers not horses.”

Horse trailers were more common around these parts, but he kept that thought to himself as her keen disappointment radiated off her in waves.

“Keep in mind there are several sheriff’s deputies out here patrolling the area.” He managed a wan smile. “If there’s a guy pulling a four-wheeler out here, they’ll find him.”

“And if they don’t?” She winced, then quickly added, “Never mind. I’m just tired and crabby.”

“I think you’re holding up remarkably well.” He reached for her hand. “We’ll keep searching.”

They drove in silence for a few minutes. The horse trailer turned off the main highway and took a smaller side road. It occurred to him that if the poachers were smart, they’d stay off the main highways too.

He eyed Bryce in the rearview mirror. The K9 was curled in a ball on the cushion lining of the crate area, fast asleep. The dog deserved to rest; he’d put in a lot of miles since heading out at ten thirty in the morning.

Now the hour was going on five in the afternoon without any hint to where Marvin Tolliver might be. He figured he’d drive until Libby called a halt to the search or until darkness fell.

Whichever came first.

“You mentioned the SUV is specifically designed for Bryce,” Libby said, breaking into his thoughts. “Is that mostly the crate area in the back?”

“Yes, the crate area houses a water system that comes in handy when we’re doing searches in the wilderness. The SUV itself also has a temperature control setting that will cause the engine to start if the interior gets too hot or too cold for the dog. We try not to leave our K9s inside, but sometimes, it can’t be avoided.”

“Wow, I had no idea these cars were capable of that sort of thing.” Libby looked impressed.

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