Josettecamearoundthedeskandwalkedrightuptohim,unafraid.

“I’mnotprejudginganyoneimplicatedinthiscase.Thatmeansyoucan’t,either,”shesaid
deliberately.“Iknowwhatthat—”sheindicatedhisRangerbadge“—meanstoyou.Myjobmeans
justasmuchtome.Ifwe’regoingtoworktogether,wehavetostartnow.Noacidcommentsabout
thepast.We’resolvingamurder,notrehashinganincidentthatwasconcludedtwoyearsago.What’s
overisover.Period.”

Hisgrayeyesnarrowedsothattheywerehiddenunderhisjuttingbrowandthecream-colored
Stetsonheslantedatanangleoverthem.Untilhe’dseenheragain,hehadn’trealizedhowlonelyhis
lifehadbeenforthepasttwoyears.He’dmadeamessofthings.Infact,hewasstilldoingit.Sheheld
grudges,too.Andhecouldhardlyblameher.

“Allright,”Brannonsaidfinally.

“I’llkeepyoupostedaboutanythingIfind,ifyou’llreturnthecourtesy.”

“Courtesy.”Heturnedthewordoveronhistongue.“There’sanewconcept.”

“Foryou,certainly,”Josetteagreedwithanunexpectedtwinkleinhereyes.

AlsobyDianaPalmer

RENEGADE

LAWLESS

DIAMONDSPUR

DESPERADO

THETEXASRANGER

LORDOFTHEDESERT

THECOWBOYANDTHELADY

MOSTWANTED

FITFORAKING

PAPERROSE

RAGEOFPASSION

ONCEINPARIS

AFTERTHEMUSIC

ROOMFULOFROSES

CHAMPAGNEGIRL

PASSIONFLOWER

DIAMONDGIRL

FRIENDSANDLOVERS

CATTLEMAN’SCHOICE

LADYLOVE

THERAWHIDEMAN

DIANAPALMER

THETEXASRANGER

Formygrandfather,

EdwardThomasCliatt,

whomadechildhoodanadventure.

Contents

ChapterOne

herewereframedblack-and-whitephotographsofTexasRangersonthewallsoftheSanAntonio

TexasRangeroffice.Likesepiaghostsoftimesgoneby,theywatchedoverthemoderncomplexof
telephonesandfaxmachinesandcomputers.Phoneswereringing.Employeesatdeskswere
interviewingpeople.Thehumofworkingmachinessettledovertheoffice,oddlycomforting,likean
electricallullaby.

SergeantMarcBrannonwassittingkickedbackinhisswivelchair,hiswavyblond-streaked

brownhairshimmeringundertheceilinglightsasheponderedastackoffilesonhiscluttereddesk.
Hisnarrow,palegrayeyeswerealmostclosedashethoughtaboutadisturbingrecentmishap.

AclosefriendandfellowTexasRanger,JuddDunn,hadbeenalmostrunoverbyaspeedingcar

afewweeksearlierduringatemporaryassignmenttotheSanAntoniooffice.Therewererumorsthat
ithadsomethingtodowithacriminalinvestigationintoillegalgamblingthattheFBIwasconducting
onlocalmobbossJakeMarshinSanAntonio.DunnhadbeenworkingwiththeFBIonthecase,but
shortlythereafter,DunnhadtransferreddowntotheVictoriaoffice,citingpersonalproblems.
BrannonhadinheritedtheMarshinvestigation.TheFBIwasalsoinvolved—rather,anagentBrannon
knewwasinvolved;aGeorgia-bornnuisancenamedCurtisRussell.ItwascuriousthatRussellshould
beworkingonanFBIcase.He’dbeenwiththeSecretService.Ofcourse,Marcremindedhimself,
menchangedjobsallthetime.Hecertainlyhad.

Apparently,Russellwasknee-deepintheMarshinvestigation.AttorneyGeneralSimonHarthad

spokenwithBrannononthephonenottwodaysago,grumblingaboutRussell’stenacity.Theformer
SecretServiceagentwasnowinAustingivingthelocalofficialsfitswhilehedugintostatecrimelab
computerfilesontworecentmurdersthathethoughtweretiedtoMarsh.Andwhoknew,maybehe
wasright.Butpinninganythingonthelocalmobsterwasgoingtotakeamiracle.

Marshhadhisfingerinallsortsofpies,includingblackmail,prostitutionandillegalbetting,

mostlyinSanAntonio,wherehelived.Iftheycouldgetsomethingonhim,theycouldinvokethe
state’snuisanceabatementstatute,whichpermittedanypropertytobecloseddownifitwereusedasa
baseofoperationsforcriminals.SinceMarshwasknowntobeinvolvedinprostitutionandillegal
bettingathisnightclub,alltheyhadtodowasproveittoousthimfromthepremises.Consideringthe
realestatevalueofthatdowntownproperty,itwouldhitMarshrightwherehelived.Butknowinghe
wasconductingillegaloperationsandprovingitweretwowholedifferentkettlesoffish.Marshwas
anoldhandatdodginginvestigatorsandsearches.Doingthingsbythebooksureseemedtogive
careercriminalsanadvantage.

Pitythatyoucouldn’tjustshootthebadguysanymore,Brannonthoughtwhimsically,eyeinga

hundred-year-oldframedphotographofaTexasRangeronhorsebackwithalariatpulledtight

aroundadustyandwoundedoutlaw.

HisleanhandwenttothedarkwoodbuttoftheColt.45heworeinaholsteronhiship.Since

Rangersdidn’thaveaspecifieduniform,theywereallowedsomepersonalchoiceinbothdressand
weaponry.Butmostofthemenandwomenintheofficeworewhiteshirtsandtieswiththeirstar-in-a-
circlesignaturebadgeontheshirt.MostofthemalsoworewhiteStetsonsandboots.ToaRanger,
theywereneat,conservative,politeandprofessionalwhentheywereonthejob.Brannontriedvery
hardtoadjusttothatimage.Well,hetriedto,mostofthetime.Hewasmorecautiousabouthisjob
nowthanheeverhadbeenbefore.He’dmadethemistakeofhislifetwoyearsago,misjudginga
womanhe’dgrownto…carefor,verymuch.Hissistersaidthatthewomandidn’tblamehimforthe
messhe’dmadeofherlife.Butheblamedhimselfsomuchthathe’dquittheRangersandleftTexas
fortwoyearstoworkwiththeFBI.Buthe’dlearnedthatrunningfromproblemsdidn’tsolvethem.
Theywereportable.Likeheartache.

Hecouldstillseeherinhismind,blondandsassyandfullofdrywit.Despitethemiseriesofher

life,she’dbeenthebrightest,mostdelightfulpersonhe’deverknown.Hemissedher.Shedidn’tmiss
him,ofcourse.Andwhyshouldshe?He’dhurtherterribly.He’druinedherlife.

“Nothingtodo,Brannon?”afemaleRangerdrawledasshepassedhim.Allthewomenthought

hewasadish,leanandslim-hipped,broad-chested,withthatsquaresortoffacethatoncegraced
cowboymovieposters.Hehadasensuousmouthunderanosethathadbeenbrokenatleastonce,and
anarrogantsortofcarriagethatexcitedmorethanitintimidated.Buthewasn’tarounder,by
anybody’sestimate.Infact,ifhedated,hewassodiscreetthateventheofficegossipcouldn’tget
anythingonhim.

“Iamdoingsomething,”hedrawledbackwithatwinkleinhiseyes.“I’musingmentaltelepathy

onescapedcriminals.IfI’msuccessful,they’llallbewalkingintolawenforcementofficesallover
Americaaswespeak,toturnthemselvesin.”

“Pulltheotherone,”shechuckled.

Hesighedandsmiled.“Okay.Ijustgotbackfromtestifyinginacourtcase.I’vegothalfadozen

casestoworkandnowIhavetodecideonpriorities,”heconfessed.Heflickedalongfingeratthe
filestack.“IthoughtImightflipacoin…”

“Noneed.Thecaptainhassomethingurgentforyoutodo.”

“Savedbyneworders!”hejoked.Hejerkedforwardandhisbootedfeetslammedtothefloor.

Hegotupandstretchedenormously,pullinghiswhiteshirtwiththesilverRangerbadgeonthe
pockettightoverhair-roughened,hardchestmuscles.“What’stheassignment?”

Shetossedasheetonhisdesk.“Ahomicide,inanalleyoffCastilloBoulevard,”shetoldhim.

“Whiteguy,mid-to-late-twenties.TwodetectivesfromCIDandamedicalexaminerinvestigatorare
alreadyonscene,alongwithacoupleofEMTsandpatrolofficers.Thecaptainsaidyoushouldgo
rightnow,beforetheycallacontractambulancetotransportthedeadbody.”

Hescowled.“Hey,that’sinthecitylimits.SanAntonioPDhasjurisdiction…”hebegan.

“Iknow.Butthisone’stricky.Theyfoundayoungwhiteguywithasinglegunshotwoundtothe

backofthehead,execution-style.Rememberwhat’sonCastilloBoulevard?”

“No.”

Shegavehimasmuglook.“JakeMarsh’snightclub.Andthebodywasfoundinanalleytwo

doorsdownfromit.”

Hebrokeintoasmile.“Well,well!Whatanicesurprisetodropinmylap,andjustwhenIwas

feelingsorryformyself.”Hehesitated.“Waitaminute.Why’sthecaptaingivingittome?”heasked
suspiciously,glaringtowardtheheadRanger ’scloseddoornearby.“Thelastassignmenthegaveme
waslookingintothemysteriousdeathofamutilatedcow.”Heleaneddown,becausehewasahead
tallerthanshewas.“Theythoughtitwasaliens,”hewhisperedfervently.

Shemadeaface.“Youneverknow.Maybeitwas!”

Heglaredather.

Shegrinned.“He’sjusttickedbecauseyougottoworkwiththeFBIfortwoyears,andthey

turneddowntwoapplicationsfromhim.Buthesaidyoucouldhavethismurdercasebecauseyou
haven’tembarrassedhimthismonth.Yet.”

“Itwon’tbeuncomplicated.Infact,I’llbetaweek’spaythatbydarkit’sgoingtoturnintoa

mediafeedingfrenzy,”hesaid.

“Iwon’ttakethatbet.And,bytheway,hesaidyoushouldstopgettinggasatthatnewall-female

gasstationdowntown,becauseit’sgivingthedepartmentabadname.”

Heliftedbotheyebrows.“What’shegotagainstwomenpumpinggas?”heaskedinnocently.

“Gasisn’tallthey’repumping.”Sheflushedwhensherealizedwhatshe’dsaid,gestured

impotentlyattheassignmentsheetandexitedinaflamingrush.

Brannongrinnedwickedlyassheretreated.Hepickedupthesheetandwentoutoftheoffice,

grabbinguphisoff-whiteStetsonontheway.

InAustin,aslenderwomanwithherlongblondhairinabun,wearingbiggold-rimmedglasses

overhertwinklingdarkbrowneyes,wastryingtoconsoleoneofthestateattorneygeneral’s
computerexperts.

“Hereallylikesyou,Phil,”JosetteLangleytoldtheyoungman,whowasinthefirstmonthof

hisfirstjoboutofcollege.Helookeddevastated.“Honesthedoes.”

Phil,redheadedandblue-eyed,glancedtowardthedoorofSimonHart,TexasAttorneyGeneral,

andflushedevenredder.“Hesaiditwasmyfaulthiscomputerlockeddownwhilehewastalkingto
thevicepresidenton-lineaboutanupcominggovernors’conference.Hegotknockedoffthenetwork
andcouldn’tgetbackon.Hethrewthemouseatme.”

“Luckyyou,thatitwasn’tattachedtotheCPUatthetime,”shesaidwithawickedgrin.“Anyway,

heonlythrowsthingswhenTira’smadathim.Itdoesn’tlastlong.Besides,thevicepresidentishis
thirdcousin,”shepointedout.“Andmine,too,cometothinkofit,”sheaddedthoughtfully.“Never
mind,Phil,youhavetolearntojustletitwashoveryou,likewateronaduck’sback.Simon’squick-
tempered,buthegetsoveritjustasfast.”

Hegaveherabalefullook.“Heneveryellsatyou.”

“I’mawoman,”shepointedout.“He’sveryold-fashionedaboutyellingatwomen.Heandhis

brotherswereraisedstrictly.Theydon’tmovewiththetimes.”

“He’sgotfourbrothersandhesaysthey’realljustlikehim.Imaginethat!”hesaid.

SherememberedthatPhilwasanonlychild,likeherself.“They’renotjustlikehim.Anyway,

theyliveinJacobsville,Texas.Themarriedonesarealotcalmernow.”Shedidn’tdareallowherself
tothinkaboutthetworemainingHartbachelors,LeoandRey.Thestoriesabouttheirhomemade
biscuit-cravingandthethingstheydidtosatisfyitwasbecominglegendary.

“Thebacheloronesaren’tcalm.OneofthemcarriedacookoutofaVictoriarestaurantkicking

andscreaminglastweek,andtheysenttheTexasRangersafterhim!”

“TheysentJuddDunn,”shereplied.“He’sourcousin,too.Butitwasajoke,sortof.Andshe

wasn’texactlyscreaming…Well,nevermind.It’snotimportant.”Shewastalkingtoofast.Shefelther
facegohotatthementionoftheTexasRangers.

ShehadpainfulmemoriesofoneparticularTexasRanger,whomshe’dlovedpassionately.

Gretchen,MarcBrannon’ssister,hadtoldherthatMarcBrannonhadgoneonadrunkenrampagetwo
yearsago,justaftertheybrokeupandendeduponoppositesidesofthecourtroominahigh-profile
murdertrial.MarchadlefttheRangersshortlyafterwardandenlistedwiththeFBI.Hewasbackin
SanAntonionow,backwiththeRangersagain.GretchenalsosaidthatMarchadalmostdriven
himselfcrazywithguiltoveranevenolderincidentwhenJosettewasfifteenandhewasapoliceman
inJacobsville.Odd,shethought,rememberingthepainfulthingshe’dsaidtoherwhentheybrokeup.

JosettehadtoldGretchenthatshedidn’tblameMarcforhislackofbeliefinherinnocence.Part

ofherdidn’t.Another,darkerpartwantedtohanghimbyhisspursfromaliveoaktreeforthe
miseryofthepasttwoyears.He’dneverreallybelievedherstoryuntiltheirlastdisastrousdate,and
he’dwalkedoutonherwithoutanotherword,aftermakingherfeellikeaprostitute.She’dlovedhim.
Buthecouldn’thavelovedher.Ifhehad,he’dneverhaveleftTexas,notevenifthemurdertrialhad
setthematodds.

Sheclearedherthroatattheeroticimagesthatflashedthroughhermindofherlastdatewith

Marcandturnedherattentionbacktopoor,downcastPhilDouglas.

“I’llsquarethingswithSimonforyou,”shepromisedhim.

“Ireallylikeworkinghere,”hesaideagerly.“Youmightmentionthat.AndIpromiseI’llfixthe

computernexttimesothathise-mailwon’teverlockdownagain.I’llputitinwriting,even!”

“I’lltellhim,Phil.Rightnow,infact.Ihavetoseehimonaquestiononeofthedistrictattorneys

faxedinthismorning.Chinup,now.Theworldhasn’tended.Everythingpasseswithtime—even
thingsyouthinkwillkillyoursoul.”

Andsheshouldknow,shethought,butshedidn’tsayitoutloud.

WhenshewalkedintoTexasAttorneyGeneralSimonHart’soffice,shefoundhimscowlingat

thetelephoneasifhe’djusttakenabiteofitandfounditrotten.

“Somethingwrong?”sheaskedasshepausedinfrontofhisdesk.

Heshifted,theartificialhandrestingonthedesklookingsorealthatsometimesitwashardto

rememberthathewasanamputee.Simonwasbig,dark-haired,pale-eyedandformidable.His
gorgeousredheadedwife,Tira,andhistwodark-hairedyoungsonssmiledoutfromajumbleof
framedphotographsonapolishedtablebehindhim.Therewasoneofhimwithhisfourbrothersjust
afterhe’dbeenelectedattorneygeneral.Hisbrothersweregivinghimapprehensiveglances.She
smiled.Disabledornot,Simonwasaforcetobeholdwhenhelosthistemper.

“ThatwastheassistantdistrictattorneyinSanAntonio,”hesaid,indicatingthephone.“They’ve

gotwhatlookslikeamob-relatedhitinanalleyjustafewstepsfromJakeMarsh’snightclub.”He
glancedather.“Alocalmobfigure,”headded.“Everheardofhim?”

“Thenameringsabell,butIcan’tplaceit.Thatcasewon’tconcernus,willit?”sheasked.

