Kendra tried to imagine the gunman finding a snowmobile to steal, getting it into the truck, and dropping it off. “I think the machine was on a trailer.”
They all fell silent as they retraced their steps. When the snowmobile tracks gave way to the footprints, Kendra knew they were finally getting close.
“Why does it seem to take longer to get back?” Dom asked.
“Adrenaline spurred us on. Now we have nothing but sheer will to push forward.” She managed a grim smile. “At least, that’s how it works for SAR missions.”
“Makes sense.” He glanced at her. “I trust you and your dog, Kendra. I believe she alerted on the footprints and the snow machine for a reason.”
“Thanks.” She was touched by his comment considering Dom hadn’t been around the Sullivan K9s until recently.
“How much farther?” Levy’s voice was weak. Turning around, Kendra could see the older man was struggling to get through the deep snow. Having snowshoes would help, but she doubted Levy knew how to use them.
After consulting her GPS, she said, “One more mile.”
Levy groaned.
Another fifteen minutes later, Kendra slowed her pace. They’d reached the trees where Smoky had first alerted. The back of the cabin was in view, and she frowned at the light shining from the kitchen window.
“What’s wrong?” Dom asked, sensing her concern.
“I don’t remember using any of the lights.” She turned to eye Justin and Griff who were close behind her. “Did either of you leave a light on?”
“No.” Instantly, Griff had his weapon in hand. “Someone may have gone inside while we were out here.”
“Stay back,” Justin added. “Griff and I will clear the house.”
Kendra tried not to sigh. The guys were always acting as if she hadn’t a clue how to use a gun. Sure, Griff was a fed, but Justin wasn’t.
“I’m with you,” Griff said.
“What are we, chopped liver?” Raine demanded. “We’re all armed and know how to protect ourselves.”
“Dom’s not armed, although he is a good shot,” Kendra said. “No reason we all need to stay behind.”
“Just let us take the lead,” Griff insisted. “We may need you to head out to get backup.”
“Backup?” Levy finally caught up to them. “I doubt the gunman is inside. He wouldn’t be foolish enough to turn on a light.”
Kendra grabbed Dom’s arm, holding him back so the others could approach the cabin first. Dom’s frustrated expression spoke volumes. Although she was relieved he didn’t shake off her grip.
“Someone must have a spare weapon I can use,” he said in a low tone. “I hate feeling useless.”
“Not that I’m aware of.” She watched as Justin and Griff split up, one heading around to the front, the other lingering in the back. Raine, for all her tough talk, stayed back as if to guard her and Dom. Justin’s K9, Stone, stayed at Raine’s side, although it seemed as if the dog wanted to follow Justin. Even Levy hung back, as if sensing the younger men were better suited to take on a threat.
A few tense minutes later, Justin went into the house through the back door. Raine took one step, as if she wanted to follow, but then stopped.
For a long moment nobody moved. Kendra imagined the two men clearing the cabin. Was she wrong about the light? Maybe they had left it on.
But she didn’t think so.
Another long minute later, Justin stepped back outside. He didn’t look happy but gestured for them to head over.
Raine and Stone led the way. Kendra, Dom, and Smoky were right behind her. Levy once again was the last one to arrive. A wave of warm air greeted Kendra as stepped across the threshold.
Smoky snaked around her, going farther inside. Then her K9 let out a sharp bark.
Kendra’s muscles went tense.
