Page 175 of Rangers Last Promise
“What did she call it?”
“Grant’s insurance.”
My pulse changes.
Mara looks at me.
“Why contact you?”
“She wanted to know whether the men who killed Grant were still alive.”
“And what did you tell her?”
“Yes.
The word hangs in the room.
Mara's voice becomes quiet.
“Did you tell her about Vance?”
“I didn't know he was here.”
“Miller?”
“I told her Fred might still be alive.”
“What about the Colonel?”
Hampton looks away.
“I told her I still hadn't found him.”
Mara releases the table.
“So Mom knew.”
“Enough to be afraid.”
“She was already sick.”
“I know.”
Her head snaps toward him.
“How?”
“She told me.”
I see the pain cross Mara's face.
This woman spent the final months of her mother's life caring for her.
And all that time, her mother was carrying one last secret about Grant.
“Why didn't she tell me?”
Hampton answers softly.
