Page 169 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Our eyes met.

“I need to answer it,” she said.

“I know.”

My hand was still around her wrist.

Her skin was warm beneath my fingers.

For one second, neither of us moved.

Then Max pressed his nose against my leg.

I released her.

“Use a glove,” I said.

Judy’s mouth curved slightly. “Were you worried about fingerprints?”

“Among other things.”

Her eyes held mine for another second before she turned back to the desk.

She picked up the phone and answered without putting it to her ear.

“You called Detective Langley.”

A man laughed softly.

The sound came through the speaker.

Rylie’s hand closed around Trigger’s arm.

“Who is this?” Judy asked.

“You found Emily’s letter.”

The voice was low, but it didn’t sound natural. He was speaking through something held over his mouth or deliberately changing his tone.

Judy looked toward the windows. “You seem certain.”

“I watched you open it.”

Trigger gave hand signals toward the back door.

I nodded.

He wanted me to take Max outside and locate the watcher.

I pointed at Judy.

She saw the exchange and shook her head.

“You’re not going alone,” she whispered.

“I have Max.”

“And I have a gun.”