Page 41 of Mystery at Rescue Ridge

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Evie’s imagination ran wild with fears about what Size Eleven had intended to do with her on the rest of the trip to the small bungalow-style house out on the property.DualNo Trespassingsigns flanked the driveway, nailed to weather-worn posts and a barbed wire fence.A rottweiler chained to a tree lunged toward them as they exited the SUV.The chain around its neck tied it to a mesquite tree in the front yard, stopping the animal from reaching them.The effort the movement took seemed to deplete the animal because he didn’t bark long.

Despite the fact this dog could take a hunk of flesh out of them if they got any closer, Evie felt sorry for the animal.As vicious as its barks were, it was way too thin.In addition to not having water available on a warm day, she saw no evidence of food either.

“We’re reporting this, correct?”Owen asked Travis.The sheriff had his cell out and tapped on the screen.

“Already done.”

Good.No animal should be chained to a tree all day.The area around the tree was nothing but dirt, and there was no water in sight.Evie’s hands fisted.Her nails dug into her palms.

This was exactly the kind of place she envisioned a stalker living.Owen was already searching the grounds.He located an empty gallon jug, before fashioning it into a makeshift dog bowl.“Do you have water in the vehicle?”

Travis nodded, then clicked a key fob to unlock the door.“Check in the back.”

Owen retrieved the water from the back as Travis rounded the side of the home to avoid the area reachable by the chained animal, which included the front door.

Evie waited at the front of the SUV after Travis motioned for her to stay put.

Owen barely had time to fix a water bowl for the dog and kick it toward the massive animal when Travis came bolting around the side of the home.Phone held high, he came toward them like a heat-seeking missile.

“Deputy Carter has a hit.We’re in the wrong location.”

Owen paused as he watched the animal lap up the water and then wheeze.He mumbled a curse underneath his breath that Evie barely heard.“Go on without me.”

“What?”Travis’s eyebrow shot up.

“I’m not leaving this guy alone.There are no tire tracks but ours, meaning he could have been left out here alone for days on end.I’m staying until the authorities show up.”He shifted his gaze to Evie and mouthed an apology.“I can’t in good conscience leave him alone in this condition.”

“Don’t worry about me.I’m good.”Evie touched his arm, and her understanding reached his heart.“I have to go with Travis.”

“I know.”As much as he wanted to hop into the SUV, he couldn’t leave this animal.

“Should I send someone to pick you up?”Travis asked.

“No.Everyone should stay focused on finding the bastard.”Owen was shaking his head.“I’ll figure out a way to catch up to you guys.”

“Your phone is out of battery,” Evie pointed out.She produced hers.“Take this instead.”

Owen took the offering and thanked her.She was better at keeping track of his phone than he was because he’d already forgotten about the dead battery.You’d think he would have learned his lesson about keeping his battery charged, but no.

The Rotty’s eyes were tired, and he lay down, panting.Owen cursed.He didn’t like being separated from Evie.Not even for an hour or two.

“I’ll meet up with you as soon as I can,” he promised.

As he stood and watched her climb into the passenger seat and then disappear, the knot tightened in his chest.Being away from her was going to be hard.She’s with Travis.He’s capable of keeping her safe.Those words turned into a mantra in his head.

The Rotty growled, low and deep.The effort caused it to cough again.

“You’re going to be all right, buddy,” Owen soothed.He filled another container with water and set it within reach.The Rotty lapped it up so fast, so eagerly, water sprayed everywhere.When it pulled its head up, water dripped from its jowls.

Owen sat down on a stump with his torso facing left of the dog so as not to be a threat.He’d always had a calming presence with the horses and other animals on the ranch.This animal was simply protecting his domain.

He tucked Evie’s cell in his pocket and waited.

She’s with Travis.He’s capable of keeping her safe.

The well-maintained housein a cul-de-sac neighborhood didn’t strike Evie as the place a stalker would live.Maybe she’d watched too many crime shows on TV, but a home with window boxes filled with flowers and a vegetable garden didn’t fit her mind’s mold.

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