Page 183 of Rangers Unexpected Return

“Saint is checking traffic cameras near town.”

“There aren’t cameras on the back roads,” Mace said.

“No,” Wolf answered. “But there are businesses along the highway. If the ATV was loaded into a truck or trailer, we might catch it leaving the area.”

“Unless it never left,” I said.

Both men looked at me.

“The Keeper knows these woods. He knew the service trails, the office layout, and where to stand without being seen. He could have hidden the ATV somewhere on the property and walked out.”

“Max can track him,” Mace said.

“Not tonight.”

His expression changed.

“The fire, firefighters, deputies, and everyone who ran through those woods contaminated the area. Even if Max catches the scent, the Keeper may have left another trap.”

“He threatened you.”

“I noticed.”

“That means he’s still close.”

“It means he wants us to believe he is.”

Mace looked toward the dark tree line.

Every part of him wanted to go after the man who had threatened me.

I understood it because every part of me wanted to let him.

But rushing into the woods was exactly what the Keeper expected.

“Tomorrow,” I said. “At daylight. We establish his path from the office to the dock, document the ATV tracks, and let Max work from the cleanest scent source we have.”

“The cigarette,” Wolf said.

“And the phone.”

Mace looked down at the cracked device in his gloved hand.

The unfinished message remained visible.

ROBERT, THEY FOUND THE LETTER.

TELL DAD WE HAVE TO⁠—

“Whoever carried this wanted us to find it,” I said.

“Then we shouldn’t believe any of it,” Wolf replied.

“We shouldn’t dismiss it either.”

Mace handed me the phone.

I placed it inside an evidence bag.