He thought he was checking out illegal logging in the Idaho mountains-until he found a German Shepherd locked in a frozen cage, staring at him like it had been waiting for exactly one person

the only sound was wind moving snow off the roof. Then the tall man stepped back, lifting both hands in a little performance of surrender.

“We’ll do it your way,” he said. “Paperwork. Sheriff. Whatever makes you feel official.”

They turned and walked to a dark pickup parked down the drive. As the engine started, Atlas stayed rigid at Grant’s side. He continue reading …