Page 229 of Rangers Unexpected Return

The German Shepherd started down the narrow stairs without hesitation.

Every Ranger watched him.

Halfway down he stopped.

He sniffed.

Then continued.

No bark.

No growl.

Mace followed.

I went directly behind him.

"You aren't staying up here," he whispered.

"You already know the answer."

"I was hoping exhaustion might change it."

"It hasn't."

He smiled without looking back.

"I didn't think so."

The room beneath the tavern was larger than I expected.

Stone walls.

A packed dirt floor.

Wooden shelves covered one side.

Everything smelled of damp earth and old cedar.

My flashlight swept across the room.

Nothing.

No furniture.

No trunks.

No boxes.

No hidden files.

Only dust.

Will came down carrying his camera.

"Nobody touch anything."

Too late.