Page 174 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Havoc checked the ground. “Boot prints.”

Judy aimed her flashlight downward.

A set of large prints led toward the lake. The tread pattern was made of rectangular blocks.

The same general pattern as the print beside Sheriff Tate’s garage.

And Evan’s boots.

“It could be him,” Judy said.

“Or someone wearing the same brand,” I answered.

She nodded.

Suspicion wasn’t proof.

Max followed the trail along the edge of the water. It led behind two cabins before reaching an old dock.

A rowboat bumped against the wood.

Its rope had been cut.

“It’s drifting,” Havoc said.

Wolf caught the end of the rope before the boat moved beyond reach.

The inside was wet. Mud covered the bottom, and a set of boot prints ended near the rear seat.

“He crossed the lake,” Judy said.

A narrow beam of light appeared on the opposite shore.

Then vanished.

Wolf spoke into his radio. “Suspect may have crossed the lake. Saint, cover the main road. Ace, move east. Blaze, stay near the vehicles.”

Max sniffed the rowboat before circling the dock.

He stopped beside an old wooden piling.

Something silver reflected beneath it.

I reached down with my gloved hand and picked it up.

A sheriff’s badge.

Judy aimed her light at the front.

The metal was tarnished, but the words remained visible.

SHERIFF

EAGLE RIVER

A number had been engraved at the bottom.

“Is that Walter Mills’s badge?” I asked.