Page 49 of No Man Left Behind

“Good to hear. Arrow will like that answer. Now, hang on while I grab a ladder.”

It was weird having people in her business. Having people know about her relationship with Marcus. She’d never experienced that before, but her life had always been different from the life she was building in this town. At least, the people appeared to approve of her connection with a man who was so central to Phail.

She checked with Tansy and learned the men had found some clues but nothing definitive. They were heading back slowly to ensure they hadn’t missed anything. Everyone was safe.

Graham waved at her to follow, and she found he’d also enlisted Brody to help. Elina didn’t know the man well, either. She learned he drove the snowplow in the winter and ran a small hobby farm throughout the year. He sang Marcus’s praises as they worked.

They were installing the final camera when Marcus and the others returned. It only took a glance to realize they still hadn’t found the man, but they’d found something worthwhile.

Marcus locked his eyes on her as he approached. The slight frown turned into resignation. Probably annoyed that she wasn’t hiding inside.

When he was near enough, he reached down to kiss her softly. “You were careful?”

“I was. Were you?”

His face cleared at her reply, and he grinned. “Yep. We didn’t find him but we found more evidence to use once we’ve got him. He won’t be squirming his way out of this. We now know he’s been watching the town. He actually stayed in the woods last night, so we know where to watch for him. When he uses the same routines, we’ll get him.”

She loved that his confidence was absolute. It might take some time, but he would figure out who had hurt those animals. And he’d stop him. No wonder he was such a good leader.

And no wonder she’d fallen for him.

Chapter16

One Small Step For Man

Aweek later, Marcus was no closer to answers than he’d been before. There’d been no further incidences. No further feelings of being watched. No cigarette butts or strange cars parked along the roads leading to Phail. Not a damn thing.

He had the evidence logged and cataloged, waiting to help nail this bastard if he showed up again.

Maybe the man had recognized the competence of the team surrounding Elina and had taken off. That would be great, but it also meant he couldn’t afford to let down his guard. Ever. Which was sure to drive Elina nuts at some point.

Today, he had another goal he wanted to accomplish. After the one night Elina had returned to stay in the B&B. He picked her up there early in the morning so they could head to the diner for breakfast. It was a great way to start the day.

Not as good as making love to her in the morning would be, but he hoped that would happen soon. Very soon. When he rang the doorbell at the B&B, Carl opened it with a frown. “She’s looking at rentals.”

Marcus suppressed his grin. Good to know he had some backup in getting his goal accomplished. “I know.”

“Are you going to do something about that?”

“Hope so.”

Carl nodded. “Good. Can’t be soon enough.”

Elina had mentioned the B&B had been booked for leaf-peepers, and she had limited time left. She would need a place to stay.Ifshe wanted to stay. Looking at rentals was a very good sign.

Before he could say anymore, Elina descended the stairs with Finch on her heels. The pup seemed to have doubled in size since arriving in town. He’d also attached himself to Elina at every opportunity. Smart dog.

He didn’t see the kittens, but he was sure they were causing havoc somewhere. Finch approached and nuzzled Marcus’s hand. He no longer needed to bend to reach under his chin. “You’re going to be as big as Snoops.”

“Who’s Snoops?”

He grinned at Elina. “A cranky old donkey out at Kimi’s place. Why don’t we take a ride out there after breakfast? You’ll love what they’re up to at Shaggy’s Place.”

Between the two of them, Kimi and Garrett had taken in a wide variety of animals. Their properties combined Kimi’s veterinary business, Garrett’s equine and canine therapy center, and their combined Petting Pharm.

She smiled. “As long as we’re not bothering them.”

Carl laughed. “They love having visitors and showing off their animals. Just don’t come back with a parrot.”

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