Hewastracingapatternonhisdesk.“Asamatteroffact,itmight.Itdependsonwhetherornot

wecantieMarshtothemurder.Idon’thavetotellyouhowhardthedistrictattorneyinSanAntonio
hasbeentryingtoshuthimdown.TheD.A.phonedthedeputychiefofpoliceandclearedittohave
theTexasRangerssendanofficerovertheretoassistintheinvestigation.Ifthecasecanbetiedto
Marsh,we’llbelookingatmultiplejurisdictionsandwe’llendupinahigh-profilecase.Inasenate
electionyearhere,”headdedsolemnly,“crimewillbeacampaignissue.Idon’twantTexasinthe
spotlightagain.NeitherdoestheD.A.inBexarCounty,soshe’smakingsureeverystepisdocumented
andbackedup.”

Hewasholdingsomethingback.Shecouldseeitinthewayhelookedather.

“Youknowyoucan’thidethingsfromme,”shesaidabruptly.“Whatisityoudon’twanttotell

me?”

Heshookhisheadandlaughed.“Iforgotthatuncannyabilityofyourstosensewhatpeopleare

feeling.Okay.They’resendingMarcBrannontolookintoit,”hetoldherfinally.Heheldupahand
whenshefrozeandstartedtospeak.“Iknowthere’sbadbloodbetweenyou,butMarshisnotorious.I
wanthimasmuchastheD.A.does,soI’mgoingtosendyouovertheretorunliaisonformyoffice
duringtheinvestigation.I’vegotabadfeelingaboutthisone.”

Shewasn’tlistening.Shehadabadfeelingaboutit,too.Herheartwasracing.Twoyears.Two

years.“You’llhaveaworsefeelingifyousendmethere.CanyouseemeandBrannon,working
together?Itwillonlybepossibleiftheyconfiscateallhisbulletsandmakemeleavemystungunhere
inAustin.”

Hechuckled.Despitehertragiclife,shewasstrongandindependentanddrylyfunny.He’dhired

hertwoyearsagowhennobodyelsewould,largelythankstoBrannon,andhewasglad.Shehada
degreeincriminaljustice.Herchoiceofjobswastobeaninvestigatorinadistrictattorney’soffice.
Fatehadlandedherhere,workingontheProsecutorAssistanceandSpecialInvestigationUnitfor
Simon.Shecouldbeloanedouttoarequestingdistrictattorney,alongwithotherinvestigative
personnelandevenprosecutors,providingresourcesforcriminalinvestigation.

Itwasaharrowingjobfromtimetotime,butshelovedit.ShehadaccesstotherespectedTexas

CrimeInformationCenter.Itboastedastatewidedatabaseonwantedpersonsandprovidedreal-time
on-lineinformationtolawenforcementagencies.Josettecounteditasoneofherbiggestblessings
duringinvestigations,particularlythoseinvolvingcybercrime.

“It’snothingdefiniteyet,”Simonadded.“They’restillatthescene.Themurdermaynotevenbe

connectedwithMarsh,althoughIhopetoGoditis.ButIthoughtI’dprepareyou,justincaseyou
havetogooutthere.”

“Okay.Thanks,Simon.”

“We’refamily.Sortof.”Hefrowned.“Wasityourthirdcousinwhowasrelatedtomy

stepgrand-mother…?”

“Don’t,”shegroaned.“Itwouldtakeagenealogisttofigureitout,it’ssodistant.”

“Whatever.Theycan’taccusemeofnepotismforhiringyou,butwe’redistantcousinsanyway.

Family,”headded,withawarmsmile.“Sortof.Likethestaff.”

“I’mgladyouthinkofthemlikethat,because‘Cousin’Philwantsyoutoknowthathelikeshis

jobandhe’ssorryhemessedupyoure-mail,”shetoldhim,tongue-in-cheek.“Andhehopesyou
won’ttakeawayhisjobwiththeInternetBureau.”

Hislighteyesflashed.“YoucantellCousinPhiltokissmy…!”

“Don’tyousayit,”shewarned,“orI’llcallTiraandtellonyou.”

Hegroundhisteethtogether.“Oh,allright.”Hefrowned.“Thatremindsme.Whatdoyouwant

inhere,anyway?”

“Araise,”shebegan,countingononehand.“Acomputerthatdoesn’tcrasheverytimeIloada

program.Anewscanner,becausemine’ssluggish.Anewfilingcabinet,mine’sfull.Andhowabout
oneofthosecutelittleroboticdogs?Icouldteachittofetchfiles…”

“Sitdown!”

Shesat,butshewasstillgrinning.Shecrossedherlegsinthechairacrossthedeskandwent

overthequestionshe’dbeenfaxedfromaruraldistrictattorney,who’daskedforalegalopinion.For
Simon’ssake,sheactedunconcernedthatfatemightflingherinthepathofMarcBrannonforathird
time.

ButwhenJosetteleftSimon’soffice,shewasalmostshaking.Ithadtobeaneasilysolvable

murder,shetoldherselffirmly.Shecouldn’tbethrownintoBrannon’scompanyagainnotwhenshe
wasjustbeginningtogetoverhim.Shewentthroughtherestofthedayinadaze.Therewasa
naggingapprehensioninthebackofhermind,asifsheknewsomehowthatthemurderinSan
Antoniowasgoingtoaffectherlife.

Hergrandmother,ErinO’Brien,hadbeenIrish,aspecialwomanwithanuncannyabilityto

knowthingsbeforetheyhappened.Theelderlyladywouldcookextrafoodandgettheguestrooms
readyondayswhentheLangleyfamilydroppedinon“surprise”visits.Shecouldanticipate
tragedies,likethesuddendeathofherbrother.WhenJosette’sfatherhadstoppedbyhersmallhome
totellherthebadnews,shewaswearingablackdressandherSundayhat,waitingtobedriventothe
funeralhome.Itwasuselesstotrytowatchmurdermysterieswithher,becauseshealwaysknewwho
theculpritwasbytheendofthefirstscene.ErinwasJosette’sfavoritepersonwhenshewasachild.
Theysharedallsortsofsecrets.IthadbeenErinwhotoldhershewouldmeetatallmanwearinga
badge,andherlifewouldbeforeverentangledwithhis.WhenMarcBrannonhadrescuedher,atthe
ageoffifteen,fromawildpartyandnear-rape,Erinhadbeenwaitingatherparents’homewhen
BrannondroveherthereintheJacobsvillepolicecar,withherarmsopen.Marchadbeenfascinated
bytheoldwoman,eventhatlongago.Erin’sdeathbeforethefamilymovedtoSanAntoniohad
devastatedJosette.But,then,sohadlosingMarctwoyearsago.Herlifehadbeenanendurancetest.

Thatevening,shewenthometohertomcatBarnesinhersmallefficiencyapartmentand

deliberatelygotoutherphotoalbum.Shehadn’topeneditintwopainfulyears,butnowshewas
hungryforthesightofthattall,elegant,formidablemaninherpast.

She’dlovedMarcBrannonmorethanherlife.They’dcomeasclosetobeingloversasanytwo

peopleeverhadwithoutgoingalltheway,buthe’ddiscoveredasecretaboutherthathadshattered
him.He’ddraggedhimselfoutofherarms,cursedherroundlyandwalkedoutthedoor.He’dnever
lookedback.Scantdayslater,JosettehadgonetoapartywithanacquaintancenamedDaleJennings
andawealthySanAntoniomanhaddiedthere.JosettehadaccusedMarc’sbestfriend,andacandidate
forlieutenantgovernor,ofthemurder,citingthathewasthesoleheiroftheoldman.Brannonhad
usedherpastagainstherincourttoclearhisfriend.Theyhadn’tspokensince.

Ithadbeenafluke,thatwholesituation.Shecouldn’treallyblameBrannonfordefendinghis

bestfriend.Butifhe’dlovedher,hecouldn’thavewalkedawaythateasily.Andhewouldn’thave
treatedherliketrash,either.

MostpeoplearoundSanAntoniosaidthatBrannonwouldn’tknowloveifitpokedhiminthe

eye.Itwasprobablytrue.Hewasalonerbynature,andheandhissister,Gretchen,hadsuffered
terriblepovertyinchildhood.Theirmotherhaddiedofcancertwoyearsago,notlongafterJosette
hadsplitupwithMarc.Gretchenhadbeenwinedanddinedandthenhorriblyjiltedbyanopportunist
whenhediscoveredthatsheinheritedlittlemorethandebts.Likeher,bothBrannonshadknown
betrayal.

Barnespurredandrubbedagainstherarm,divertingherfromhersadthoughts.Shepettedhim

andheldhimclose.Hisloudpurrvibratedagainstherskinandgavehercomfort,liketheweightof
hisbig,furrybody.Hewasabattle-scarredalleycatwho’dneededagoodmealandabath.Josette
hadneededsomethingtocomehometoafterahardday’swork.She’dneverbeenabletowalkpast
anythingthatwashurtordeserted,soshe’dlovedBarnesonsight.She’dtakenhimtotheveterinarian

foracheckupandshotsandthenshe’dtakenhimhomewithher.Now,shecouldn’timaginelife
withouthim.Hefilledsomeoftheemptyplacesinsideher.

“Hungry?”sheasked,andherubbedharder.

“Okay,”shesaid,sighingasshegottoherbarefeetandstretchedlazily,herslenderbody

twistingwiththemotion.Herhairwasdownaroundhershoulders.Itfelllikeagoldencascadetoher
hipsinback.Brannonhadlovedherhairlikethat.Shegrimaced.Shehadtostopremembering!

“We’llsplitahamburger,Barnes.Then,”sheaddedwithawince,“Ihavetocombthrougha

thousandfilesanddownloadadozenpagesintothelaptopforSimon.Afterthat,Ihavetowritea
summaryandtakeitbacktoSimonsothathecancomposeanopiniononit.ThenIhavetofaxitto
thedistrictattorney.”ShelookeddownatBarnesandshookherhead.“Oh,forthelifeofacat!”

ChapterTwo

othingaboutacrimesceneevergoteasier,MarcBrannonthoughtashekneltbesidethebodyof

theshootingvictim.Themanwasyoung,probablynomorethanlate-twenties,andhewasdressed
shabbily.Onebarearmboreatattooofaraven.Therewerescarsonbothwristsandankles,hintingat
astintinprison.Therewasapoolofbloodaroundhisfairhairandhispaleeyeswereopen,staring
blanklyatthebluesky.Helookedvulnerablelyingthere;helplessanddefenseless,withhisbody
wide-opentothestaresofevidence-gatherersandcuriouspassersby.Evidencetechnicianswentover
thescenelikebloodhounds,lookingcarefullyfortraceevidence.Oneofthemhadametaldetector
andhadjustfoundaslugwhichtheyhopedwouldbefromthemurderweapon.Anothertechnician
wasvideotapingthecrimescenefromeveryangle.

Brannon’sbig,leanhandsmoothedovertheneatkhakiofhisslackswhilehiskeen,deep-set

silver-grayeyesnarrowedinthought.MaybeMarshhadnothingtodowiththis,butitwascurious
thatadeadbodywouldbefoundsoclosetohisnightclub.NodoubtMarshwouldhaveaniron-clad
alibi,hethoughtirritably.Hehaddozensofcronieswhowouldgivehimonewheneverheneededit.

Deepinthought,Brannonwatchedthelonemedicalexaminerinvestigatorwork.Shewasgoing

veryslowlyandmethodicallyaboutsecuringthebody.Well,sheshould.Itcouldturnouttobeavery
high-profilecase,heremindedhimself.

Thehomicidedetectiveforthecentralsubstation,BudGarcia,wavedatBrannonbeforehe

spoketothepatrolofficerswho’dapparentlyfoundthebody.Hesighedashejoinedthemedical
examinerinvestigatorbesidethebody,outofthewayoftheevidencetechnicianswhowerebusily
garneringtraceevidenceclosetothebody.Brannonhadanevidencekithimself,buthewouldhave
feltsuperfluoustryingtouseitwithsomanypeopleonthecase.Therewerecontinuousflashesof
lightasthecorpsewasphotographedaswellasvideotaped.

“Hi,Jones,”hegreetedher.“Doweknowanythingaboutthisguyyet?”

“Sure,”shereplied,busilybaggingthevictim’shands.“Iknowtwothingsabouthimalready.”

“Well?”hepromptedimpatiently,whenshehesitated.

“He’smale,andhe’sdead,”AliceJonesrepliedwithawickedgrinassheputthelastbagin

placewitharubberband.Herhair,blackandshort,wassweaty.

Hegaveheraspeakingglare.

“Sorry,”shemurmureddryly.“No,wedon’thaveanything,notevenaname.Hewasn’tcarrying

ID.”Shestoodup.“Caretoguessabouthiscircumstances?”

Hestudiedthebody.“He’sgotabrasionsonhiswristsandankles.Myguesswouldbethathe’san

escapedprisoner.”

“Notbad,Ranger,”shemused.“Thatwouldbemybestguess,too.Butuntilwegethim

autopsied,we’regoingtohavetowaitforouranswers.”

“Canyouapproximatethetimeofdeath?”

Shegavehimalong,appreciativelook.Hereyestwinkled.“Youwantmetojabathermometer

inhisliverrighthere,huh?”

“God,Jones!”heburstout.

“Okay,okay,ifyouhavetohaveatimeofdeath,consideringthestateofrigor,I’dsaytwenty-

fourhours,giveortaketwoeitherside,”shemurmured,andwentbacktowork.“Butdon’tholdme
toit.I’mjustaninvestigator.Themedicalexaminerwillhavetogooverthisguy,andhe’sgotbodies
backedupinthemorguealready.Don’texpectquickresults.”

Asifhedidn’tknowthat.Evidenceprocessingcouldtakeweeks,andfrequentlydid,despitethe

instantresultsdisplayedontelevisionpoliceshows.

Hesworeunderhisbreathandgottohisfeetgracefully.ItwasahotSeptemberdayandthe

silverymetalofhisTexasRangerbadgecaughtthesunandglittered.HetookoffhisStetsonand
sweptthebackofhishandoverhissweatybrow.Hisblond-streaked,thickandwavyhair,was
momentarilyvisibleuntilhestuckthehatbackon,slantingitacrosshiseyes.

“Whocalledyouinonthis?”theassistantmedicalexamineraskedcursorilyassheworkedto

preparethebodyfortransit.

“Myboss.We’rehopingthismaybealinktoaguywe’vebeentryingtoclosedownforseveral

yearswithoutsuccess,consideringwherethebody’slocated.Naturallymybosssentsomeone
experiencedandcapableandsuperiorinintelligencetoinvestigate.”Helookedathermischievously.

Sheglancedappreciativelyupatherruggedcompanion,appraisinghisleanphysiqueand

commandingpresence.Shegavealong,lowwhistle.“I’mimpressed,Brannon!”

“Nothingimpressesyou,Jones,”hedrawled.

HeturnedaroundandwenttolookforBudGarcia,thehomicidedetective.Hefoundhimtalking

toanotherplainclothesdetective,whohadacellphoneandanotepad.

“Well,thatsurefitsthedescription,”Garciawasagreeingwithasatisfiedsmile.“Rightdownto

theraventattoo.It’shim,allright.Whataluckybreak!Thankthewardenforme.”

Theotherofficernoddedandspokeintothecellphoneagain,movingaway.

“Brannon,we’vegotsomething,”Garciasaidwhenhesawthetallermanapproaching.“Wayne

CorrectionalInstitutedownnearFloresvilleisreportingamissinginmatewhofitsthisman’s
descriptionexactly.Heescapedfromaworkdetailearlythismorning.”

“Haveyougotaname?”heasked.

“Yeah.”

“Well?”Brannonpressed.

“It’sJennings.DaleJennings.”

ItwasanamethatBrannonhadreasontoremember.Andnowthefacethatseemedsofamiliar

clickedintoplace.Jennings,alocalhoodlum,hadbeenconvictedofmurderingawealthySan
Antoniobusinessmantwoyearsbefore.HewasalsoallegedtohavestrongtiestoJakeMarshandhis
underworld.Hisphotographhadbeeninhalfthenewspapersinthecountry,nottomentionthefront
pageofseveraltabloids.Thetrialhadbeenscandalousaswell.JosetteLangley,theyoungwoman
whohadbeenJennings’sdatethenightofelderlyHenryGarner ’smurder,insinuatedpubliclythatthe
personwhostoodtogainthemostfromthedeathwasBrannon’sbestfriend,whowasBibWebb,now
TexasLieutenantGovernor.

