Page 259 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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“I am,” he replies.

A beat.

Then—

“Fine,” Mable sighs. “But I expect an explanation tomorrow.”

“Noted,” Havoc says.

She points a finger at him.

“I mean it.”

“I know.”

She nods once.

Satisfied.

Then turns toward me.

Her expression softens again.

“You be careful, sweetheart,” she says gently.

My throat tightens.

“I will.”

She nods.

Then gestures to the others.

“Come on. Before we get shot or something equally ridiculous.”

“About time,” one of them mutters.

They turn—

And pause.

Looking at the Rangers.

“Well?” Mable says. “Are you boys just going to stand there, or are you escorting us home?”

Briggs looks at Havoc.

Havoc looks like he’s reconsidering every decision that led to this moment.

Then—

“Two of you,” he says, already turning back into command mode. “Escort them. Stay alert.”

Ace and Briggs step forward immediately. I think they were ready for some air.

The Magnolia Ladies look entirely pleased with themselves.

As they head toward the door, one of them glances back at the CIA agents again.

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