I rescued an abandoned dog off the street, and he ended up saving my life
CHAPTER 6
Ethan and Scout hid in the barn for hours.
After dark, Scout became restless.
He stared toward the Mercer ranch.
Again.
Ethan finally decided to follow him.
They crossed the field on foot.
Scout stopped at the back door.
The door was slightly open.
Inside was dust.
Old furniture.
A broken family photograph.
Ethan noticed blood beneath the floorboards.
Then he heard footsteps upstairs.
He reached for his flashlight.
Scout barked.
Someone ran.
Ethan chased.
The stranger disappeared through a window.
On the floor was a phone.
Ethan picked it up.
A message was open.
THE DOG IS WITH MILLER.
Another message followed.
GET HIM BEFORE HE FINDS THE GIRL.
Ethan’s blood ran cold.
The girl.
Lily.
Scout hadn’t been trying to find his old home.
He was trying to find Lily.
A noise came from behind Ethan.
Daniel.
“You shouldn’t be here.”
Ethan turned.
“Who is Lily?”
Daniel looked toward Scout.
“His owner’s daughter.”
“She’s alive?”
“Yes.”
“Where?”
“Someone moved her after Jack disappeared.”
“Who?”
Daniel hesitated.
“Jack believed someone inside the security company was selling information.”
Ethan understood.
“There was a traitor.”
Daniel nodded.
“Jack discovered it.”
“And Scout?”
“He witnessed everything.”
Ethan looked at the dog.
Scout had been carrying the evidence all these years.
He wasn’t just a survivor.
He was the last link to the truth.
Then a gunshot rang out.
Daniel fell.
Scout ran toward him.
Ethan dropped beside the man.
Daniel grabbed his arm.
“Take the dog…”
He struggled to breathe.
“…to Denver.”
“Why?”
Daniel whispered:
“Because Lily is still waiting.”
