Page 254 of Rangers Last Promise

“Then why give it to you?”

“Because Grant knew I was the only one who could get back into the country without the Colonel knowing.”

Doc’s voice turns dangerous.

“Grant trusted you?”

“No.”

“Then why⁠—”

“He trusted that I wanted to live.”

Sirens rise in the distance.

Kane’s eyes close again.

Doc slaps his cheek lightly.

“Stay awake.”

“I’m tired.”

“I don’t care.”

“You never did.”

Doc leans closer.

“I kept you alive after you stepped on a pressure plate outside Kandahar.”

“You complained the entire time.”

“You were heavy.”

“I’d been shot.”

“You were still heavy.”

Trigger looks at Wolf.

“I remember that.”

Wolf nods. “Kane cried.”

Kane opens one eye.

“I did not cry.”

“You cried a little,” Blaze says.

“I was dehydrated.”

Despite the blood, broken window, and fifteen-year conspiracy surrounding us, I laugh.

It slips out before I can stop it.

Kane looks at me.