Page 187 of Rangers Last Promise

I look up.

Sheriff Tate is staring at me.

“What?”

“I asked you a question.”

“I was listening.”

“What did I say?”

I consider lying.

Doc is standing near the conference-room door.

The traitor smiles.

“I hate you.”

Tate blinks. “I didn't ask whether you hated me.”

“I wasn't talking to you.”

His gaze moves toward Doc.

Then back to me.

“Oh.”

Doc's smile disappears.

Mine probably does too.

Sheriff Tate looks entirely too pleased with himself.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“You're thinking something.”

“Nope.”

“I can hear you thinking.”

From the holding room down the hall, Hampton shouts, “Can we please get back to the conspiracy?”

I close my eyes.

Sheriff Tate calls back, “You're under arrest. Stop participating.”

“I have useful information!”

“You also shot my deputy!”

“He's fine!”

A deputy at the front desk says, “Parker says you're an ass.”