Stalking Ground (29 page)

“Agreed. I’ve already decided that’s what we’re going to do.”

Thank goodness
. “Let’s tell them about most of what happened and let them talk things over with us. If you want me to, I’ll help you sort through how much to say.”

“Thank you, Mattie. You’re a lifesaver,” he said, giving her a slight squeeze. As he released her and stepped back, he
raised his brow as if realizing the reality of his statement. “And I guess I mean that literally.”

She smiled. “How are the horses?”

“Garrett’s been helping by keeping an eye on them up at the stable. Big Red is going to be fine. I’m cautiously optimistic about Diablo. He spent some time standing up today, and he ate a little bit of hay this afternoon. I hope we can transfer both of them to my clinic soon.”

“That’s great news.”

His grin warmed his countenance while he opened the front door with a flourish, inviting her into his home. “And do you want to hear some more great news?”

“Absolutely.”

“Mrs. Gibbs baked an apple pie.”

Many have helped bring
Stalking Ground
to publication, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all. From researching to writing to editing to publishing, I couldn’t ask for a better support network. I also want to thank readers who have embraced the Timber Creek K-9 mysteries; it’s a pleasure to hear from them, and I appreciate their encouragement to keep writing stories about Robo and Mattie.

My sincere appreciation goes to the professionals who helped me research this book; any misinterpretations or fictional enhancements of the information they provided are mine alone. Lieutenant Glenn Jay Wilson of the Rio Blanco County Sheriff’s Office answered my questions about officer training and procedures, among many other things. Fellow writer Tracy Brisendine never gave up on answering my continuous questions; Tracy offers information consultation for fiction writers regarding death investigation, police procedure, and crime scenes in workshops and one-on-one. Robert Perce, DVM, and Charles Mizushima, DVM, provided veterinary consultation for this story, and I appreciate their input and guidance in helping me set up challenges for Cole Walker to face. Wildlife Technician Louie Starzel Jr. and District Wildlife Manager Nancy Howard from Colorado Parks
and Wildlife shared information regarding hunting, mammal wounds, and related topics. And Christian Cable of Sportsman’s Warehouse took time to demonstrate a crossbow, so I could experience the sights and sounds related to loading and shooting this powerful weapon.

Special thanks to my agent, Terrie Wolf, for ongoing support and for tying up all those loose ends; to my editors, Matt Martz and Nike Power, who have taught me such valuable lessons on writing; to my publicist Dana Kaye and her staff, for helping get the word out about the Timber Creek K-9 series; and to Sarah Poppe and Heather Boak of Crooked Lane Books, for everything they do to keep things on track. I’m so fortunate to be able to work with these professionals.

Thank you to my writer friends who make up Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and who made it possible for me to meet editor Matt Martz at a conference. Special thanks to my writing group, who provide input and support and keep me on task: Catherine Cole, Saytchyn Maddux-Creech, Caroline Marwitz, Liz Stevens, and Brian Winstead. And a note of appreciation goes to Susan Hemphill for helping me proofread.

To my extended family and circle of friends: thank you for celebrating with me each step along the way. I love to party with these folks! Warm hugs go to my daughters, Sarah and Beth, and to my son-in-law, Adam, for believing in me and reading first drafts. And once again to my husband, Charlie, thanks for everything.