Page 258 of Rangers Last Promise

“Because I want to.”

The words sound familiar.

I don’t argue.

Inside, Doc turns on the water.

I hold my hands beneath it.

Kane’s blood swirls pink, then red, then disappears down the drain.

Doc stands behind me.

Close.

Not touching.

I can feel him anyway.

“Grant trusted him,” I say.

“Grant used him.”

“Is there a difference?”

“Yes.”

“Which one did Grant do with you?”

Doc’s eyes find mine in the mirror.

“He trusted me.”

“And you trusted him.”

“Yes.”

“Then trust him now.”

“I’m trying.”

“No. You’re trying to solve everything he left behind while still blaming yourself for not saving him.”

His jaw tightens.

“Mara.”

“Grant wrote that it wasn’t your fault.”

“He knew I’d need to hear it.”

“Because he knew you loved him, like a brother.”

Doc looks away.

I turn off the water and face him.

“You got six Rangers out of that valley.”