Renegade (Tin Star K9 Series Book 1) by Jodi Burnett (literature books to read .txt) 📗

match. Neither opponent moved nor spoke. Each seemed to contemplate the other’s next move.

The Sheriff reached up and scratched his chin. “I’m sure you didn’t mind, Mr. Reed, that we had you stay here until the CSI and the coroner completed their investigation of the crime scene on your property. We should know by this evening if that buried hand belonged to Ms. Gessler. Thank you for your cooperation.” Sheriff Tackett clicked the recorder off before Dylan could record any objections.

“Dylan, you’re not under arrest.” Colt shot a glance at Tackett before he continued. “You’re under no obligation to stay here. You’re free to go anytime.” Dylan held up his cuffed wrist, and Colt used his own key to unlock the mechanism.

Dylan stood and shook his hand. “Thanks Colt, I appreciate that, but I’m gonna need a ride.”

Sheriff Tackett nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s fine. We’ll take you home.”

Reluctantly giving up his opportunity to see Caitlyn, Colt offered, “I borrowed Caitlyn’s truck to get here. You can drive yourself home, if you want.”

The sheriff lifted his jacket from the back of his chair. “I’d like to escort Mr. Reed home myself. It’ll give us another chance to look around. See what other evidence we might find. Deputy, you can follow us.”

Caitlyn brought the horses in from the pasture and fed them in their stalls. With the tractor, she dropped a 4 x 4 bale of hay into the feeder in the weaning pen and checked their water trough. When she finally left the barn, she saw the sheriff’s jeep parked in the circle drive in front of the house. “Ren, kemne. Let’s go see what the sheriff has to say.” With a tingle of anticipation, Caitlyn wondered if Colt had returned with her truck. The sensation irritated her. She didn’t want to feel anything for him. She reminded herself that he wasn’t trustworthy, and she had no time for that kind of guy. But a wily smile curled her lips. Even if he is still damn fine to look at.

Caitlyn and Renegade entered the house through the back door, and immediately Ren raced through the kitchen to the front room. Caitlyn was quick to follow, and when she caught up to him, he’d raised his hackles and was growling softly in rhythm with his breath. “Renegade, lehne.” Her dog reluctantly eased into a lying position, but the low rumble vibrated on.

Her mom and dad came from down the hallway and entered the room where Dylan stood between Sheriff Tackett and Colt. Caitlyn knelt next to Renegade. “It’s okay, boy. What’s wrong?” She nailed the sheriff with the fiercest expression she could manage, sweeping its intensity across the men to include Colt. “Couldn’t find any evidence to arrest my brother with, could you? So you had to bring him home?”

Rising to the bait, the sheriff bit back. “The day is still young,”

Dylan’s hands curled into fists. “I didn’t do anything. There is no evidence that I buried that body on top of the ridge!”

“Besides, Dylan would never be stupid enough to bury someone on his own land.” Caitlyn defended her brother.

“Stay out of this, Caitlyn,” Dylan grumbled.

Renegade barked, and his lip rolled back, displaying razor sharp canines. Something’s not right. Is it Dylan’s anger that’s setting Ren off?

“You truly have no business having an attack dog you can’t handle, Ms. Reed.” Sheriff Tackett scowled at her. “If he shows aggression towards us once more, I’m going to call animal control.”

Caitlyn shot to her feet, but her father stepped forward, effectively blocking the space between the men and his daughter. “I think it’s time for you to go, Sheriff. Thank you for bringing Dylan home.”

Caitlyn, carefully avoiding Colt’s gaze, snapped from behind her father’s shoulder, “Yeah, but next time you decide to take someone into custody, you should have probable cause!”

“Oh, I didn’t arrest him… yet.” The sheriff turned toward the door and knocked into Dylan’s shoulder on his way past.

Colt clapped his hand on Dylan’s same shoulder, holding him steady and effectively preventing a physical reaction. “Sorry for all of this.” He nodded to Caitlyn’s parents. “Have a good rest of your night, Mr. and Mrs. Reed.” His eyes sought Caitlyn. “You too, Catie. Thanks for lending me your truck. I’ll call you later… if I learn anything.”

Her cheeks heated under his gaze. She told herself the flush was due to anger, and she shrugged. “Whatever.” She felt her mother staring at her, and Caitlyn clenched her fists, forcing her nails to bite into her palms to keep herself from squirming.

Her mom walked him to the door. “Thank you, Colt. We’d be grateful if you kept us informed.”

9

Caitlyn’s mother closed the solid front door behind the sheriff and Colt with a soft click and said, “I made a simple dinner. It’s been a long day, and I thought we could eat together while we watch the news. This whole situation is upsetting, and I want to know what is going on.”

Caitlyn glanced at Dylan, who was working his jaw as he stared out the window. She wondered what was running through his mind. “I’ll help you mom.” She followed her mother into the kitchen.

Caitlyn and her mom loaded trays with sandwiches, chips, and glasses of iced tea. On the way out, Caitlyn grabbed a plate filled with fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, and together they carried the food into the great room. Her dad clicked on the TV and ran through the channels.

“Anyone hungry?” Caitlyn asked as she sat her tray and the cookies on the broad maple coffee table.

“Here it is.” Her dad found the local news channel and set the remote down on the stone mantel. He took a plate, loaded it with sandwiches and chips, and carried it to his son.

“No thanks. I’m not hungry.” Dylan stepped closer to the window, keeping his back to the family.

“You’ve got to eat, son. We’ll get this all worked out.” Their dad nudged Dylan’s arm with the plate, and relenting,