Page 207 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Crushing.

Then—

“No,” she whispers. “No, no, no—”

I’m already moving.

Turning back toward the Tavern.

“Lock it down!” I bark. “Nobody in or out!”

The team snaps into motion instantly.

“What do we have?” Trigger asks.

“Grandpa’s gone,” I say. “Back door was cracked. Cane left behind.”

His expression darkens.

“Damn.”

“Perimeter sweep,” I order. “Full grid. Lights out. Quiet.”

Because if they took him—

They’re not far.

Not yet.

Aspen grabs my arm.

Hard.

“You’re not leaving me behind,” she says.

Not a question.

A demand.

Her eyes are glassy now.

Fear clawing its way through her strength.

But she’s still standing.

Still fighting.

“I’m not,” I tell her.

And I mean it.

Because this?

This just changed everything.

Her voice breaks.

“They took him,” she says. “They took him because of me.”

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