Page 198 of Rangers Unexpected Return

The deputies looked up from their patrol vehicle fifty yards away.

One of them called out.

"Everything okay?"

"We heard knocking," Sheriff Tate answered.

The deputy frowned.

"We didn't see anyone."

Max pushed past my leg and walked onto the porch.

He sniffed once.

Then trotted toward one of the wooden support posts.

A small brown envelope rested against the base.

Dry.

Someone had placed it there after the rain started.

Will carefully lifted it with gloved hands.

No address.

Only one word.

RYLIE.

Trigger's jaw tightened.

"Open it."

Will photographed every angle before sliding a letter opener beneath the flap.

Inside was a single Polaroid.

He handed it to Judy.

Her face lost every trace of color.

"What?"

She turned the picture toward us.

It showed Cabin Nine.

Taken through the front window.

Inside sat a frightened little girl.

No older than ten.

Curled into a corner.

Crying.