The aura of anger vanished in a heartbeat. Finn enclosed the boy in a tight hug and patted him between the shoulder blades. The sight was so touching Selena had to look at Scout to maintain her composure.

  “Easy,” Finn whispered. “It’ll be all right.”

  Breathing shakily, Sean fought for words. “H-how?”

  With one arm around Sean’s shoulders, Finn urged him to sit on the edge of the cot.

  Selena chose to lean back against the bars and keep her K-9 on a short leash. As the young man began to calm, Finn continued to speak quietly to him.

  “We have to do this the right way.”

  “It’s not fair.”

  Finn gave his brother’s shoulders a squeeze. “No, it isn’t. But just because a mistake was made once doesn’t mean all the rules should be ignored. I was unjustly convicted, okay? We all know that.”

  He sent a quick glance toward Selena as he spoke, and she nodded. She did agree, wholeheartedly, and supported Finn’s efforts to explain the seriousness of everyone’s future actions to his headstrong brother.

  “So? You’re out now, right?”

  Finn pulled up the leg of his jeans to reveal the ankle monitor. “I’m still in custody. There’s a long way to go before I can be exonerated. You have to understand how important it is that none of us gives anybody a reason to doubt my innocence. Everything I do is being watched like it’s under a microscope. And that goes for you, too.”

  Leaning away slightly, the teen shook his head. “That’s so wrong.”

  “Maybe it is, but that doesn’t change the facts. If you act up and break the law, it’s going to reflect badly on me.” He raised a hand to stop a rebuttal. “Seriously. Selena can tell you what I was like at your age. I was mad at the world, and I got into lots of trouble. Even after I straightened up, it left me with a bad reputation. I think that’s part of the reason it was so easy for the jury to believe I’d done worse.”

  “You didn’t!” Sean was adamant.

  “No, I didn’t. Selena believes me, you believe me and so does Mom. That’s only three of us on my side that I know of, hardly enough to guarantee an overturned conviction. What we need to do is all work together. Do you understand?”

  Selena saw Sean nod, then embrace Finn again. Things were looking up. At least she thought so. Immature kids could be easily influenced, not that adults were immune to confusion, and there was a very good chance Sean would slip up again. For the present, however, she was convinced he’d behave.

  “I—we need you to go home and stay there,” Finn told him. “I mean it, bro. Selena, here, has been assigned to look into the original crime, and we have to trust her.”

  The look she got from the sixteen-year-old was less than complimentary, although he didn’t verbally protest. “That’s right,” she said. “Three of the members of my K-9 unit will be staying in Sagebrush for the time being, so I’ll have the opportunity to go over the evidence in your brother’s case and speak with witnesses again. In the meantime, the best thing you can do for your family is to go home and comfort your mom so she doesn’t have to worry about both of her kids.”

  As she’d expected, referring to him as a kid amused Finn. Good. The poor man needed all the humor he could get in his life right now. The rest of his days could be spent in prison if they failed to disprove the witnesses’ testimonies, particularly that of the ranch foreman. Which, she reminded herself, was next on their agenda.

  Taking a step forward, she directed her attention at Sean. “Your brother is in my custody and I have a plan. As soon as we’re sure you’ll go home and sit tight, we’ll get started.” She paused for emphasis. “Finn can’t concentrate if he’s worrying about you. Got that?”

  Head down, the teen agreed. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You can call me Selena if you want to,” she said. “Friends?”

  His “Uh-huh” was muttered but discernible.

  “Good.” She signaled to the guard. “We’ll get you processed out and tell the sheriff you’re on board with our efforts. I’ll even give you a ride home if you want. Do you still live at your old place?”

  Straightening, Sean stuck out his chin and stared at her. “No. We lost the ranch and had to move to town. Mom tried, but it was too much for her.”

  Finn sobered. “I plan to remedy that as soon as I’m cleared, starting with paying her back for all the money she spent on attorney’s fees.”

