Page 323 of Rangers Last Promise

Mara listens carefully.

I do not.

She drives me back to Eagle River.

When we pull into the sheriff’s-station parking lot, every available space is occupied.

State investigators.

Federal agents.

Texas Rangers.

News vehicles wait beyond the barricade at the end of the street.

Mara turns off the engine.

“You don’t have to go inside.”

“Yes, I do.”

“You were shot.”

“Grazed.”

“If you say that one more time, I’m putting you back in the hospital.”

I open the door.

She comes around to my side before I can stand.

“I can walk.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you helping me?”

“Because I want to.”

I look at her.

She’s using my own words against me.

I like it.

Inside, the station has been repaired to the point of functioning.

The shattered window is still covered.

The bullet Vance fired remains buried in the doorframe as evidence.

Harlan is gone.

Federal agents moved him to a secure facility before sunrise.

Hampton is still in the holding cell.

He has an ice pack pressed against his face.