SavageLust by Desiree Holt

could be more than that. If
we’re right and scientists are genetically engineering these things, then they
could implant signals that draw it only to human prey.”
    “It’s possible that was part of what Reed discovered in his
research,” Regan told them.
    Rebecca shuddered. “What scares the crap out of me is that
some insane idiot is actually breeding these things on purpose. Implanting
artificial intelligence…”
    “As Reed studied and charted the more recent incidents,”
Regan told them, “he had the same idea.”
    “Yes,” Ric told her. “Craig Stafford, our boss, has
scientists who autopsy each carcass we’re able to deliver. In the last few,
they found computer chips in the brains. But the programming is so
sophisticated they haven’t been able to crack them yet.”
    Dante felt Regan shiver beneath his fingers, still resting
lightly on her shoulder. “I’ve had nightmares ever since Reed and Lisa
disappeared. Now I probably won’t sleep at all.”
    Sophia gave her a sympathetic look. “We’ve all been there, I
promise you. I can’t promise we’ll locate Lisa. We’re still on the hunt for
Chloe’s friend. But we can offer you support and the resources of the team.”
She glanced at Ric. “Right? We can help her?”
    “We’re going to track this thing anyway,” Dante pointed out.
    “We can’t make her a part of the team,” Ric told them. “Not
without Craig’s say-so.” He smiled. “But we can make her an associate member.
That work for everyone?”
    There were a lot of nods and murmurs of assent.
    “Okay, then. If we’re all finished stuffing our faces, let’s
see what Reed Fortune had on this flash drive and integrate it with what we
already know.” He paused. “I’m going to make an educated guess here that the
next strike won’t be in a place as populated as the state park. So let’s see if
Reed’s work can help us find out where it actually will be.”
    Working quickly, they disposed of all the trash and
rearranged things on the table. Dante noticed that Regan still kept the leather
satchel close to her. What in the hell was in there that she couldn’t let the
thing out of her sight?
    Then Ric plugged Regan’s flash drive in and threw the information
up on the screen. Everyone’s focus turned to the data scrolling slowly from top
to bottom.
    * * * * *
    Dan Hammond swallowed the last of the coffee in his mug and
carried it to the sink. His wife, Tina, was just putting the leftovers away.
They had eaten late, giving Dan time to finish riding herd with the others
until all the cattle were moved. In the distance, he heard a sound that caught
his ear—and disturbed him.
    “Don’t tell me that yappy little mutt’s hanging around
again,” he growled.
    “What mutt?” she asked.
    “Some stray got into one of the pastures today and was
barking up a storm at the cattle. Thank god the boys kept the herd calm. Ron
took off chasing the mutt. Apparently it’s scared of horses. Fine by me.”
    “You think that’s what you’re hearing now?”
    “Yeah. We need to get rid of it before it causes some
trouble.”
    “A little dog?” Tina laughed. “Just tell it to shoo.”
    “Ha ha ha.” He picked up the landline that connected
directly to the barn. He knew Nate Ferrante, his foreman, would still be out there
finishing up chores from today. “Nate? That dog get into the yard out there?”
    “Yeah, boss.” Nate’s gravelly voice came over the line. “I
haven’t the faintest idea how it got in here.”
    Dan realized the night was suddenly silent. “You must have
gotten rid of it because I don’t hear it anymore.”
    “You know, it’s crazy. It was right in the yard in front of
the barn. I was at the corral leading Bo back to his stall. I left him out
there most of today since no one was riding him. Anyway, as soon as that damn
dog saw the horse he took off past the barn, headed for the trees. And boss? He
just fucking disappeared.”
    “Disappeared?”
    “Uh-huh.