Page 195 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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Not just responsibility.

Something deeper.

More permanent.

More dangerous.

I turn back toward the hall.

Because whoever got inside—

Wasn’t working alone.

And this?

I glance back at Aspen one more time.

Her eyes meet mine.

Fear.

Strength.

Trust.

All of it wrapped together.

“Stay here,” I tell her.

Her chin lifts.

“You know I won’t.”

Yeah.

I do.

And God help anyone who comes through that door now.

Because this?

This isn’t just a job anymore.

This is personal.

And I don’t lose what’s mine.

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