Page 297 of Rangers Last Promise

“Colin.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’ve been shot.”

“Grazed.”

“There’s too much blood.”

“Side wounds bleed.”

“Don’t tell me that like I don’t have eyes.”

I cover her hand with mine.

“Vance?”

Her gaze moves toward the fuel truck.

Vance is on his back.

Not moving.

The deputy checks for a pulse.

Then he looks at us and shakes his head.

Robert Vance is dead.

Grant’s killer is dead.

But Arthur Harlan is gone.

Mara tears open my shirt.

I wince.

Her face pales.

“I told you not to stand in front of me.”

“I didn’t.”

“You turned toward me.”

“He was shooting at you.”

“I had him.”

“I know.”

“Then why?”

“Because I love you.”

The words come out before I can stop them.

Mara freezes.