The masked man disappeared toward the back. The third man rushed to open the barn wider. Inside, cages rattled. Dogs cried out as doors were yanked, chains clanked, bodies dragged and carried. The whole operation shifted into panic mode. A larger truck rolled into view beside the barn—engine running, door already open.
Men moved fast now, hauling dogs out in frantic armsfuls. Not all of them. Some cages stayed locked. Some dogs were left barking behind wire as the truck filled. Eleanor’s chest tightened into rage. “Rex is still in there!” Sarah grabbed Eleanor’s sleeve, holding her back—hard. “Don’t,” she whispered.