Page 304 of Rangers Unexpected Return

They weren't hiding.

37

MACE

Three slow knocks echoed through the library.

Every Ranger turned toward the door.

Max rose beside me.

His body went still.

Ears forward.

Watching.

The headlights outside remained fixed on the entrance.

Sheriff Tate motioned for everyone to stay back before moving toward the front doors.

Wolf took one side.

Trigger took the other.

Tate unlocked the door and pulled it open.

A deputy stood beneath the awning.

Rain dripped from the brim of his hat.

One hand remained visible near his belt.

The other held a weathered evidence envelope.

“Sheriff.”

Tate relaxed slightly.

“What are you doing here?”

“I saw the lights.”

The deputy glanced past him at the crowded library.

“Carson told me you found some of the old camp records.”

Carson stepped into view.

“I found more than some.”

The deputy nodded.

“That’s why I went back to the evidence room.”

He held up the envelope.

“I thought you’d want to see this.”