CHAPTER 19
Dart fumbled with the padlock. The scant moonlight slanting down through the trees came from the wrong direction. Blocked by the bulk of the hunting blind, it cast nothing but shadow where he stood, lending him no help at all. As he worked at the number wheel, the strap of the shotgun he’d slung over his shoulder slid down the silky sleeve of his down jacket, pulling at his arm, and the slight nip in the air stiffened his fingers. They felt clumsy on the combination dial.
He stopped his whistling and paused to listen. On the other side of the door, he heard a rustling sound, and a faint thump. A thrill of anticipation coursed through him. She was scared and squirming, and with good reason. He smiled.
He’d told Ma how he caught his Maddie, trapping her with the trick about the
