Alyssa’s Wolves(56)

“Is it possible someone else dug the hole?” Tyler crossed his legs. Michael glanced at his face. The man was all business, his head tilted back as he tried to come up with a logical solution. Tyler was a finance guy. He was undoubtedly frustrated that this situation just didn’t “add up.” Michael chuckled into Tyler’s head, making his new partner glare at him.

“What’s so damn funny?”

“Nothing.” Michael smiled. “Just watching you … calculate.”

Richard cleared his throat. “It’s a possibility. I suppose anyone could have set that trap, but why on earth would they do that?”

Charles headed for the stairs. “To catch a wolf shifter?”

Michael cringed. Someone had finally voiced the words no one wanted to admit.

“Let’s get going. I’ll drive.” Charles settled his hat on his head and headed for his truck.

The ride to Amy’s farmhouse would take only about ten minutes. Michael settled into the back seat next to Tyler and stared out the window. The acres of woods in question were surrounded by four dairy farms. Three of them were owned by other members of the Masters’ wolf pack. One was owned by a human—Amy Shultz.

Michael had met Amy numerous times over the years. He shivered to think she had anything to do with this trap.

The crunch of gravel as the truck pulled off the main road brought Michael’s attention forward.

“You’re nervous.” Tyler stared at him.

“Concerned.” Michael gave a half smile in his direction as the truck pulled to a stop.

All four men exited the cab as the front door opened, and Amy walked out onto the porch. She smiled broadly at them as they approached. “Richard, what a pleasure.” Amy headed down the front steps and sauntered their way. The woman didn’t look a day over forty, even though Michael knew she had to be in her mid-fifties.

“Amy.” Michael’s father took her hand in his. “We have a … situation we’d like to ask you about.”

“Of course. Nothing serious I hope?” She raised an eyebrow and motioned for everyone to follow her back to the house. “Let’s go inside. I’ve got a fresh pitcher of iced tea.”

Michael glanced around. The farm was pristine. Amy had an excellent head on her shoulders to have single-handedly managed this farm for so many years after the passing of her husband. The two had never had any children, and except for Amy’s aging father who’d moved in several years earlier, she was virtually isolated.

The inside of the ranch house was warm and inviting as Michael stepped through the front door. The smell of fresh bread filled the air. They all took seats around the kitchen table, and Amy served them a round of iced tea. Neighbors in this farming community were nothing if not hospitable.

“Tell me what’s on your mind, Richard.” Amy settled in a chair at the head of the table.

Michael’s father cleared his throat and began in a clear voice. “We had an incident yesterday that concerns us. We’re checking with all the neighbors to see if anyone knows anything about it.”

Amy leaned forward.

“My son, Michael, and his friend, Tyler,”—Richard nodded in their direction—“were out in the woods between the properties when they came upon a large hole. Well, to be honest, Tyler fell into the trap actually.”

Amy gasped. She glanced at Tyler with a hand over her chest. “Trap? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, ma’am. Just twisted an ankle.”

She turned her attention back to Richard. “You think it was an intentional trap?” Her brow furrowed.

Richard nodded. “Unfortunately yes. We’ve gone out again this morning to examine the hole and determined there is no other possibility. It was man-made. In fact, it was very specifically camouflaged with branches and leaves to prevent detection. It’s rather deep, and the walls are solid dirt. There is no way for a … person to escape once they fall in.”

“Oh my goodness.” Amy’s hands shook as she set them on the table.

“We’re wondering if you’ve, by any chance, come upon anything similar or know anything about it. Perhaps you’ve had a coyote problem? Wolves?” Richard swallowed hard. Michael could feel the tension radiating off his father.

Amy shook her head while she spoke. “I haven’t seen a coyote around here in years.” She paused for only a second and then continued, her head tipped to one side. “You think someone might be trying to catch a wolf?”

“It’s possible I suppose. Though I can’t understand why.” Richard ducked his chin as he spoke.