Page 190 of Rangers Last Promise

For a second, nobody moves.

Then every eye lands on Doc.

His face changes.

The humor disappears.

So does the calm.

I see something I haven't seen in him before.

Fear.

Not fear of bullets.

Not fear of Hampton.

Fear of these men.

Blaze stops several feet inside the room.

He looks older than he did at Grant’s funeral.

They all do.

But I remember him.

I remember all of them.

Fifteen years ago, they stood together in a church while my mother cried over a flag-covered coffin.

Today, they stand together again.

Except Grant.

Blaze looks at Doc.

“Hello, Colin.”

Doc doesn't answer.

Ace folds his arms.

“Fifteen years.”

Still nothing.

Havoc looks at Wolf.

“You said he was here.”

“He is.”

“Apparently.”

Doc's shoulders have gone rigid.

I understand suddenly.