"I've never understood why that dog is so important to-"

"I don't pay you to ask questions," Danner said curtly. "Where does she live?"

"Bayside, Colorado. A small town outside Denver. Do you think that's where she'll take the dog?"

"I don't know. We may get lucky. She may not have been able to make alternate arrangements so quickly. If we move fast, we may be able to scoop her up. I'll send a team to meet you in Denver. Get moving."

"The dog is alive. So is Marrok." Danner turned to Paul Caswell. "It's not going to be an easy retrieval. Dammit, we came so close this time."

"At least Marrok is on the radar screen again. We may be able to track him." Caswell shrugged. "It's been a long time since we got this close."

"You're very cool," Danner said sarcastically. "So slick. Why shouldn't you be? Marrok isn't trying to kill you."

"That doesn't mean I don't intend to get him." He rose to his feet. "Our reasons may differ, but our goal is the same. I'll arrange for air transport and check out what the situation is in Denver."

Danner's hands clenched into fists as he watched Caswell leave the room. What the hell. He couldn't blame Caswell for not having the same passion as Danner for getting Marrok. Four years ago, when they'd almost gathered him in, Danner had been angry and disappointed but he hadn't had this feeling of desperate urgency. The years had done that to him. He'd had all that power dangling before him and not been able to reach out and grab it. It had gone on too long, and Danner wanted it ended.

Caswell might not mind waiting, but Danner couldn't wait. He wouldn't wait.

This time they had to get Marrok.

"DOES IT HAVE TO BE TONIGHT, Bridget?" Fraser whispered. "It would be easier for you if you had the chance to let him get to know you."

"I know that," Bridget said. She didn't like the hurry any more than Fraser. She didn't like any of this business. Creeping around stealing someone's animal in the middle of the night was a good way to get shot. "Marrok says it has to be as soon as possible. He wants the donkey and all the other animals out of here. I told him it would be difficult as hell."