Page 29 of Scent of Fear

After another five minutes, though, she grew concerned. What was taking Shane so long? What was he doing with Bryce in the backyard? Hard to imagine he’d started the search for the bad guy without telling her.

Finishing with the bacon, she moved to the patio doors. “Shane?”

“Coming!” She was surprised to see him and Bryce emerging from the woods. He had asked Bryce to start his search.

“Don’t leave without me,” she said, as Shane and Bryce approached. Shane downed the last of his coffee before reaching the patio. “My ankle is much better today. I want to go with you when you ask Bryce to search for the bad guy.”

“I didn’t ask Bryce to do anything yet, I only went to look for tire tracks,” Shane said. “I found an imprint in the dirt, and it looked similar to the one in the clearing where we found your grandfather’s glasses.”

“Did you think he was driving something other than the four-wheeler?”

“He could have been on a dirt bike.” He shrugged and crossed to the backpack. “Something like that may be easier to use in the woods.”

“Interesting.” She noticed he pulled out doggy dishes for Bryce. The large shepherd sat tall, clearly anticipating his breakfast was near. “Um, how do you like your eggs?”

“Over easy or sunny-side up, whichever is easier for you.” He scooped dog food into one bowl, then carried them both to the kitchen to fill the second bowl with water. Bryce hadn’t moved an inch, but his dark-brown eyes seemed to bore into Shane as he waited. Shane set the dishes down in the corner of the room, then said, “Come. Go ahead and eat, Bryce.”

The dog shot across the room, attacking his food dish with exuberance. She smiled as water sloshed over the edge and onto the floor.

“He’s something.” Shaking her head in amusement, she turned back to the stove. Shane was close enough to be a distraction.

“I can help,” Shane offered. “What do you need?”

“Take care of the toast.” She cracked eggs into the frying pan, doing her best to ignore his presence. “Are you planning to ask your siblings to help with the search today?”

He shrugged. “I was thinking we’d head out with Bryce first, see how that goes. I hate to drag them out for another day of finding nothing.”

“Okay.” She wasn’t going to argue since heading out bright and early suited her just fine. She looked out the window at the woods beyond.

We’re coming, Grandpa. Hang in there, we’re coming!

* * *

Shane buttered toast,struck by the easy camaraderie between him and Libby. He wasn’t sure when their relationship had shifted from mere acquaintances to friends.

Or more?

No, thinking along those lines was dangerous. Libby was only leaning on him now because she trusted Bryce’s ability to find her grandfather. Once they’d found Marvin, their time together would be over.

And why that was a depressing thought, he had no idea. He wasn’t looking for anything more.

Once they were seated at the table with Bryce stretched out on the floor at his feet, Libby said, “I’d like to say grace.”

“Okay.” He reached for her hand, then paused. When she smiled and took his hand, he realized his mistake.

He liked holding her hand, more than he should.

“Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for this food we are about to eat. Please keep my grandfather safe in Your loving arms and guide us to finding him. Amen.”

“Amen.” He was humbled by her faith and felt bad for having turned his back on Him for the past few years.

“I was thinking I should take Grandpa’s shotgun along,” Libby said, breaking into his thoughts.

He gave her a long look. “Do you know how to use it?”

“Aim and shoot, right?” She flushed, then shrugged. “It’s been awhile since I used it, but considering what we faced yesterday, I’d feel better having a weapon.”

“Your grandfather doesn’t own any handguns?” He wasn’t sure he wanted her to carry a rifle. Even though her ankle seemed better, the longer gun would be unwieldy.

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