Page 51 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

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20

Aspen

The shouting wakes me up.

At first I think I’m dreaming.

Then Buddy barks.

Loud.

Furious.

I bolt out of bed.

Dylan’s bedroom door opens at the same time.

“Mom?”

“Stay inside,” I say automatically.

But the porch light is already on.

Voices outside.

Men shouting.

My heart pounds.

I step onto the porch—

and immediately look for Dylan.

He’s behind me.

Too close.

Too exposed.

I shift slightly, putting myself between him and whatever is happening out there.

Instinct.

Immediate.

Unquestioned.

No one gets to him.

Not while I’m standing.

And freeze.

Ace is holding a man down near the barn.

Havoc and Blaze stand over him.

Cold.

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