Page 276 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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“That’s his grandfather’s land,” she says.

“Exactly.”

That’s why it works.

That’s why it’s perfect.

That’s why Tank would choose it. He knew she would never ignore his grandpa. He had no idea we would inherit this old tavern and also live here in Eagle River. He didn’t have time to tell us what he was working on, so he hid it.

Because no one questions an old man’s property.

Because no one expects anything important to be there.

Because it’s forgotten.

Overlooked.

Safe.

Or at least—

It was.

The agent steps forward.

Interest sharp now.

Focused.

“You’re saying the intel is on the farm.”

“I’m saying,” I reply, “that’s where I’d put it.”

A beat.

Then—

“That’s where we’re going,” he says.

And just like that—

The tension spikes again.

Because no.

No, we’re not.

I shake my head slowly.

“No,” I say.

His eyes narrow.

“This is an active federal—”

“I don’t care what you call it,” I cut in. “You’re not going near that place without me.”

Silence.

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