ButWebb’sattorneyhadconvincedtheprosecutorthatitwasJenningswhocommittedthe

murderandthatJosette’stestimonyinJennings’sbehalfwasfilledwithlies.Shehad,afterall,been
provenaliarinarapetrialsomeyearsearlier.HerpastwaswhathadsavedWebbfromanycharges.
SilviaWebb,Bib’swife,hadseenoldmanHenryGarneroutsideandwavedtohimjustbeforesheleft
totakeJosettehome.Shealsosaidshe’dseenabloodyblackjackonthepassengerseatofJennings’s
car.BothsheandBibWebbhadanalibiforthenextfewminutes,duringwhichGarnerwassaidto
havelosthislifeonthepieroftheprivatelakeatWebb’sestate.

WhenSilviacamebackfromtakingJosettehomeandsawGarner ’scarstillinthedriveway,and

empty,andnobodyrememberedseeinghimrecently,shecalledthepolicetoreportit.Severalguests
rememberedhearinghermakethecall,andsoundingdisturbed.Theguestswereforbiddentoleave
thepartywhiletheysearchedfortheoldman,whomtheyfoundfloatingnearthepier,dead.Itlooked
likeanaccidentaldrowning,onenewscastersaid,anditwasrumoredthattheoldmanhadbeen
drinkingandwalkedoffthepier,hittinghisheadonthewaydown.Still,noonewasallowedtoleave
thesceneuntilthepoliceandtheEMTs,alongwiththecoroner,werefinished.Witnesseswere
questioned.

Evenso,itjustmighthavepassedforanaccident.ExceptthatJosette,whoheardthebreaking

storyontelevisionlaterthatnight,calledthepoliceandtoldthemthatGarnerhadn’tbeendrinkingat
all,thatshehadn’tseenhimoutsidewhensheandSilvialefttheparty,andthattherehadbeenno
blackjackinDaleJennings’scar.Sheknewbecauseshe’driddeninittotheparty.

AlumpwasfoundonGarner ’sheadwhentheypulledhimoutofthewater.Therewasa

blackjacklyingvisibleonthepassengerseatofDaleJennings’scar.He’dprotestedwildlywhenthe
policetookhimaway.

JosettewaspositiveBibWebbwasinvolved.Butitwasthatsuspicion,againsttheironcladalibis

ofBibWebbandhiswife,whostatedthatJenningshadamotive—anargumentthedaybeforewith
Garneroverhissalary.ItturnedoutthatGarnerhadbeenpayingJenningstobehiscombination
handymanandchauffeur.ItwasallegedthatJenningswashelpinghimselftotheoldman’s
possessionsaswell.Theyfoundaveryexpensivepairofgoldcufflinks,adiamondtiepinandalot

ofcashinhisapartment,whichaddedtothesensationalismofthetrial.JakeMarshhadbeenpulledin
andquestionedrepeatedlybecauseofsomenebulousworkDalehaddoneforhim.Buttherewasno
hardevidenceandMarshwalkedawaywithoutablemish,tothedismayandfuryofBexarCounty
prosecutorsandStateAttorneyGeneralSimonHart.

Brannonstuckhishandsintothepocketsofhiskhakislacks.Theyclenchedasherecalled

Josette’sfaceinanothercourtroom,yearsago,whenshewasonlyfifteenandtryingtoconvincea
hostilejurythatshe’dbeendruggedandnearlyrapedbythesonofawealthyJacobsvilleresident.
Josette’slifehadbeenahardone.ButitwoundedhimthatshecouldhaveaccusedBibWebb,hisbest
friend,ofsomethingasheinousasmurderingahelplessoldmanformoney.Itwassoobviousthat
Jenningshaddoneit.Heevenhadthemurderweaponinhiscar,blatantlyinsightonthefront
passengerseat,stillbearingminutetracesofbloodandtissue,andhair,frompooroldGarner ’shead.
Themedicalexaminerpositivelyidentifiedtheblackjackastheweaponusedtostuntheoldman
beforehewaspushedintothewater.

“YouknowtheLangleywoman,whoworksinSimonHart’soffice,don’tyou?”Garciaasked

suddenly,draggingBrannonbacktothepresent.ThetwomenhadknowneachothersinceGarciawas
apatrolmanandBrannonafledglingTexasRanger.

Brannonnoddedcurtly.“WebothcomefromJacobsville.Josetteandhermotherandfather

movedtoSanAntoniosomeyearsago.Iheardthatherparentsweredead.Ihaven’tseenherintwo
years,notsinceshemovedtoAustin,”headded,remindedunwillinglythathe’dbrokenofftheir
relationshiptheweekbeforeGarnerhaddied.

“Noreasonto,Iimagine,”theofficersaidcarelessly.

Brannon’seyeswentbacktothebodyontheground.“Thisdoeslooklikeaprofessionalhit,”

Brannonsaidoutoftheblue,studyingDaleJennings’sbody,withhishandsbaggedandhiswhite,still
facevanishingunderthezipofthedarkbodybag.“Onedownward-angledgunshottothebackofthe
headatpoint-blankrange.Hiskneeswerecoveredinredmud,justlikethis.”Hemovedthedirtcaked
onthepavementwiththetoeofhisboot.“Hewasprobablykneelingatthetime.”

“Thatwasmyfirstthought,too.Andit’saprettybigcoincidencethatMarsh’snightclubisonly

twodoorsthatway,”thedetectiveagreed,noddingtowardthestreetthatfrontedthealley.

“IfMarshisinvolvedhere,I’llfindawaytoproveit,”Brannonsaidbitingly.“He’swalkedaway

frommurderandattemptedmurder,drug-dealing,prostitutionandillegalbettingonsportsforyears.
It’stimewemadehimpayforthemiseryhe’scaused.”

“I’lldrinktothat.Butwecan’tjustwalkinandarresthimwithoutprobablecause.NotthatI

don’twishIcould,”Garciaconfessedruefully.

“Well,there’snotimelikethepresenttogetstarted.I’monlyinthewayhereasitis.I’llgoback

tomyofficeandfillSimonHartinonwhatweknow.”Hepursedhislips.“He’sgoingtobemadder
thanateasedrattlesnake.”

Garciachuckled.“Thatheis.”Helookedtowardthebody.“Didtheguyhaveanyfamily?”

“Amother,Ithink.Didtheyfindtheslug?”

“Theyfoundaslug.Ballisticswillhavetotellusifit’stherightone.I’dbetonaninemillimeter

handgunmyself,butthat’swhywehavetheBexarCountyForensicScienceCenter.”

“Andthedepartmentofpublicsafety’sownlab,”Brannonfeltobligedtomention.

“Whichisaverygoodone,”Garciaagreed,smiling.“Say,wasn’tJenningsconvictedofmurder

acoupleofyearsago?”headdedsuddenly.

“Yes.Inatrialthatalmostimplicatedourbrand-newlieutenantgovernor,too,”Brannontold

him.“Italmostcosthimtheelection.Bothcontenderswerefirst-timestateofficeseekers.Butthe
otherguydroppedoutaweekbeforetheelection,andBibwon.He’sagoodman.”

“Yes.Soheis.”

“Ihadanice,easymonthallplanned,”Brannonsighed.“NowhereIamuptomyarmpitsina

deadbodyandatwo-year-oldmurdercasethatthepresswillresurrectandusetoembarrassBib
Webb.Itcouldn’tbeworsetiming.He’sjustwonhisparty’snominationforthatsenateseatthatthe
incumbentresignedfrombecauseofaheartattack.ThepublicitycouldkillBib’schances.”

“Life,theysay,iswhathappenswhenyouhaveotherplans,”Garciasaidwithagrimsmile.

“Amen,”Brannonagreedheavily.

HewentbacktohisofficeandphonedSimonHartwiththenews.Anhourlater,hewasona

planetoAustin.

SimonHartlistenedtoBrannon’sreportinhisspaciousofficeinAustin.He’drequestedthe

Ranger ’shelponthecaseassoonasheknewwhothevictimwas.Brannonhadagoodtrackrecord
withhomicidesandtheTexasRangerpostinSanAntoniowaswherehewasstationed,anyway.
Brannonhadlegalauthoritytoinvestigateinmultiplejurisdictions,andthatcomplicationexisted.
JenningswaskilledinBexarCounty,buthe’dbeeninacorrectionalfacilityinWilsonCounty.Simon
wascertainthatthemurderwasgoingtomakenationalheadlines.Therewasasadlackofsensational
newslatelyandthemediahadtofillthosetwenty-four-hournewschannelswithsomething.Sure
enough,themurderhadledthenoonnewsonlocalchannels.Thebodywasbarelyinthemorgue
beforethewireservicesandnationaltelevisionbroadcastthestorythatthevictimwastiedtoa
murdercasetwoyearsagoinAustin,Texas,thathadinvolvedthestate’slieutenantgovernor,Bib
Webb.Godknew,themedialovedpoliticalscandal.Butwithluck,theyjustmightgetJakeMarshfor
murderatlast.

SimonhadaskedBrannontoflytoAustinandfillhiminonthepreliminaries.“IhadBibWebb

onthelineearlythismorning,”SimontoldBrannonwhilehesippedcoffee.“Notonlyisherunning
fortheU.S.Senate,buthisconstructioncompanyisinvolvedinamajorprojectoutsideSanAntonio,
aprototypeagriculturalcomplexwithself-containedirrigationandwarehousing.He’sinvested
millionsofhisownmoneyinanefforttohelpthedrought-riddenranchers.Thiscaseisalready
affectinghim,andthisisabadtime.Wally’sworried,”headded,mentioningthegovernor,whowasa

closefriend.“CampaigningisseriouslyunderwayfortheNovemberelection.Wally’sbeenstumping
forBib.”

“Yes,Iknow.IhadlunchwithBiblastweek.”Hisgrayeyesnarrowed.“Couldthisrehashofthe

casebeengineeredtohurthiminthepolls?”

“Ofcourseitcould,”Simonsaidwithagrin.“Youknowhowdirtypoliticsis.ButIdon’tthink

sanepeoplecommitmurdertocauseascandal.”

“Therearealotofinsanepeoplerunninglooseintheworld,”Brannonremindedhimamusedly.

Simonshifted,movingtheprosthesisheworeinplaceofhisleftarmontothedeskwhilehe

liftedhiscoffeecupwiththeright.HeandBrannonweredistantlyrelated,bothwithtiesin
Jacobsville.Simon’sfourbrotherslivedthere.Brannonhadgrownupthere,andhestillhadaranch
inJacobsvillewherehissister,Gretchen,hadliveduntilhermarriagetotherulingSheikhofQawiin
theMiddleEast.Sheandthesheikhhadasonnow,andtheywerebecomingwell-knownin
internationalcircles.

“Haveyouheardfromyoursister,Gretchen,lately?”

Brannonnodded.“ShephonesmeeverymonthtomakesureI’meatingproperly.Shedoesn’t

thinkmuchofmycooking,”headdedwithafondsmileatthethoughtofhisbabysister.

“DoesshemissTexas?”Simonasked.

“Notvisibly.She’stoocrazyaboutherlittleboyandPhilippe,”hemurmured,namingher

husband.“Ihavetoadmit,he’sunique.”

“WhydidyouleavetheFBI?”Simonaskedabruptly,somethingthathadbotheredhimlately.

“Igottiredoflivingoutofasuitcase,”Brannonsaidevasively.“Twoyearswasenough.”

“InevercouldunderstandwhyyoulefttheRangerstobeginwith,”Simonreplied,sippingblack

coffee.“Youhadseniority,youwereinlineforpromotion.Youtossedallthattogoharingoffto
Washington.Andthenyouonlystayedtherefortwoyears.”

Brannonavertedhiseyes.“Itseemedlikeagoodideaatthetime.”

“Anditdidn’thaveanythingtodowiththeJenningsmurdertrialorJosetteLangley?”

Brannon’sjawclenchedsohardthathisteethached.“Nothing.”

“YouworkoutofSanAntonio,andsheworkshereinAustin.”Simonpersisted.“Underordinary

circumstances,youwon’thavetoseeher,ifyoudon’twantto.Atleast,notaftersheinvestigatesthis
murderforme.”

Theoddwordingoftheremarkwentrightbyhim.“I’lldomyjob,regardlessofthepeopleI

havetodoitwith,”Brannonsaidfinally,andhispaleeyesdaredhiscousintopursuethe
conversation.

“Okay,Igiveup.Butyou’dbetterknowthatI’msendingJosettetoSanAntoniotomorrow.”

Brannon’seyesglittered.“What?”

“She’stheonlyfreelanceinvestigatorIhavewho’scognizantofallthefacts.Wayne

CorrectionalInstituteisnearthere,whereJenningswaslocatedbeforehemanagedtogetreleased…”

“Shewasinvolvedinthecase!”Brannonburstout,risingtohisfeet.“Twoyearsago,shedidher

besttogetBibarrestedforoldGarner ’smurder!”

“Sitdown.”Simonstaredathimwithsteady,coldsilvereyes.

Brannonsat,butangrily.

“ThereareotherpeoplewhomaintaintothisdaythatJenningswasnothingmorethanthefall

guyinthatmurder,”SimontoldBrannon.HeheldupahandwhenBrannonstartedtospeak.
“JenningsandJosettehadbeeninvitedtoapartyonGarnerLakewithBibWebbandSilviaandHenry
GarnerthenightGarnerdied.Jenningswasanobody,buthehadtiestothelocalSanAntoniomob
headedbyJakeMarsh,andhe’dthreatenedGarnerovermoney.Recreationaldrugswereingestedat
theparty,thepunchwasspiked—evenBibadmittedthat—andIknowWebb’syourfriend.Itmight
havepassedoffasasimpledrowningexceptforJosette’saccusationsandtheknotonGarner ’shead
thatwasfirstthoughttohaveoccurredwhenhefell.JosettewastheonewhoinsistedthatGarner
hadn’tbeendrinkinganddidn’taccidentallyfalloffthepier.”

“SheaccusedBibbecauseshedidn’tlikehimorhiswife,”Brannoninsisted.“Shewasangryat

me,toboot.AccusingBibwasonewayofgettingbackatme.”

“Marc,”Simonsaidquietly,“youknowwhatsortofupbringingshehad.Herfatherwasthe

youthministeroftheirchurchandhermothertaughtSundayschool.Theyweredevout.Shewas
raisedstrictly.Shedoesn’ttelllies.”

“Plentyofgirlsgowildwhentheygetawayfromhome,”Brannonpointedoutstubbornly.“And

I’llremindyouthatsheslippedoutofherhousetogotothatwildpartywhenshewasfifteen,and
accusedaboyoftryingtorapeher.Theemergencyroomphysiciantestifiedthattherewasnorape,”
headded,andwasvisiblyuncomfortabletalkingaboutit.“Shewasalmostcompletelyintact.”

“Yes,Iknow,”Simonsaidwithasigh.“Presumablyherassailantwastoodrunktoforceher.”He

glancedatBrannon,whosefacewasstrained.“Wehavetosolvethismurderasquicklyandefficiently
aspossible,forWebb’sownsake.”

“Bibisagoodmanwithabrightpoliticalfutureaheadofhim,”Brannonsaid,relievedatthe

changeofsubject.“He’salreadyaheadinthepollsinthesenaterace,andit’sjustSeptember.”

“Youmean,Silviahasabrightpoliticalfutureahead,”Simonmurmureddryly.“Shetellshim

whattowearandhowtostand,forGod’ssake.She’stherealpowerbehindhissuccessandyouknow
it.Amazinginsight,forawomansoyoung,withnorealeducation.”

Brannonshrugged.“Bib’snotaself-starter,”headmitted.“Silvia’sbeenhisguardianangelfrom

thebeginning.”

“Isupposeso,evenifhedidrobthecradlewhenhemarriedher.”Heleanedback.“AsIsaid

earlier,Iwantthiscasesolvedquickly,”headded.“We’vealreadybeeninthepubliceyetoooften
becausewehaveaTexanintheWhiteHouse.Wedon’tneedtobethefocusofanymoremedia
investigationsofourjusticesystem.”

“Iagree.I’lldowhatIcan.”

“You’llworkwithJosette,”Simonaddedfirmly.“Whetherornotyouhavetogrityourteeth.

Youbothknowthiscaseinsideout.Youcansolveit.”Ifyoudon’tkilleachotherfirst,Simonthought.

Brannonwaitedfortheelevatorinthehall,leaningagainstthewalltoobserveasilkplant.There

wasafinefilmofdustonit,andonepetalwasmissingfromtheartificialrose.Hewonderedwhythe
artificialflowersandplantsingovernmentofficebuildingsneverseemedtogetdusted.

Thesoundoftheelevatorarrivingdivertedhisattention.Hestraightenedupjustasthedoorsslid

opentoadmitasingleoccupanttothefloor.

Bigdarkbrowneyesmethisandwentevendarkerwithaccusationandresentmentinanoval

facethathadnotevenatouchofmakeup.Herlongblondhairwasinatightbraidedbunatopher
head.Sheworenojewelryexceptforasimplesilver-and-turquoisecrosssuspendedfromasilver
chain.Hershoesweregray,tomatchtheneat,ifoutdated,suitsheworewithasimplepinkblouse.
Shewasonlytwenty-four,buttherewerelinesinthatordinaryface,visibleeventhroughthebig,
gold-framedglassesshewore.Hisheartachedjustatthesightofher.

