'I didn’t ask.'
'He probably stole it from a bag for the homeless.”
“He’s not as bad as you think.'
'No, he’s probably worse.'
'I was surprised you wanted the shirt. She’s been buried for almost a month. The scent can’t be—'
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'I could have used a substance that simulates the decay smell, but that would have upset Monty. Not that the shirt may do any good anyway.' She shrugged. 'But we’ll try.' She glanced around the open field. 'Why are we here?'
'This field is in back of the Desert Light subdivision.”
“So?'
'Bodies have been located in two other places associated with light. Dom repeatedly mentioned light in our last conversation. I think he was trying to tell me something.'
'Why didn’t he just come right out and say where he buried her?”
“That wouldn’t be as much fun for him. He wants to make me work.”
“You mean he wants to make Monty and me work.'
'He doesn’t know about you.' Eve wasn’t sure that was true. Dom had not contacted her since she’d arrived in Phoenix, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t here, watching her.
'And you want me to search this field just because of the subdivision’s name?”
“It’s also close to the church where Debby Jordan disappeared.' Sarah gazed at her dubiously.
'Okay, it’s not much to go on.' Eve’s lips tightened. 'But it’s all I’ve got.”
“Whatever you say. I’ll go on any wild-goose chase for two days. That’s all you’re getting from me.' She took a canvas bag from her Jeep, then glanced at Jane, who was kneeling beside Monty. 'Why bring her along?'
'Dom likes her with me and I can’t chance leaving her alone. She won’t get in the way.'
'I didn’t say she would. She seems a smart kid. But Monty’s not going to be able to keep her company.' She strode over to Jane and smiled down at her. 'Sorry. It’s time for Monty to work.'
Jane got to her feet slowly. 'May I go with you?' Sarah looked at Eve.
Jane was already there. Was it any worse for her to search actively than sit in a car and wait? At least she’d be busy. She slowly nodded.
Sarah turned back to Jane. 'We cover ground pretty fast and I usually take him over the terrain twice just to make sure we don’t miss something.'
'I’ll keep up.'
'Suit yourself.' Sarah knelt down and opened the canvas bag. She pulled out a leash and The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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fastened it to Monty’s collar.
He went still.
'He knows something’s happening?' Jane asked.
She nodded. 'But he doesn’t know what yet. I’m leashing him for my benefit, so I can better control our steps. I don’t usually put a leash on him at all, only when we’re in an unfamiliar environment or a leash makes people feel safer around him.'
'Safer?'
'He’s a big dog. Some people don’t like big dogs.”
“Then they’re crazy,' Jane said.
Sarah smiled. 'I’m with you, kid.' She reached into the canvas bag again and pulled out a denim belt that contained a multitude of pockets.
Monty stiffened.
'Now he knows we’re on the job.' Sarah fastened the pack around her waist. 'It’s his signal.'
Monty lifted his head, his eyes bright and eager.
Sarah reached down and let him sniff the jersey. 'Find her, Monty.' Eve leaned against the fender of her car and watched Sarah, Jane, and Monty walk the field. They moved fast, as Sarah had said they would, but the field was large and it took time to traverse every foot of it.
Monty held his head down, every muscle tensed as he moved over the terrain. Twice he stopped, hesitated, and then continued on. It was early afternoon before Sarah brought Monty back to the car. 'Nothing.'
'You’re sure?' Eve asked, disappointed.
“Monty’s sure. That’s enough for me.”
