Page 19 of Scent of Evil
“I’m not sure, but Stone will find her.” Justin stood for a moment watching his dog, then held out his hand. “Come, Stone. Hand.”
Stone galloped toward Justin, regurgitating the toy into his palm. Then the dog sat and stared up him expectantly, clearing waiting for the search command. The dog was smart enough to know the game wasn’t over.
Justin took a minute to offer the K9 water, then tucked the collapsible bowl away. “Search! Search for Ginny.”
As he swung onto Blaze, Raine asked, “Do you think it’s safe to call out to her?”
Justin glanced behind them, as if searching for a sign of Decker. After a brief hesitation, he nodded. “Yeah, I think so. I have to believe that once Decker knew he’d lost Ginny, he’d head off in the opposite direction to avoid running into us.”
“Ginny!” Raine yelled as loud as she could. “Where are you?”
After what seemed like a long moment, a weak voice said, “Here! I’m here, Aunt Raine.”
“Stay where you are,” Raine called. She couldn’t see her niece through the foliage. “I’m with Justin Sullivan. We’ll come to you.”
“Okay.” Ginny sounded tired, and her heart went out to the little girl. Had Decker hurt her? She prayed he hadn’t.
The fact that she’d been praying on her own since Justin had offered to pray with her was a surprise. Yet she was too tired and sore to delve into the murky idea of faith and God now. All that mattered was finding Ginny alive and unhurt.
Then she’d make it her mission to find Decker.
Stone followed the scent trail for almost a quarter mile before he let out a sharp bark. As she was behind Justin and Blaze, she couldn’t see where Stone was alerting.
“Are you a good doggy?” a voice asked.
“His name is Stone, and he’s a very good boy.” Justin stopped Blaze and swung out of the saddle before she could do the same. “You must be Ginny.”
“Where’s Aunt Raine?”
“I’m here.” She slid off Timber with far less grace and stumbled forward on weak knees. When she saw Ginny sitting on the ground—dirty, soaked but otherwise alive—she had to blink back her tears. Ginny stood and ran toward her, wrapping her arms around Raine’s waist.
“I’m so glad I found you.” Ginny’s voice was muffled against her poncho. “I escaped from Decker but was so scared I’d be out here all night.”
“Did he hurt you?” Raine asked, fearing the answer.
“Not really.” Ginny didn’t relax her grip. “He threatened to hurt me but didn’t have time.”
“It’s okay, you’re safe now.” She held Ginny close and glanced at Justin who nodded in understanding.
“Praise be to God,” he said in a low tone.
“Yes.” An overwhelming wave of relief and gratitude washed over her. Thanks to Justin and Stone, they’d found Ginny in time.
Maybe God had been watching over her niece all along.
* * *
Justin rewardedStone for his find, then pulled out his cell phone. When the screen indicated there was no service, he dug in the saddle bag for the sat phone.
His brother-in-law answered on the first ring. “Flannery.”
“It’s me, we have Ginny.” Justin got straight to the point. “Unfortunately, Decker is still in the wind.”
“Great news on rescuing the girl,” Griff said. “I’m on my way to Buffalo now and will call Ginny’s mom, who has been frantic with worry. What are your current coordinates?”
“Hang on, I’ll get them.” Justin cradled the phone receiver between his shoulder and ear as he manipulated his compass and GPS unit. It was a good thing his oldest brother, Chase, had insisted the Sullivan siblings all learn how to navigate via a compass and GPS unit. A critical skill for SAR operations. “Okay, I have them. Are you ready?”
“Yep.”
