Page 270 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Not at the hidden room.

At the wall behind the bar.

The wall covered with photographs.

One picture hung slightly crooked.

The only one in the entire tavern.

Mace followed Max's gaze.

Then looked at me.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

I smiled for the first time all day.

"I think Emily just pointed us exactly where she wanted us to look."

31

MACE

Nobody breathed.

The crooked photograph hung behind the bar.

It was an ordinary picture.

Wolf and Nora on opening day.

The Last Stand Tavern before the sign had been hung outside.

Nothing unusual.

Except...

It was the only picture hanging crooked.

Max sat beneath it.

Watching.

Waiting.

Judy smiled.

"I think Emily's talking to us again."

Will photographed the wall before carefully lifting the frame.

Nothing.

Just old pine boards.

Trigger frowned.

"I thought⁠—"