18
From a distance, Maddock and Bones saw several windows in Ruth Harshbinner’s farmhouse lit by internal lights. Bones raced up the driveway, toward a late model Dodge Ram. Its diesel engine was running, and its driver’s side door was open. The headlights shined on an older man crouched on the ground. He was talking into his cell phone while stroking a trembling Doberman Pinscher. Maddock thought he recognized it as the same dog that had been with Brenda earlier.
Bones skidded to a stop, allowing Maddock to jump out a half second before him.
“I don’t know where she is,” the man nearly shouted into his cell phone. “Her flashlight’s on the front lawn, and they took a shot at our dog.” The man stood and turned to see who was approaching him. “Just get here as quick as you can.”
Maddock s
