Page 29 of Scent of Death

“For us too,” she admitted. “Although since our ranch isn’t that far from here, we know Greybull and Cody pretty well.”

Soon, the town came into view. Her phone rang. Seeing Joel’s name, she quickly answered. “Hey, are you close?”

“Yeah, we’re in Greybull now. Where are you?”

“Hang on a minute.” She looked for a familiar landmark. “We’re on Industrial Avenue coming up on the Attwell Restaurant. Can you meet us in the parking lot?”

“Yep. See you soon.”

“I don’t think we’re too far from the hardware store,” Griff said, and he approached the restaurant. “I may head over on foot to avoid attracting attention.”

“Maybe you should take one of the twins with you.” Oddly, she didn’t like the idea of being separated from Griff. “Just in case.”

“I can handle it.” His offhand comment sparked her anger.

“No, I mean it, Griff.” She tightened her grip on his hand. “Please don’t go alone. I need you.”

He glanced at her in surprise, then slowly nodded. “Okay. Justin can tag along if he’s willing. I just hate to make them late for their search.”

“It’ll be fine.” She would make sure Justin accompanied him. This wasn’t the time for either of them to go off alone. Especially while the killer was still in the area.

Likely driving around looking for them.

Joel and Justin were waiting in the farthest corner of the parking lot. Griff pulled in beside them and killed the engine. She slid out and opened the back for Denali. Then she reached into the vehicle to retrieve the poisoned dog food. “Here, take it.” She thrust the bag toward Joel. “This needs to get to the Cheyenne lab as soon as you’re finished searching for your missing hiker. I would be shocked if it wasn’t laced with rat poison or some other toxic substance that is harmful to dogs.”

“We need to get that guy,” Justin muttered.

“I agree.” Joel tucked the evidence bag into the SUV. “Don’t worry. Once we finish up out here, we’ll get Logan to make another trip to Cheyenne.” Joel offered a wry grin. “He won’t mind. That man is happiest when he’s with Jess or flying his plane.”

“Thanks.” She knew her brother was right. After they were married, Logan and Jess moved into Jess’s ranch cabin. Logan had insisted on selling his house in Greybull, and they had built a large hangar near the ranch landing strip to house his three planes. And his tools, of which there were many. Logan either flew planes or worked on them.

Alexis turned to her brother. “Justin, I need you to go with Griff to the hardware store. We didn’t get the trail cams yet.”

Justin frowned. “Okay, but why the concern?”

“We don’t know how the killer found us at the campground.” She held her brother’s gaze, imploring him to go along with the plan. “What if he’s out there, cruising up and down Main Street? I would feel better if he was walking with you.”

Justin exchanged a look with Joel, then shrugged. “Sure, why not? I don’t mind.”

“Thanks.” She knew her family would come through for her. “Joel and I will wait here with the dogs. Taking Stone with you will only draw more attention.”

“Let’s go,” Griff said. “The sooner we get those cameras and get out of Greybull, the better.”

Alexis watched them go. Feeling Joel’s gaze on her, she arched a brow. “What? This guy is a brutal killer. I doubt he’d hesitate to kill a federal agent.”

“You care about Griff,” Joel said.

She decided there was no point in arguing. “Yes, I do. That’s not the real issue here, though. We need to figure out who this guy is and stop him before he hurts anyone else.”

Joel nodded thoughtfully. “Yeah. I’m worried this killer has set his sights on you, Alexis.”

She attempted a casual shrug, despite the sick feeling in her stomach. Never in her life had she been targeted by a ruthless killer. She’d never worked in law enforcement the way Maya had. Even Jess used to work the airport with Teddy, who could find drugs. “Maybe. Thanks to Denali, he hasn’t gotten too close.”

“You need to stay with Griff from here on,” Joel said.

Since that was her intent, she simply nodded. “Hey, if you don’t mind, I’m going inside to use the bathroom. Keep an eye on Denali for me.”

The three dogs were romping in the open field nearby. She didn’t think they were visible from the road as they were stationed right behind the restaurant. As she headed inside, she hoped Griff and Justin wouldn’t take too long.

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