  To her chagrin, Selena had never thought of what a terrible hardship his incarceration had been on his family, particularly after the death of James Donovan. Did Finn pursue his birth father hoping for financial help? Given the obvious wealth of Zeb Yablonski, Finn’s motives had naturally been in question.

  As she and Scout trailed the brothers down the jail hallway she kept assuring herself that, although money was often the cause of family conflict, in Finn’s case it was not. He was innocent. She knew that as surely as she knew her own name; trusted him even more than she trusted the faithful K-9 walking beside her.

  However, money and possessions could still be the root cause of Zeb’s killing. In retrospect, it made perfect sense if a person substituted Edward’s name for Finn’s. The Yablonski brothers had been in business together, Edward running the Double Y operations and Zeb managing investments. And then, out of the blue, Zeb’s long lost son had shown up and changed everything.

  The way Selena saw it, that had left Edward with only two options if he wanted to inherit. He could kill Zeb before he had a chance to change his will in favor of Finn, or he could eliminate the son and solve all his problems at once.

  A shiver snaked up her spine. Zeb was gone. His only child remained and was about to get a new trial to prove his innocence. If that did happen and he could prove paternity, he might qualify to inherit, especially if proof of complicity in the murder disqualified Edward.

  What would an evil, greedy man do in that situation?

  Easy. Kill the son.

  Nine

  Finn was relieved when Sheriff Unger volunteered to drive Sean home and explain everything to their worried mother. Finn had last visited with her during the court date preceding the van wreck and, other than phoning to assure her he was uninjured after the delay in return transport, had not mentioned any other threats to his life.

  He was in the SUV with Selena heading for her house when she asked him, “How come you didn’t pitch a fit over not getting to go visit your mom?”

  Finn let himself smile. “Because she can see right through me. Always could.”

  “And you don’t want Sean to know too much?”

  “Right. I’d rather have Mom mad at me for not telling her. And while we’re at it, thanks for saving my life.”

  “You’re welcome. Just doing my job.”

  “Does it often include taking convicted felons home with you like lost puppies?”

  She laughed lightly. “I believe you’re the first.”

  Moved by her camaraderie, he reached over to pat the back of her hand only to have her react as if she’d been tased. He withdrew. “Sorry. I have trouble remembering we’re not still old friends.”

  “Things are different now. We’ve changed.”

  Chastened and disappointed that she hadn’t claimed they were still friends, he folded his arms across his chest and simply said, “I know.”

  * * *

  Selena was not often grateful to be the last surviving member of her immediate family. Today she was. Everything Finn had said about a widening scope of danger was true. Look what had happened to the injured guard when they’d been shot at after the wreck. If Finn hadn’t stepped wrong and abruptly changed position, he wouldn’t be sitting next to her now. He was absolutely right in staying away from Mary and Sean.

  She pulled up to her house, a modest dwelling on narrow Seventh Street just around the corner from the only supermarket in Sagebrush. Various outlying ski resorts and camping areas had smaller stores that provided staples and snacks, but if a person wanted fresh vegetables and fruit, the Bearton Market was the place to go.

  Scout barked from the rear compartment, knowing where he was and eager to be home. “Settle,” Selena ordered.

  Beside her, Finn chuckled. “You talking to me?”

  “Not this time.” Out of the vehicle and releasing her K-9, Selena was surprised to see a dark-haired woman standing on her front porch. She peered and scowled. “Isla? What brings you here?”

  “R and R,” the diminutive tech analyst said. She worked with the Elk Valley PD in Wyoming, and Selena had met her through the task force. “I just needed to get away for a few days.” Smiling, she gestured at the compact dwelling. “I had no idea you’d gone into the bed-and-breakfast business.”

  “Not on purpose,” Selena replied, indicating her passenger as he climbed out. “This is Finn Donovan, an old acquaintance.”

