Page 56 of Rangers Last Promise

Drops continue across the exterior ledge.

Not many.

The shooter is wounded, but he’s still moving.

“The wound may slow him down,” Mara says. “Trigger could catch him.”

I head toward the window.

Mara blocks me.

“You’re staying with Parker.”

“He’s stable.”

“Those were your exact words when I tried to go outside.”

“That was different.”

“How?”

“It was you.”

Her eyebrows lift.

I don’t have time to explain what I meant.

I’m not sure I could.

Sheriff Tate rushes into the office with two deputies behind him.

“Report.”

“Parker took a through-and-through gunshot to his left thigh,” I say. “No obvious arterial involvement. He’s stable and waiting for transport.”

“Shooter?”

“Entered and exited through this window,” Mara says. “He forced the desk drawer and took Doc’s metal case. Parker confronted him outside and exchanged fire. Trigger went after him.”

Tate speaks into his radio.

“All units, armed suspect on foot near the Last Stand. Black clothing and possible gunshot wound. Do not approach alone.”

A deputy appears in the doorway.

“Sheriff, we found a motorcycle behind the feed store. Engine is still warm.”

“Secure it. Check every building between here and the highway.”

“What about Trigger?” Wolf asks.

“I’ve been trying to reach him.”

The answer chills the room.

Wolf pulls out his phone and calls.

We hear ringing from somewhere outside.