Page 22 of Scent of Fear

He decided not to point out that with money, anything was possible. Maya had been the one to insist that their K9 vehicles be outfitted with all the bells and whistles, much like the K9 vehicles the police department used. His oldest sister had been a K9 cop in Cheyenne until her K9 had been shot and killed. Then they’d lost their parents, forcing Maya to return to the ranch.

What had started from their tragedy had blossomed into a full-fledged labor of love. Each of the Sullivan siblings had taken their calling to do search and rescue to heart. Even Alexis who, in his opinion, had the most difficult job of all.

Shane slowed as they took a hairpin curve. After yet another turn, he instinctively hit the brake when he saw a black truck and covered trailer parked at one of the lookout areas. He couldn’t help but wonder if the driver had pulled over because the truck engine was overheating. He knew from personal experience that sometimes happened while pulling a trailer.

“Stop! That could be them!” Libby cried.

He gripped the steering wheel tightly and slowed even further to turn into the lookout. There were several diagonal parking spots, and he pulled into the very first one, leaving plenty of room between his SUV and the parked truck and trailer.

Libby pushed open her door, but he reached over to grab her arm. “No, Libby. Stay back.”

“I need to see if Grandpa is there.” She tried to shake off his grip. “Please, Shane.”

“I’ll go.” He reached behind his seat to pull his backpack out. “I have a weapon, you don’t. What if the driver starts shooting? What good will you be to your grandfather then?”

Libby seemed to consider that as he pulled his weapon from the backpack. From this angle, he couldn’t see the face of the driver. And really, the covered trailer could have anything inside.

Or nothing at all.

“If this goes sideways, call 911 and get out of here, understand?” He pinned Libby with a hard look. “I mean it.”

“Okay.” She pulled her phone out and set it in her lap. “Be careful.”

He nodded, letting the engine idle as he slid out of the driver’s seat. Then he leaned in and released the back hatch to let Bryce out. Bryce trotted over to his side, looking up at Shane expectantly. “Search Marvin,” he said softly. “Search.”

Bryce went to work, sniffing the area. Shane held his weapon at his side as he approached the truck. For the first time in years, Shane opened his heart to prayer.

Lord Jesus, keep us safe in Your care!

6

Libby’s heart pounded in her chest as she watched Shane approach the driver’s side of the truck. Bryce was sniffing the area with interest but hadn’t alerted. Shane’s shoulders were tense as he moved closer. A wave of doubt assailed her. Shane wasn’t a cop, and confronting the driver of the truck pulling a trailer that may or may not house four-wheelers suddenly seemed like a bad idea.

What if the poacher pulled a gun and shot him before he could say a single word?

Trying to be quiet, she opened her passenger-side door and slipped out of the vehicle. Without closing the door, she rounded the door and took a few steps forward, her phone gripped in her hand. She had typed in the numbers 911 so that all she needed to do was push the button to connect the call.

Yet even as she eased closer to Shane, she felt sick at knowing whatever took place here would be over and done before the police could arrive.

The driver’s side of the door abruptly opened, causing Shane to stop in his tracks. She froze in place too. Bryce lifted his head but didn’t growl. She took that as a good sign. An older man emerged from the car, squinting at Shane. He wasn’t her grandfather but could have been a similar age or a few years younger or older.

“What’s going on?” the older man demanded. “What’s with the gun and the dog? You planning to rob me?”

“No, sir,” Shane said. He tucked the weapon into the hollow of his back, then held his hands up where the old man could see them. “My name is Shane Sullivan. I’m from the Sullivan K9 Search and Rescue Ranch. I’m sorry to bother you, but we’re looking for a man by the name of Marvin Tolliver.”

“Never heard of him.” The stranger’s gaze darted toward the dog and then to her. “Don’t either of you come any closer. And keep that dog away from me.”

Shane’s shoulders stiffened even more, but he didn’t turn to glare at her. He kept his gaze centered on the driver of the black truck. “Sir, do you have anyone else in the truck with you? We know Marvin Tolliver was taken by someone riding a four-wheeler.” Shane gestured to the trailer. “Looks to me like you’re pulling ATVs.”

For a moment, Libby thought the guy wasn’t going to answer, then he shrugged. “Yeah, I got a four-wheeler in my trailer. Taking it to my grandson.” The old man crossed his arms over his chest and stood his ground. “I’m alone in the truck. But if you come any closer, I’ll be forced to take matters into my own hands.”

“No need to worry, I don’t want to harm you or anyone else.” Shane took a step backward to give the man some room. “I appreciate you cooperating with us. As you can imagine, we’re very concerned for Marvin’s safety.”

“Hrmph.” The old man eyed Libby. “I guess I can understand that. But I haven’t seen anything unusual. Like I said, I’m taking the four-wheeler to my grandson.”

“Come, Bryce.” The dog trotted to Shane’s side. He took another step backward, giving the older man a nod. “Have a good day, sir.” When Shane turned to return to the SUV, closing the hatch after Bryce jumped back in, she hastily ducked back into the passenger seat.

The older man stood there staring at them as Shane buckled his seat belt. Then Shane pulled out his phone and took a few pictures of the truck and trailer before backing out of the parking space.

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