He kept his distance before. He could do it again.
For once, the kitchen was empty.
He poured himself a cup of coffee and took a sip.
Then he tried to radio Max. He needed him to check the cleaners they used in the kennel to see if they needed to order more.
There was no answer.
Which wasn’t like Max.
He finished his cup of coffee and tried again.
Still no answer.
Caleb’s unease grew with each unanswered call.
He grabbed his jacket and headed outside, Hamilton trotting at his heels. The air was cold, the sky overcast and threatening rain.
“Max!” he called as he approached the kennel.
No response.
The dogs barked from inside the building, their chorus loud and agitated.
Something was wrong.
Caleb quickened his pace, his hand moving instinctively to the gun at his hip.
He stepped inside the kennel and stopped short.
Kendra crouched on the ground, panic etched across her face.
Max lay sprawled on his back at her feet, motionless.
Caleb rushed toward them. “What happened?”
“I don’t know!” Kendra’s voice was shrill, her hands hovering over Max like she didn’t know what to do. “I just got here and found him like this!”
Caleb dropped to his knees beside Max, his heart hammering. He pressed two fingers to Max’s neck.
He still had a pulse.Thank God.
Max’s breathing was shallow but steady. A dark bruise was already forming on the side of his head, just above his temple.
“Max.” Caleb patted the man’s cheek. “Max, can you hear me?”
No response.
“Call 911.” Caleb’s eyes snapped to Kendra. “Now.”
She fumbled for her phone, her hands shaking.
Caleb’s gaze swept the area, his muscles coiled tight.
Whoever did this could still be close.
The kennel door hung slightly ajar. The dogs were still barking, frantic and unsettled.
