“I couldn’t even imagine everything that’s happened today,” said Katie.
Not knowing exactly what they were dealing with, the bomb squad and SWAT had taken all precautions. Everyone had gathered outside the main entrance of the property and assembled a makeshift command center to decide on the best way to proceed. They were prepping with everything they had at their disposal, with advanced drones with high-tech capabilities, specialized lighting, and a myriad of detectors.
Katie and McGaven waited for further orders after they had updated them with the situation. Cisco was definitely the dog of the hour. Without his skills, Katie and McGaven could have lost their lives.
A large white SUV pulled up and a distinguished man stepped out. He immediately commanded attention and was acutely aware of the operation unfolding around him. Hewasn’t dressed in his uniform, but rather in military-type clothing of cargo pants, tactical boots, and a fatigue shirt. Sheriff Scott was the top police officer and he cared deeply about the men and women of the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department. His actions and leadership skills were noteworthy. He was also Katie’s uncle and the only family she had left after her parents were killed in a car accident when she was young.
Scott’s first task was to stop and talk to his officers. “You both okay?” he asked Katie and McGaven. For a brief instant he softened his expression to that of a caring uncle when he looked at Katie. His niece had taxed his patience with some of her maneuvers in the past, but it was clear he was proud of her and cared for her deeply.
“Yes,” said Katie. “We’re okay. It was a shock, though.”
“Looks like Cisco has earned another award for valor,” he said.
“Sir,” interrupted SWAT Sergeant Brad Billings.
The sheriff accompanied the sergeant to the table where there were maps and satellite images.
“We’ve determined that the trap the detectives found is the only one in the area,” said the sergeant.
“Are you absolutely sure?” asked Sheriff Scott.
“Affirmative.”
“How are you going to dismantle it?”
“I have two men working on it. They’re carefully spraying chemicals that will show exactly where the tripwires are located. Once we do that we’ll trip them and disassemble the apparatus.”
The sheriff studied the maps. “Could this be something that was set some time ago?”
“Negative, sir. From the pieces we can see and the fresh footprints, it was fairly recent.”
The sheriff followed the trails on the map. “Looks like hereand here is where someone could have entered the area. Could just one person have managed this?”
“Not sure. It would be difficult but not impossible.”
“Once you give an okay that it’s safe, I want forensics to search the area.”
“Affirmative.”
“Thank you, Sergeant.”
“Sir,” said the sergeant, nodding in respect then returning to his duties.
Sheriff Scott walked back to where Katie and McGaven were waiting.
“They should have the trap dismantled soon and then the area will be safe,” said the sheriff.
“That’s a relief,” said Katie. Her mind flashed to some of the traps she had seen in the military that had killed people—the carnage was horrifying.
“How much of the area did you search beforehand?” her uncle asked.
“Not much. But we had Detective Rogers use a drone earlier today,” she said.
“We haven’t seen the footage yet, but Rogers did say there appeared to be an anomaly. Not quite sure what he meant by that,” said McGaven.
“Those fake leaves must’ve given the impression that something was off,” said Katie.
The sheriff didn’t say anything as he looked around. “Follow up after they release the scene. Not before, understand?”
