Page 161 of Rangers Unexpected Return

I wasn’t certain whether I was grateful or disappointed.

Probably both.

The paved road narrowed before Trigger turned onto an unmarked dirt trail. Branches scraped the sides of the truck as we traveled deeper into the woods.

“I would never have found this,” I said.

“Neither would I,” Mace admitted.

Trigger glanced at us in the mirror. “This is an old fire road. It comes out behind the camp.”

“You’ve been there before?” I asked.

“Once. Sheriff Tate showed it to us after we moved to Eagle River.”

Rylie stared through the windshield. “I haven’t been back since Emily died.”

Trigger reached across the console and took her hand.

She held on to him but didn’t ask him to turn around.

The trail ended behind an overgrown maintenance building. Trigger shut off the engine, and the sudden silence made the woods feel too close.

Mace opened his door first.

Max jumped out and immediately began testing the air.

I stepped down beside them. Mace’s hand hovered near my waist without touching me. He was prepared to catch me if I slipped but knew better than to assume I needed help.

“You still don’t know the way,” he whispered.

“Neither do you.”

“That means we should stay close.”

“To Trigger?”

His eyes remained on mine. “That isn’t who I meant.”

My heart gave one hard beat.

“You flirt at crime scenes now?” I whispered.

“I’m rusty.”

“You need more practice.”

“I was hoping you’d help.”

A voice came through Trigger’s radio before I could answer.

“North side clear,” Wolf said. “No movement.”

“Havoc in position.”

“Road is clear,” Saint reported.

Trigger looked at us. “Ready?”