Page 250 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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“Havoc,” he says.

I don’t ask how he knows my name.

That tells me enough.

“You’re making this harder than it needs to be.”

“And you’re getting too close,” I reply.

His gaze flicks past me.

To Aspen.

To Dylan.

To their grandfather.

Then back to me.

“They’re involved,” he says.

“They’re under my protection,” I answer.

That’s it.

That’s the line.

Clear.

Unbreakable.

His expression shifts slightly.

Interest again.

Like he’s trying to figure out just how far I’m willing to go.

He doesn’t have to wonder.

All the way.

“Protection doesn’t override federal authority,” he says.

I step closer.

Now we’re within striking distance.

Not touching.

But close enough.

“It does tonight.”

The room goes still.

Even the agents feel it now.

That edge.

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