Page 144 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Robert hesitated.

I watched Evan.

His face revealed nothing.

“My brother,” Robert said. “He told me you’re harassing him.”

Sheriff Tate’s eyes narrowed.

Evan hadn’t touched his phone since he entered the house.

“When did he call you?” I asked.

“About twenty minutes ago.”

“That’s impossible.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Evan is standing in front of me.”

Silence came through the speaker.

I never took my eyes off Evan.

Robert spoke again, his voice quieter. “Judy, my brother isn’t in Eagle River.”

Nobody moved.

Then who was standing in front of me?

“He called from my father’s cabin outside Dallas,” Robert continued. “He’s been there since yesterday.”

My skin went cold.

The man standing in Sheriff Tate’s living room smiled.

Max growled.

Evan—or whoever he was—reached behind his back.

Mace hit him before he could pull the gun.

13

MACE

Evan reached behind his back.

I hit him before he could pull whatever he was reaching for.

My shoulder caught him in the chest and drove him against the front door. The impact knocked the air out of him. I grabbed his wrist, turned him around, and pinned his arm between his shoulder blades.

Max’s growl filled the room.

“Don’t move,” I said.

“I was reaching for my phone!”