  “And a convicted murderer. I heard all about your adventures. Where are Kyle and Meadow? The boss said they were staying here, too.”

  “Them and their dogs,” Selena said. “If you don’t mind bunking with Meadow, I’ll pair Finn with Kyle, and we’ll all fit.”

  Standing aside to let the others pass, Isla sighed. “It’s better than staying at home feeling sorry for myself.”

  Selena paused to give her a brief hug. “I thought of you when I went to see Naomi and her new baby in the hospital last month. It’s wonderful of you to offer love to foster children. I just hope the confusion about your character gets cleared up soon and you’re put back on the eligible list.” Isla had taken a blow recently when her application for a foster child had been denied after someone had slandered her character. The anonymous call was enough to railroad Isla’s long-awaited plans to take in an infant... No wonder the woman needed a break.

  “Yeah, me too.” Isla kept hold of Selena’s arm and leaned in to ask, “What’s the story with this guy?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Love always is,” Isla whispered.

  “Uh-uh. No way.” Selena pulled away and shook her head vigorously. “Not me. Never again.”

  “That’s what Bennett kept saying until he got to know Naomi and started believing she was innocent.” She inclined her head toward Finn. “What about him? What do you think?”

  “You’ve read the case file?”

  “Yes. On the flight over.”

  “Then you know about Edward Yablonski.”

  “It would make sense if Edward blamed Finn. Do you think these attacks are a vendetta?” Isla asked.

  “Good question. It’s just as likely that Finn made dangerous enemies in prison. He told me so.”

  “You don’t think Edward is trying to avenge his brother?”

  Selena nodded. “If he is, that might mean he really thinks Finn killed Zeb, which means he, Edward, didn’t do it.”

  No sooner had that notion popped into Selena’s head than she had banished it. If Finn wasn’t guilty, somebody else had to be, and at present, Edward was the best suspect.

  Scout made a beeline for his food dish and sat beside it, panting and looking wistful. Happy for the distraction and a chance to change the subject, Selena followed him, bent to remove his working harness and gave him a pat. “Silly dog. Of course I’ll feed you first. Don’t I always?”

  “If that’s the secret,” Finn teased, “I’ll sit at the kitchen table and look hungry, too.”

  “Feeding this army may prove challenging, especially once we’re all here at the same time.”

  “I’ll help you cook,” Isla offered.

  “And I’ll gladly let you,” Selena told her. “It may be necessary to shop for groceries first, though.” She pointed. “There’s a market around the corner a couple of blocks west. Do you have an MCK9 credit card? If not, you can use mine.”

  “I have a card. We’ll need a list,” Isla said. “I’m not sure what Kyle and Meadow like to eat, but since Finn here has been in prison recently, he’ll probably enjoy anything.”

  Finn laughed. “You’ve got that right.”

  “All right, tell you what,” Selena said, tossing her keys to Isla, “if you pretend we don’t have a thing in the fridge or pantry, you can’t go wrong. I hate to cook and I don’t leave the place stocked up since I’m gone so much of the time.”

  “Understood.” Isla waved as she headed out the door.

  “We could go with her,” Finn suggested.

  “Not when somebody keeps trying to bury you, literally. It’s safer to stay inside for the time being.”

  “I hope my little brother does the same. He and Mom are probably safe enough, but I still worry that my problems will spill over onto them.”

  “Sheriff Unger has promised to keep an eye on them,” Selena assured him. “We both think your enemy will stay focused on you. There would be no advantage to harming your family.”

  “Unless they wanted to get to me in another way.”

  Selena pressed her lips together in a thin line, adding her own concerns to what he’d just said. “That’s logical enough to take seriously. I’ll speak to the sheriff about it again.”

  “Why don’t you call my mother too and say we think she should go visit friends, preferably in another state. That should keep her safer.”

  “Right.” She handed him her new phone. “Call Mary and have a good talk while you’re at it. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.”

