Page 12 of Race to Save Her

The deputy nodded.

“Your job is to make sure there isn’t anything potentially dangerous for either Cisco or myself as we search. Basically, you have our backs.”

“Copy that,” said Anderson. “Where do you want to enter?”

“At the location you showed me.”

Katie went to her Jeep and let Cisco out. Wearing his search vest, he took a few turns and waited patiently until Katie attached his long leash. He made sure he received many pets before heading to the crime scene area. The crime scene tape was still in place, as the other deputy would remain on scene until otherwise directed.

“How far are you going to search?” said Anderson.

“It depends on how long Cisco gets the scent.” She smiled. “You have a camera?”

“Yes,” he said and jogged back to his cruiser.

Katie missed McGaven, but he would be back to work on Monday. After so long, she never had to explain anything to him and they worked together almost seamlessly.

Katie and Cisco headed to the spot where she had entered the field over the dilapidated fencing. Finding the sturdiest area, she easily climbed over as Cisco patiently waited. When Katie was ready she had him jump and gently guided him over. It reminded her of some of the missions in the Army where there were difficult areas to pass—having to get the dog to climb over, under, or find other ways to move forward.

Anderson climbed over the fence without effort and slowly followed the K9 team, knowing how to stay away from scent cones and not be distracting to Katie or Cisco.

Katie stopped for a moment. She tried to imagine how someone would enter the property carrying a dismembered arm. Did they carry it in a bag? A sack? Transport it wearing gloves? It could be almost anything. The big, nagging question was why—and why here?

Cisco faced the crime scene. He appeared to be interested in something. Like most K9 handlers, Katie’s search motto was: trust the dog.

“Cisco, such,” she said in German, giving a search command.

The jet-black dog didn’t miss a step. He trotted to the crime scene area, ears alert and forward, body relaxed, and tail in a neutral position. The dog seemed to be frolicking in the weeds, but Katie knew it was a sign he was interested in something—and that’s when the track began.

Katie glanced behind her and saw Anderson in position, trailing and a little bit to the left of the K9 team. She was glad he paid attention and was in the correct placement.

Cisco slowed as he turned to move through the open pasture. He would pause with his nose at ground level, then raise his head a few inches and continue moving. Katie was relieved seeing him moving from the crime scene, it should mean he was backtracking where someone must’ve entered the property. She remained quiet and followed the dog.

Cisco seemed intent in his tracking and made a slight right turn. He continued until Katie saw there was a path—it was faint, but there was definitely an area that had been traveled over recently.

She put up her hand and instructed the dog to down. “Cisco, platz.”

Anderson remained quiet and stopped; stood his position. He scanned the area and waited.

Katie said, “Blieb.” Then she dropped the leash and put on gloves.

Cisco remained in a down position and kept his eyes on her.

She walked to the area and saw recent footprints from what appeared to be boots. Leaning down to the left side of the trail, she examined the shoe impression.

Anderson finally spoke. “What do you have?”

“Shoe prints.”

“Do you need me to photograph?” He sounded breathless.

Katie reached into her pocket and retrieved her cell phone. “Do you have a dollar bill?”

Immediately, Anderson searched his pocket and found a banknote. He walked to the detective and handed it to her.

“Thanks.” Katie glanced about them. She felt shivers up and down her arms for some reason, but the three of them were clearly alone. There was a slight rustle from birds in the trees above. Other than that it was quiet. Perhaps there being no noise in the distance made it seem a bit more eerie and gave the location a lonely quality.

The sun was almost directly above now and the warmth made her fidget in her gear. Cisco lightly panted in the shade as he too noticed the warming of the environment.