Page 262 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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“That’s generous.”

“It’s not,” I reply. “It’s all you’re getting before I start making decisions without you.”

That lands.

He studies me.

Then nods once.

“Fair enough.”

He gestures to one of his men.

A tablet appears.

Screen lights up.

Maps.

Routes.

Data.

And just like that—

The room shifts again.

Now it’s operational.

Now it’s real.

“This,” the agent says, turning the screen slightly so I can see, “is what you stepped into tonight.”

I step closer.

Briggs at my side.

Aspen just behind me—I can feel her there.

Not touching.

But close enough that it matters.

The screen shows a network.

Not simple.

Not small.

Sprawling.

Connections branching out across counties… states…

Even further.

My jaw tightens.

“Human trafficking?” Briggs mutters.

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