Page 42 of Scent of Fear

“She died when my mom was young. I never knew her.” She’d always wondered why her grandfather hadn’t remarried. “Her name was Lydia.”

“I’m sorry for your grandfather’s loss. But this is the first I’ve heard of this guy O’Grady. Did you ever meet him?” Shane asked. “I take it that’s his last name. Do you remember his first name?”

“His name was Michael O’Grady. I met him years ago, but I haven’t seen him recently. Not since Grandpa retired from doing guide work, which was probably six years ago or so?” She abruptly jumped off the sofa, unable to sit still. Bryce lifted his head, watching her with his intense dark eyes.

She didn’t pay much attention to the dog, her thoughts spinning. What if Shane was right about the criminal aspect of that headline? What if her grandfather had witnessed something or, worse, participated in something illegal all those years ago? Now that the possibility was out there, she was desperate to find the truth. “We need that computer.”

“Okay, we’ll drive back to Cody.” Shane rose to his feet. “Or we can stop in Greybull and buy a laptop.”

“Why on earth would I buy one if I have one at home?” She frowned, annoyed. “That’s wasteful.”

“Well, tell me this, does Greybull have a library? It’s closer, and we can use the computer there if needed.” He glanced down at Bryce. “I’m just thinking it’s better to stay close to the cabin, just in case your grandfather can return. Or if we hear from Paul or the sheriff’s department related to our perp and his dog bite. Going all the way to Cody and back will take a big chunk of our day.”

“You’re right. There is a library in Greybull. When I was a kid, I would participate in their young adult book clubs during the summer.” She smiled at the memory. “I like the idea of sticking close. Oh, and I’ll leave Grandpa a note.” She went around Bryce to find paper and a pencil. “I hope you’re right about his being able to get here. I’d like nothing more than to come back here to find Grandpa waiting for us.”

“Me too.” Shane shouldered his backpack. “Let’s go.”

Her note was brief.Grandpa, I’ll be back soon. Love, Libby.

As she followed Shane back outside to his specially designed K9 SUV, she prayed this trip to the library would help them learn something crucial about the men who’d taken her grandfather.

And more importantly? Figure out a way to get him back safely.

* * *

Shane openedthe back hatch for Bryce. His K9 gracefully leaped inside the crate area. Bryce didn’t mind riding in the back, but he could tell his dog would rather be back on the scent trail.

Something he’d like too.

“Soon, boy,” he promised, then closed the hatch. He slid in behind the wheel, glancing at Libby. She was staring off in the distance, clearly lost in thought.

He couldn’t blame her for being concerned about what they’d find. The more he thought about it, the more he suspected that this was a secret Marvin had never planned to reveal to Libby.

Until his past had come back to haunt him.

“We should keep an eye out for a truck and trailer,” Libby murmured as he headed toward the highway. “Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of these guys.”

“Sure.” He doubted these guys were still driving around with Marvin in the back seat. He felt certain they were holding him someplace close by.

Logically, he knew they could be anywhere. Yet one of them must not be too far away considering how he kept showing up at Marvin’s place to search for, what exactly? He had no idea. But he found it interesting the bad guy had taken the box of photos and newspaper clippings with him.

Maybe because the contents inside the box might incriminate him?

He found himself hoping that was the case because right now, they were fresh out of leads and ideas of where to search next. He had confidence in Bryce’s ability to find Marvin and the bad guy he’d chased, but narrowing down to a specific location would be helpful.

As he drove to Greybull, Shane kept a wary eye on the rearview mirror. Not so much looking for a truck pulling a trailer, but more to make sure they weren’t being followed.

So far, so good.

“I want to thank you again for everything you’re doing to help me find Grandpa,” Libby said.

“I don’t mind. This is what we’re trained to do. Besides”—he paused and waited for her to look over at him—“I have a vested interest in this too. You and your grandfather matter to me. I am not leaving until we find him.”

“That’s very sweet, Shane.” Her smile was sad. “I pray we find him very soon.”

He nodded and focused on driving. He couldn’t imagine why he’d confided in her about the circumstances around Rebecca’s death. Oddly, since spending time with Libby, he hadn’t given his life with Rebecca much consideration.

Until Libby had asked him to pray with her.

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