Page 282 of Rangers Last Promise

“We need Vance alive.”

“I know.”

“He can testify against Harlan.”

“I know.”

“And if Harlan reaches him first⁠—”

“I said I know.”

Tate begins issuing orders.

Wolf, Trigger, Blaze, Ace, and Havoc gather around us.

No one asks if they’re coming.

They are Army Rangers.

Grant was theirs too.

Tate looks at all of them.

“This is a law-enforcement operation.”

Wolf nods. “Understood.”

“That means you follow my orders.”

Trigger looks at the others.

“Does anybody know what that means?”

Tate points at him.

“You stay here.”

“I understand orders now.”

Despite everything, I smile.

Doc catches it.

For one second, his expression softens.

Then he leans close.

“You stay with me.”

“We already settled this.”

“I know.”

“Then stop ordering me around.”

“I’m not ordering you.”

“What do you call it?”