Herfullmouthpartedonashockedbreath,asifshehadn’texpectedtoseehim.Certainlyhe’d

hopedtogetoutofthebuildingwithoutrunningintoher.Hergazedroppedtothebadgeonhisshirt
pocket.

“IheardyouwerebackworkingfortheRangers,inSanAntonio,”JosetteLangleysaid.Herface

liftedasifwithsomeeffortandhenoticedthatherslenderhandswereclenchedonthestackoffiles
shewascarrying.Theywereworkinghands;hershortfingernailsshowednopolish,noprofessional
manicure.

Heshovedhishandsintohispocketsandclenchedthemashelookeddownather.Shewasonly

mediumheight.Herheadcameuptohisnose.Herememberedherdarkeyestwinkling,herfulllips
partedandgaspingwithjoyastheydancedtogetheratoneofhercollegepartiessolongago.He
rememberedthesoftnessofhereyeswhenshesmiledathim,thefeelofhersweet,barebodywarm
andcloseinhisarms,theinnocenceofhermouthwhenhekisseditforthefirsttime,thefeverish
responseofherbodytohisardentcaresses…

“Simonsayshe’sassignedyoutothiscase,”hesaidcurtly,refusingtopermithismindtolook

backintime.

Shenodded.“That’sright.Iusuallydoliaisonwork,butIknowmoreaboutDaleJenningsthan

mostoftheotherinvestigators.”

“Ofcourseyoudo,”hedrawledwithvenomoussarcasm.

“Herewegoagain,”shesaidwithresignation.“Well,don’tstandonceremony,Brannon,getit

offyourchest.Itelllies,Idamagecareers…maybeIcausecomputercrashes,butthejury’sstillout
onthatone.”

Hefeltdisoriented.He’dexpectedhertobiteherlipandlooktormented,asshehadtwoyears

agowhenhe’dglaredatherincourtduringJennings’strial.Heremindedhimselfthatsheshouldbe
tormented.She’dledhimonwithoutaqualm,whensheknewshecouldn’tbeintimatewithaman.
AndherpublicaccusationscouldhavelandedBibWebbinjail.ButthiswasadifferentJosette,a
strongandcoolwomanwhodidn’tbackdown.

“I’llneedwhateverinformationyouhaveonJennings,”hesaidabruptly.

“Noproblem.I’llsendittotheSanAntonioofficebyovernightdeliverybeforeIleavethe

officetoday,”shesaid.Sheindicatedthestackoffiles.“Infact,I’vejustbeendownstairscopyingthe
informationsothatIcoulddothat.”Shesmiledwithforcedpleasantry.“Unlessyou’dratherlugit
backontheplane?”

“Iwouldn’t.Howveryefficientyou’vebecome,MissLangley.”

“Haven’tI,though?”sherepliedpertly.“Lookout,Brannon.OneofthesedaysImaybestate

attorneygeneralmyself,andwouldn’tthattieaknotinyourego?Now,ifyou’llexcuseme?”

Josetteturnedandstartedtowalkaway.Theelevatorhaddepartedwhiletheyweretalking.Itwas

onthetenthfloor.Hepushedthedownbuttonviciously.

“DidJenningshaveanyfamily?”heaskedabruptly.

Sheturnedtolookathim.“Hehasamotherwho’sasemi-invalid.She’sondisabilityandshehas

abadheart.Justrecentlyshelostherhomebecauseofsomescamshefellfor.Shewassupposedtobe
evictedthisweek.”Herdarkeyesnarrowed.“Herhusbandislongdeadandshehasnootherchildren.
SheandDalewereveryclose.Itgoeswithoutsayingthathersonservedtwoyearsinprisonfora
crimehenevercommittedwhiletherealculpritescapedjusticeandinheritedthefortuneheneededto
financeasenatecampaign…!”

“Notanotherword,”Brannonsaidinasoft,deeptonethatmadechillsrundownherspine.

“Orelsewhat?”Josettechallengedwithupliftedeyebrowsandacoolsmile.Whenhedidn’t

reply,sheshrugged.“IhopesomeonehadthedecencytoinformMrs.Jenningsofherson’sdeath.
Justsothatshewon’thavetofindoutonthesixo’clocknewswithfootageofthecoroner ’soffice
carryinghimoffinabodybag.”

Brannon’sheartjumped.Hehadn’taskedifanyonewasgoingtocallJennings’snextofkin.

Damnit,heshouldhavebeenmoreefficient.WhateverJenningshaddone,hismotherwasn’ta
criminal.

“I’llmakesureofit,”hesaidabruptly.

Hereyessoftened,justalittle,asshematchedthememoryofthatlean,formidablefaceagainst

themanshe’dfirstknownsomanyyearsago.Itmadehersadtorealizewhathisopinionofhermust
havebeen,evenatthebeginning.Hewouldn’thavewalkedoffwithoutagoodbyeiftherehadbeen
anyfeelinginhimforher.He’dhatedherthenightthey’dbrokenup.He’dhatedhermorewhenshe
accusedhisfriendWebbofbeingbehindGarner ’smurder.Probablyhestillhatedher.Shedidn’tcare.

“Thanks,”shesaidandturnedaway.

“Haveyoucomeacrossanyclueinthosefilesthatwouldpointtoapotentialexecution?”he

askeddeliberately.

Josettecamebacktofacehimatonce.“Youthinksomebodyputoutacontractonhim,”shesaid

confidently,hervoicedeliberatelylowered.

Brannonnodded.“Itwasaprofessionaljob,notsomedrive-byshootingoragang-related

conflict.Hewasonworkdetailandescaped,apparentlywithhelpfromsomeunknownaccomplice,
madehiswaytoSanAntonio,andendedupwithasinglegunshotwoundtothebackoftheheadat
point-blankrange,justaroundthecornerfromourmostnotoriousmobster ’snightclub.”

“Butwhatwouldbethemotive?”sheaskedcuriously.“Hewasinprison,outoftheway.Why

wouldsomebodybreakhimoutjusttokillhim?Theycouldhavedonethatattheprison.”

“Idon’tknow,”hehadtoadmit.“That’swhatIhavetofindout.”

“PoorDale,”shesaidheavily.“Andhispoormother…!”

“What’sinthosefiles?”heasked,deliberatelychangingthesubject.

“Backgroundchecksonallthepeoplewhocalledandwrotetohimbeforehisescape,and

dossiersonmobfigureshewasrumoredtobeconnectedwith,”shesaid.“We’llspeaktothese
people,ofcourse,andthepolicearegoingtocanvastheareawherehewasfoundtoseeiftheycan
turnupanywitnesses.”

“Whichtheywon’tfind,ifitwasprofessional.”

“Iknow.”

“Whydidyouchooselawenforcementforacareer?”heaskedunexpectedly.

Herdarkeyesnarrowedonhisface.“Becausetherearesomanyinnocentpeopleconvictedof

crimes,”Josettesaiddeliberately.“Andsomanyguiltypeoplegofree.”

Brannonstiffenedattheinnuendo.“Jenningswasamobsterandhehadarecord,”hereminded

her.

“Hehadafelonybatteryconviction,andfirstoffenderstatus,”shecorrected.“Hewasjusta

teenageratthetime.Hegotdrunk,gotintoafightandgotarrested.Hedidn’tevengotojail.Aftera
year ’sprobation,hewasturnedloose.Butthat,andhisconnectionwithJakeMarsh,wentagainsthim
whenhewasarrestedforGarner ’smurder.”

“HewascoldsoberwhenGarnerdrowned,”hecountered.“Theydidabreath-analyzerteston

himanditregisteredzilch.Jenningshadopportunityandthemeans—Garnerwaselderlyandcouldn’t
swim.Beingknockedovertheheadandpushedinthelakeinthatconditionwouldhavebeeninstantly
fatal,especiallywherehewentoffthepier.It’stwenty-feetdeepthere.”

“Where’sthemotive?”shepersisted.

“Garnerowedhimmoney,hesaid,andhecouldn’tgethischeck,”Brannonrepliedwithacold

smile.“Garnerhadfiredhim,andthey’dalreadyhadoneargument.Theymayhavearguedonthe
pier.Yourmemoryoftheeventswasquestioned.Youweredrunk,Ibelieve?”hechided.

Josettewasstillashamedtoadmitthatshe’dbeenstupidenoughtodrinkspikedpunch.Notbeing

usedtohardliquor,thevodkahadmadeherdisorientedandweak.Whenshewasfifteen,she’d
unknowinglybeengivenLSDinhersoftdrinkandalmostendedupraped.Thesedaysshenevertook
adrinkunlessshewascompletelyconfidentofwhereithadcomefrom.“Iwasn’ttotallysober,”she
admittedinaguilt-riddentone.“But,then,neitherweremostofthepeopleatthatparty.Silviasaidshe
sawMr.Garnerathiscarbeforeshetookmehomeandevenwavedathim.Ididn’tseethat.Shesaid
itwasbecauseIwasdrunk.”

“Youdidn’tsaythatatthetrial,”heremindedher.

“Ididn’thavetimetosaymuchatthetrial,”shereplied.“Iwasimmediatelysuppoenaedasa

prosecutionwitnessbecauseIhadn’tseenDaleorMrs.WebbatthetimeGarnerwasallegedly
murdered,whichwasbeforeshetookmehome,notafter!AndIdidn’tseeHenryGarnerathiscaras
weleft.ItriedtopointoutthatDalehadn’thadablackjackinhiscarwhenwearrived.Butthe
prosecutingattorneytookmeapart,withyourhelpfulsuggestionsaboutbringingupmytestimonyat
therapetrialwhenIwasfifteen,”sheaddedpointedlyandsawhiseyelidsflinch.“Hedestroyedmeon
thewitnessstand.IheardlaterthatyouandBibWebbtoldhimabouttherapetrial.Ithoughtyou
wantedtohelpme.”Shemanagedabittersmile.“Youtaughtmehowtodance.Youwerefriendswith
myfather.WhenIwenttocollegeinSanAntonio,youwerealwaysaround.Wewentoutformonths
together,beforeMr.Garner…died.”Shedrewinalongbreath.IthurttorememberhowMarchad
beenwithher.She’dthoughttheywereinlove.Shecertainlyhadbeen.Whatajoke!“Butnoneofthat
mattered,didit?YoubelievedthatIliedtoimplicateBibWebb.Youneverdoubtedit.”

“BibWebbisoneofthemostdecenthumanbeingsIknow,”Brannonsaidicily,refusingtoface

atruththatheknewforcertainnowabouthercredibility.

“Evendecentpeoplecangetintoacircumstancewherethey’lldosomethingcrazy.Especiallyif

they’redesperate,ordrunk.Youofallpeopleshouldknowthatpeopleondrugsoralcoholfrequently
forgeteverythingthathappeneduntiltheysoberup,”sheadded,pleadinghercasefervently.Itwasthe
firsttimehe’dreallyspokentoheraloneaboutwhathappened.Heseemedtobelistening,too,evenif
hedidn’tbelieveawordshesaid.

“Silviawasn’tdrunkenoughtoforgetwhatshesaw,”hetoldher.“She’donlyhadonedrink.

AndshesaidshesawGarnerbyhiscarwhensheleftthepartytotakeyouhome.”

“That’sright.Shesaidshesawhimthere.”

“What’sthedifference?”heasked,outofpatience.“Youwon’tchangemymind.”

“Iknowthat,”Josetteagreedfinally.“Idon’tknowwhyItry.”Sheadded,“I’llovernightthe

informationinthesefilestoyourSanAntonioofficebeforeIleavetoday,soneitherofuswillhave
tolugittoSanAntonio.”Sheturnedaway.“Ifyouhaveanyquestions,I’llbeheretomorrowmorning
andinSanAntoniotomorrownight,attheMadisonHotel.Youcanreachmethere.”

Hewasstillstingingfromtheencounter.“IfIhaveanyquestions,you’rethelastpersonI’dask,”

hesaidcoolly.“Iwouldn’ttrustyouasfarasthestreet.”

“Thatneverchanges,doesit?”Shelaughed.“Butyourlowopinionofmedoesn’taffect

anythinganymore.Basically,”sheaddedwithapointedglance,“Idon’tgiveadamnwhatyouthink
ofme.Gostickthatinyourpipeandsmokeit,Brannon.”

Josettewalkeddownthehallandhewatchedhergo,infuriatedthatshewouldn’tadmitthetruth.

Maybeherpridewouldn’tlether.Hethoughtaboutherfather,whowasdisgracedbecauseofherrape
trial,andhermother ’sfatalstrokeaftertheJenningstrial.Hefeltsorryforherparents,buttherehad
beennothinghecoulddoforthem.Hethoughtoftheirlastdate,andherardentresponseuntilhewas
outofhisheadwithdesire,untilhefoundhersointactthathehadtostop.He’dreallyhatedherfor
that,althoughthetimethatpassedhadmadeithardertobelievethatshe’dsethimup.She’dbeenas
involvedashewas.Maybeevenmore.Butnomatterhowhardheworkedatit,hesimplycouldn’t
forgetthatshe’dtriedtohavehisbestfriendarrestedforHenryGarner ’smurder.Heturnedbackto
theelevatorandreluctantlypressedthedownbuttonagain.Hedidn’tlikeleavingwithunanswered
questionsbetweenthem.Hewanted…Hesighed.Maybehejustwantedtositandlookatherfora
while.Thesightofheropenedoldwounds,butitalsomadeawarmplaceinhisheart.

Heturnedfromtheelevatorandwentbackdownthehall.

ChapterThree

imonHartstudiedJosettequietlyasshewalkedintohisofficeandputthefilefoldersdownonhis

desk.Sheexplainedtheinformationshe’dgatheredfortheinvestigation.

“Iknowthismaybepainfulforyou,”hetoldherquietly.“SinceyouweredatingJenningstwo

yearsago.”

“Wewerefriends,that’sall,”sheassuredhim.“I’msorryhewaskilled,andinsuchaway.I

neverthoughthemurderedHenryGarnerinthefirstplace.”

“Youpaidahighpricetryingtodefendhim,”Simonsaidsolemnly.

“Yes,butI’ddoitagain.Hewasinnocent.Someoneframedhim.Theonlythingthatpuzzlesme

iswhyhedidn’ttryhardertofighttheconviction.Itwasasifhejustgaveuptheminutehegotinthe
courtroom,”sherecalledpensively.

“DidyouseeMarcBrannononyourwayinhere?”hesaidabruptly.

Herheartjumped.“Isawhim.”Sheforcedherselftosmilecarelessly.“Hestillcan’tbelievethat

hisbestfriendBibWebbwouldbeinvolvedinanythingunderhanded.Thatwaswhatputuson
oppositesidesofDale’strial.Marc’sloyal,I’llgivehimthat.”

“Tooloyal.Hecan’tbeobjective.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Everyonewhocouldbehurtalreadyhasbeen,”shesaidphilosophically.

“Nowthere’sanewmurdertosolve.”

Hemotionedherintoachair.“Iwanttoknowwhatyouthink.”

Sheleanedbackinthechairandcrossedherlegs,frowningthoughtfully.Shewasstillshakenby

Marc’sunexpectedappearance,buthermindwassharpandshefocusedonthematterathand.
“Accordingtomyresearch,DaleJenningshasamother,awidow.She’spracticallyaninvalid.Just
recentlyshefellforsomesortoffinancialscam.Shelostherlifesavingsandherhome.Shewas
goingtobeevictedthisweek.Daleknew.Ican’thelpbutthinkhismurderhassomethingtodowith
that.Maybehewastryingtogetmoneyforherinsomeway.”

“Youthinkhewasblackmailingsomebody,andhisvictimhiredakillertostophim?”

Josettenoddedslowly.“It’sconjecture,ofcourse.Butwhatifhehadinformationthatwouldhurt

somebody?BibWebb,forexample.Andwhatifhedemandedmoneyforhissilence?Webbstandsto

loseeverythingifhe’sinvolvedinanotherscandal.Nobodywouldbelievethathewasaninnocent
bystanderifhewasconnectedwithasecondmurder.Besides,he’saheadinthepollsinthesenate
race.Beingprovenguiltyofmurderwouldsuresourhischancesofelection.”

“He’sthelieutenantgovernor,andasuccessfulbusinessman,”Simonremindedher.

“Onlysuccessfulbecausehispartner,Garner,died,”sheremindedhimrightback.

“Yes,andGarnerwasawidowerwithnochildren.Webbwasnamedsolebeneficiary.”

