The lot held only a few cars. Several people stood around, watching something. Probably a wild animal. Tourists clustered like flies on carrion when spotting any wildlife.

But as he got closer, he realized the crowd was locals. And all male.

“Take it off, baby,” one said loudly.

“Woohoo,” another growled, “let’s see those knockers.”

“Hey, maybe this isn’t a good idea.” The skinny male’s protest was drowned out by the rest.

Gabe drew closer.

Two women were in the center of the…mob. Both crying. One on her knees, the other trying to stand. Damn.

“What’s going on here?” Gabe said in a loud voice.

“Shit, it’s the cop.” Like cockroaches when a light was turned on, the entire group scattered and raced toward the front of the lot.

As pickups and cars screeched away, Gabe approached the two women and went down on one knee.

Both mid-twenties, terrified and clinging to each other. One’s shirt was half-ripped off. The other had a swollen lip and a red handprint on her face.

When they cringed, he tapped the badge on his chest. “Police. How badly are you hurt?”

“Not…not really,” one said.

Thank fuck. He was so angry, he had to work to keep his voice soft. “What happened?”

“We…we came out of the roadhouse to leave, but I saw…” The blonde was crying too hard to continue.

“Marcy saw a bear behind the building, so we followed. For a picture.” The woman shoved her glasses up on her nose, looked around, and picked up her cell phone from the gravel. “That bunch of men… I guess they saw us, and they followed and just…just surrounded us.”

Gabe managed to keep his face calm.

“We didn’t do anything, weren’t even talking to them. We tried to leave,” the blonde said. “But they called us names and started ripping at our clothes. I tried to scream, and one slapped me.” She held her swollen cheek with the stunned expression of someone who’d never been hit in her life.

That his town had taught her about violence made Gabe sick. He held out his hands and helped them to their feet. “Do you think you could identify any of them again?”

The blonde shook her head hastily.

The one with glasses actually hesitated. “No, no, I’m afraid not. And we leave tomorrow. We have to be back at work.”

Jesus, what a way to end a vacation. Rescue sure wouldn’t be the highlight of their holiday. “I understand. We have a medical clinic here. We can have the practitioner check you over and make sure you’re not injured.”

“The slap was the worst of it,” said the one with the glasses. “At least as far as physical went.” Her eyes teared. “I’m really glad you came along.”

“Are you staying up at the resort hotel? How about I drive you up there?”