Page 228 of Rangers Unexpected Return

"...brought it here?"

Nobody moved.

Because if the missing metal box had been hidden beneath the Last Stand Tavern for eighteen years...

The Keeper hadn't been leading them to Camp Eagle River.

He'd been leading them...

Home.

23

JUDY

Nobody moved.

The narrow stone staircase disappeared into darkness beneath the tavern.

For one long moment, every person in the attic simply stared.

Sheriff Tate finally spoke.

"I've lived in Eagle River my entire life."

His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I never knew this was here."

Wolf looked at Trigger.

"Who goes first?"

Trigger answered without hesitation.

"Mace."

I smiled.

"Of course."

Mace looked offended.

"I always go first."

"You complain less than Blaze."

"I complain plenty."

"Exactly."

Despite everything that had happened, several people smiled.

It lasted only a moment.

Then Mace drew his flashlight.

"Max."