“Heinheritedthosemillionsandusedhisinheritancetobuyintoasuccessfulagricultural

concernandthebalancewentintothecoffersforhispoliticalcampaign.Hewonthelieutenant
governorracetwoyearsago,althoughalotofpeoplesaidhewonitbydefault,byhavinghisstaff
digupdirtonhisopponentandforcinghimoutoftheracewithit.”

“Thatwasneverproved,”Simonremindedher.

“Iknow.ButJakeMarsh’snamewasmentioned,andnotonlyinconnectionwithDale.Now,

WebbiswellonhiswaytothenominationfortheUnitedStatesSenate.He’sarisingstar.”

“There’sonelittleholeinyourtheory,Josette.Murderersdon’tusuallystopatonemurder,

unlessthey’recrimesofpassion,”Simonremarked,thinkingoutloud.

“NobodystoodinWebb’swayuntilnow.IfDaleJenningshadsomethingonhim,somesortof

proof,whatwouldamaninWebb’spositiondo?”

“First,he’dmakesureproofexisted.”

“Idon’tknowhowtherecouldhavebeenanytangibleproofsincenobodysawMr.Garner ’s

murder.TheonlyrealevidencewastheblackjacktheyfoundinthepassengerseatofDale’scar.I
neversawit,buthedidn’tdenythatitwashis.Heneverpointedhisfingeratanybodyelse.Idon’tsee
whatcouldhavespookedanybodyintokillinghim.No,iftherewasblackmail,therehadtobe
somethingelse,somethingthatwouldproveWebbguiltyofsomethingbesidesGarner ’sdeath.But
theburdenofproofwillbeonus.OtherwiseDale’sdeathwillbeanothersenseless,unsolved
homicide.”

“Okay.Taketheballandrunwithit.ButyouhavetoworkwithBrannon.”Heheldupahand

whenshestartedtoprotest.“Iknow,he’sapainintheneckandhe’sprejudicedagainstyou.Buthe’ll
balanceyourprejudiceagainstWebb.Besides,he’soneofthebestinvestigatorsI’veeverknown.I
gotinvolvedinthistoputJakeMarshaway.That’sstillmyprimarygoal.Ithinkhe’sinvolved.Ifhe
is,theinvestigationisgoingtogetdangerous.Brannon,”hemused,“isgoodprotection.He’sa
masterquick-drawartist,andhecanevenoutshootmybrotherRey.”

“Reywonmedalsinnationalskeet-shootingcompetition,”Josetterecalled.

“He’sstillwinningthem,nationalandinternationalones,too,thesedays.”Hestoodup.“Keep

thisconversationtoyourself,”headdedsternly.“ThegovernorandWebbaregoodfriends.Webbhas
powerfulallies.Idon’twanttogetanyoneinSanAntoniointrouble.We’reinvestigatingamurder
thatwehopewecanlinktoanotoriousmobsterwho’sprobablypaidoffalotofpeople.Period.”

“I’llbediscreet.”

“IhopeyouandBrannonandtheSanAntonioCIDcanturnupsomethingonMarsh.Andthe

soonerthebetter,”Simonaddedwithawrysmile.“BecauseI’llgoloopyifPhilDouglashastotake
overyourjobaswellashisown.”

“Phil’saniceboy,andagoodcybercrimeinvestigator,”shedefendedhercolleague.

“He’sacomputerexpertwithasuperherocomplex.He’lldrivemebatty.”

“You’retheattorneygeneral,”Josetteremindedhim.“Sendhimonafact-findingtrip.”

“There’sathought.I’vealwayswantedtoknowwhatthepolicedepartment’scomputersystem

lookslikeinMalaSuerte.”

“MalaSuerteisabordertownwithapopulationofsixteen,mostofwhomdon’tspeakEnglish.

Philisn’tbilingual,”shepointedout.

Simonsmiled.

Josetteheldupahand.“I’mhistory.I’llreportinregularly,tokeepyouposted.”

“Youdothat.”

Shenodded,pickedupherfilesandleft.

Butonceshewasoutsideinthehall,thepleasantexpressionleftherfaceandshefeltasifher

kneeswouldn’tevensupporther.RunningintoMarcunexpectedlylikethathadshatteredher.Ithad
beentwoyearssinceshe’dseteyesonhim,sincethetrialthathadmadehimherworstenemy.Shefelt
drainedfromtheconflict.Sheonlywantedtogohome,kickoffhershoes,andcurluponthesofa
andwatchagoodblack-and-whitemoviewithhercatBarnes.Butshe’dhavetopackinstead.
Tomorrow,shehadtogobacktoSanAntonioandfacenotonlyamurderinvestigation,butthepain
ofherownpast.

Josettewalkedbackintoherofficeandstoppeddead.MarcBrannonwasstillaroundandhewas

nowoccupyingherdeskchair.HisStetsonwassittingononeofthechairsinfrontofherdesk.Marc
wassittingbehindherdesk,inherswivelchair,withhissizethirteenhighlypolishedbrownboots
proppedinsolentlyonherdesk.Herheartjumpedupintoherthroatforthesecondtimeinlessthanan
hour.Despitetheyearsinbetween,shestillreactedtohispresencelikeastarstruckfan.Itmadeher
angrythatshehadsolittleresistancetoamanwho’dhelpedruinherlife.Hisangrywordsfromtwo
yearsagostillblisteredherpride,inmemory.

“Ithoughtyouleft,”shesaidshortly.“AndIdon’trememberinvitingyouintomyoffice,”she

added,slammingthedoorbehindher.

“Ididn’tthinkIneededaninvitation.We’repartners,”Brannondrawled,watchingherwiththose

glitterygrayeyesthatdidn’tevenseemtoblink.

“Notmyidea,”sherepliedpromptly.Sheputthefilesdownbesidehisbootsandstoodstaringat

him.Hedidn’tlookadayolderthanhehadwhenshe’dfirstmethim.Buthewas.Thereweresilver
threadsjustvisibleathistempleswherehisthickblond-streakedbrownhairwavedjustalittleover
hisjuttingbrow.Hislonglegsweremuscular.Sheknewhowfasthecouldrun,becauseshe’dseen
himchasedownhorses.She’dseenhimridethem,too.Hewasachampionbroncbuster.

“YouthinkBibWebbhiredahitmantokillJennings,”hesaidatonce.

“Ithinksomebodydid,”Josettecorrected.“Idon’trushtojudgment.”

“InsinuatingthatIdo?”heaskedwithanarrogantslideofhiseyesdownherbody.Hefrowned

suddenlyasitoccurredtohimthatshewasdressedlikeanagingspinster.Everyinchofherwas
covered.Theblousehadahighcollarandthejacketwaslooseenoughtobarelyhintatthecurves
beneathit.Theskirtwasslightlyflaredatthehips,sothatitdidn’tpulltightwhenshewalked.Her
hairwasinatightbun,despitethefaintwispsofblondcurlsthattumbleddownoverherexquisite
complexion.Shewasn’tevenwearingmakeup,unlesshemissedhisguess.Herlips,herecalled,were
naturallypink,liketheunblemishedskinoverherhighcheekbones.

“Noneedtocheckoutmyassets.Ihaven’tgoneonsale,”shepointedout.

Brannonraisedboththickeyebrows.Thatsoundedlikebanked-downhumor,butherfacewas

deadpan.

Josettemovedclosertothedesk.“I’vejustexplainedmytheorytoSimon.”

“Wouldyoucaretoshareitwithme?”heinvited.

“Sure,”shesaid.“Theminuteyougetyourdirtybootsoffmydeskandbehavewithsome

semblanceofprofessionalrespect.”Shedidn’tsmileasshesaidit,either.

Brannonpursedhislips,laughedsoftlyandthrewhisfeettothefloor.He’donlydoneittogeta

riseoutofher.

Hegotupandofferedhertheswivelchairwithaflourish.Hesankdowngracefullyintothe

chairnexttotheonehishatwasrestingonandcrossedhislonglegs.

Shesatdowninherownchairwithalongsigh.Ithadbeenaharddayandsheonlywantedtogo

home.Fatchanceofthathappeningnow,shethought.

“Anytime,”heinvited.

“DaleJennings’smotherwasinserioustrouble,”Josettesaidwithoutpreamble.“She’ssickand

livingonasmalldisabilitycheck.She’sonlyinhermid-fifties,notoldenoughtodrawother
benefits.”Sheleanedbackinthechair,frowningassheconsideredtheevidence.“She’dlosthersmall
savingsbylisteningtoafast-talkingscamartistwhoconvincedherthathewaswithafederalagency
andshehadtoturnoverhersavingsaccounttohiminrepaymentforbacktaxessheowed.”

“Ofallthedamnedoutrages,”hesaid,angeredinspiteofhimself.

Thatcommentmovedher.Brannon,despitehisroughedges,wascompassionatefortheweaker

orlessfortunate.She’dseenhimgooutofhiswaytohelpstreetpeople,eventohelpyoungmenhe’d
arrestedhimself.Shehadtoforcehereyesawayfromthepowerful,leancontoursofhisbody.She
wasstillfightingahopelessattractiontohim.

“Bythetimeshefoundoutthatnofederalagencywasaskingforhersavings,”Josettecontinued,

“itwastoolate.Somepeoplebelieveanythingthey’retold,evenfrompeoplewhodon’tprovetheir
credentials.Shedidn’tevenaskforanyidentification,Iunderstand.”

Hegrimaced.“Didsheownherhome?”

“Shewasbarelyayearawayfrompayingitoff.Whenshecouldn’tmakethenexttwopayments,

thebankforeclosed.She’sstayingatahomelesssheltertemporarily.”Shestudiedhim.“Nowput
yourselfinDale’sshoes,”shesaidunexpectedly,“andthinkhowyou’dfeelifyouwereinprisonand
youcouldn’tdoanythingtohelpher.”

Brannonrememberedhisownfrail,littlemother,who’ddiedaninvalid.Histhinlipsmadea

straightlineacrosshisformidableface.

Josettenodded,realizingthatheunderstood.Sherememberedhismother,too.“I’mnotpointing

fingersatanybodyrightnow,”shesaidbeforehespoke.“I’mtellingyouthat,first,somebodyhelped
himescapeprisondetail.Second,somebodyhadprooforwaskeepingproofhiddenofacrimethat
involvedapersonofmeans.Dalemusthavethoughthischancesofblackmailingtheguiltypartywere
prettygood.Thatdoesn’texplainwhathehopedtodoontheoutside.Buthewaskilled,andinavery
efficientmanner.Whoeverkilledhimhadtoknowthathe’descapedfromthatworkdetail,and
exactlywheretheycouldfindhim.I’massumingthatthepersonwhohadhimkilledwassatisfiedthat
hehadconcreteproofofsomethingillegal,andthatDalewashelpedtoescapesothathecould
presentwhateverproofhehadandbedealtwithefficiently.”

“Anyprisonhasinmateswho’llkillforaprice,guardsandwardensnotwithstanding,”he

remindedher.“Theydidn’thavetogethimoutofprisontohavehimkilled.”

“True,butmaybehewasluredouttopresenthisproofinperson,tomakesurethathereallyhad

it.”Josetteleanedforwardandclaspedherhandsonthedesk.“Then,whatiftheythoughthehadthe
proofonhim,andhedidn’t?”

“Wedon’tknowthat.Wedidn’tfindanythingonthebody,noIDofanysort,notevena

pocketknife.Ifithadn’tbeenfortheinformationabouttheWayneescapeefittingJennings’s
descriptionexactly,andthatraventattooonhisarmtoclinchit,wemighthavespentweekstryingto
identifythebody.”

Shenodded.“Soeithertheperpetratortooktheevidencewithhim,orhedidn’tgetitandthere’s

stillsomebodyoutthere,whowashelpingJennings,”sheemphasized,“andwhonowhastheevidence
andmaystilluseit.Moneyisapowerfulmotiveformurder.WhatifMarshhadhimkilled,forsome
reason?”

Brannonfrowned.“He’shadpeoplekilledbefore.Therecouldbeahitmanontheloose,and

whoeverhe’sworkingformaydigdeepenoughtofindJennings’ssource.”

“Thatmeanswehaveanotherpotentialmurderwaitingtohappenunlesswesolvethecrimein

time,”sheagreed.

Hestudiedherquietly.“You’velearnedalotinthepastfewyears.”

“Simontaughtme,”shesaidsimply.“Hestartedoutasaninvestigatorwhilehewasinlaw

school.He’sverygood.”

“Youhaven’tsaidanythingaboutBibWebb,”Brannonsaid.

“IsaidIdon’thaveapotentialperpetrator,”sherepliedquietly.“Andthat’strue.I’mapproaching

thecasewithacompletelyopenmind.Butthere’salotofinvestigativeworktodo.I’llgivemy
informationtothelocaldistrictattorney’sofficeinSanAntonio,andwecandointerviewswiththe
mostprominentpeopleinthecase.ButIwanttotalktoDale’smotherinSanAntonio,theevidence
techniciansandpoliceinSanAntonio,andtheprisonwardenattheWayneCorrectionalInstitutenear
Floresville.AndtoanycellmatesDalemayhavehadoranyonewhocorrespondedwithhim.
Especiallysomebodywhoknowscomputers.”

Hewatchedher,brooding,withoneeyenarrowed.“Whydoyoudresslikeawomanoutofthe

fifties?”heaskedunexpectedly.

“Idresslikeaprofessionalonthestateattorneygeneral’sstaff,”Josettesaid,refusingtobe

baited.

“What’syournextmove?”sheasked.

“I’mgoingtoseeMrs.Jennings,andthenI’mgoingtotrytogetalineonthehitman.”

Josetteraisedaneyebrow.“HaveagoodrelationshipwithJakeMarshandhislocalstableofbad

boys,doyou?”shedrawledinagoodimitationofhisownsarcastictone.

Brannonstoodup.“Ihaveinformants,whichisprobablyaboutthesamething.”

“DidanybodyquestionMarshaboutthebodybeingfoundnearhisnightclub?”sheasked.

“Theverydaywefoundthebody.He’soutoftown.Buthisassistantmanagerseemedshocked!”

Hesaidthatwithadisbelievingexpression.Hestudiedherquietly.Animpulsehadbroughthimback
intoheroffice,whenhe’dmeanttogostraighttotheairport.Twoyears,andshestillhauntedhim.
Didshehatehim?Gretchensaidshedidn’t.ButJosettehadlearnedtohideherfeelingsverywell.
He’dthoughttosurpriseherintoareaction.Theonehegotwasn’twhathewasexpecting.Ortheone
hewashopingfor.

Brannonwatchedherrisefromherchairwiththatsameeasygracehe’dadmiredsomuchwhen

shewasstillinherteens.Shewasn’tpretty,notinaconventionalway,butshehadasharpintelligence
andasweetnature….Sweetnature.Sureshedid.Herecalledtheviciousthingsshe’dsworntoabout
Bibandhisexpressionclosedup.

Josettecamearoundthedeskandrightuptohim,unafraid.“I’mnotprejudging.Thatmeansyou

can’t,either,”shesaiddeliberately.“Iknowwhatthat—”sheindicatedhisRangerbadge“—meansto

you.Myjobmeansjustasmuchtome.Ifwe’regoingtoworktogether,wehavetostartnow.Noacid
commentsaboutthepast.We’resolvingamurder,notrehashinganincidentthatwasconcludedtwo
yearsago.What’soverisover.Period.”

Hisgrayeyesnarrowedsothattheywerehiddenunderhisjuttingbrowandthecream-colored

Stetsonheslantedatanangleoverthem.Untilhe’dseenheragain,hehadn’trealizedhowlonelyhis
lifehadbeenforthepasttwoyears.He’dmadeamessofthings.Infact,hewasstilldoingit.Sheheld
grudges,too,andhecouldn’tblameher.

“Allright,”Brannonsaidfinally.

Shenodded.“I’llkeepyoupostedaboutanythingIfind,ifyou’llreturnthecourtesy.”

“Courtesy.”Heturnedthewordoveronhistongue.“There’sanewconcept.”

“Foryou,certainly,”Josetteagreedwithanunexpectedtwinkleinhereyes.“Iunderstandthe

SecretServicetriedtoarrestyouwhenyoursistercamehometoyourranchinJacobsvillethelast
time,andtheythreatenedtochargeyouwithobstructionofjusticeforassaultingtwooftheminthe
yard.”

Hestraightened.“Asimplemisunderstanding,”hepointedout.“ImerelyhadtomentionthatI

wasrelatedtothestateattorneygeneraltoclearitallup.”

Thatsoundedlikethedryhumorshe’dlovedinhimsomanyyearsago.“Simonuseshisnew

cousin-in-law,theSheikhofQawi,tothreatenpeople.”

Heleaneddown.“SodoI,”heconfidedwithagrin.

