Page 364 of Rangers Unexpected Return

The nurse reached for the phone.

“His awareness is fading.”

Sheriff Tate returned to the screen.

“We recorded everything.”

“Secure the recording,” I said. “Three copies. Different locations.”

“I already told Carson.”

Of course, he had.

I looked toward Elizabeth.

“We’ll bring her home.”

She wiped her tears.

“Hannah.”

“What?”

“My mother’s name was Hannah.”

I nodded.

“We’ll bring Hannah home.”

Walter’s confession hadn’t redeemed him.

Nothing could.

But after eighteen years, Emily Ross’s murder had finally been spoken aloud by the man who buried the truth.

44

MACE

We returned to Eagle River the following afternoon.

Everyone slept on the flight.

Even Judy.

She fought it for ten minutes.

Then her head settled against my shoulder.

I didn’t move.

Not when my arm went numb.

Not when Wolf woke up and smiled at us.

Not when Trigger quietly took a picture I planned to make him delete.

For three hours, Judy slept without fear chasing her.