Bone Trail by Bev Pettersen

Author:Bev Pettersen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: k9 mystery, dog lover mystery, private investigator dog, female sleuth dog, horse and dog mystery, female private investigator, racetrack mystery dog
Publisher: Westerhall Books
Published: 2022-07-13T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

An owl hooted, the eerie sound almost drowned out by the deep snores escaping from Chico’s stall.

Nikki rose and peered over the stall door, amazed that a tiny person like Ana could make so much noise. It didn’t bother Chico. The horse was stretched out in the thick straw, eyes closed, his head only inches from Ana’s open mouth.

Maybe he was used to the sound. Perhaps he found it comforting. It was obvious there was a true bond between the woman and her horse.

Not her horse yet. Nikki returned to her watchful position in the aisle, lay down and adjusted the blanket. Gunner gave her cheek a quick lick before putting his head back on his paws and letting out a satisfied groan.

“You like hanging out with horses, don’t you,” she murmured, inching closer to his warm body.

Jogging clothes weren’t great for cool California nights and it would have been more comfortable to sleep in the truck. However, the parking lot was outside the gates and it would be risky to leave Chico alone.

Ana was a determined woman but as the race edged closer, it seemed likely Durant would turn increasingly desperate. He knew Chico’s location and was probably aware that his scheme with the apple hadn’t worked. The man had all the signs of a sociopath and had proved to be both cruel and cunning.

It was sickening how he’d been terrorizing vulnerable employees. Fortunately Nikki had a picture of the severed arm, and that might be enough to start an investigation. Although the fact that he had control over the local police could be problematic.

Sighing, she rolled over on her back, staring out at the dark sky. Clouds had moved in, blocking the stars. Two stalls down, a horse circled in the straw, also restless. Unlike Chico, he’d been pacing all night.

She shifted onto her hip, searching for the softest spot. The straw bed was okay and she’d certainly slept in worse places. But like the pacing horse, she was too edgy to fall asleep.

According to Ana, the other horses’ grooms would arrive at about four-thirty; activity started early at the track. It was already after midnight. So if Durant tried to hurt Chico it would likely be in the next three hours. Would he come or wouldn’t he? Ana was sleeping soundly so she must think it was safe. Or maybe she was reassured, knowing Gunner would warn of any intruders.

Nikki peered sideways, checking her dog. His nose was on his paws, his breath slow and easy. But even as she watched, he raised his head, ears pricking.

She peered toward the adjoining shedrow, trying to see what had caught his attention. Saw nothing but yawning blackness. Even the moon had disappeared, wiped out by the clouds. She turned her attention back to Gunner, waiting for him to close his eyes. But he remained riveted on something hidden in the dark.

A growl rumbled deep in his throat.

She tapped his muzzle with a warning finger and reached beneath the blanket, her hand sliding around the Glock.

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