Page 225 of Rangers Last Promise

I start to argue.

He reaches for his radio.

“I will put you in the cell beside Hampton.”

From inside the building, Hampton shouts, “I’d like the company!”

Tate turns toward the door.

“Nobody asked you!”

I look at Doc.

He looks at me.

We go inside.

Not because Sheriff Tate ordered us to.

Because neither of us wants to spend the night beside Hampton.

At least that’s what I tell myself.

Ten minutes later, the station is chaos again.

Blaze, Ace, and Havoc search Last Stand Tavern with Wolf and Trigger.

Two deputies check Millie’s.

Another pair heads to the gas station.

Sheriff Tate pulls up traffic-camera footage while I sit at my desk, with Doc standing so close beside me that his thigh touches my chair.

Every few seconds, he looks toward the window.

“Stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Looking like you’re waiting for a bullet.”

“I am waiting for a bullet.”

“That isn’t comforting.”

“It wasn’t supposed to be.”

I turn my chair toward him.

“Vance wants us frightened.”

“It’s working.”

I blink.

Doc doesn’t look away.

He isn’t afraid for himself.