Page 210 of Rangers Last Promise

I walk to the holding room.

Mara follows.

Hampton is standing beside the bars.

“What?” I ask again.

“Show me.”

Sheriff Tate takes the evidence bag from the deputy and holds it where Hampton can see.

All the color leaves Hampton's face.

“Where exactly did you find that?”

“Storm cellar.”

“Behind the wall?”

“Yes.”

Hampton grips the bars.

“That was Grant’s.”

My heart stops.

“No.”

“I gave it to him.”

“When?”

“Three days before the ambush.”

My pulse pounds.

“Why?”

“So he could contact me without using military communications.”

“What was on it?”

“Nothing when I gave it to him.”

“Then why hide it in Texas?”

Hampton looks at Mara.

“I don't know.”

Mara takes the bag.

“Could Grant have mailed it home?”

“No.”

“Why not?”