Page 223 of Rangers Last Promise

Then Sheriff Tate’s SUV tears into the parking lot with its lights flashing.

He brakes beside us, throws open the door, and points at me.

“Why are you outside?”

“I was going home.”

“You were told to wait for an escort.”

“I had an escort.”

Tate looks at Doc.

Doc lifts one shoulder.

Tate closes his eyes.

“This is not what I meant.”

Wolf hands him my phone.

“Vance called.”

Tate’s eyes open.

“What did he say?”

I tell him.

His expression grows colder with every word.

When I finish, he reaches for his radio.

“Lock down Main Street. Nobody leaves Last Stand Tavern, Millie’s, or the gas station until we’ve identified everyone inside.”

Doc nods toward the tavern.

“We’re going in.”

“No, you’re not.”

Tate looks at me.

“You’re going back inside the station.”

“I’m a deputy.”

“You’re also the person Vance is watching.”

“Which means putting me inside doesn’t make him stop watching.”

“No. It makes it harder for him to shoot you.”

Doc steps closer to me.

“I agree with Tate.”

I stare at him.