Page 388 of Rangers Unexpected Return

“What?”

She looks directly into my eyes.

“He said to give you this.”

I take the envelope.

My hands have been steady while bullets tore through walls around me.

They aren't steady now.

“When did you open it?”

“I didn't.”

“Why?”

“He told me not to.”

I turn it over.

Still sealed.

Two years.

Claire has carried this for two years.

“Why now?” I ask.

Her face loses what little color it had left.

“Because the man who broke into my house wasn't looking for money.”

My fingers tighten around the envelope.

“What was he looking for?”

“I don't know.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

The little girl tugs on Claire's sweatshirt.

“Mommy.”

Claire immediately bends down.

“I'm right here, baby.”

“He said he'd find us.”

Every Ranger instinct I have comes roaring awake.

I look at Claire.

“Who said that?”