Page 194 of Rangers Unexpected Return

17

MACE

Nobody spoke for several seconds.

The only sound inside the abandoned dining hall came from the old generator Sheriff Tate's deputies had dragged onto the porch. It rumbled steadily outside while rain hissed against the metal roof.

"She was locked inside."

Rylie's words hung in the room.

Judy slowly closed her notebook.

"Start from the beginning," she said gently.

"I don't remember enough."

"Tell me what you do remember."

Rylie looked at the enlarged photograph on Will's computer.

The reflection in the cabin window.

The campfire.

Nine girls.

One hidden watcher.

She rubbed both hands together.

"I... I keep seeing the hallway."

Trigger immediately moved beside her.

"You don't have to push."

"Yes, I do."

"No."

She looked up at him.

"If I don't remember, someone else dies."

The room became quiet again.

Trigger didn't argue.

He simply took her hand.

Judy lowered her voice.

"What hallway?"

"The girls' cabins."

"Cabin Nine?"