Page 14 of Scent of Fear

She followed the pair around the corner of the house to see that two SUVs had joined Shane’s in her grandfather’s driveway. One was pulling a huge trailer. A pretty dark-haired woman jumped out of the first SUV and was quickly joined by a beautiful white and black dog. Libby thought it may be a border collie, but she couldn’t be sure. She recognized Alexis from their high school days and lifted a hand in greeting.

“Hi, Libby. I brought lunch.” Alexis leaned into the front seat of the SUV and removed a large cooler. “Anna made enough to feed an army.”

“That was very nice of her.” Libby was touched by their generosity. She was the one needing their help, yet they’d brought food along with the supplies. “Thank you.”

“Hey, how about giving me a hand?” The driver of the second SUV must have been Shane’s brother Joel. He released the back hatch, and a pretty dog with a yellow coat jumped out. Instantly, Bryce rushed forward to greet the newcomers.

“Go ahead, Denali.” Alexis waved her hand. The collie turned and ran to join the fray.

“I’ll be right there,” Shane called. “Alexis, this is Libby. Her grandfather Marvin Tolliver is the missing man we’re searching for. Libby, my sister Alexis, her dog, Denali, and that’s Joel and his K9, Royal. Give us a few minutes to get the four-wheelers off the trailers. Then we’ll head inside to talk and eat.”

“No problem.” Libby was impressed to see the three four-wheelers that were strapped down on the long trailer. Then she turned toward Alexis. “Here, I’ll give you a hand with that cooler.”

Alexis allowed her to take one end. It wasn’t as heavy as she’d expected, but together they carried it inside and set it on the counter.

“I’ll grab some plates,” Libby said as Alexis opened the top.

“Thanks.” Alexis began pulling large containers from the cooler. “Anna made chicken salad, fruit, fresh baked rolls, and there are chips and cookies too.”

Libby’s stomach growled with anticipation. Then she thought of her missing grandfather who probably wasn’t getting anything to eat. For all she knew, her loving grandpa was lying in the brush somewhere unconscious.

“Sounds great.” She had to force herself to sound cheerful.

“I know it must be hard.” Alexis lightly touched Libby’s arm. “We need to have faith in God and in our K9s’ abilities to follow his scent. We’ll find him.”

“I know we will.” Libby did her best to shake off the feeling of despair.

Outside, the loud sound of two four-wheeler engines could be heard. Libby moved to the window to watch as Shane and Joel each drove the machines up to the house. Then Joel jumped off and went to get the third one. Shane called his dog, and Bryce came bounding over.

“I’d better get Denali too,” Alexis said. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

Libby set four plates out on the table, along with silverware. Alexis had already set most of the containers on the table, but there were also several bottles of water inside the cooler.

When she had everything open and ready to go, she glanced outside again. Alexis and Shane appeared to be in deep conversation. Joel jumped off the third four-wheeler and called his dog. The yellow lab named Royal came running toward him. Then the three Sullivan siblings came inside the house.

“Hi, Libby.” Joel reached for the chair directly across from where she stood. “Royal, lie down.”

The yellow lab stretched out on the floor, tongue lolling to the side.

Shane took the seat to her right. Alexis dropped into the chair to her left. Each of the three dogs were well trained enough to lie down next to each other.

Libby had honestly never seen anything like it.

“Anna packed a feast,” Joel said with satisfaction. When he reached for a roll, Alexis slapped his hand.

“Grace first, remember?” She gave her brother an exasperated look.

Joel flashed an unrepentant grin. “Go for it, sis.”

Shane had been silent during all of this and now folded his hands in his lap, looking at Alexis expectantly.

If she was annoyed, Alexis didn’t show it. “Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. We ask for Your strength and guidance as we search for Libby’s grandfather. Please keep Marvin safe in Your care. Amen.”

“Amen,” Libby said. And the two Sullivan brothers echoed the sentiment. “Thanks, Alexis, that was nice.”

“Anytime.” Alexis lifted the basket of rolls before Joel could grab one. “Ladies first.”

Joel sighed loudly. “Hurry up, I’m starving over here.”

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