Page 235 of Rangers Unexpected Return

24

JUDY

The hidden compartment remained closed.

That bothered everyone except me.

Trigger looked at the small keyhole.

"We're really walking away?"

"Yes."

"It could have the answers."

"It could also have a shotgun wired to the lid."

Mace nodded.

"Or another recorder."

"Exactly."

Wolf looked around the room.

"The Keeper has controlled every move we've made."

"Not anymore."

I turned toward Sheriff Tate.

"Have the bomb squad examine it tomorrow."

"They're two hours away."

"We've waited eighteen years."

"We can wait until morning."

No one argued.

That alone told me I had earned their trust.

The scarecrow waited beneath the streetlight.

Deputy Collins stood beside it when we reached Main Street.

He looked uncomfortable.

"I've seen a lot of strange things."

"But this..."

He stepped aside.

The scarecrow wore old work clothes.

Boots.