Page 244 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“I did. Half of them listened. The other half didn’t.”

He snatched the megaphone from her. “The lady ranger said go! Now go!” With Pete’s command most of the remaining onlookers dispersed, but one man with a camera didn’t budge. After a bit of not-so-gentle coaxing from Pete, he moved along.

When they were alone, she whirled on Pete. “What was with the lady ranger bit?” She scowled.

“You’re a lady and you’re a ranger, right?” He grinned.

“Your comment was rude and sexist.”

“Then you should expect it from me.” Laughing, he pulled a rifle from the back of his SUV. “A few rubber bullets should keep her and her cubs in the woods awhile.”

“Let’s hope so.” She was glad to see Pete take the lead. Aversive conditioning might be effective, but it wasn’t something she enjoyed.

CHAPTER FOUR

Aweight pressed down on Wade’s chest. He opened one eye, and his German shepherd licked his chin. “Morning, Ruger.” He removed the dog’s paw and rolled onto his side to squint at his clock. “Five o’clock, already?”

The dog ran from the room, so Wade took the hint and rose from bed. After a quick trip to the bathroom, he dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and met Ruger at the door. As usual, he waited there with his leash in his mouth. Wade clipped the leash to his collar and opened the door.

This morning was a beautiful day for a run around the lakefront community. It would heat up later, but he drew the cool mountain air deep into his lungs and savored the moment. His workday would start as soon as his run ended. For now, he’d enjoy the time with his best friend. He smiled down at his dog.

All too soon, Wade trudged into the house and unclipped the leash. Ruger promptly dashed to his bowl to await breakfast.

Once he’d fed the dog, Wade picked up his cell and dialed his lieutenant to update him on the case and let him know the cadaver dogs were expected at the crime scene first thing.

Wade asked his boss to run interference with the press since whenever the news media caught wind of cadaver dogsbeing brought in on a case, national coverage followed. If the lieutenant could distract them with an update on the case, they might manage some work without meddlesome reporters intruding on their crime scene.

Wade metthe handlers and their dogs at the park entrance to escort them to Boulder Field. He lowered his window, and the woman driving did the same. “Valerie McKenna, I presume?”

“Yes. This is Mason Black.” She nodded toward her passenger. “He’s Chase’s handler.”

“I’m Sergeant Brunner. If you’ll follow me, I’ll get you through to our crime scene. We’ve blocked off the area, so I may need to get out and remove the barricades.”

“We’ll be right behind you.”

Wade escorted them to the road leading to Boulder Field. When they arrived at the barricades, a ranger vehicle blocked their path. Emily was forcing the heavy barricade out of the way. He slipped out of his Crown Vic and joined her. With a grin, he easily moved the barricade.

“I had it,” she mumbled.

“Still hate accepting help?” He smiled.

“Don’t act like you know me, Wade.” She frowned. “I’ve changed quite a bit in eleven years.”

“My apologies.” He wiped his hands on his slacks. “I didn’t mean to be presumptuous." He glanced back at the van with the dogs and their handlers. “I need to get these guys situated, but I’ll put the barricade back first.”

“No. You go ahead.”

“Emily, it’s a lot easier for me to move it. Go ahead of me.”

Her chin lifted in defiance.

“Fine.” He tucked back into his vehicle. The stubborn girl he’d loved had grown into a bullheaded woman.

Wade parked and waited for Valerie to do the same. He shouldn’t let his agitation with Emily occupy his mind when there was work to be done. After stepping out of his sedan, he slammed the door unnecessarily. A prayer for peace formed in his heart and some of his frustration dissipated.

The dog handlers exited their vehicle, stretching as they did. Valerie McKenna glanced around the lot. “No bathrooms?”

“Only portables. Sorry. I didn’t even think about your drive in.”

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