Page 195 of Rangers Last Promise

“It doesn't have to.”

I smile.

He's coming back.

Maybe he doesn't know it yet.

But he's coming back.

Twenty minutes later, the conference room is standing room only.

I forgot how much space Rangers take up.

Ace is leaning against one wall. Havoc has stolen Trigger's chair. Trigger is complaining about it. Blaze and Wolf stand over the map.

Doc stays beside me.

Not across the room.

Beside me.

I notice.

Of course I do.

Sheriff Tate points toward the map.

“Robert Vance owned this property seventeen years ago.”

Blaze leans closer.

“McKinley pasture?”

“Yes.”

“That's behind Mara’s mother's house.”

I look at him.

“You know where Mom lived?”

“All of us did.”

That surprises me.

“How?”

Blaze looks uncomfortable.

“Grant.”

Of course.

“He showed us pictures.”

Ace smiles faintly.

“Your mother sent cookies.”