Page 63 of Rangers Last Promise

I’m beginning to think the man has a death wish.

The second-floor walkway runs along three sides of the abandoned hardware store. Our flashlights illuminate the railing, but the man standing beyond it remains hidden in shadow.

Doc raises his weapon.

“Show me your hands, Hampton.”

A low laugh drifts down to us.

“You still recognize my voice.”

“I remember the voice of every man responsible for Grant’s death.”

The words are quiet.

Deadly.

I move away from Doc before he can stop me and position myself behind one of the empty shelves. From here, I have a clearer view of the walkway and the narrow staircase leading to it.

A shape shifts above us.

Elias Hampton steps into the beam of my flashlight.

He appears older than the man in Grant’s photographs. His hair is almost completely gray, and deep lines cut into his face. Blood darkens the side of his black jacket.

Parker hit him.

Hampton holds a pistol in his right hand.

The suppressor attached to it matches Parker’s description.

“Drop the weapon,” I order.

His gaze moves to me.

“Grant’s little sister.”

“I’m Deputy Ellis. Put the gun on the floor.”

“You look like him.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“You have his eyes.”

“And his aim. Drop the weapon.”

A smile touches his mouth.

I don’t like it.

“You were sixteen the last time I saw you.”

My finger tightens against the frame of my pistol.

“You were at the funeral.”

“Outside the church.”