Page 40 of K-9 in Pursuit

“You’ll need to station security at the gate,” Connor said. “Once word gets out about this, there will be people eager to get a look.”

Doug flapped one gloved hand. “I’ll take care of all that. But don’t say anything to anyone about this—especially not the press.”

“I know the drill,” Connor said. “Everything goes through your office.”

“Make sure the other patrollers know that, too.” Doug turned away, and came face-to-face with Brian. “Brian Weeks,” he said. “What are you doing here?”

Brian blinked. “Sir?”

“I thought you were arrested. For murder.”

“I…I…” Brian swallowed and tried to pull himself together. “I was questioned and released. I didn’t kill anyone.”

“The young woman who was killed had been harassing Brian,” Connor said. “It’s unfortunate, but he didn’t have anything to do with her death.”

Doug pointed a finger at Brian. “You don’t talk to the press, either.”

“No sir. I won’t.”

Doug strode away. Brian stared after him, dry-mouthed and agitated.

“He can’t fire you just because the sheriff’s office questioned you,” Connor said. “He knows that.”

“I liked it better when he didn’t even know my name,” Brian said.

Connor gave him a sympathetic look, then keyed his radio. “We’re calling the search at 4:17 p.m.,” he said. “Go home and return tomorrow at seven.” He switched off the radio and turned to Brian. “You go home, too.” He glanced down at Daisy, who lay sprawled on her side at Brian’s feet. “Take care of your dog.”

“Come on, Daisy.” The golden sat up, yawned, then stood and gave herself a shake. Brian patted her side. “Good girl.”

But the normally exuberant dog remained subdued as they climbed up the chute and made their way to the waiting snowmobile. Chase looked at Daisy and shook his head. “They’re never happy when they don’t find anyone, are they?” he said.

“No one’s happy when we don’t find anyone.” Finding a body wasn’t the outcome they wanted, but finding no one was worse. It meant a family had to wait longer to know what really happened to their loved one.

The glum feeling stayed with him all the way home. At his trailer, he thought about calling Chloe and telling her about what had happened. He always felt better after talking with her. But he couldn’t call her, could he? He had promised to leave her alone.

Instead, he gave Daisy a chew stick, then headed for the shower. But before he could undress, his phone’s ringtone broke the silence.

Chloe’s number filled the screen. His lawyer would tell him not to answer the call. But he couldn’t ignore her. “Hey, Chloe,” he answered.

“I’m sorry to bother you,” she said, her voice strained. “I didn’t know who else to call.”

“You’re not bothering me.” She sounded so distressed. “What’s wrong?”

“I just got home from work. And…someone broke into my apartment.”

Brian took out his keys. “I’ll be right there.”

Chapter Twelve

Relief surged through Chloe as Brian’s truck pulled into the parking lot of her apartment building. Daisy exited the vehicle first, and came bounding straight toward Chloe, and leaned against her, as if to offer a comforting hug. Brian followed, not running, but walking quickly. “Are you okay?” he asked.

Chloe petted Daisy, resisting the urge to throw herself into Brian’s arms. “I called the sheriff but they’re dealing with an emergency and said I might have to wait for help.” She straightened. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“We had an inbound avalanche this afternoon,” he said. “One fatality and one serious injury that required Life Flight. That’s probably what tied up the sheriff’s office.” He glanced up toward her apartment. “But what happened here?”

“Someone has ransacked my apartment.” She hugged herself, unable to get warm despite her heavy coat.

Brian put his arm around her. She leaned into him. “Ransacked?” he asked. “You mean, torn apart?”