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The paper had yellowed with age.

Across the front, written in neat handwriting, were three words.

NOT YET, DAD.

Sheriff Tate looked at me.

"Daniel."

I nodded.

"This wasn't left for us."

"It was left for him."

The room became silent.

I carefully opened the envelope.

Inside rested a single folded sheet.

Nothing else.

I unfolded it.

Emily's handwriting.

The room seemed to disappear around me.

I began reading aloud.

Dad,

If you're standing here, then I didn't make it home.

Please don't come looking for me.

They're already watching you because of me.

Trigger quietly lowered his head.

I continued.

You were right.

The room is the safest place in town.

But not for the things they're looking for.

My pulse quickened.

Emily had underlined the next sentence.

I moved the second box before I gave Rylie the key.

Every Ranger became perfectly still.

If anyone finds this letter before you do, then they've already lost.