Page 265 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Then pawed gently at one loose brick.

Judy looked at me.

“That dog is spooky.”

I looked back at her and smiled.

Emily had hidden two boxes.

The Keeper had only been hunting one.

30

JUDY

Nobody moved.

Max remained beside the fireplace.

His paw rested against the loose brick.

He looked at me.

Almost impatiently.

I pulled on a fresh pair of gloves.

Will was already beside me with his camera.

"You know the routine."

"I do."

He photographed every angle before I carefully worked the brick loose.

It came free easier than I expected.

The space behind it wasn't large.

Only a narrow cavity between the chimney stones.

Empty.

Trigger let out a slow breath.

"We're too late."

"No."

I reached farther inside.

My fingertips brushed paper.

Not a box.

An envelope.

I carefully pulled it free.