Page 185 of Rangers Last Promise

“And Grant made you promise to protect me.”

“Yes.”

Her fingers tighten around mine.

“So everyone keeps deciding why you're supposed to be here.”

Something in her voice changes.

I wait.

“What do you think?” she asks.

“About what?”

“Why you're still here.”

The answer should be easy.

Grant.

The investigation.

Hampton.

Vance.

The Colonel.

Instead, I look at the woman holding my hand.

“Mara.”

She steps closer.

My pulse changes.

“That's not an answer.”

No.

It isn't.

Fifteen years ago, I made Grant Ellis a promise.

Three days ago, that promise would have been enough.

It isn't anymore.

“I came to Eagle River because of Grant.”

Her eyes stay on mine.

“And?”

I lift my free hand.

Slowly.