Page 62 of Race to Save Her

“C’mon,” said Chris as he helped her up. He looked disturbed and relieved at the same time. His brown eyes were wide and he was still breathing hard as his body was covered in mud.

Katie felt dizzy and allowed Chris to help her back the way they had come.

Katie sat down. “I need to take a moment,” she said softly.

Cisco came to her side and sat down, leaning against her, lightly panting. He was also covered in mud. Chris joined them. He seemed to pause to think about what just had happened.

“You saved Cisco’s life,” she said. “I don’t think I could have pulled him to safety alone.” Katie wanted to cry but kept her composure. She turned to the deputy and hugged him. “Thank you.”

He smiled and nodded. It was clear that he was shaken up as well, but he was solid and a great backup. “I’ve never witnessed anything like that.”

“I guess this search was a bust.” Katie was thinking only about Cisco, but she was annoyed they hadn’t turned anything up.

Chris grabbed his backpack and opened it, pulling out some strange-looking flat metal pieces. “I don’t know if these are anything, but I grabbed them.”

Katie stared at them. They were unusual and suddenly she realized. “Those are similar to the piece that had secured Shelby to the tree.”

“So you’re saying it’s a clue,” he said, cracking a smile.

“A really good clue,” she said.

THIRTY-FIVE

Thursday 1700 hours

Katie took Cisco to the veterinary office to make sure he was okay—and he was, one hundred percent. She also took him to a dog wash, even though she was still covered in dry mud herself. Chris went home and was taken off shift until the next day.

Katie was on her way home with a much rested and nice-smelling dog. She had to tell McGaven what had happened, but at least there was a silver lining with the strange fasteners Chris had found. She reported that everyone was fine and she was so grateful that Chris had been with them.

As Katie entered her driveway she realized there wasn’t a patrol vehicle parked in the usual place at the front of her property. It didn’t bother her. Maybe because she was exhausted and every muscle in her body hurt each time she moved. She spent the next hour cleaning everything and making sure her gear was still in working order, then finally she stood under a hot, steamy shower trying to put the day behind her. To have been that close to losing Cisco or him getting hurt made her emotions slightly off balance.

It was still early, but she put on her pajamas and wrapped a blanket around her. She had her laptop and wanted to examine the photo of the strange metal fastener. Cisco was relaxed and no more than two inches from her.

Katie’s cell phone rang.

“Detective Scott.”

“I was over in Parkersville, so I didn’t hear about what happened till now. Are you okay?” said Sheriff Scott.

“Yes, we’re fine. I took Cisco to the vet just to make sure.”

“Good to hear. What about you?” he said.

“I’m fine, don’t worry.”

Katie could hear him take a breath. “I know how awful it would have been for you nearly losing Cisco. I want you to take another day if needed. Okay?”

“I really don’t need to take more time off. We’re finally beginning to make some progress on this appendages case.”

“Just remember, whatever you need.”

Katie smiled. “Thank you.”

“Love you.”

“I love you too.”

Katie felt better knowing she had support, not only for her work but her well-being. She sent Chris a text message to check in on him and to thank him once more for being her backup.