Page 257 of Rangers Last Promise

“The last place Vance would ever look.”

His grip goes slack.

The paramedic checks his pulse.

“He’s unconscious. We need to move.”

Doc steps toward the stretcher.

“I’m coming.”

I catch his arm.

“No.”

“He may not make it to the hospital.”

“You’re not the only medic in Texas.”

“He knows who the Colonel is.”

“And if Vance knows he’s alive, the hospital will be the first place he looks.”

Sheriff Tate points at two deputies.

“You’re riding with him. Nobody gets near Kane without my authorization. Shoot anyone who tries getting close to him.”

Doc watches them wheel Kane through the door.

Every muscle in his body is rigid.

I understand why.

He waited fifteen years for answers.

Now the man who has them is bleeding to death.

The ambulance pulls away with two patrol cars behind it.

Doc looks at me.

“Are you all right?”

“Kane was shot.”

“That wasn’t what I asked.”

I look down at the blood on my hands.

“I don’t know.”

He guides me toward the small bathroom at the back of the station.

“I can wash my own hands.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you coming with me?”