Chapter 32

The backdoor to the house opened seconds later. Maggie stood there, silhouetted by the light from the kitchen. “John? What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Maggie,” he replied, quickly turning off his blowtorch as did the other men. “I thought I heard someone back here so I came to check it out. It was just those two.” He smiled, pointing to the others. “Apparently Noah was giving Arik the grand tour, since he’s new in town and Arik thought he spotted a fawn.”

“In my yard?” Maggie looked dubious.

“Yes, ma’am,” Arik said. “Turns out it was a dog.” He smiled wryly. “I’m a big city boy so…”

Maggie chuckled. “Your imagination got the better of you.”

“I’m afraid so. Sorry to have worried you and the sheriff.”

“Not a problem,” Maggie replied with a smile before going back inside.

“A fawn?” Noah said with a laugh.

“Best thing I could come up with on the spur of the moment,” John told him before asking Arik, “Now what?”