Page 266 of Rangers Last Promise

“Only my dignity.”

“That was already damaged.”

Carson manages a laugh.

It turns into a groan.

The firefighter looks at Mara.

“He’s got a possible injury to his left leg, but he’s alert. The ground beneath him is unstable.”

“How long before you can bring him up?”

“A few minutes.”

I crouch beside Mara and look through the opening.

Carson is wedged between two large metal containers.

More are stacked behind him.

Rectangular.

Military green.

Each one is long enough to hold a body.

One has split open beneath the collapsed concrete.

Bone shows through rotted fabric.

A boot.

Part of a uniform.

Mara’s shoulder presses against mine.

“Twenty-three men.”

“If Hampton told the truth.”

“You think he didn’t?”

“I think Hampton only tells enough truth to keep himself useful.”

Sheriff Tate joins us.

“I’ve requested the state crime lab, medical examiner, Texas Rangers, and federal authorities.”

“Which federal authorities?” I ask.

“All of them.”

“That could be a problem.”

“Why?”

“The Colonel had enough power to erase twenty-three men and move their bodies into the United States.”