Page 88 of Rangers Last Promise

“You know she's been a deputy longer than you've been back in town.”

“I know.”

“She carries a gun.”

“I noticed.”

“She can take care of herself.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you staring at Tate's SUV like you're planning to climb through the windshield?”

I look at him.

Wolf smiles.

“I've missed you, Doc.”

The words catch me off guard.

I look through the windshield again.

“I wasn't worth missing.”

“That's where you're wrong.”

I don't answer.

Wolf doesn't push.

Maybe that's why we survived each other all those years ago.

The sheriff’s department appears ahead.

Two patrol vehicles block the rear drive.

Portable lights illuminate an old wooden building standing behind the newer brick station.

Mara is out of Tate’s SUV before it stops moving.

I get out of Wolf’s truck.

The workshop is smaller than I expected. Weathered siding. Metal roof. One narrow window.

A deputy meets Tate.

“Building's clear.”

“Signs of entry?”

“No, sir.”

Mara walks toward the door.

I follow.

She looks over her shoulder.