ThatgrinwassoliketheoldBrannon,theoneshe’dlovedwithallherheart.Sheletthesmile

she’dbeensuppressingcomeout.Itchangedherface,madeitradiant.Hisbreathcaughtatthewarmth
ofthatsmile.

“IfIrunintoanyuncooperativeofficials,I’lluseitmyself.He’smycousin-in-law,too,”Josette

recalled.

Brannoncockedhisheadandsmiledquizzically.“Iforgetthatwe’rerelated.”

“Byanoldmarriagewaybackinourfamilytree,”sheagreed.“Andit’saverythinconnection

withnobloodties.”Sheturnedawayandwalkedaheadofhimtoherofficedoor.“I’llmake
arrangementstoseeMrs.Jenningsdayaftertomorrow.”

Hegaveheralongscrutiny,rememberingheratfifteen,shiveringinablanket—attwenty-two,

passionateandbreathlessinhisarms.Thenherememberedwhathe’dsaidtoher,afterward.Hehated
hismemories.

Sheglancedathimandsawtheresentmentandbitternessonhisface.“Idon’tlikeyou,either,

Brannon,incaseyouwondered,”shedrawled.

Heshrugged.“Doesn’tbotherme,”helied.

“Notmuchdoes.”

Henoddedcurtly,closedthedoorbehindhimandshestoodinthemiddleoftheroomlistening

tohisfootstepsdieawaydownthehall.Shehadn’trealizeduntilthenthatherheartwasdoinga
rhumbainherchest.Shemovedbacktoherdeskandstaredblanklyatthestackoffilefolders.When
herheartthreatenedtobreak,therewasalwaysworkwaitingtodivertherattention.Atleast,therewas
that.

Thatevening,shecurledupwithhercat,Barnes,onthesofaandtriedtogetinterestedina

populardetectiveshow,buthermindwouldn’tcooperate.Shestrokedthebigcat’sfurlazilywhilehe
nestledagainstherandpurred.She’dhavetoboardhimatthevet’swhileshewasinSanAntonio.She
didn’tliketheidea,butshedidn’thaveanyoneshecouldasktokeephimforher.

Asshestaredblanklyatthescreen,sherememberedthefatefulpartythathadcostDaleJennings

hisfreedom.

She’dmetDaleatacoffeeshoparoundthecornerfromthecollegeshe’dattended.Daledrovea

fancylate-modelsportscar,andhewaspersonableandcharming.HealsoknewBibWebb,andwas
helpinghimwithhiscampaignforthelieutenantgovernor ’sraceinhishomedistrict,whichwasSan
Antonio.WebbwasinpartnershipwithHenryGarner,awealthylocalmanwho’dmadeafortune
sellingfarmequipment.Webbandhiswife,Silvia,sharedapalatialmansiononaprivatelakewith
HenryGarnerinSanAntonio,infact.Garnerwasalonelyoldmanandwelcomedthecompanionship
ofWebbandhiswife.

AnumberofinfluentialvotersandmembersofhighsocietywereinvitedtotheGarnerhomefor

apartyonthelaketwomonthsbeforetheelection.Dale,whowaskeepingJosettecompanysince
MarchadquittheRangersandlefttown,invitedhertoattendthepartywithhim.

Itdidn’toccurtoheratfirstthatitwasoddforsomeonelikeDale,withroughedgesandonlya

highschooleducation,tobeinvitedtoahighsocietyparty.Infact,sheaskedhimbluntlyhowhe’d
beeninvited.He’dlaughedandtoldherthathewasoldHenry’schauffeurandbodyguard,andhe’d
beeninvitedbynobodylessthanSilviaWebbtotheparty.Henrywouldn’tmind.Silviadidn’tcareif
hebroughtafriend,either.JosettehadapassingacquaintancewithSilviaWebb,whomshesaw
infrequentlyatthesamecoffeeshopwhereshe’dmetDale.Therewasatall,shady-lookingmanwho
cametheretomeetDaleoccasionally,too.She’dneverknownhisname.

Josettewasgratefulforanopportunitytogototheparty,expectingthatBrannonwouldbethere,

andshecouldparadeinfrontofhimwithDale.Itwouldhavehelpedhershatteredego,because
Brannonhaddroppedherflataftertheirlast,tempestuousdate.ButwhensheandDalearrivedatthe
palatiallakehouse,Brannonhadn’tbeenthere.

SilviaWebb’sreactiontoDale’sdatehadbeenlessthanflattering.Herbeautifulfacehad

undergoneaflurryofemotions,fromamusementtocalculationandthentopoliteformality.

SilviahadpulledthemovertointroduceJosietoherhusband,Bib,whogaveJosettealookthat

madeherwanttostranglehimandthenheaskedamusedlyifshewasamissionary.Hersingleparty
dresswashigh-neckedandveryconcealing,andshe’dbeeninsultedbytheremark.Webbhadbeen

drinking.Amousylittlebrunettewasstandingnearby,watchinghimadoringly.Silviaignoredher.

DalehadlaughedwithBibWebb,whichdidn’tendearhimtoJosette,beforeSilviaherdedthem

towardadusty-lookingoldmaninadarksuitholdingacanofgingerale.Hehadrecedingwhitehair
andgentleeyes.This,Silviahadmuttered,wasHenryGarner.WhileJosiewasreturninghisgreeting,
SilviadrewDaleawaywithherintothecrowd.

HenryGarnerwasakind,sweetmanwithadrywit.Josiehadlikedhimatonce,whenshesaw

thathewasdrinkinggingeraleandnotalcohol.Sheexplainedaboutherstrictupbringing,andhe
grinned.Theyfoundaquietplacetostandandtalkwhilethepartywentonaroundthemandguests
gotlessinhibited.

BibWebbwasdancingwiththelittlebrunette,hisfacequietandintentashestareddownather.

Hewassayingsomething,andshelookedworried.Heglancedaroundcovertlyandthenpulledher
closer.Shelookedasifshewereinheaven.Whenheturnedher,astheydanced,Josiecouldseethat
hiseyeswereclosedandhiseyebrowsdrawndownasifinpain.

HenryGarnernoticedJosiewatchingthemanddistractedher,talkingaboutthelieutenant

governor ’sraceandaskingaboutherpartyaffiliation,successfullydrawingherattentionawayfrom
BibWebb.WhenGarneraskedhergentlyifshewasn’tthirsty,sheagreedthatshewas.Shecouldn’t
seeDaleJenningsanywhere.SheaskedGarnerifhewantedsomepunch,buthechuckledandsaidno
atonce.Shedidn’tquestionwhy.ShewasstilldisappointedthatBrannonhadn’tshownup.She’d
wantedhimtoseethatherheartwasn’tbreaking.Evenifitwas.

Josiewenttothepunchbowl,andHenryGarnermadeabeelineforWebbandthebrunette.He

saidsomethingtothem.BibWebbsmiledsheepishlyandthebrunettemovedawayfromhimtowhere
thebandwasplaying.Odd,Josiethought,andthendismissedthelittlebyplayfromhermind.She
thoughtsheheardGarner ’svoiceraisejustanote,butshedidn’tthinkmuchaboutit.Shegotacupof
theprettyredpunchwithicefloatinginitandtookseverallongswallowsbeforesherealizedthatit
wasn’tjustpunch.

Unusedtoalcohol,ithitherhard.Shefeltdisoriented.ShelookedaroundforDale,butshestill

didn’tseehimanywhere.Oneortwooftheoldermenstartedgivingherpertfigurespeakinglooks,
andshefeltuncomfortable.Lookingforaportinastorm,shemadeherwaybacktowhereHenry
Garnerhadbeen,onlytofindhimgone.

BibWebbwassittingdowninachair,lookingworriedandalotmoresoberthanhe’dbeen

actingbefore.Hewassittingbesidethelittlebrunette,whohadasmallhandonhis,andwastalkingto
himearnestly.Helookedasiftheworldwassittingonhim.ButwhenhesawJosie,hesmiledpolitely
andnodded.Sheshrugged,smiledandmovedbackintothecrowd.

Shewasfeelingsickerbytheminuteandshecouldn’tfindDale.Allshewantedwastogohome.

Mr.Garnerhadn’tbeendrinking,soperhaps,shethought,shecouldaskhimtodriveherhome.She
madeherwaytothefrontdoorandwalkedoutontotheporch.Downadoublerowofsteps,pasta
deckandagardenpathwasthepierthatledoutontothelake.Shecouldn’tseeallthewaytotheedge
ofit,butsheknewMr.Garnerwouldn’tbeoutthere.Sheturnedandwentdownthesideofthehouse.
Ontheway,sheranintoSilvia.

Thebeautifulwomanwasalittledisheveledandthehandthatpushedbackherwindblownhair

wastrembling.ButsheforcedasmileandaskedhowlongJosiehadbeenstumblingaroundoutsidein
thedark.

Itwasanoddquestion.Josieadmittedthatshe’dhadsomespikedpunchandwassick.Shewanted

DaleorMr.Garnertodriveherhome.

Silviahadimmediatelyvolunteered.She’donlyhadonewinespritzer,sheassuredJosieand

herdedhertowardanewsilverMercedes.Sheputtheyoungwomaninthecarandpointedly
remarkedthatHenryGarner ’scarwasstillsittingthere,buthe’dtoldBibhewasgoingoutforsome
cigars.Shewaved,butJosettecouldn’tseeanybodytobewavedat.

ShedroveJosettehome.Latethatnight,thelocalnewschannelwasfullofthebreakingstoryof

theapparentdrowningofphilanthropistHenryGarner,whosebodyhadbeenfoundbyaguest—
floatinginthelake.AnewshelicopterhoveringovertheGarnerandWebbestatefedgrainyfilmto
thestudioforbroadcast.Policecarsandambulanceswerevisiblebelow.Itwasanapparentaccidental
drowning,thenewswomanadded,becausethegentlemanwasdrunk.

Stillunsteadyonherfeet,butcertainofherfacts,Josettehadimmediatelyphonedthepoliceto

tellthemthatshe’djustbeenatthatparty.HenryGarnerhadbeendrinkinggingerale,hewasn’t
drunk,andheandBibWebbhadapparentlybeenarguingbeforeGarnervanishedfromtheparty.The
tipwasenoughforthelocaldistrictattorney’sofficetoimmediatelystepintotheinvestigation.

AblackjackwithbloodonitwasdiscoveredinthepassengerseatofDaleJennings’scaratthe

scene,wherepolicewereholdingguestsuntiltheycouldallbeinterrogated.Againstthewishesof
BibWebb,anautopsywasordered,whichwasroutineinanycaseofsudden,unexplainedviolent
death.Themedicalexaminerdidn’tfindadropofliquorinGarner ’sbody,buthefoundabluntforce
traumawoundonthebackoftheoldman’shead.

The“accidental”drowningbecameasensationalhomicideovernight.

ThebestdefenseattorneyinSanAntoniowasatBibWebb’ssideduringahastilycalledpress

conference,andMarcBrannongotemergencyleavefromtheFBI,withWebb’shelp,tocomebackto
SanAntonioandhelpinvestigatethemurder.Innotimeatall,DaleJenningswasarrestedand
chargedwithfirst-degreemurder.TheblackjackinJennings’spossessionwassaidtobethe
instrumentusedtostunGarner;ithadtracesofGarner ’shairandbloodonit,despiteobviousefforts
towipethemoff.SilviaWebbaddedthatshe’dseenJenningsnearthelake,andtheblackjackin
Jennings’scar,justbeforeshe’dcomebacktothehouseandhadtakenJosetteLangleyhome.

Jenningsdidn’tconfessorprotest.Hispublicdefenderattorneyenteredapleaofnotguilty,

evidencewaspresented,andJosiehadtoadmitthatshehadn’tseenDaleduringthetimethemurder
wasapparentlycommitted.ButshehadbeeninJennings’scaronthewaytotheparty,andshehadn’t
seenanyblackjack,andshesaidsoonthewitnessstand.

ShealsosaidthatBibWebbhadabettermotivefortheoldman’sdeaththanDale,andthathe’d

arguedwithHenryGarnerthatsameevening.ButWebbspoketotheprosecutorprivatelyduringthe
lunchbreakandgavehimanaceinthehole.Whenshewasfifteen,Josiehadslippedoutofher
parents’hometoattendawildpartygivenbyanolderclassmate.She’dingestedadrugandaseniorat

herschoolhadtriedtoseduceher.Shehadbeensofrightened,she’dscreamedandneighborscalled
thepolice.Herparentsgotanattorneyandtriedtohavetheboyprosecuted,buthisattorneyhadthe
depositionoftheemergencyroomphysicianoncallthenightoftheincident—whotestifiedthatthere
hadbeennorape.Thearrestingofficer,aformerJacobsvillepoliceofficernamedMarcBrannon,
hadbeeninstrumentalingettingtheboyacquittedofthecharges.

BrannonhadtoldBibWebb’sattorneythis,andWebbhadgivenittotheprosecutiontouse

againstJosette’sdefenseofJennings.JosetteLangley,itseemed,hadoncemadeupastoryabout
beingraped.Ergo,howcouldanybodybelieveherversionofeventsattheparty,especiallywhen
she’dbeendrinking,too?

ThesensationalismofthestorywassuchthatreporterswenttoJacobsvilletoreviewtheold

rapecase,andtheyprinteditrightalongsidetheGarnermurdertrialasasidebar.Jenningswas
convictedandsenttoprison.Josettewaspubliclydisgracedforthesecondtime,thankstoBrannon.
Forawomanwho’dmadeonlyonerealmistakeinheryounglife,she’dpaidforalotofsinsshe
hadn’tcommitted.Consequently,she’dgivenuptryingtoliveblamelessly,andthesedaysshegave
peoplehell.Herexperiencehadmadeherstrong.

ButshestillthoughtofBrannonwithpainfulregret.Hewastheonlymanshe’deverloved.

Therehadneverbeenanothermanwhocouldevencomeclosetohiminhermind.Shesighedasshe
rememberedthewaythey’dbeentogethertwoyearsago,inseparable,foreveronthephonewhenthey
weren’texploringthecity.He’dhelpedherstudyforteststhatlastyearincollege,he’dtakenherto
Jacobsvilletogoridingontheranch.Whenitallblewupinherface,shethoughtshemightdieofthe
pain.Butshehadn’t.TheonlyproblemwasthatBrannonwasbackinherlife,andshewasgoingto
havetofacethosememorieseveryday.

Well,ifitwasgoingtoberoughonher,shewasgoingtomakesureitwasequallyroughon

him.ShethoughtaboutgivingMarcBrannonhell,andshesmiled.Ifanymaneverdeserveda
setback,thatstruttingTexasRangerdid.ShewasgoingtoprovethatDaleJenningsneverkilled
HenryGarner,andshewasgoingtorubBrannon’snoseinitsohardthathe’dbesmellingthrough
hisearsfortherestofhislife!

JosetteranagentlehandoverBarnes’ssilkyfur.“Youknow,ifmenweremorelikecats,we’d

neverhavewars,”shemurmured.“Allyouguysdoiseatandsleepandsleepsomemore.Andyou
don’tdrivetrucksandwearmuddybootsandcowboyhats.”

Barnesopenedonegreeneyeandmeowedupather.

Sheturnedherattentionbacktothetelevisionset.“Toobadthesewritersneversawtheinsideof

acourtroom,”shemurmuredasadefendantintheseriesgrabbedabailiff’sgunandstartedshooting
jurors.“Ifadefendantevertriedtodisarmourbailiffinsuperiorcourt,he’dhavehisfingersbitten
offontheway!”

ChapterFour

eforehegotonhisplanebacktoSanAntonio,MarcstoppedbyBibWebb’ssecondhomeinAustin.

TheWebbslivedthereexceptduringholidaysandweekends,whentheywereatBib’sSanAntonio
home.

SilviabeamedwhenthebutlershowedMarctothelivingroom,wheretheyweresharing

cocktailswiththreeothercouples.Blond,beautifulandvivacious,shewasawomanmostmenwould
covet.Marclikedher,buthefoundherabittooaggressiveandruthlessforhisowntaste.Shewasan
assettoBib,ofcourse,whowasn’tatallpushyoraggressivebynature.

“Marc,Ididn’tknowyouwereintown!”sheexclaimed.

“I’mdoingsomeinvestigativeworkforSimonHart,”hedrawledwithagrin.“Youlookprettier

thanever,”headded,brushinghishardmouthagainstherblemishlesscheek.

“Andyoualwayslooklikeamalemodel,darling,”shepurred.“Whatsortofinvestigative

work?”sheaddedcoquettishly,hangingontohisarmwithherfreehandwhileshesippedamartini
heldintheother.

“Amurder.”

Shepausedwithhereyesonherglass.“Anyoneweknow?Ihopenot!”

“DaleJennings.”

