To Love Someone (Baytown Boys #14) - Maryann Jordan Page 0,93

of her head and wiggle her forefinger into the opening. The material stretched and she pulled at the knot. Bringing her hands back to the front of her face, she removed the binding. Wiggling her jaw, she was grateful for the freedom, hating the way the gag had pressed against her tongue and rubbed the corners of her mouth.

Peeking through the opening in the slats again, she listened carefully but couldn’t see or hear Lionel or Alejandro’s presence. Working her hands back and forth, she continued to loosen the leash until she was finally able to slide one hand free. Jerking it off the other hand, she rubbed her wrists, wincing at the sting of her abraded flesh.

Pushing against the door, the padlock and latch was old and rusted but held firm. Looking around, she tried to find a weak spot in the structure. Sitting on the floor, she leaned back, placing her feet on the wall. Kicking out with both feet at the same time, she felt the shock of pain reverberate up her legs, but the wood didn’t yield. Growling in frustration, she tried several more times but to no avail. Of all the times to not have my old boots on!

Resting for a few minutes, she continued to look for a weak plank of wood, thankful that the sun was still able to pierce the darkness inside the shed.

Frodo sat in the passenger side of Joseph’s SUV as he sped north on the main highway, following Liam and Colt’s vehicles. His heart in his throat, he gripped the steering wheel tightly. Barely heeding the vehicles in front of him, his mind was filled with Samantha and what might be happening to her. His gaze flicked over to the small-town sign on the side of the road, mentally calculating how much longer they had to get to her. Seeing a traffic light turn red ahead, he cursed loudly, but then, as Colt and Liam had flipped on their flashing lights and sirens, he stomped on the accelerator and followed them through.

Colt’s jurisdiction ended at the North Heron and Acawmacke line, but considering the vet clinic where the thefts had occurred were in his county, Joseph had heard Liam call for Colt to come along. He assumed Liam had called for backup when he observed the other Acawmacke Sheriff SUVs following closely.

Frodo let out a loud bay, and he spared a quick glance to the side. “Hang on. We’re going to get her, boy.” Now, he just wished he could calm the knot in his stomach as easily as he spoke the words to Frodo.

Still gripping the steering wheel, he forced his mind to clear, knowing Samantha needed him to keep his wits. Where is she? He thought about the thick woods around, heavy with underbrush, and the soft ground leading to the bogs near the inlets of the bay. Did someone take her? What if she’s not with her truck? Frodo bayed again, the deep bark from the bloodhound resounding in the vehicle. Joseph swung his head around, the reality of Frodo’s abilities hitting him. Thank fuck he’s with me!

His wheels churned the last few miles, and gratefully, the turnoff leading to Bender’s Kennels was just ahead. Liam passed the turn to the Benders’ drive, continuing onto the road where Samantha said she’d parked. Looking ahead, her old truck was pulled to the side of the road, no sight of her around.

Skidding to a stop, he leaped out of the SUV, slapping his thigh as he called to Frodo. Snapping a leash onto the dog’s collar, he ran forward. He reached for the door handle, but Liam stopped him.

“Don’t tamper with evidence.”

Leaning forward, he peeked through the driver window and saw her bag laying on the passenger seat. Fear clutched at his throat as vicious scenarios ran through his mind. “She would never willingly leave her purse.” Frodo tugged on his leash, and Joseph looked down to see the dog sniffing Samantha’s cell phone on the ground. The screen was cracked, and he started to reach for it, halting when one of Liam’s deputies reached down with gloves.

Helplessness coursed through him, and he whirled around to pierce Liam with a glare. “I’m taking Frodo. He can track her.” Ready to go rogue if he had to, Liam nodded before ordering several arriving deputies to go with him.

With gloves on, Liam opened the truck door and pulled out Samantha’s purse, handing it to Joseph. He held it in front