Page 234 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Not threatening.

Not aggressive.

But controlled in a way that says he knows exactly what he’s doing.

“You have no idea what you’re involved in,” he says quietly.

There it is.

The warning.

The line meant to put me in my place.

Doesn’t work.

“Try me,” I say.

His gaze holds mine.

Long.

Measured.

Then—

“Your friend,” he says. “Tank.”

The name hits like a shot to the chest.

Behind me, someone shifts.

Aspen inhales sharply.

And I go very, very still.

“What about him?” I ask.

The agent watches me carefully.

Like he’s deciding how much to say.

Then—

“He was in deeper than you think.”

Rage rises.

Cold.

Controlled.

Deadly.

“Careful,” I say quietly.

Because I don’t like where this is going.

Because I don’t like the implication.

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