Page 192 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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The Tavern may look like a safe place—

But it’s not built for defense.

Too many entry points.

Too many blind spots. We have to fix that.

And if they made it inside—

A flash of anger cuts through me.

Because she’s here.

Because her kid is here.

Because I let my guard slip.

One night.

That’s all it took.

I reach the corner.

Angle my body just enough to see—

A shadow moves near the back entrance.

Low.

Fast.

Not searching.

Heading somewhere.

Upstairs.

My pulse spikes.

No.

Absolutely not.

I move.

Fast. Silent. Deadly.

“Don’t,” I say, low and lethal.

The figure freezes.

Half-turns.

And that’s when I see the weapon.

Not aimed at me.

Aimed up the stairs.

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