Page 239 of Rangers Last Promise

“Opening it.”

“Tate said the lock was damaged.”

“I’m not asking the lock for permission.”

Sheriff Tate turns from the radio.

“Deputy Ellis.”

“We’re out of time.”

“It’s evidence.”

“And we can document everything before we break the lock.”

“We may damage what’s inside.”

“We may all be dead in three days.”

Hampton calls from the holding room.

“She has a point.”

Tate closes his eyes.

“I am not discussing evidence procedure with a prisoner.”

“You should. I’ve been involved in several federal investigations.”

“You shot my deputy.”

“It was one investigation.”

From the front office, another deputy calls, “Parker says to tell Hampton he’s still an ass.”

Hampton sighs.

“His hostility is interfering with my recovery.”

Mara looks at Tate.

“The phone gave us part of Grant’s message. The box may give us the rest.”

Tate stares at her.

She doesn’t back down.

Of course she doesn’t.

Finally, he points toward the evidence camera.

“Photograph the lock from every angle. Record the entire opening. Nobody touches anything inside until Lieutenant Ross clears it.”

Mara smiles.

“I knew you’d see reason.”

“I don’t see reason. I see the futility of arguing with you.”