Page 92 of Rangers Last Promise

Wolf smiles. “I'd reconsider that threat.”

Trigger thinks about it.

“Good point.”

Despite everything that has happened tonight, I laugh.

A real laugh.

For a few seconds, the burned SUV, the bullets, Hampton, and Grant’s secrets disappear.

We're simply standing in Sheriff Tate’s office arguing over a fifteen-year-old lockbox nobody can open.

Then I look at the initials scratched into the bottom.

G.E.

Grant.

The laughter fades.

Doc notices.

He notices too much.

“We'll get the key in the morning.”

I look at him. “I'm going tonight.”

“No.”

There it is.

I stare at him.

“You've been in Eagle River for less than twelve hours. Have you always been this irritating, or is this something you developed with age?”

Wolf answers before Doc can.

“Always.”

Trigger nods. “Definitely always.”

Doc looks between them. “Whose side are you on?”

“Not yours,” Wolf says.

“Never yours,” Trigger adds.

For one second, Doc looks genuinely offended.

I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

Sheriff Tate sets his phone down.

“No one is going to Mara’s house tonight.”

“But—”