Page 114 of The Whispering Girls
Sunday 1745 hours
Katie and McGaven hurried back to Jack’s property, leaving Devin behind for his safety, but were disappointed that most of the daylight was almost gone. It posed a problem for the detectives due to the fact that they didn’t know the area as well as the others, but it was also in their favor because they knew how to hunt down a person at night. And they had a secret weapon: Cisco.
Once Katie and McGaven reached a well-hidden area, they began to set their plan in motion. McGaven would hang back to cover Katie and Cisco while they tried to pick up the tracks of the chief and John. Katie had done some training in snow because cold filters scent differently than heat. The cold generally keeps the scent condensed and doesn’t allow the specific trace of what is being looked for to waft and slowly spread for the dog’s nose to pick up.
Katie and McGaven ironed out a few more details and made sure they had enough emergency items divided between their backpacks. Katie stopped her mind reeling fromeverything that had happened since she had arrived for her two-week vacation—and what would have happened if she had chosen another location. She wouldn’t be working the homicides and John wouldn’t be missing, taken against this will. She felt her eyes fill with tears, but she wasn’t going to fall apart now.
McGaven touched her arm and said, “We got this.”
She nodded, took a breath and pushed the remote for the door popper that would release Cisco. The remote made a high-pitch noise and flashed numerous times. Then they waited for Cisco to find her.
Neither detective moved or said a word. It was as if they were frozen in the moment and everything up to that point whizzed past them at the speed of light.
Katie hated waiting. It seemed like it was taking too much time. Maybe the door didn’t open and she would have to backtrack to the Jeep. The longer it took, the more negative thoughts pressed her mind.
There was the sound of footsteps pressing through the snow, slowing, and then moving faster. Within a minute, a four-legged animal came into view, his black fur in contrast with the snow—closer and closer. The magnificent outline of the German shepherd exemplified everything about the breed—loyalty, athleticism, and love. With a few more steps, Cisco came to Katie’s side.
“Wow, that’s amazing,” said McGaven.
“I’m going to start a search like a long grid north.” Katie snapped a lead on Cisco’s vest. She would probably have him loose in areas, but would make that decision on a location basis. Katie looked Cisco in the eye and memories of all their missions flooded her mind. She knew that if the chief and John were on the property, they would find them.
“Hey,” said McGaven. “Looks like the sheriff is bringing in backup within the next hour. I sent a text telling him where we are and what our plans are.”
“Even after they get to Echo Forest, it’s still going to take some time,” she said. The news was a big relief, but it still didn’t alleviate her immediate concerns.
“But things are moving in the right direction.”
Cisco slightly panted and took several spins, ready to go. A subtle wind had picked up, but they were moving downwind.
“Cisco,such,” she commanded.
Cisco took off, his movement was controlled as he went forward, and then swept to the left and then over to the right. Katie glanced to the sides of their track, but mostly kept her attention on Cisco. If the dog showed a change of behavior, she would immediately see it.
Katie kept a good pace with Cisco, a jog, not quite a run. She thought the darkness would work in their favor unless there were cameras where they didn’t expect. If anyone was getting close, the dog would alert.
“Good dog,” she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear. Cisco’s ears perked a little bit higher.
Katie glanced behind and saw McGaven keeping up but also keeping attention. She knew there were some small buildings coming up on the left.
Cisco suddenly stopped, which was unusual. His breathing shallow, ears forward, and his body still. Katie didn’t say anything and she too stayed still and quiet. She knew McGaven was in the same mode, waiting and watching behind them.
The outdoor temperature had dipped and even the slight breeze froze her body.
Katie gave Cisco more leash, but he still remained in his position. You can’t hurry when a dog’s on scent; they know what they are doing. Katie struggled to remain quiet.
Cisco put his nose to the ground in the snow and pulled up, snorting. He put his nose down again, testing the area. It was something Katie had never seen him do before and she was mesmerized.
Another minute passed, Cisco then took a perfect left turn and went west in a straight line. Katie kept up, trying not to cause any pressure on the leash.
Cisco slowed his speed and bounded through the snow almost like a deer. He moved ahead and then turned around. The dog stopped next to a tree, but there was something that had interested him and he seemed to recheck his track. That, again, was new to Katie.
She turned to see where McGaven was behind them. She raised her hand to indicate that Cisco was on to something.
Cisco took two steps back then rushed forward, digging into the snow.
Katie dropped the leash and dropped down next to the dog. It was pure instinct, but she also knew Cisco and there was something important here. Her gloves were cumbersome but she continued to dig through the fresh snow until finally there appeared an old piece of wood, knotted and splintering. She tried to move it but couldn’t, so she continued to dig.
McGaven was soon at her side. “What’s up?”
