Read Washed Up (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 4) for Free Online Page B

job, so I’ll let him cool off.”
    The sound of a vehicle pulling into the parking area caught Gracie’s attention.
    “Marc’s back,” she announced. “I’m going to try to talk him into hiking up to an old mine off the Hamburg trail.”
    Amanda laughed. “That’s a pretty good hike. Be sure to take enough water if you go.”
    Gracie nodded and went to greet Marc in the foyer.
    “What’s the verdict on Max?”
    “He’s out of commission for a couple of days. The worst news is that we were turned down for El Paso,” Marc reported glumly.
    “I’m sorry.” She felt the complete inadequacy of her words.
    “I know. I know. It’s stupid, but it happened.”
    “So, are you available for some hiking, or aren’t you in the mood?”
    “I should go check on Max. He’s supposed to be resting for a couple of days. This is really going to put a damper on our plans.”
    Gracie’s heart sank. Of course, he needed to check on his injured dog. She should help him and forget about the hike. It wasn’t the end of the world. And Marc’s world had now changed in a big way. Not snagging the drug detection training with Max was a huge disappointment. It could also be a sign that his “opportunity” wasn’t quite right. Maybe he’d begin rethinking the Arizona plan. She certainly was.
    “It’s fine. It’s kind of hot to be hiking anyway. I’ll go back with you and help with Max.”
    “So, how’s the big guy? Is he okay?” Amanda asked, entering the foyer.
    “Not really.” Marc recounted Max’s medical woes.
    Amanda tut-tutted and shook her head in sympathy. “Poor Max. You can’t leave him in that apartment on his own.”
    “I know. We’re headed back to sit with him. He’s supposed to be kept quiet—which will be a challenge.”
    “So, you and Gracie are going to sit and keep Max quiet until she goes home?”
    “Well, at least …” Marc stumbled over his answer.
    “It’s all right, Amanda. Dogs are my business, and Max is a special case. We’ll be all right,” Gracie hastily came to Marc’s rescue.
    “Don’t be crazy. Bring him over here. I’ll watch him while you two go have a good time. He can hang out in my quarters. Molly and Cochise will be glad to see him too.”
    “That’s a lot to ask,” Marc hesitated. “He really needs to rest so the pad has a chance to heal well.”
    “I can do that. I’ll turn on Animal Planet to keep him entertained. Go pick him up. Since the DEA boys seem to have monopolized my office for the day, I’ll be working from my living room.”
    “Sounds like a good idea to me.” Gracie brightened.
    Exploring the mine area was once again an option.
    .

CHAPTER 7
     
     
    By the time they’d reached the halfway point, Gracie couldn’t recall what had made her believe a hike up the side of a mountain to see holes in the ground might be romantic. She stopped to take another swig of lukewarm water, while Marc leaned against the trunk of tree.
    “How much farther?” she asked, trying to sound enthusiastic as she shoved the water bottle into the holder on her backpack.
    “Not far.” Marc glanced at the map. “Another mile probably. You sure you’re still game?”
    “I’m now committed to the mission,” she half-joked.
    Resting with Max might have been the better choice. They’d left him comfortably ensconced on a dog bed, with Amanda hovering, bacon treats in hand.
    “All right. If we’re going to make it there today, we need to move out.”
    “What a slave driver! I’m ready when you are,” she blustered good-naturedly.
    Gathering the remains of her dissipating stamina, she followed Marc through the trees. The rocky trail gave way to smoother terrain, and the elevation leveled off. The trail widened, and they were able to walk side-by-side.
    “Have you had time to think about my idea?” Marc broached.
    Gracie nodded. “A little bit. It’s an exciting proposition actually. To establish a breeding kennel for drug dogs isn’t anything that I