Cold Case Revenge by Jessica R. Patch

Author:Jessica R. Patch
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-05-28T20:26:45+00:00

NINE

Ruby and the team hiked the two miles that led to the ice caves below Big Four Mountain. The caves could only be seen between the summer months, but the shade from the north side meant they were never fully without ice and snow. The sound of the waterfall was powerful and would be peaceful if it wasn’t for the fact that they were going inside caves that should never be entered.

Which meant whoever had the puppies was foolish and likely not caring or considerate of the pups. That gave Ruby more determination to go in and find them, return them to safety and get them out of the hands of the jerks who stole them.

From the slippery rocks and lush vegetation, Ruby spotted the entrances into the caves. She’d donned her PNK9 jacket like the rest of the team, but it wasn’t terribly cold. At least, not out here in the warm September weather. But the hint of a chill could be felt from the capped mountains, and inside the cave, the temperature would drop considerably.

Chief Fanelli rallied the troops. “Ruby, you take lead. Jackson, Brandie and Dylan in the center tunnel with Ruby.” He then made three more groups, one led by Tanner, one by Isaac and the other by him. “We won’t have signal with our cells or satellite phones. Stay close.” He prayed and then they headed for their designated cave tunnels.

As they neared the entrance, they moved at a slow pace to keep from sliding on slippery rocks; the terrain became more rugged as the trail ended. The fact that the bridge was out of commission worked in their favor. No tourists, and average hikers wouldn’t dare attempt to use the treacherous routes to arrive here.

“Who do you think the anonymous tip came from?” Brandie asked.

“The puppy nappers themselves, if you ask me,” Dylan answered from behind her. Brandie slipped and Ruby turned as she heard it, but Dylan had already broken her fall. Brandie’s cheeks turned pink, and not from the hike.

“Thanks,” she said breathlessly.

“Anytime,” he returned.

Ruby filed the scene away to ask about later. “Everybody good?”

Jackson Dean brought up the rear. “All good back here, boss.”

Ruby rolled her eyes. “Do not call me boss. By the way, that bear spray Everly gave me? Came in handy yesterday. Mine wasn’t on my belt.” Jackson and the woman he was seriously dating, Everly, had reconnetcted during a dangerous case in Olympic National Park, where Everly had been studying and tracking bears.

“The grizz get ya?” he asked.

“No-o-o. Because of the bear spray. And it was a black bear.”

Everyone chuckled as they pushed on, the temperature dropping as they approached the caves. They paused. The silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, Ruby turned. “We go slow and steady.”

Dylan pulled a piece of wool blanket from his backpack. “Peyton gave me this. It has the puppies’ scent on it.” Peyton had been training the pups and was taking the theft harder than anyone.

Dylan let Ridge get the scent, then held it out to Ruby.

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