Page 52 of Rangers Last Promise

“Handgun. Suppressor.”

“Was he alone?”

“I only saw one.”

“Wolf,” Mara calls, “stay with Doc.”

“I’m going after Trigger.”

I grab the back of her sweatshirt before she takes two steps.

She spins toward me.

“Let go.”

“You don’t know what’s outside.”

“Trigger went alone.”

“Wolf can back him up.”

“I’m a deputy.”

“And Parker is bleeding.”

“That’s why he needs you.”

“So do you.”

The admission escapes before I can stop it.

Mara stares at me.

Even in the darkness, I see the surprise in her face.

I release her sweatshirt.

“Clear the kitchen. Don’t go outside until Sheriff Tate arrives.”

“You can’t order⁠—”

“Please.”

The word silences her.

Maybe she hears what it costs me.

Her expression changes.

“I’ll clear the kitchen. I won’t leave the building.”

I nod once.

It’s the closest thing to trust we’ve managed.

Mara moves down the hallway, keeping her weapon trained ahead of her. Wolf follows several feet behind with the shotgun.

I kneel beside Parker and turn on the small flashlight attached to my keychain.