Page 208 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Someone had placed it there recently.

Judy pulled on fresh gloves.

“Don’t touch anything.”

I smiled slightly. “I’ve heard that before.”

She ignored me.

Will photographed the lantern from every angle before carefully lifting it from the hook.

Something rattled inside.

“That isn’t fuel.”

He unscrewed the bottom.

A tiny waterproof digital recorder dropped into his gloved hand.

Its green light blinked.

PLAYBACK COMPLETE.

Carson released a slow breath.

“He wanted us to hear Emma.”

“No,” Judy corrected. “He wanted Rylie to hear Emma.”

Trigger looked toward his wife.

She hadn’t taken her eyes off the recorder.

“He knew it would trigger another memory,” Trigger said.

“It almost did,” Rylie whispered.

Judy looked at her. “What do you remember?”

Rylie stared toward Cabin Nine.

“I remember Emily arguing.”

“With whom?”

“I couldn’t see.”

“A man?”

“I think…” She squeezed her eyes shut. “Yes. A man.”

“What did he say?”

Silence.

Then Rylie whispered, “‘She doesn’t exist.’”

Nobody spoke.