Page 227 of Rangers Last Promise

“Yes,” Tate says.

“And he wants the box.”

“Yes.”

Doc studies the lock.

“What do you think Grant put inside?”

“We don’t know,” I say. “The lock was damaged when we found it. We couldn’t open it without destroying the latch.”

“And now Vance has the key.”

“Which may not work anymore.”

Doc looks at me. “He doesn’t know that.”

“No.”

Sheriff Tate places both hands on the table.

“We’re not taking the real box to the cellar.”

“I agree,” Doc says.

I look at him. “That was quick.”

Wolf walks in. “The stranger from Last Stand is gone.”

Every person in the room goes still.

“When?” Tate asks.

“According to Nora, he left less than two minutes before we arrived.”

“Did anyone see his vehicle?”

“Black pickup. No one got the plate.”

Doc’s jaw tightens.

“Description?”

“White male. Late fifties or early sixties. Gray hair. Medium build.”

“Vance?”

“I don’t know. I only saw the back of his head.”

Trigger walks to the table.

“Nora said he ordered one beer and barely touched it. He spent most of the time watching the front window.”

Watching us.

Watching Doc kiss me.

A chill moves over my skin.