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 pale one did and regretted it.

“Vet bills go through the sheriff,” Grant said.

Vale gave a soft laugh. “You’re a disciplined man. I respect that. But discipline can become stubbornness when a person mistakes himself for a court.”

Grant waited.

Vale removed an envelope from inside his coat and held it out. “Take care of yourself. Take care of the dog.continue reading …