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

dog tasting freedom. He did not heel like an obedience-school animal waiting for praise. He moved in a steady triangle between Grant, Ray, and the tree line, checking air currents, snow crust, and the invisible language of scent.

Ray watched him for five minutes before saying, “That dog’s working a scene.”

“Yes,” Grant said.

“Wish half my deputies did continue reading …