Page 167 of Rangers Last Promise

I think I heard him wrong.

“What?”

Sheriff Tate turns the paper toward us.

There it is.

Eagle River.

A local address.

My town.

Wolf takes the document.

“That road doesn't exist anymore.”

“Where was it?” I ask.

He looks at me.

“McKinley Road.”

The pasture behind Mom's house.

Cold moves through me.

The cottonwoods.

The creek.

The place where the first shooter stood.

Doc sees the realization on my face.

“He's been here.”

“Maybe for years.”

Hampton swears.

“What?” Doc asks.

“Vance wasn't missing.”

He looks toward the remains of Site Seventeen.

“He was waiting.”

My phone rings.

Unknown number.

No one jokes this time.

I answer.

“Deputy Ellis.”