Page 30 of Rangers Last Promise

“Someone could have cut the line ahead of time and waited for the right moment.”

“Or there are two people.”

I don’t want her to be right.

One shooter is a threat.

Two shooters are a plan.

A vehicle engine roars somewhere north of the tavern. Tires squeal against wet pavement.

Trigger turns toward the sound.

“That’s our shooter.”

“Stay inside,” Sheriff Tate orders. “If you get shot, my Rylie will never forgive me.”

Red and blue lights flash through the broken windows as two patrol vehicles enter Main Street from opposite directions. One deputy stops in front of the tavern while the other continues north after the fleeing vehicle.

Sheriff Tate reaches the front door.

“Parker, come in here.”

A young deputy rushes inside, rain streaming from the brim of his hat.

“Dark SUV blew through the north roadblock,” he says. “No plates. Deputy Collins is behind it.”

“Tell him not to pursue alone. Have state police block the highway.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then secure this building. No one enters or leaves without my authorization.”

Mara rises.

Sheriff Tate points at her before she takes a step.

“You stay here.”

“I’m going to check the alley.”

“No, you aren’t.”

“The shooter may have left evidence near the breaker box.”

“And Deputy Parker will find it.”

Mara glances toward the young deputy.

He looks away.

Smart man.

“With all due respect,” she says, “Parker has been a deputy for six months.”

“And I’ve been sheriff since before you learned to walk. You are the target of this investigation, Mara. Tonight, you follow my orders.”

She opens her mouth.