  “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

  “I’m making a command decision. Call your mother, Finn. I’d give anything if I could call mine. She refused to speak to me after Angela OD’d. Now, it’s too late.”

  “She shouldn’t have blamed you for something your sister did.”

  “She and Dad seemed to think I should have been able to stop her.”

  “Ridiculous.”

  “I agree.” Selena nodded. “One good thing did come out of it, though. I became a police officer.”

  As she watched, a sadness seemed to envelop Finn. His smile faded and he averted his gaze. “That’s why?”

  “Of course. What did you think?”

  Shrugging, he strolled to the refrigerator, opened it and stared into it while answering, “Nothing. That makes sense, I guess.”

  “I think there’s some orange juice in the back if you’re looking for a drink. I have a few cans of soda in the pantry, too, but they’re not cold.”

  Selena was about to grab the loose cans and refrigerate them when her phone rang. “Smith.”

  “It’s me. Isla.”

  “Did you find the store okay?”

  “Yes, yes. That’s not why I’m calling. It’s the doodle. Cowgirl. I think I see her.”

  Astonished and elated, Selena started for the door before remembering that Isla had taken her SUV. “Come get me. Now.”

  “What if the guy that’s with her decides to leave? He’s likely the Rocky Mountain Killer.”

  “Snap a picture of them at least.”

  “I already have. I can’t believe they’re standing right over there. Maybe I can...”

  Selena stopped her. “No. Don’t try to do anything on your own. You’re not even armed.”

  “But...”

  “No buts. Come back and pick us up. We’ll be waiting in the street.”

  “What is it?” Finn reflected her excitement.

  “Isla has spotted a dog she thinks is our missing comfort K-9. She’s talking about confronting a man who may be a serial killer. I have to stop her before she does something rash.”

  “Where is she?”

  Selena raised the phone to her ear. “Are you still at the store?”

  “Not anymore,” Isla answered. “I’m on my way to you.”

  “She’s almost here,” Selena told Finn. She signaled Scout to follow before glancing back at him. “Come on!”

  * * *

  Finn was very glad she hadn’t asked him to block Scout at the door, because without knowing the proper command, he could have been bitten. It was sometimes hard to remember that the friendly K-9 was trained to apprehend suspects with those formidable K-9 teeth of his. Hopefully, he’d also protect Selena of his own volition, although there had been no clear indication of that while they were on the run or hiding in the cave.

  Finn got to the curb just as Isla drove up. Selena hopped into the front passenger seat, and when Finn opened the rear door, the dog jumped in ahead of him. By the time he found and fastened his own seat belt, they were pulling into the store’s parking lot.

  Isla pointed. “She was over there by the stacks of potting mix. I swear it was her. I’ve enlarged her image often enough to recognize her—and that guy who was with her.”

  “The dark splotch on her ear? You’re sure you saw that?”

  “Yes. She needs a haircut, but you can still tell. It grows out a different color, so it always looks like that ear is dirty.”

  “Okay. Let’s park and start looking. They can’t have gone far.”

  Finn couldn’t help chiming in. “What if the guy drove off?”

  “If he did, we’re sunk.” She paused to snap a leash on her four-footed partner’s collar. “Scout is cross-trained for tracking. He deserves a chance to try.”

  “Selena!” Isla was waving frantically and bouncing on tiptoe. “Over here.”

  Finn stood aside to let Selena and Scout pass, then fell in behind them. By the time they joined Isla, there was nothing to see.

  “She was right down there,” Isla insisted. “I saw her going around the corner.”

  “Was anybody with her?”

  “I didn’t see any people at all.”

  “Not even that guy from before?”

  Isla shook her head. “Nobody. She looked like she was running in a pack with several other dogs.”

  “Maybe it’s not the same Labradoodle you saw earlier. She was pretty well trained to obey when we got her. I wouldn’t expect her to run away from anybody who had her on a leash.”