Page 319 of Rangers Last Promise

“I’m leaving.”

The paramedic pushes me back against the stretcher.

“No, you’re not.”

“Harlan is in custody.”

“I heard.”

“Mara is safe.”

“I heard that too.”

“Then I don’t need to go to the hospital.”

“You were shot.”

“Grazed.”

The paramedic looks toward the deputy standing beside us.

“Is he always like this?”

The deputy shrugs.

“I met him tonight.”

Wolf’s truck pulls into the airfield.

Before it stops, Mara opens the passenger door.

My heart starts beating again.

She runs toward me.

Dark hair loose around her shoulders.

Dirt across one cheek.

A bruise already forming along her throat.

Alive.

She’s alive.

I sit up.

The paramedic tries to stop me.

I ignore him.

Mara reaches the stretcher and throws both arms around me.

Pain tears through my side.

I don’t care.

I pull her closer.