Page 63 of Scent of Fear

She frowned. “You still have the cash? You never used it for yourself?”

Her grandfather winced. “I did use some in the beginning. I had to escape, get a new identity, and relocate here to Wyoming from Colorado.” He shrugged and let out a heavy sigh. “As I said, it’s a long story.”

She wanted to point out that they had plenty of time to hear what had transpired all those years ago, but she realized her grandfather might not want to say too much in front of Aaron.

Or maybe he didn’t want to incriminate himself more than he already had.

Libby hated knowing there was a strong possibility her grandfather would end up in jail. Forty-eight years was a long time, but one man and a cop had been killed during the robbery. And there was no statute of limitations on murder.

Her phone buzzed with an incoming call. Seeing Alexis’s name on the screen, she quickly answered. “Shane found Grandpa, and we also have one of the bad guys here. There’s at least one more out there, though. Maybe more.”

“I’m glad Shane found your grandfather. We’re coming up on your coordinates right now,” Alexis said. “Oh, and you should know FBI agent Griff Flannery is on his way to your grandfather’s place right now.”

“You better warn him that a man named Archer is likely digging in the cellar there,” Libby said somberly. “He should be considered armed and dangerous.”

“I will, thanks.” Alexis ended the call.

Libby lowered the phone, her gaze narrowing on Aaron. His arm was bloody from where Bryce had latched onto him, but as her gaze traveled down his jean-clad legs, she didn’t see any evidence of ripped denim indicating he was the one Bryce had gotten a piece of earlier that morning.

She turned toward Shane. “I think Archer must be the one with the dog bite on his leg.”

“I agree.” Shane glared at Aaron. “You and your brother are going away for a long time.”

Aaron looked away without saying anything in response. Hearing a car engine, Libby turned in time to see two SUVs rolling over the terrain toward them.

Leaving her grandfather’s side, she hurried over to meet them. Alexis slid out from behind the wheel, glancing at Shane first as if to make sure her brother was really okay, then to where her grandfather was sitting in the passenger seat.

“Alexis, can you tie this guy up for me?” Shane asked. “He’ll probably need to be seen at the hospital for his dog bite. Libby, too, as she deflected his gun arm only to get tangled with Bryce’s teeth.”

“Sure thing.” Alexis rummaged around in the back of her SUV reassuring her K9, Denali, that they’d be fine. Seconds later, she used plastic zip ties to bind Aaron’s wrists together.

“Thanks.” Shane finally lowered the gun. “Here, Bryce.”

The large German shepherd wheeled away from Aaron to trot to Shane’s side. Shane knelt beside his dog, ruffling and stroking his fur. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you? Good boy.”

Libby wanted to believe the nightmare was over, but there were too many questions without answers. When the sharp crack of gunfire rang out in the distance, she, Shane, Alexis, and Joel all exchanged horrified looks.

“Griff! That sounds as if it could have come from Marvin’s cabin,” Alexis cried out in horror. “We need to head back there.”

“We’re coming with you,” Shane said, hurrying over to join her. “Our SUV isn’t going anywhere.”

“I’ll take this guy with me,” Joel said, jerking his thumb at Aaron, “and we’ll meet you at the cabin.”

It didn’t take long for Alexis to jump behind the wheel of her SUV. Libby helped her grandfather into the passenger seat of Alexis’s car. She, Shane, and Bryce crowded into the back seat. Denali pressed her nose against the crate to sniff at Bryce. The two dogs touched noses, then Bryce settled down beside Shane.

Nobody said anything as Alexis backed away from the scene, the SUV rocking and rolling over the uneven terrain. Then she turned around and headed back toward Libby’s grandfather’s cabin. Alexis’s expression was stricken with fear and dread.

Libby could relate to the woman’s concern. As Alexis kept her food on the gas pedal, the SUV covering the miles, Libby found herself praying for Griff and whoever else he’d taken with him to her grandfather’s cabin.

She couldn’t bear the idea of her cousin killing a federal agent. Especially over stolen money!

When Libby’s grandfather’s cabin came into view, she saw three different police cars in the driveway, two sheriff’s deputy squads and one black SUV with red and blue lights flashing along the top. Libby assumed that one belonged to the federal agent. Alexis barreled down the driveway, bringing the Sullivan SUV to a jarring stop. Then without waiting for anyone to respond, she bolted out of the car and ran toward the house.

“Alexis!” Shane sounded irritated as he pushed out of the car to follow. Bryce bounded out to join the fray. “Alexis, stay back!”

“Griff!” Alexis shouted. Libby followed Shane and Bryce around the corner of the house toward the backyard where the cellar was located.

“I’m fine,” a male voice called. “But we need an ambulance. Paul Holland took a slug to the vest.”

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