Page 30 of Scent of Evil
“There’s another one for us to share.” Justin unwrapped and broke the bar in half. “See? We’re fine. Besides, I’m sure the search party heading out this morning will bring more food along.”
That seemed to cheer them both up.
While they waited for the water to boil, he filled Stone’s bowls with food and water from the creek. Like the horses, his K9 was accustomed to creek water and wouldn’t notice the difference.
“Go get it, boy.” He gave Stone the hand signal that he could eat.
“Why do you make him wait?” Ginny asked with a frown. She wore the blanket like a cloak to keep warm. “He’s such a good boy.”
“He is. It’s not a punishment. We train the dogs to only eat when we allow it, to keep them safe.” At her skeptical look, he continued. “A few months ago, someone planted poisoned dog food to hurt my sister’s dog, Denali. The dog didn’t eat the food, so the K9 was fine, but can you imagine if we hadn’t trained them to wait for us to give permission?”
Ginny’s eyes widened in horror. “That’s terrible.”
“Yep. Don’t worry, our dogs know they’re loved.” He ran his hand over Stone’s soft fur. “We take good care of them.”
“Still, it must be hard on Stone when he has to search all the time.” Ginny gazed at Stone with pure adoration. “Maybe he shouldn’t have to work so hard.”
“Our K9s are trained to consider searches a game. They get rewarded for a job well done,” he explained patiently. “Trust me, they love playing search.”
As he said the word, Stone looked up from his breakfast, his ears pricked forward.
“See?” He grinned and petted Stone again. “Not now, boy. Maybe later, okay?”
Stone stared at him for a moment, then went back to eating. Labs in general ate fast, but none as fast as Trevor’s Red Fox English lab, Archie. That dog had all the others beat by a mile.
When the water had boiled for a few seconds, Raine used the blanket as a hot pad to remove the pot from what was left of the flames, allowing it to cool. While they waited, he stood and reached for the two saddle blankets.
He threw one over Timber, the other over Blaze. While he saddled the horses, Raine kicked dirt over the fire, dousing the flames.
After filling the water bottles, he stored the pan and other equipment in the saddle bags. He slid his weapon into his belt holster, just in case. It didn’t take long for them to break camp. He decided Stone had gotten enough rest that the K9 wouldn’t need to ride with him. He could take Ginny, but regardless of which horse carried two people, they’d have to walk down the mountain. No trotting or cantering to make up time.
He glanced at Raine, who eyed Timber with a resigned expression. “Would it be easier for you if Ginny rode with me?”
“No, it doesn’t matter one way or the other.” Raine grimaced. “I’ll still be saddle sore regardless.”
Since that was true, he let it go. Timber could easily handle the two of them. “Okay. I’ll give Ginny a leg up first, then you.”
“Can I keep the blanket?” Ginny asked. When he nodded, she tied the ends around her neck before she stepped into his hands to vault into the saddle. “What’s his name? Timber?” Ginny rearranged the blanket and then reached for the reins. “He’s a sweet horse.”
“Yep, and my mount is Blaze.” He was glad the girl seemed to be feeling better. He lightly grasped her hand, turning it to peer at the open wound. He frowned when he noticed the gash was red and puffy. He hoped they’d get back to Buffalo before it caused any problems.
His younger brother Trevor had done a brief stint as an EMT prior to their opening their search and rescue services. He’d have packed a first aid kit. Something Justin wished he’d done prior to heading out yesterday.
Never again, he thought as he scanned their camp one last time before offering his laced hands to Raine. She stepped into them and landed hard behind Ginny. Her pained expression indicated she was still sore, but then she smiled as if determined to get through the discomfort.
She was amazing. He swung up onto Blaze, then gave Stone a nod as the dog stared up at him. “We’re heading home, boy.” He double-checked his GPS and compass to validate they were on the right path, then clucked at Blaze and nudged him with his heels. “Stay with us, okay?”
Stone loped alongside the horses, happily sniffing the ground as they walked. He and Blaze took the lead, and it felt good to be back on the move, especially as the sun brightened the horizon.
Even if Trevor and others didn’t head out as early as they had, Justin knew it shouldn’t take more than a few hours or so to reach Ginny’s home.
Barring any unforeseen complications.
The moose had scared him into thinking Decker had found them. Justin hoped Decker was far away, but the fact was the guy had been on foot and may not have gotten very far from where the path diverged from wrecked ATV. Stone had indicated Decker had gone one way, Ginny the other.
He glanced over his shoulder, glad to see Ginny and Raine were riding Timber with a relaxed posture. He offered an encouraging smile, before scanning their surroundings.
Stone would let them know if they were heading for trouble.
