Page 226 of Rangers Last Promise

He’s afraid for me.

That realization feels warm and terrifying at the same time.

Before I can answer, Sheriff Tate comes out of his office carrying Grant’s lockbox.

My heart stutters.

“You said you put it somewhere safe.”

“I did.”

“Your office?”

“No.”

“You just came out of your office.”

“It was somewhere safer before I brought it into my office.”

“Where?”

He sets the box on the conference table.

“None of your business.”

Hampton calls from down the hall, “It was in the evidence locker.”

Tate’s head turns slowly.

“How do you know that?”

“I heard the deputy bring it back.”

“You are becoming a problem.”

“I shot one of your deputies. I thought I already was a problem.”

A voice comes from the front desk.

“Parker says you’re definitely a problem.”

Hampton sighs.

“Tell him I said I’m still sorry.”

The lockbox looks smaller than it should.

Old metal.

Scratches along the lid.

Grant’s initials carved near the latch.

G.E.

Doc reaches toward it, then stops before touching it.

“Vance has the key.”