Page 47 of Scent of Fear

“Why don’t we have him meet us for lunch?” Shane raked a critical gaze over her. “You should eat. We need to stay strong in case we get a lead on your grandfather’s whereabouts.” The corner of his mouth kicked up in a rare smile. “You know how Bryce can be when he’s hot on the scent.”

She wasn’t sure food would stay down, but Shane was right about the need to stay strong. Bryce could move much faster through the wooded terrain than she could, so she managed a nod. “Okay. Lunch works for me.”

“Great. We’ll find a place here in Greybull. I think the Four Corners Café isn’t too far.” He stepped back, and added, “Come, Bryce.”

The dog jumped up to stand at his side. Then he lowered his front end in a long stretch, before returning to all fours and wagging his tail.

“He’s a good boy.” She smiled at the dog as they made their way out of the library. There was something about the K9 that lifted her spirits. At least a little.

She folded the article into fours and slipped it into her pocket, wishing she could tuck the truth away as easily.

Her heart felt heavy as they headed to the Sunshine Café. Yet even as she listened to Shane making the call to Paul about having new information related to her grandfather’s disappearance, she couldn’t help but pray there was a way out of this.

That somehow they’d rescue her grandpa while finding a way to avoid his having to spend the rest of his life in jail.

* * *

Tension radiatedoff Libby in waves. She was approaching this upcoming meeting with Paul with trepidation and resolve.

He wished he could make this easier for her. He missed her sunshine-and-roses attitude toward life.

After parking at the Sunshine Café, he released the back hatch so Bryce could jump down. The SUV was designed to start up automatically if the interior of the car got too hot, but he didn’t want to take the risk.

Besides, this meeting with Paul could take a while.

“I’m glad you’re bringing Bryce inside,” Libby said as he held the door open for her. “I like having him close by.”

“You do?” Her statement surprised him. “You’re not afraid of him anymore?”

“No.” She shrugged, and added, “Although that could change if he came charging at me with his teeth bared.”

“That won’t happen,” he assured her. “He only charges after bad guys or those he perceives to be a threat.”

“I know. I’ve seen him in action.” She glanced around the café. “There’s one booth open, let’s grab it.”

He followed her to the table. Several people looked at Bryce curiously, but when the dog curled up beneath the table, he was soon forgotten.

“I’m not sure I can eat.” Libby put a hand over her stomach, frowning at the menu on the table before her.

“Please, Libby.” He ached to hold her. “I know it’s difficult, but your grandfather needs you, needs us to find him.”

“That’s the only thing keeping me going.” She sighed and gave the menu a push. “I’ll try the chicken sandwich.”

“Sounds good.” He caught their server’s eye. A woman old enough to be his mother hurried over. Her name tag identified her as Cynthia.

“What can I get you to drink?” Cynthia asked.

“Iced tea for me.” Shane cocked a brow. “Libby?”

“Iced tea is fine, and I’ll have the chicken sandwich with fries. Thanks.” Libby’s attempt at a smile was pathetic.

“Cheeseburger and fries for me.” Shane glanced past Libby at the door. “We have someone joining us, but he won’t be here for a while.”

“That’s fine.” Cynthia didn’t appear fazed by the addition. She picked up the menus and headed over to get their iced teas.

Libby took a sip of her tea, then pulled a folded paper from her pocket. “Here, you should read this before Paul gets here.”

He gulped his tea and pulled the paper close. The article headline wasn’t a surprise; Libby had already given it to him. But as he read the article that had outlined how three men had robbed a Wellington Fox Security truck transporting over two million dollars in funds from one bank to another, he understood why she’d been hit so hard by the story.

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