Caleb’s gaze lifted, and he swept the edges of the property—the trees, the slope beyond the lights.
Was the person who’d done this still lingering close?
Caleb turned back to the dogs, forcing his focus narrow and precise. One problem at a time, he reminded himself. One animal at a time. Panic helped no one.
Millie nearly collided with Naomi at the bottom of the stairs.
“What’s going on?” she rushed.
“Dogs got out,” Naomi said. “They’re running all over the property.”
At the thought, Millie started to hurry toward the door.
Naomi grabbed her arm, pulling her to a stop. “You should stay inside.”
Millie forced herself to stop. “But you’re going to need help.”
“Not from you.” Naomi shook her head. “You’re safer inside.”
“You need all the help you can get. Please, just let me do this. I’ll be careful.”
Naomi hesitated.
Then the barking surged again, the sound complete chaos.
“Fine. You can help.” Naomi held her gaze for a beat, then released her arm with a sharp nod. “But stay close.”
“I will.”
They pulled on their coats as they broke into a jog toward the door.
Cold air slammed into Millie as they burst outside. Lights blazed across the yard, throwing long shadows over the grass.
Dogs ran everywhere—some circling back toward the house, others racing toward the dark like they’d been waiting for the opportunity since they’d arrived.
Millie saw Caleb standing near the drive, a leash in one hand.
His head snapped up when he saw her. “What are you doing out here?”
“I’m helping.”
“It isn’t safe.”
As a schnauzer darted past, she grabbed the dog’s collar and murmured soothing words to him. Then she gave Caleb a “told-you-so” look.
Caleb stared back, something tight and conflicted flashing across his face. “If you’re out here, you’re staying with me.”
“Fine.”
They took the schnauzer back into the kennel.
Then they took off together toward the far fence where something brown and white flashed.
“What happened?” Millie asked as they ran.
“I don’t know yet. Someone let all the dogs out. I just hope the fence is still secure.”
“Me too.” The thought of searching for these dogs in the vast woods surrounding the property was a task that felt nearly impossible.
