Page 326 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Sheriff Tate went rigid.

“Sheriff Mills?”

No one answered.

Elizabeth continued.

“She told him she knew what he’d done.”

Tate’s face drained of color.

Judy’s voice softened.

“What had he done?”

“I don’t know.”

“I was hiding beneath the porch.”

“They couldn’t see me.”

“Emily said she had proof.”

“Then Robert arrived.”

Mace tried to put the pieces together.

Robert Mills was Judy’s captain now.

His father had been sheriff.

Evan had grown up in Eagle River. He was a deputy at that time.

Three men.

One family.

Eighteen years of access.

Protection.

Silence.

Judy asked, “Who came to Cabin Nine?”

Elizabeth took a shaky breath.

“Evan.”

Carson looked at Sheriff Tate.

“Evan Mills?”

Elizabeth whispered, “Yes.”

“He came at night.”

“He said my mother had sent him.”