Page 220 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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“Back off!” he shouts, pressing a gun near the old man’s side.

Grandpa doesn’t understand.

He just looks confused.

Scared.

“Aspen?” he says, squinting at her. “Is that you?”

Her breath breaks.

“I’m here, Grandpa!” she calls, voice shaking. “I’m right here!”

His eyes light slightly.

Recognition flickering.

“They said… they said you left,” he murmurs.

Something inside me snaps.

I shift slightly.

Angle.

Calculate.

Distance. Wind. Movement.

The man’s grip is sloppy.

He’s nervous.

Good.

I lower my weapon just a fraction.

“Let him go,” I say.

“Stay back!” he snaps.

His hand tightens.

Gun pressing harder.

Grandpa winces.

Aspen takes a step forward.

“Please,” she says, tears in her voice. “He’s sick. He doesn’t understand—just let him go.”

The man hesitates.

Just a flicker.

That’s all I need.

I fire.

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