He moved deeper into the building, checking each kennel, each corner.
Nothing.
Why would someone knock Max out?
What were they looking for?
Or were they trying to send a message?
Caleb stepped back outside, his unease growing with every unanswered question.
First the PI in the woods. Then Valentina’s disappearance. Now Max, attacked in broad daylight.
Things were escalating.
And Caleb had no idea who was behind it—or what this person wanted.
But one thing was clear.
Whoever it was, they were getting bolder.
And that terrified him more than anything else.
Millie was in the living room when she heard the sirens.
Naomi had slipped outside several minutes ago, her voice tight as she told Millie and Sissy to stay inside and lock the doors.
After everything that had happened, they obeyed.
Hearing those sirens now made Millie’s heart lurch.
She rushed to the window and saw an ambulance pulling up the drive, lights flashing, gravel crunching beneath the tires.
A moment later, paramedics jumped out and hurried toward the kennel.
Millie’s chest tightened. What was happening?
She’d known there was a commotion in the kennel, but no one had told her anything. She figured one of the dogs had gotten out or something.
But an ambulance? Was Caleb okay?
She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t think.
Who was hurt?
A moment later, the side door opened, and Caleb strode inside, his expression grim. Dirt streaked his jeans, and his jaw was set in that hard line she recognized.
“It’s Max,” he said without preamble. “Someone attacked him in the kennel. Knocked him out.”
Sissy gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. “Is he okay?”
“He’s conscious. Paramedics are checking him now.” Caleb rubbed a hand over his face. “He didn’t see who did it.”
Millie’s stomach twisted into knots.
This was getting worse. Spiraling out of control.
Anxiety clawed at her throat until it was hard to swallow.
