Page 64 of Rangers Last Promise

I remember a dark sedan parked across the street. A man sat behind the wheel throughout the service. I assumed he was a reporter or one of the military officials who didn’t know the family.

“Why didn’t you go inside?”

“I wasn’t welcome.”

“You’re still not.”

Hampton looks toward Doc.

“She has Grant’s temper.”

“She also has a loaded weapon pointed at your chest.”

“He was proud of her.”

Doc moves toward the staircase.

“Stay where you are,” Hampton warns.

“You broke into the tavern, shot a deputy, and stole evidence. This conversation ends with you in handcuffs or on the floor.”

“You always did believe you could save everyone.”

Hampton’s smile disappears.

“How did that work out for Grant?”

Doc takes another step.

His face reveals nothing, but I see his hand tighten around his weapon.

Hampton sees it too.

He wants Doc angry.

“Doc.”

He doesn’t look at me.

“Don’t.”

“Listen to the deputy,” Hampton says. “Grant never did know when to stop digging. Look where it got him.”

Doc reaches the bottom of the stairs.

I move out of cover and catch his arm.

“What are you doing?”

“Ending this.”

“That’s what he wants.”

“He knows where the coordinates lead.”

“He also has a gun aimed at the stairs.”

“I noticed.”