Page 188 of Rangers Last Promise

Silence.

Then Hampton answers, “Tell him I'm sorry.”

I look at Doc.

He looks at me.

Neither of us makes it.

We start laughing.

Sheriff Tate shakes his head.

“I have lost control of this entire investigation.”

“You had control?” I ask.

He points at me.

“Careful.”

I grin.

For a few seconds, everything feels almost normal.

Then my gaze falls on the old county map spread across the table.

Robert Vance.

McKinley Road.

Less than half a mile from Mom’s house.

The humor disappears.

“Let's go find Vance.”

Doc's expression changes immediately.

“No.”

I stare at him.

“That was fast.”

“You're not going anywhere near Vance.”

“I am a deputy.”

“He has Grant’s key.”

“Which is exactly why I need to find him.”

“He's already tried to kill you.”

“We think.”

“He entered your house.”