Page 40 of Scent of Fear

Maybe he should call his brother-in-law Doug. Maya’s husband was a federal agent now for the DEA, so a missing person was well outside Doug’s jurisdiction. Yet at the same time, Shane was losing hope that the locals could pull this off.

Not that he’d confide his concerns to Libby.

“Okay, we’ve included the earlier alert to include veterinary offices,” Paul said, coming back to the kitchen table. “Shane, send me those cell phone pictures.”

“Of course.” He used his phone to send the photos. It took a few minutes because Marvin’s cabin wasn’t wired for the internet.

It wasn’t unusual for people of Marvin’s generation to live off-grid. Yet it struck him now just how isolated Libby’s grandfather was. And that, according to Libby, Marvin preferred it that way.

Because he had something to hide? The wordsAt Largeflashed in his mind.

Escaped Prisoners At Large?

Burglars At Large?

Or worse, Murderer At Large?

He didn’t want to believe any of those things and knew Libby would be upset if he even mentioned the possibility. But the idea wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Anything else?” Paul glanced between the two of them.

“Not that I can think of.” Shane noticed the hopeful expression in Libby’s brown eyes dimmed. “We’re going to keep searching the woods, though. See if we can come up with anything new.”

“Sounds good.” Paul edged toward the door. “Please keep us in the loop.”

“Always.” Shane glanced at Libby, who was staring down at the floor.

He walked Paul to the door. “Call us as soon as you find anything,” he said in a low voice, “even if it’s bad news.”

“I will.” Paul gave him a nod, then strode to his squad.

Shane turned to see Libby’s face buried in her hands. Bryce crossed over to nudge Libby’s legs. She let out a hiccuping sob.

“Libby, please, don’t.” He quickly went over to put a comforting arm around her shoulders. “We’re going to find him.”

“Are we?” Her muffled voice tore through him.

“Yes, we are.” He crouched beside her, searching for something to say. “We’ll head out again soon, okay?”

“Thank you.” She sniffled loudly and lifted her head. “I need a tissue.”

He found a box in the living room and quickly brought it over. She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. “Will you pray with me?”

“Uh, sure.” He couldn’t say no. She stood and wrapped her arms around his waist. Surprised by the hug, it took half a second for him to wrap his arms around her too.

“Lord Jesus, please keep my grandfather safe in Your care,” she whispered. “And we also ask that You continue to guide us as we seek the truth. Amen.”

“Amen.” Shane couldn’t remember the last time he’d prayed with someone that wasn’t his family.

Yet doing so with Libby felt right. In a way, that was both comforting and scary at the same time.

10

“Thanks, Shane.” Libby would have loved to stay nestled against Shane’s chest forever, but obviously, they needed to do something, anything to find her grandfather. Drawing a deep breath, she lifted her head and started to step back.

Shane didn’t release her. Instead, his mesmerizing blue gaze clung to hers. His voice was low and rough when he spoke. “I haven’t prayed like that in a long time.”

“Was that because of Rebecca?”

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