Page 127 of Rangers Last Promise

Sheriff Tate puts Doc’s phone on the hood of his SUV.

“Nobody is sneaking anywhere.”

“Thank you,” I say.

“You aren't going either.”

I turn.

“Excuse me?”

“You're the target.”

“Fred Miller is being held hostage in my investigation.”

“You are personally connected to every piece of this case.”

“So is Doc.”

“Which is why neither of you is making the plan.”

Doc and I look at each other.

I don't like this.

Judging by his face, neither does he.

Tate continues.

“We do this correctly. We establish surveillance. We approach from multiple directions. We assume Hampton chose the location because it gives him an advantage.”

“He expects me,” Doc says.

“Then you'll give him what he expects.”

I stare at Tate.

Doc does too.

“But,” Tate adds, “you'll be wearing a vest, a transmitter, and enough law enforcement will be around that stockyard to make Hampton regret ever hearing of Eagle River.”

Trigger grins.

“I like him.”

I point at Tate. “He's my sheriff.”

“He's my father-in-law.”

“Unfortunately,” Tate mutters.

Trigger presses a hand to his chest.

“That hurt.”

“You'll survive.”

“That's what Doc said about my head.”