LITMIR.BIZ

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for killing bad guys. The bodies found had all been those of people wanted for other crimes. If there had been more evidence, maybe someone would look harder.

      “Property owners came across the body off of Texas 349 south of Sheffield,” the major finally continued. “The medical examiner estimates he’s been dead six days. Pure luck on our part that the owners were dropping off a hunting blind.”

      “His death blows a huge chunk of the case against Tenoreno.” Bryce Johnson hadn’t realized what he’d said until the sputters grew in number around the room. “Okay, okay. Huge chunks. Got it. Ha-ha. We all know that it has to be Tenoreno pulling the strings from his jail cell to order something like this.”

      Bryce was the resident expert on Texas organized crime. He knew better than any of them how much the state’s prosecutor was depending on the rival crime family’s testimony.

      “Tenoreno’s been in solitary. No visitors. No communication other than his lawyer.” The major might have been waiting on answers or ideas, but none came forth. “No apparent connection to Rosco’s murder. No one believes that to be true.”

      “How was he killed?” someone behind him asked.

      “What does that do for Garrison’s detail?” It was no secret that Jesse was more concerned about his best friend’s safety than putting Tenoreno away. One couldn’t happen without the other, but Jesse knew what his priority would be.

      “Who’s taking the lead on the investigation?” Bryce asked.

      The major gestured for the two of them to come to his office. Jesse followed Bryce, ready to work with him, ready to get some real action instead of tracking criminal activity through the internet.

      “The murder of Thomas Rosco will be handled by the local PD with the aid of Company A. Headquarters is ready to roll if they think there’s a problem. They’ve got it covered and don’t need our help. Before you begin objecting, the two of you are needed other places.”

      Jesse was ready to object anyway, but his commanding officer turned his back as he walked around his desk. He sat and propped his feet on the corner, taking his thinking position.

      “Prosecutors have asked for your help, Bryce,” he continued. “They have a lead that needs your knowledge and expertise. Vivian has the information. Hand over anything you’re working on to her and we’ll get it taken care of.”

      Bryce didn’t hesitate. He was out the door and gathering his things after a hurried “Yes, sir.” Jesse’s nerves began twitching. Whatever was about to come, he didn’t get the feeling that Major Parker felt comfortable, either.

      “What’s happened? Did they discover the location of Garrison’s detail?”

      “No, nothing like that. But while Tenoreno was at the pretrial, he plainly stated that no one close to Garrison would be safe. It’s a threat most criminals make. That’s nothing new. But we have intel that someone accepted a contract on Garrison’s sister.”

      “Avery’s a deputy in the Panhandle. Has she been made aware of the situation? Have you alerted Sheriff Myers?”

      “Headquarters believes this could be another nail in Tenoreno’s coffin if we can capture the assassin and get him to turn state’s evidence.”

      “That would mean they’re using Avery as bait. Did anyone tell her?”

      “It’s been handled. Her participation, on the other hand... Well, Jesse, the attorneys think it would be better coming from you when you arrive in Dalhart.”

      “Then they should think about that again, sir. I’m the last person Avery wants to see. The title’s mine with Garrison a close second.”

      He actually missed Avery. They’d grown up together, gone to the same schools, same concentration of studies. He’d made the Rangers and she hadn’t. She quit everything, packed up, left and hadn’t spoken to him since. Of course, the real reason for not talking to him was a little more involved.

      “Our information is credible, Jesse. The hit is happening soon, so you don’t have much time.” Major Parker wasn’t pondering any longer. He had both feet on the floor and leaned forward on his desk. “It’s already been decided, Lieutenant. Already in motion. This isn’t a debate.”

      “I had her thrown in jail to protect her the last time this happened, sir. She’s not going to listen to me. And I doubt I can get her near the county lockup again.”

      “Make her listen. The last thing we need is for Garrison Travis to be lured from the safe house and be killed. Take care of his sister or you’ll be searching for her murderer instead.”

      The two choices hit him between the eyes like the baseball Avery had thrown when they were nine. His head was whirring just as badly as back then. Murdered?

      No one else would try as hard as him. That was a certainty. And if something happened to her, he’d never forgive himself. Neither would Garrison.

      “We call. Now. She needs to be warned.” And Garrison needs to be kept in the dark.

      “The state’s attorney informed the sheriff as soon as we knew about the threat.”

      “Who else is on the protection detail?”

      “Did I mention a detail? One riot, one ranger. That’s our motto. Right?” Parker stood, looking ready to dismiss Jesse. “You’ll be coordinating with the county sheriff. Keep the element of surprise on your side. You know the hit man is coming. He doesn’t know about you. Handle it.”

      “Of course, sir. I’ll catch the next available flight.”

      “Vivian arranged a private flight to Amarillo that leaves as soon as you arrive. Then a rental car. We’ve got Tenoreno on lockdown, but somehow he’s getting directives to his men.” Josh Parker picked up a stack of papers and tapped them into a neat pile. “Did I ever tell you why you have Garrison as a partner here?”

      “We both knew it was improbable.” The suspicions he’d had for eight months were going to be confirmed. The major waited. “You mean why it’s me and Garrison. Not me and Avery.”

      “Exactly. You’ve had a relationship with her. A close one, from what I gathered. You didn’t lie to cover it up. If you had...”

      “If I had, sir, none of us would be rangers.”

      “That’s true.” He nodded his agreement.

      It was a fact. He was the reason Avery hadn’t become a Texas Ranger. Somewhere while they were being secret, kissing in corners, or sneaking glances at each other... Someone had seen them.

      When asked about it at the end of their training, he’d come clean. Avery had discovered she wasn’t selected, then said the Texas Rangers was an old-boy organization and would never consider her good enough. Well, he’d known she’d never forgive him for what he’d said in the interview.

      Of course, she didn’t know and she’d left anyway.

      “This isn’t the time to rebuild bridges. There’s no evidence that will help you pick out the Snake Eyes Killer. He’s good at what he does. Killing. You’re there to protect Deputy Avery Travis. It’s not going to be easy. If it were, a ranger wouldn’t be needed. Go on. Vivian’s waving information for you on the other side of the door.” Parker opened the first file, ready to get to work. “And, Jesse, remember, we want to interrogate the man hired to kill her. Try not to kill him.”

      “Always up for the challenge, sir.”

      If he survived the assault of the green-eyed deputy he was being sent to protect, he might be able to capture Snake Eyes.

      Definite challenge.

      Dalhart, Texas

      AVERY TRAVIS IGNORED the readout on her radar gun. Five miles over the speed limit was forgivable in her opinion. She’d told herself for months that sitting here wasn’t

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