Page 58 of Rangers Last Promise

Sheriff Tate signals for the deputies to surround the structure.

Mara positions herself beside the door.

I take the opposite side.

She glances at me.

“You’re supposed to be with Parker.”

“The ambulance arrived.”

“You aren’t law enforcement.”

“No.”

“You’re also not armed backup.”

“I’m armed.”

“That isn’t the same.”

“I’ll explain the difference later.”

Her mouth tightens.

“You’re starting to assume there will be a lot of laters.”

Before I can answer, something strikes the floor inside the building.

We both turn toward the sound.

Sheriff Tate joins us. Wolf stands behind him.

“Eagle River Sheriff’s Department!” Tate shouts. “Come out with your hands visible!”

Silence.

Then a low groan.

Wolf reaches for the door.

Tate stops him.

“Wait.”

“That’s Trigger.”

“We clear the building first.”

The deputies enter from the front while we move through the rear. The hardware store smells of dust, mildew, and old lumber. Empty shelves form narrow aisles through the darkness.

Sheriff Tate goes left.

Mara and I go right.

We find Trigger near the center of the building.

He’s sitting against a support post with one hand pressed to the side of his head. Blood runs down his temple.