Therewasatinytremorintheliquidofthecrystalglassshewasholding.Shelooked

disconcerted.Probably,Brannonthought,hermemoriesofJenningswereasuncomfortableashis
own.

Shegazedupathim,thenquicklycomposedherself.“DaleJennings!”Sheputahandonher

low-cutbodice.“Jennings.Thatterribleman…!Bib!”shecalledtoherhusband,drawinghisattention.
“SomeonehaskilledthatJenningsmaninprison!”sheexclaimed,turningalleyestowardher.

“Notinprison,Silvia,”Marcsaideasily.

Herperfecteyebrowsarched.“Excuseme?”

“Hebrokeout.Or,someonebrokehimout,”herepliedcarelesslyasSilvialetgoofhisarmand

movedtositonthearmofthechairBibwasoccupying.

“HekilledHenry,”Bibrecalledwithcoldeyes.“I’mnotsorryhe’sdead!”

“Howdidhegetoutofprison?”Silviapersisted.

“Ihavenoidea.”MarcrefusedtheofferofadrinkandwasintroducedtothepeopleBibwas

entertaining.Hedidn’tknowthem,butherecognizedthenames.Theywereverywealthypeoplefrom
Austin.

“Canyouspendthenight?”BibaskedMarc.

Marcshookhishead.“IhavetobeinSanAntoniotomorrowmorning.I’mgoingtobeworking

theJenningscasealongwiththedetectivesinSanAntonio.Simon’ssendingaliaisoninvestigator
fromhisofficeouttohelp.”

“Why?”Silviaaskedsuddenly,wide-eyed.“Jenningswasanobody!WhyshouldtheTexas

Rangersandtheattorneygeneralbeinvolved?”

“Hewasn’tanobody,”Bibremindedherquietly.“HekilledHenry.AndHenryGarnerwasa

veryprominentman.”HestudiedMarc.“There’ssomethingelseaboutthis,isn’tthere?”

Brannonnodded.“Theremaybesomemobinvolvement.Specifically,JakeMarsh.”

“Marsh.”Bibgroundhisteethtogether.“Well,thattearsit.Ifhe’simplicated,itwillreallymake

headlinesalloveragain,right?”heaskedhisfriendwithagrimaceofdistaste.

“It’salreadydoingthat,”Marcagreed,readingtheundisguisedworryinhisfriend’shandsome

face.Besidehim,Silvialookedasifshe’dbeenfrozeninplace.Heknewshehatedbadpublicity.
“Don’tworry,Bib.It’llbeanine-daywonder.Nothingmore,”heassuredhisfriend.

“Ihopeso,”Bibsaidheavily.Hiseyesloweredandhetoyedwithatinypieceofthreadona

jacketbutton.“Itbringsbacksomanyterriblememories.”

“Oh,that’sallbehindusnow,”Silviasaidatonce,andsmiled,butnotwithhereyes.Shegotto

herfeetabruptly,andalittleclumsily.“Marc,youhaveagoodtripbacktoSanAntonio.And,you
willletusknowhowitgoes?”

“Certainly.”HewascuriousaboutwhySilviaseemedsoeagertogetridofhim.“Bib,howabout

walkingmeout?”

“I’llcome,too,”Silviasaidatonce,apologizingtotheirguests.

ThatwasoneofmanythingsaboutSilviathatMarcdidn’tlike:ShehungontoBiblikeivy.The

mancouldn’tgetoutofhersight.IthadbeenlikethatsinceshewassixteenandseducedBibinto
marriage,sothatshecouldescapetheunbearablepovertyofherchildhood.Shenevertalkedaboutit.
Herfatherhadfallendownawellanddiedjustaftertheunexpectedaccidentaldeathofheryounger
brother.Neitherdeathhadseemedtobotherhermuch,althoughMarcwasapparentlytheonlyone
who’dnoticedthat,despiteSilvia’stragicpast,shewascuriouslyimpervioustogrief.

“Youhaven’ttoldusallofit,”Bibsaidwhentheywereoutontheporch.Hispaleblueeyes

narrowed.“There’smore,isn’tthere?”

Marcstuckhishandsdeepintohispockets.“TheinvestigatorSimon’ssendingouttocoordinate

effortswiththeBexarCountyDistrictAttorney,”hebeganreluctantly.“Youmightrememberher.
JosetteLangley.”

Silvia’sfaceflushed.“Thatbitch!”

Biblookedweary.“Sil,itwasalongtimeago…”

“Thatwomanaccusedyouofbeingthemurderer!DoyouthinkIcouldeverforget?She’llstir

uptrouble,she’llmakefalseaccusations,she’llgotothemedia…!”Hervoicerose,becomingshrill.

“Calmdown,”Bibsaidquietly,lookingherstraightintheeyes.Heputagentlehandonhernape

andsmootheditupanddown.“Calmdown.Takedeepbreaths.Comeon,Sil.”

ShedidwhatBibtoldherto.Shestilllookedglassy-eyed,butshewasquiet.Bibreachedintoa

crystalbowlonthesidetablenexttotheopenfrontdoorandproducedamintinafancywrapper.He
placeditinherhandsandwaitedwhilesheunwrappeditandpoppeditintohermouth.Candycalmed
herintheseoddoutbursts.Oncehe’dthoughtshemightbediabetic,butbloodworkdisprovedthat
theory.Sherefusedtoseeapsychologist,despitehisbestefforts.Shewasviolentintheserages,
dangerouslyso.Once,she’dkilledafavoritedoginoneofthem.Inaway,Bibwasgladtheycouldn’t
havechildren.Shewastoounpredictable.

BibturnedbacktoMarc,whowasscowlingworriedly.“MissLangleywastalkingtoHenry,

beforehewaskilled.Shewasaquietwoman,notthesorttoenjoyaparty.Icouldn’tunderstandwhy
shewasdatingDaleinthefirstplace.HedidworkforHenry,againstmyadvice.Hewasinclosewith
JakeMarshinSanAntonio.IhadproblemswithacampaignworkerwhowasinMarsh’spocket
duringthelieutenantgovernor ’srace.I’msureMarshputDaleuptowhathedid,”headdedbitterly.

“Thatwasneverproven,”Silviasaidsweetly.“Ialwaysthoughtthemanwasworkingonhis

own.I’msurehehadnorealconnectiontoMarsh.”

“ThenwhywashisbodyfoundnearMarsh’snightclub?”Marcwonderedaloud.

“Thosesortofpeoplecangetkilledanywhere,”Silviasaidcarelessly.“Iwouldn’twastestate

moneyonaninvestigationlikethat.Hewasanobody.”

Bibignoredher.“Thatcampaignworker,”hetoldBrannon,persisting.“Jenningshad

recommendedhim,toworkonmycampaignforlieutenantgovernor.Themanwentbehindmyback
andapparentlydugupascandaltoforcemyopponentoutoftherace.I’malmostpositiveitwaswhy
hepulledoutoftheraceatthelastminute,butInevercouldproveit.Ididn’tlikeJenningsaround
Henry,andIsaidsothatnightatthepartywhenHenrywaskilled.Weargued.”Hegrimaced.“Ihated
partingfromhimonanargument.YouknowhowHenrywas,”headdedwithawansmile.“Hetrusted
people.”

“That’showyougetkilledinthemodernworld,”Silviasaidwithahigh-pitchedlaugh.“You

can’ttrustanybodythesedays.”

BibcontinuedtoignoreherandstaredatMarc.“HowdidJenningsdie?”

“Singlegunshotwoundtothebackoftheskull.”

Bib’sintakeofbreathwasaudible.“DearGod!”

“Oh,whatdoesitmatterhowhedied?Hewasamurderer,”Silviasaidwithregalnonchalance.

“Idon’tfeelsorryforhim.Isthatwhythestateattorneygeneral’sstickinghisnosein,becauseitwas
execution-style?”

Marcdidn’treplyforaninstant.“That,andbecauseMarshisinvolvedinalotofillegal

activities.He’sbeentryingtoshuthimdownforyears.Nowwe’reinvolvedinahigh-profilemurder.
Everyonewantstomakesuretheinvestigationisdoneproperly.”

“AndSimon’slettingthatLangleywomanmessitup.Howstupid!”Silviasaid.

“Shehasadegreeincriminaljustice,andshe’sworkedforSimonfortwoyears,”Marcsaid,

defendingheragainsthiswill.

“She’spersonallyinvolvedinthiscase.Soareyou.Neitherofyoushouldgetinvolved.”She

turnedtoBib.“CallsomeoneimportantandtellhimtopullMarcandthatwomanoffthecase!”

ThatwentrightthroughMarc.“Doit,”heinvited,silvereyesglaringather,“andI’llcallapress

conferencemyselfandtelltheworldwhyI’moffthecase.”

Silviagasped.“Well!AndIthoughtyouwereourfriend!”

“Iamyourfriend,”hereturnedcurtly,lookingatBib,notather.“Butthelawisthelaw.Iwon’t

haveinterferenceinacasethissensitive.”

Silviaglaredathim.Herhand,holdingtheglass,shook.Sheslammeditdownontheporch,

shatteringit.“Youstupididiot!”sheragedatBib.“You’resuchawimp!Youneverdoanythingright!”
Shewhirledandwentbackintothehousewithhereyesflashing.Shemutteredcursesassheslammed
thedoorfuriously.

Shewasn’tquitenormal,Marcthought,andnotforthefirsttime.

Bibjustshookhishead.“Sevenyearsofthat,”hemurmuredheavily.“She’sagoodpolitician’s

wife,andshelovestelevisionappearancesandsocietybashes.ButtherearetimeswhenIwishI’d
marriedsomeonelessexplosive.I’mafraidIfallfarshortofSilvia’sexpectations.She’dhaveleftme
longagoifI’dbeenpoororhadadullsociallife.”

“Shelovesyou,”Marcsaid,althoughhewasn’tconvinced.

“Sheownsme,”Biblaughedhollowly.“Well,I’dbettergobackinsideandkissalittlemorebutt.

They’repotentialcontributorstomysenatecampaign.”Heliftedbotheyebrows.“Goingtovotefor
me?”

“No,”Marcsaid,deadpan.“You’recorrupt.”

Biblaughedwithpuredelight.“We’reallcorrupt,”heagreed.Hestudiedtheotherman

curiously.“Thismustbepainfulforyou,”headdedperceptively.“YouandtheLangleygirlwerean
itembackthen.”

Marcdidn’tsayaword.

Bibshrugged.“Okay.I’llletitdrop.We’llbeheadinguptoourplaceinSanAntoniothis

weekend.Dropbyforadrinkifyouhavetime.”Heleanedcloser.“Sil’sgoingtoDallastoshopon
Saturdaymorning.Wecansneakdowntothecornercoffeeshopandeatdoughnutswhileshe’s
gone!”

“Won’tsheletyouhavethem?”Marcasked,surprised.

Bibpattedhisflatstomach.“Ihavetohaveanice,leanfigureforthepublicityshots,”he

confided.“Ican’thaveanythingsweetifshe’swithinsmellingdistance.”Heshookhishead.“Dear,
dear,thethingswegiveupforpublicoffice.”

“You’reagoodpolitician,”Marcreplied.“Youhaveaconscience.Andaheart.”

“Liabilities,oldfriend,nothingbutliabilities.Ilackthekillerinstinctincampaigns.Fortunately,

Silviahasit.YouhaveasafetripbacktoSanAntonio.”

“Sure.Youtakecare,yourself,”headdedquietly.“Theremaybemoretothiscasethanmeetsthe

eye.Doyouhaveabodyguard?”

Henodded.“T.M.Smith.HewasarmyintelligenceinOperationDesertStorm.Hecandeckmost

meninhand-to-hand,andhe’sacrackshot.”

“Keephimclose.Justincase,”Marcadded,andsmiledtosoftenwhatsoundedlikeanorder.

Bibshookhandswithhim.“Doyouevermisstheolddays,whenwehungaroundtherecord

shophopingtomeetwomen?”

“Imisssleepingawholenight,”Marcsaidenigmatically,andgrinned.“Seeyou.”

Hegotintohisblacksportsutilityvehicleanddroveaway,thesmilefadingfromhislipsashe

pulledoutontothehighway.Silvia’sattitudebotheredhim.Shewasastrong-willedwoman,andmost
ofthetimeshewasanassettoBib.Buthecouldn’thelprecallingherviolentoutburstwhenhe
mentionedthathewasinvestigatingDaleJennings’smurder—orthatithadbeenSilvia’stestimony
thathadresultedinDale’sconvictionforHenryGarner ’smurder.

MarchadbeensoupsetoverJosette’saccusationaboutWebbandtherevelationaboutthetruth

ofherrapechargesattheageoffifteen,thatmuchofthemurdertrialhadescapedhisnotice.He’d
misjudgedherandcausedheruntoldmiseryandshameaboutthatlong-agorapetrial.Despitehis
angeratherallegationsagainstBibWebb,he’dbeendevastatedathavingmisjudgedhersobadly.But
anyideahe’dhadaboutapologizinghadgonebytheboard.She’dlookedathiminthatcourtroomat
Jennings’strialasifshehatedhim.Probablyshedid.He’djustwalkedoutonher,withnoexplanation
atall.

Worse,he’dbeenmorethanalittleinlovewithherjustbeforetheJenningstrialgotunderway.

Hehadn’tbeenasangryaboutherallegationsashehadbeenangryathimself,forbeingsuchapoor
judgeofcharacter.He’dgonethroughthetrialinafogand,afterward,he’dquithisjobandlefttown,
tospendtwomiserableyearswiththeFBI.

Nowhewashomeagainandthewholedamnedmesswasbeingresurrected.Josettehadnotime

forhim.Hecouldseethecontemptinhereyeswhenshelookedathim,feelheranger.Hedidn’t
blameher.Shehadeveryrighttoconsiderhimtheenemy.ShewoulddoherbesttoputBibWebb
underinvestigation,andhewoulddohisbesttostopher.Afterallthattime,theywerestillon
oppositesides.

Hestoppedatatrafficlightandapassingglanceatayounggirlinalong,flowereddress

remindedhimofhislastdatewithJosette.She’djustgraduatedfromcollegeandhe’dbeenthere,
alongwithherparents,fortheceremony.Thatnight,he’dtakenherouttoaveryfancyrestaurant.
She’dwornalongblacksilkdresswithexoticflowershand-paintedonthefabric.Herlongblond
hairhadbeeninaneatchignonatthenapeofherneck.She’dlookedabsolutelyexquisite.

Afterdinner,he’dtakenherbacktohisapartment.Upuntilthen,therehadbeenbrief,clinging

kissesandloveplaythatneitherofthemcarriedtotheinevitableconclusion.Hestillhadn’tbelieved
herrapestory,althoughthewomanhewasgettingtoknowdidn’tseemthesorttotelllies.He’d
remindedhimselfthatplentyofwomenwholookedinnocent,weren’t.

Hissuspicionsincreasedwhenshewentwithhimtohisapartment.Shehadn’tprotestedbeing

alonewithhim.He’dputonsomeslowdancemusicandshedhisdinnerjacket,movinghercloseto
hiscrisp,whitecottonshirt.Againstit,hecouldfeelthesoftpressofherbreastsunderthethinfabric.
Hehadn’tfeltabra,andthathadarousedhim,quicklyanduncomfortably.

Butinsteadofbackingaway,tokeepherignorantoftheeffectshehadonhim,he’dletherfeel

it.Hecouldstillrememberbeingsurprisedatthefaintshockinherwide,darkeyes,thetremorthat
ranthroughher.She’dstartedtospeak,buthebentandtookthehuskywordsrightinsidehishungry
mouth.

Hewasslow,anddeliberate,andthoroughinhisardor.Herinnocencewasnomatchforhis

yearsofexperiencewithwomen.Hehadheronhiscouchinnotime,baretothewaist.Whilehis
mouthfedhungrilyonhersmall,firmbreasts,hishandhadbeenunderthatsilkyfabricandthesoft
cottonbriefssheworeunderthem.

She’dbeenfascinatedbywhathewasdoingtoher.Hecouldseeitinhereyes,feelitinthe

nervoushandsthatclungtohimasheundressedher.Hisshirthadbeenoff,drawingherfingerstohis
broad,hair-roughenedchestwhilehesuckledher.

He’dwantedherformonths.Duringthattime,hehadn’tseenanyotherwoman.Hewasaching,

andhe’dabstainedwhiletheyweredating.Itwasinevitablethathewasgoingtolosecontrol.

She’dprotested,once,weakly,whenhishandwentbetweenthemtothefasteningofhisslacks

andundidit,sothathecouldpushthemaway.Buthiskneehadedgedbetweenhersoftthighsandhis
mouthhadmovedbacktocoverhers,tenderly.Whenshefelthimattheveilofherinnocence,she
stiffenedalittle,butherbodywashotwithdesire,herhandswerebitingintohisback,hermouthwas

moaningunderthedevouringpressureofhishardlips.

