Page 148 of Rangers Unexpected Return

“You can’t prove that it wasn’t an accident.”

“Not yet.”

“Come back to Dallas.”

“No.”

“That wasn’t a request.”

“I’m on medical leave. You can’t order me to leave Eagle River.”

“You’re interfering in an active investigation.”

“There was no active investigation here until I arrived.”

“That’s enough.”

“No, Captain. It isn’t. I want to know who called you.”

“My brother.”

“From what number?”

Robert didn’t answer.

“Was it Evan’s cell phone?”

“No.”

“What number was it?”

“I don’t have it in front of me.”

“Check your call history.”

“I’m not discussing department business in front of civilians.”

Sheriff Tate stepped closer to the phone. “Then discuss it with me. Sheriff Thomas Tate.”

“I know who you are.”

“Good. Give me the number.”

“This is a Dallas matter.”

“The call involves a man standing inside my house during an investigation into threats against my daughter. That makes it an Eagle River matter.”

Robert’s voice cooled. “With all due respect, Sheriff, my family has served that town longer than you have.”

Sheriff Tate’s expression turned hard. “Your father served it. You left.”

Trigger moved closer to his father-in-law.

Not because Sheriff Tate needed help.

Because Rangers stood together.

Robert didn’t respond.