Page 102 of Rangers Last Promise

At seven fourteen, Sheriff Tate wakes us by banging a coffee mug against the doorframe.

“Rise and shine.”

I open one eye.

“I have a gun.”

“So do I.”

“Mine's closer.”

“You're charming in the morning.”

Across the room, Doc sits up on the couch.

His hair sticks up on one side.

I stare.

He catches me.

“What?”

“Nothing,” I force myself not to smile.

His eyes narrow.

“Something.”

“You look less terrifying when your hair does that.”

He runs a hand over it.

That makes it worse.

I start laughing.

Doc looks offended.

Sheriff Tate takes a drink of coffee.

“This is already the best morning I've had all week.”

Doc stands.

“I'm leaving.”

“No, you aren't,” Tate says. “Deputies cleared Mara’s house twenty minutes ago.”

I'm instantly awake.

“Anything?”

“Back door showed signs someone tried the lock. They didn't get in.”

“Hampton?”

“Maybe.”