Page 68 of Rangers Last Promise

Hampton doesn’t answer.

Sheriff Tate and Wolf enter through the rear door. Trigger remains outside with the deputies despite insisting the blow to his head didn’t hurt.

Tate raises his weapon toward the walkway.

“Elias Hampton, put the gun down.”

Hampton backs toward the far end of the railing.

“Too late, Sheriff.”

“The building is surrounded.”

“Then you should tell the men outside to watch the roof.”

He reaches beneath his jacket.

“Hands!” I shout.

Hampton throws something toward the floor.

Doc shoves me down.

A bright flash fills the building.

The explosion is more sound than force, but it blinds me. My ears ring. Dust and debris rain from the walkway.

A gunshot cuts through the noise.

Then another.

I blink through the white spots clouding my vision.

Doc is on one knee in front of me.

Hampton stands at the railing with his weapon pointed at Doc’s chest.

I don’t think.

I launch myself forward and hit Doc’s side as Hampton fires.

The bullet tears through Doc’s shirt.

We crash against the floor.

I roll, bring up my weapon, and fire twice.

Hampton jerks backward.

One hand clamps over his shoulder.

I hit him.

He disappears beyond the railing.

“Doc!”

“I’m fine.”