Page 163 of Rangers Last Promise

For one second, the fire, the deputies, Hampton, and fifteen years of secrets disappear.

There is only Doc.

Colin.

I haven't thought of him that way before.

Colin Shaw.

Not my brother’s medic.

Not the Ranger who disappeared.

Not the man carrying Grant’s dog tags.

Colin.

His gaze drops to my mouth.

My heart stumbles.

Then Sheriff Tate walks past us.

“Not beside the burning building.”

I jerk my hand away.

“Sheriff!”

“What?”

Doc looks down.

I swear he's trying not to laugh.

Tate continues walking.

“I have eyes.”

Heat climbs into my face.

Trigger calls from somewhere behind us.

“So does the whole county.”

“I will shoot all of you.”

Wolf answers, “That's generally frowned upon for deputies.”

Doc finally laughs.

Actually laughs.

And God help me, I love the sound.

The fire department arrives before the last flames die.

By noon, Site Seventeen is a smoking shell.