Page 312 of Rangers Unexpected Return

“Sheriff’s department issue.”

Nobody breathed.

The Keeper had not only searched the archives years ago.

He had searched them tonight.

“Doesn’t anyone dust anymore?” Mable whispered.

38

JUDY

The county records annex sat at the edge of Main Street.

Once, it had been the finest bank in Eagle River.

Now the stone building housed tax maps, property deeds, court ledgers, and decades of records nobody had found the courage to throw away.

Deputy Collins unlocked the side entrance.

“We should keep the lights low.”

Wolf looked toward the dark windows.

“Why?”

“If someone followed us, I’d rather they wonder where we went.”

Mace rested his hand lightly against my back as we stepped inside.

The touch lasted only a second.

Still, I felt it long after he moved away.

The old bank smelled like dust, paper, and cold stone.

Collins led us through a narrow hallway.

“The vault is downstairs.”

“Of course it is,” Mabel muttered.

Sheriff Tate turned.

“You ladies could have stayed at the library.”

Doris lifted her chin.

“And miss this?”

Hazel smiled.

“We waited eighteen years.”

“You’re not getting rid of us now.”

Tate sighed.