“Just stay calm and try to keep him as comfortable as possible,” Ethan instructed, knowing Lacy was listening in at his side and he needed to be careful not to say anything that may frighten her.
“He’s seizing now, Ethan. It’s like the poor bastard is a fish flopping on dry land, and his eyes are rolled so far back in his head I can’t see anything but white. I don’t know what sort of sick fuck would do this, but I sure as shit don’t want to meet them.”
“No kidding. Listen, we’re at the diner, so it’ll take us about twenty minutes or so to get back there. Is Gus on the way?”
“Yeah, he’s been called. Do me a favor, and stop by my place for Storm and Lightning. I’ll take them for a walk.”
“Sure thing.” Ethan knew just what kind of “walk” the wolves would be going on. With any luck, they’d find a prize.
He shifted his attention back to a very alert Lacy. She was totally focused on him, almost as if she’d been expecting something.
“We need to go. I need to get back to the shoot and check a few things.”
“What happened?” When he shook his head, not wanting her to worry, she surprised him again. “Damn it, Ethan, I know something happened. Now tell me.”
“It’s nothing for you to worry about. Adam and I will take care of things, but the shoot is closing for the day.”
“Ethan, I need to know what happened,” she insisted. “If it involves my job, then I have a right to know.”
She was a demanding little thing, he’d give her that. “It’s my and Adam’s job to ensure the safety of those involved in this shoot. We’ll check out everything and be back on schedule before you know it.”
Lacy still looked pissed, but there was nothing he could do about it right now. Not when he likely had a panicked photographer and a group of equally frantic models out on his property.
Ethan quickly placed the money for their bill on the table and stood to leave. “I’ve got to grab our trackers to see if we can get a trail on the person who did this. You don’t have a problem with canines do you?”
“Dogs?” Her brows puckered at his question. “No, I have no problem with dogs.”
“Great. How about wolves?” he asked, holding the diner door for her.
“Depends. Are they tame?”
“Yes. Adam found them when they were pups and raised them himself. They’re well trained, but some people are just a little freaked out by the sight of wolves. They’ve both taken to my sisters-in-law already.”
“Then I’d love to meet them.” She hopped into his SUV and added, “After all, I’ll be at the shoot site with you, so it would be better if they knew me.”
“Yes, you will be at the site, but you’ll be staying in the car,” he replied patiently.
“Yeah, right,” she grumbled.
Sighing, Ethan tried to explain. “Lacy, I need to look around the area. I can’t do that if you’re doing the same. You may inadvertently destroy evidence.”
“Fine. Whatever.”
Two words that you never want to hear come from a woman’s mouth during an argument, and he’d managed both. “Sulk all you like, but I’d feel better knowing you’re somewhere safe if the person is still lurking about.”
“Trust me, he’s long gone by now. Let’s go.”
And just why did she sound so certain of that?
Ethan drew in her scent. He could smell her frustration, her anger, and even a hint of anxiety, but no fear. So she wasn’t afraid of an attacker?
Yet another piece to add to the Lacy puzzle.
* * * *
As Ethan drove, Lacy sat next to him and fumed. There was no way she could just sit back. She was here to solve this! But there was also no way her noble park ranger would allow her anywhere near the scene.
She needed to talk to Murphy soon, or this investigation would be a bust. Especially when she had no valid reason to be present on the scene except for her detective status—the main thing she had to keep under wraps.
They drove in silence through the residential side of town before turning and heading away from Hastings.
“Where are we going?”
“My brothers and I enjoy our privacy. None of us live in town, but our homes actually surround it, as does our property.”
“I see.” He wasn’t even glancing her way, so Lacy figured he was annoyed. Well tough nuts because she had a job to do. With any luck, this would be her last case, and she wanted to end this part of her career on a high note.
A few minutes later, they turned down a private drive that led to a beautiful log cabin upon a small hill.
“I’ll be just a minute. I’ve got to find their harnesses and leashes.” Ethan didn’t wait for a response, having basically told her to stay put. He was out of the car and in the house quickly, giving Lacy the privacy she needed.