Page 46 of Rangers Last Promise

“What is it about?”

“Keeping you alive.”

“That sounds like the same thing.”

“It isn’t.”

Before I can ask him to explain, he opens his door and disappears inside.

I stare at the empty hallway.

The man is impossible.

Closed off, controlling, infuriatingly calm—and carrying my brother’s dog tags next to his heart.

I enter Room Five and close the door.

It’s small but comfortable, with a wooden dresser, an iron bed, and a quilt that looks handmade. Someone left a vase of wildflowers on the nightstand. Knowing Nora, they were probably cut from the garden behind the tavern.

I set Grant’s journal on the dresser.

The sight of it makes sleep impossible.

I remove my holster, place my weapon on the nightstand, and sit on the edge of the bed. Every muscle hurts from being thrown to the floor twice in one day.

A soft knock sounds at the door.

I reach for my weapon.

“Mara.”

Doc.

I open the door but leave the chain fastened.

He looks at it.

“Really?”

“I’ve known you for less than three hours.”

“You opened the door.”

“I also have a gun.”

His gaze moves past me to the nightstand.

“Good.”

“What do you want?”

He holds out a folded piece of paper.

“We found this inside the metal case.”

I don’t take it.

“You didn’t know it was there?”