Read Online Prey (BookStrand Publishing Romance) by Mary Lou George - Free Book Online

Farm.
    There was police tape around a large section near the barn, and Travis stood in the middle of the area looking at the ground. His face was set and grim.
    Sam helped Jade out of the truck, and they walked towards Travis.
    He greeted them grimly. “Morning, guys.”
    Jade gave him a hug, and she could tell he resisted the urge to pick her up. Now wasn’t the time. Impressed by his self control, she patted him on the chest.
    “Thanks for doing this, Jade.” Travis nodded to the barn. “There are three cats, cattle, some chickens in the barn. The dog’s up at the house with Iris. You can see him after you’re done here. Do your stuff.” He put out an arm.
    “Do you want me to come with you?” Sam asked.
    Jade shook her head. “No. They’ll communicate better if I’m the only one.
     
    * * * *
     
    As usual, Jade had no idea how long she’d spent with the animals. Travis and Sam were still standing just outside the barn when she reappeared. They looked up, concern on their faces as she approached them.
    Sam put an arm around her. “You okay?”
    “Yeah. Just a little headache. All that fear, I guess I was gritting my teeth a little too hard. It gave me a headache.” She leaned against him for a moment.
    Travis asked gently, “Do you want to see the dog now?”
    Jade shook her head, “No. I’d rather tell you what I know and then chat with the dog.”
    “Well, you’re not going to do this out here. It’s too cold. Come on, you can sit in my truck.” Sam didn’t take his arm away as he helped her back to the truck. Jade marveled at how much she enjoyed his support. She’d been doing this alone for so long it felt good to have someone strong to lean on a little. She said another prayer of thanks for this town and the people in it.
    She sat sideways on the passenger seat, her feet dangling, flexing and relaxing. She felt cherished and looked after. Jade was home. Sam stood in front of the open door, leaning a hand on the roof of the cab. Travis ran a hand through his hair in his signature manner. His hair stood up at all angles, and it made Jade smile.
    “Take your time.” Sam said.
    She shook her head, the weight of her responsibility too heavy to ignore for long. “No. I can’t. There isn’t time. They’re terrified. The thing that killed Allan Simpson was unlike anything these animals have ever seen. It hunted humans exclusively. It waited in the barn until Allan showed up as if knowing he’d be coming.”
    Travis swore under his breath. “It’s intelligent.”
    Jade nodded. “Yeah, but not in the way I’ve known animals to be. They didn’t recognize that thing as anything Mother Nature created.”
    “How the hell is that possible?” Travis sighed. “I feel so stupid asking this question, but bear with me. I’m still getting used to what you can do. Did they give you a description?”
    Despite it all, Jade smiled. It felt good. “Animals put a lot of stock in eye contact. They were all too frightened to look straight at the thing, even the cats.” She raised an eyebrow with wonder. “You know, they tried to warn Allan. The cats wrapped around his feet slowing his progress trying to communicate with him. The cattle were restless. They were all petrified, but still they tried to save him.”
    Sam nodded, understanding immediately. “I guess they’d all bonded to him and wanted to keep him safe. Allan Simpson has always been good with his animals.”
    “He shouldn’t have died this way. I’d like to see the dog now if possible.” Jade was determined.
    Travis nodded. “Sure. Ernestine’s up at the house. Chase brought her here early this morning.”
    Sam helped Jade down from her perch on the passenger seat. She was glad Aunt Ernestine was there. Maybe she could help fill in some of the missing pieces.
    Travis didn’t bother knocking. That wasn’t the way in New Crescent. He nodded to Allan’s wife Iris as she sat at the kitchen table fiddling with her coffee cup. Ernestine