Page 28 of Scent of Fear

“I left it in your SUV.” When Shane looked confused, she added, “The DNA report. I left it in your SUV.”

“Oh, right. Well, the vehicle is locked and equipped with an alarm, so if anyone tries to get inside, we’ll be alerted.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s four in the morning. You should try to get more sleep.”

A remnant of her nightmare flashed in her mind. “I dreamed we found Grandpa tied up in a cave, and when we tried to rush to the rescue, one of the bad guys shot him.” She shivered. “It was horrible.”

“Just a dream, Libby.” Shane reached for her hand. “I’m sure it was scary, but it’s only a dream.”

She clung to his hand. “I can’t bear to think about what these guys are doing to my grandfather.”

“Try not to imagine the worst,” Shane said. “Maybe they’re just holding him someplace far away so they can come back to search the cabin.”

“Maybe.” She wasn’t sure that scenario was any better. “What happens if they find what they’re looking for?”

“I can’t answer that,” Shane admitted. “But you’re the one who told me to have faith in God, remember?” The corner of his mouth ticked up in a half smile. “Thanks to you, I prayed for the first time in a long time yesterday.”

“Really?” She turned on the sofa to face him, searching his gaze. “I’m glad to hear that.”

He looked down at their joined hands. “For a long time now, I’ve been too focused on the losses in my life, rather than on the blessings I’ve been granted.”

“Rebecca and your parents.”

“Yes.” He hesitated, then added, “Working search and rescue has reinforced the fact that lots of people suffer loss. I’m nothing special.”

“I think you’re special.” She couldn’t help but smile when he glanced up at her in surprise. “I mean it, Shane. You and Bryce are a special team. And I know you’ll be the one to find my grandfather.”

“I hope so.” He sounded cautious as if he didn’t want to over promise. “Are you sure you don’t want to try to get some sleep?”

“I’m wide awake now.” She belatedly realized Shane might be hinting that he needed to sleep. “Why don’t you stretch out on the bed in my grandpa’s room? I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“No need. I’m up now too.” He gently squeezed her hand, then released it. She missed his warmth, then told herself to stop imagining a closeness between them that wasn’t there. He rose, and Bryce looked up at him as if anticipating they might be heading out soon. “I’ll borrow your bathroom, if you don’t mind.”

“No problem. I’ll start the coffee.” She rose to make her way to the kitchen. Her ankle felt better, and she was secretly relieved the injury wouldn’t hold her back from participating in the search. She noticed Bryce stayed in the living room, stretched out on the blanket she’d set out for him.

After starting the coffee, she poked around in the fridge. Thanks to her grocery trip, there was plenty of eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast. She frowned, wondering if her grandfather had been given anything to eat. He’d been gone for almost twenty-four hours now.

Even she knew that the longer he was gone, the less likely they would find him alive. As Shane mentioned, though, it was likely the bad guys were keeping him for a reason. She placed the eggs, bacon, and butter on the counter, then stood for a minute looking around the living room.

Had her grandfather hidden something there? She knew he didn’t have a lot of money, so it couldn’t be anything of real value.

Could it?

She turned away and began frying the bacon. Maybe when they’d finished eating, she’d search the cabin. It didn’t sit well to invade her grandfather’s privacy, but if there was something there to use as a bargaining chip to get him back, she’d take the risk.

And beg for forgiveness later.

Shane emerged from the bathroom showered and looking more handsome than ever. She poured him a cup of coffee, which he accepted with a nod. “Thanks. Come, Bryce.”

She watched as he took his dog out the patio doors. There was no reason to be so hyperaware of him. It had been a long time since she’d dated anyone. The last guy had decided to skip town to hit the rodeo circuit. She told herself she was better off without him since leaving wasn’t an option. Not when she had her grandfather to care for.

Besides, Tommy hadn’t exactly invited her along. No doubt he’d been looking forward to mingling with the rodeo bunnies that clustered around the shows.

Deep down, she was forced to admit she didn’t care about Tommy’s decision to move on. She’d missed having someone to be with, but not Tommy in particular. Things hadn’t been that serious between them. He was a nice enough guy, but he was always looking for something more.

Something bigger and better.

And why was she even thinking about her lack of a love life? Nothing was more important than finding her grandfather.

While Shane was outside with Bryce, she took a turn in the bathroom. Feeling better, she refilled her coffee mug and continued cooking the bacon.

---