Page 158 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Emily had placed the key in Rylie’s hand before she disappeared. She had trusted a teenage girl to keep it safe without explaining why.

Or maybe she hadn’t had time to explain.

“Robert knows we’re considering the camp,” I said. “But his message confirms it. The key opens something there.”

“The brass cabinet in the camp office,” Rylie said.

“Most likely.”

“Then we go and open it.”

Trigger turned toward her. “You aren’t going.”

Rylie planted her hands on her hips.

I glanced at Mace.

“This should be good,” he murmured.

“I heard that,” Rylie said.

“So did I,” Trigger answered. “You’re still not going.”

“It’s my key.”

“It’s a possible trap.”

“It’s my camp.”

“It’s an abandoned camp in the woods where someone wants to kill you.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“I’m trying to keep you alive.”

“And I love you for it. But if Emily left something in that cabinet, I might be the only person who understands what it means.”

“I’ll take pictures.”

“What if it isn’t something you can photograph?”

Trigger stared at her.

Rylie stared back.

Sheriff Tate lowered himself into a chair. “I remember having these same arguments with her mother.”

“Who won?” Mace asked.

“My wife.”

Rylie smiled. “Exactly.”

“That doesn’t mean I enjoyed it.”

Trigger rubbed the back of his neck. “Rylie.”

She stepped closer and placed her hands on his chest. “I’m not asking you to let me walk into that camp alone. I’m asking you to take me with a sheriff, two Army Rangers, a homicide detective, and a military dog.”