Page 227 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Cold air drifted upward.

A narrow staircase disappeared into darkness beneath the tavern.

Everyone stared.

Wolf looked at Sheriff Tate.

"What is this?"

The sheriff slowly shook his head.

"I have no idea."

Rylie climbed halfway into the attic before Trigger caught her hand.

"Absolutely not."

"I just want to see."

"You'll see from behind me."

She sighed.

"I married the world's biggest bodyguard."

"You absolutely did."

Judy shined her flashlight into the opening.

Old stone walls leading down underground.

A dirt floor.

And...

Shelves.

Empty shelves.

Like someone had stored things there once.

Mace looked at Judy.

"What if..."

She finished the thought.

"...Emily didn't hide the real evidence at the camp."

Their eyes met.

"The box..."

"...was moved."

Judy slowly looked down into the darkness.

"What if the last person Emily trusted..."