Page 386 of Rangers Unexpected Return

“Cole?”

The little girl looks from her mother to me.

Claire pulls her closer.

I cross the room before I realize I'm moving.

“What happened?”

She shakes her head.

“Claire.”

“I need Colin Shaw.”

Doc is already coming around the bar.

“I'm Colin.”

Claire turns toward him.

Her eyes fill with tears.

She reaches into the backpack with a trembling hand.

I move closer.

She flinches.

I stop instantly.

“What happened to your arm?”

“Someone broke into our house.”

Every muscle in my body locks.

“When?”

“Two nights ago.”

“Were you there?”

She nods.

“Did they hurt you?”

“No. I cut my arm climbing through the bathroom window.”

I look at the little girl.

She's watching me.

Silent.

Scared.

I crouch until I'm closer to her height.