“OhGod,Ineedyou,”hegroundoutashisleanhipsbegantopushdown.“Ineedyousomuch.

Don’t…fightme,honey.Don’tfight!”

Buthishuskilywhisperedpleafellondeafearswhenhepushedagain.Shecriedout,frightened

andinpain.

“Toofast?I’llbecareful,”hesaidatherlips.“It’sbeenalongtime,hasn’tit?”

“Marc…Ihaven’teverbeenwithanyone!”shesobbed.

Heonlylaughedsoftly.She’dbeenwiththeboysheaccusedofrapingherwhenshewasfifteen.

Shewasnoinnocent.Buthewascarefulwithherjustthesame.Hedidn’twanttoturnheroff,not
whenhisownbodywasrackedwithdesire.

Hewrenchedoffthetrousersandhisbootswhilehismouthworkedonhersoftbelly.He

arousedheralloveragain,determinedtomakeherwanthimasmuchashewantedher,tostopher
feebleprotests,herlies.

Shewasshivering,begginghim,whenhefinallyslidbetweenherlong,tremblinglegsand

positionedhimselfagainsther.Helookedintoherwide,dazedeyes.

“I’mgoinginsideyou,”hewhisperedblatantly.“I’mgoingdeepinsideyou,Josie.Now.Now…

now!”

Hisbodywasshudderingwitheachquick,hardmotionofhiships,andhefeltthepleasurerising

inhim.Buthecouldn’tpenetrateher.Shewassobbing,shivering,hervoiceathisearwhispering
ardentencouragement,herhandsonhisbuttocks,pulling,pleading.

“Damnit…!”hegrowled,frustrated,blindwithdesire.Hegatheredhisstrengthandpushedas

hardashecould.

Shecriedoutandcamerightupoffthebed,franticallypushingathiships,hereyesblind,not

withdesire,butwithhonest,terriblepain.

Ittookhimseveralsecondstorealizewhatwaswrong.Hewasshiveringwithdesire,too,aching

forsatisfaction.Butherbodyresistedhim,andsuddenlyherealizedwhy.

Hisleanhandmovedsuddenly.Hetouchedherintimately,andfoundabarriersoformidable,so

noticeable,thathefrozeaboveherintotalshock.

“You’reavirgin,”hewhispered,wild-eyed.

Sheswallowed,embarrassmentfloodingher.Shelookeddown,athisblatantarousal,and

gasped.She’dobviouslyneverseenaman…likethat!

“Youmiserablelittletease,”heburstoutfuriously.“Damnyou!”

Hedraggedhisbodyawayfromhers,toofargonetocarethatshewasshockedbyhisnudity.He

dressedinsilentrage,barelyawarethatshewascryingandhadpulledherdressupoverherto
concealherownnudityinshame.

“Ofallthelowdown,dirtythingstodotoaman,thatisthelowest!”heaccused.“You’reno

betterthanawomanwhodoesitformoney,butatleastshedoesn’tgetamanhotandthenturnoff
himlikethat.Getdressed,”hesaidtersely,leavingtheroom.

Hewaitedinthekitchenwhileshedressed,tooovercomewithshockandangertothink

rationally.Hisbodywasinanguish.Josettehadledhimondeliberately,knowingthatshecouldn’tbe
intimatewithhim.Thatbarrierwouldn’tbreakwithoutsomesurgery.Shehadtoknowit.Thenithit
him,likeaboardintheface.Shewasavirgin.Therewasabsoluteproofofit.

ThatwaswhenheknewtheboyinJacobsvillehadliedonthestandwhenhewasaccusedof

rapingafifteen-year-oldJosette.Thatwaswhenheknew,withabsolutecertainty,thatshe’dbeen
assaultedwiththeintentofrape.Butthebarrierhadstoppedhim.AsitstoppedMarc,thatnight…

Ahornblew,bringinghimbacktothepresent.Thelighthadchangedandhewassittingthere,

staringintospace.Hegrimacedathismemoriesandputhisfootdownontheaccelerator,shooting
forward.

HecouldstillseeJosette’sshocked,shamedface.She’dcriedandcried,stillaroused,and

ashamedaswell,fascinatedandhumiliated.Nothinghesaidthencouldhaveerasedthatexpression
fromherface,andheknewit,anddidn’tspeak.He’dsaidfartoomuchalready,thingshecouldn’t
eventakebacknow.Shehadn’tbeenabletomeethiseyes,andtearspoureddownhercheeks.He
wantedtoexplainwhyhe’dbeenangry,whyhe’dsaidsuchterriblethingstoher.Butshewouldn’t
speak,wouldn’tlisten,wouldn’tlookathim,andthewordsdiedunspoken.

Ithadoccurredtohimthenthatshewasprobablyrememberingtherapeattempt,thathisardor

hadremindedherofthemostdistastefulexperienceofherlife.He’dlostcontrolofhimselfalmostat
once,somethingthathadneverhappenedbefore.She’dletMarcundressherandtouchher,andshe’d
beenwilling,apparently,togiveherselftohim.Exceptthatsheknewshecouldn’thaveintimacywith
anyman.Somaybeshewasatease.Maybeshewasgettingevenwithhim,finally,fortestifying
againstherwhenshewasfifteen.Thatgrowingsuspicionhadkepthimquietwhenshecametothe
kitchendoorway,fullydressed.

He’dtakenherhomeinapainfulsilence.Hewantedtoapologizeforhelpingtheboy’sdefense

attorneygethercasethrownoutofcourtwhenshewasfifteen.Hewantedtoapologizefornot
believingher.

Thoseharshwordshe’dspokentoher,eveninmemory,hadthepowertomakehimsick.She

wasavirgin,andhe’dtreatedherlikeacriminal.Heshouldhaveknownthatshewasn’tthesortof
persontolie.Whenhadsheeverliedtohim,duringtheirmonthsofdating,enjoyingeachother ’s
company?He’dmisjudgedherhorribly,andthenherstrictupbringinghadprobablyleftherwith
feelingsofguiltbecauseshe’dlethimgosofar.Hernatural,sweetardorwasagift.Hewantedtotell
herthat.Hewantedhertoknowthathedidn’tblameherforwhathadhappened.Buthedidn’ttrust
people.Shemighthavedoneitdeliberately.Hecouldn’tbesureshehadn’t.Hecutofftheenginein
frontofherhomeandfacedher.

Butbeforehecouldsayanything,she’dturnedherheadtowardhim.“Don’tevercallme.Don’t

evercomenearmeagain,”she’dchoked,hervoicebreakingonthewordsassheglancedinhis
direction,butnotmeetinghisgaze.“Itwasjustsex,wasn’tit?Itwasjustsexyouwanted,allalong,
andyouthoughtI’dbeeasybecauseyouthoughtIwaseasyatfifteen!”

Herememberedglaringatherwithmingledfrustrationandanger.“You’readamned

disappointment,that’swhatyouare,Josette.Youledmeondeliberatelytonight,knowingIcouldn’t
haveyou.ItwasrevengefornotbelievingyouinJacobsville,wasn’tit?Itwaspayback,pureand
simple.”

Herfacehadflamedscarlet.“Youstartedit!”

Hedidn’tlikerememberingthat.“Youdidn’tfightveryhard,didyou?Butdon’tworry,Iwon’t

beback.Idon’thaveanydesiretoseeyouagain.Youneverwerewomanenoughformeinthefirst
place!”

Andhelefther,withthosecold,heartlesswords,drivingawaybeforesheevenreachedherfront

door.

Afterthat,he’dgottendrunk.Afewdayslater,he’dresignedhisRangerjobandacceptedone

withtheFBI.JosettehadacceptedadatewithDaleJenningstogotoapartyBibWebbwasthrowing.
Infact,SilviaWebbhadputherontheguestlistatJennings’srequest.Soonafterward,therewasa
trial,aspeedytrialbecauseBibWebb’sopponenthadsuddenlydroppedoutoftheraceatthelast
minuteandWebbhadbeenelectedlieutenantgovernor.

Duringthetrial,Josettewasmadeouttobealiar.Marchadn’tprovidedthatinformationabout

therapetrial.ButBibWebbhadrememberedhearingaboutit,andtoldtheprosecutingattorney.
JosettethoughtitwasMarc.Hehadn’tgonenearherbecausehecouldn’tbearthecondemnationin
thosesoft,darkeyeseverytimeshelookedathim.Then,thelongerhe’dwaitedtoapologize,the
moreimpossibleithadbecome.Intheend,hedidn’tcontactheragain.Notatall.Hejustlefttownfor
good.

Actuallyheneedn’thaveleftSanAntonio,becausesoonafterthetrial,JosettemovedtoAustin

toworkforSimonHart,togetawayfromthepublicity.Hermotherhaddiedofastrokeacoupleof
monthslater,andherfatherhaddiedofaheartattacknotlongafterthat.Therewerenosiblings.

She’dmournedbothofthembitterly,andalone,becauseshehadnofamilyleft.

Nowhereshewas,backinMarc’slife,andhehadtotrytokeephisheadaroundher,andnotlet

herknowhowpowerfullyshestillaffectedhim.Hewonderedifshe’dhadsomethinggoingwith
Jennings—oranyoneelse—sincethetrial.Sheseemedveryself-confident,self-assured,businesslike.
Buttheonetimehe’dgoneclosetoher—deliberately,becausehehadtoknowifhestillaffectedher
physically—he’dseenherblouseshakewiththeforceofherheartbeat.

Shewasstillvulnerabletohim;alittle,anyway.Butshedidn’twanttobe.Evenifshedidn’thate

him,shewassoremotesheappeareddisinterested.Hewonderedifhewasevergoingtogetcloseto
heragain,especiallynow,withthetwoofthemonopposingteamsoutsidetheinvestigation.

HeknewthatBibWebbwouldneverbeapartytocorruptionormurder.Hejustdidn’tknowhow

tomakeJosetteseeit.Shewasprejudiced,andmaybewithgoodreason.Silviahadbeenvicious,
snipingatherinthepressandquotingthingsthatherhusbandhadn’tactuallysaidaboutJosette’s
penchantforlying.IthadturnedJosetteagainstBib,andmaybethathadbeenSilvia’sintentallalong.

WhenSilviahadseducedBibintomarryingher,againstMarc’sadvice,yearsbeforetoescape

poverty,she’dbeenpregnant.Butshe’dlostthechildwhileshewasoutoftown.Shewasambitious
fromthestart,andshelovedmoney.ItwasherownambitionthathadfirstpushedBibinto
partnershipwithchildlesswidowerHenryGarner,andherambitionthathadbeenresponsibleforhis
electiontolieutenantgovernor.ItwasherambitionthathadhimrunningforaU.S.senateseatthat
he’dprivatelytoldMarchedidn’treallywant.

Bib’sideaofheavenwastospendhislifesellingfarmequipmentorworkingwiththehorseson

hisranch.Helovedtheranch.Helovedtheopencountry.Hewasmoreacowboythanadiplomatora
politician,butthatwouldneverhavesuitedSilvia.Shewantedexpensiveclothesandjewelsandthe
creamofsocietyinherlivingroomsippingimportedchampagne.Marcwonderedhowdifferenthis
friend’slifemighthavebeenifhe’dnevermarriedSilvia.

Butitwasn’tpossibletorelivethepast.Ifhecoulddothat,hewouldn’thavemadethemistakeof

hislifetryingtoseduceJosetteLangleyonhissofa.

MarclefthisrentalcarattheairportandboardedtheplanebacktoSanAntonio,findingthathe

wastheonlypassengerseatedinthatparticularsetofseatsoverthewing.Hedidn’tmindthat.He
wasn’tinthemoodforatalkativecompanion.

Heputhishatintheextraseatandleanedbackwithhisarmsfoldedandhiseyesclosedasthe

bigplanetookoffandshotupintothebluesky.

FunnyhowmanyofhismostvividmemoriesweretiedupwithJosetteLangleyandherfamily,

herecalled.Heandherfatherhadfirstbecomeacquaintedwhenhewasapatrolmanwiththe
Jacobsvillepoliceforce.He’dbeentryingtogetarepeatDWIoffenderintoanalcoholic
rehabilitationclinic.ThemanhadbeenamemberoftheLangleys’church,andJosette’sfatherhad
intervenedonhisbehalf.MarcandMr.Langleyhadalotincommon,becauseLangleyhadstartedout
tobeacareerpoliceman.Buthefeltthecalltopreach,andhe’dquithisjobandgonetoaseminaryto
completehiseducation.MarccametothehouseoftentoseeJosette’sfather,andhegottoknow
Josetteaswell.Hethoughtofherasacuteandmischievouschild;or,hehad,untilhe’dseenher
undressedinthecompanyofahalf-nakedboyoneunexpectednight.

Theboyhadbeenveryconvincing.Josettehadsneakedoutofherhousetomeethim,hetold

Marc;she’dwantedhim.Shecameontohim.Butwhenheagreedandgotenthusiastic,shestarted
fightingandscreamedrape,wasn’tthatjustlikeagirl?Marc,tohisshame,hadbelievedhim.He’d
evenfeltsorryforhim.So,despitehisaffectionforthefamilyandhisfriendshipwithJosette’sfather,
he’dhelpedinvestigatetheincident.TheinternatthehospitalwhereJosettehadbeentakenthatnight
gaveatapeddeposition,whichstatedemphaticallythattherehadbeennorape—althoughnotthe
reasonwhytherehadn’t.IthadconvincedMarcthatJosettewasafraidtotellthetruthaboutwhathad
reallyhappened,forfearofhurtingherparents.Thatwasacommonenoughresponseforagirl

who’dneverdoneanythingwronginherlife;infact,Marchadrecentlyseensuchacaseincourt.The
girlhadtearfullyadmittedfaultandapologized,andthecasewasthrownoutofcourt.

So,rememberingthattrial,Marchadtestifiedfortheboy,repeatingwhathe’dsaidatthescene.

Theboyhadwon.Josettewaspubliclybrandedaliar.Herparentswerehumiliated.Thewholefamily
wasdisgraced.AndwhenJosettetriedtofinishschoolinJacobsville,thetauntsandcrueljestsofher
fellowstudents,maleandfemalefriendsofherattacker,hadmadeitimpossibleforhertocontinue.

HerfatherhadmovedhisfamilytoSanAntonio,takingalesserjobinordertogiveJosette

somepeace.HeandMarcdidn’tseeeachotheranymore.ThenMarcwasassignedtotheSanAntonio
Rangerpost,duringJosette’ssenioryearincollege.Marchadtakenacourseincriminaljusticethat
hadlandedhiminaclassofherswhenshewastwenty-two.

Ithadbeendifficultatfirstforhertospeaktohimatall.Shehadn’tforgottenorforgivenwhat

he’ddonetoheratthetrial.Butshewasattractiveandhewasdrawntoheragainsthiswill.With
gentleteasingandcomradery,he’dworkedhiswaybackintoherlife,despitethedisapprovalofboth
herparents.Hewasneverallowedintheirhome.Herparentshadforgivenhim,ofcourse,butthey
didn’tliketheideaofJosettebeingfriendlywithhim.Theycouldnevertrusthimagainafterhis
betrayalattherapetrial.TheyhadneverbelievedJosetteguilty,despitethetrialandtheboy’s
assurances.

Marchadignoredthatdisapproval.He’dtakenJosettetodances,topicnics,tothetheateratthe

college.He’dbroughtherlittlepresentsandphonedherlateatnightjusttotalk.She’dfallenhead
overheelsinlovewithhim.Hisownemotionswereconfusedandhardtodefine.

Andthenhe’dinvitedhertoadance,thenightaftershegraduatedfromcollege—andhe’d

attendedgraduation,eventhoughhesatapartfromherfamily.

Thatlastdatethey’dsharedhadchangedeverything.Marc’spainfuldiscoveryaboutherhad

promptedhimtowriteheraletter,alongandramblingletterofapology.He’dalmostmailedit.Then
HenryGarnerhadbeenmurderedandMarchadbeenassignedtohelpsolvethecase.Josettehadbeen
rightinthemiddleofit,asaguestattheparty.

AfterthestoryofJosette’srapetrialhitthepapers,Marcthrewawaytheletter.Heknewshe’d

tearitup,unread.She’dblamehimforthatpublicity,assumingthathewastheonlypersonwho’d
rememberit,withoutknowingthatBibWebbknew.

MarchadlefttownafterJennings’sconviction,devastated.Hecouldn’tbeartoknowthathe’d

destroyedJosette’slifebybelievingtheculpritanddenyingherinnocence.Ayounggirl,druggedand
almostraped,hadthenbeensubjectedtosordidgossipandaccusedoflying,sothattheperpetrator
wentfreeandlivedtogloataboutit.

Marchaddonethattoher.He’dhelpedcostherfatherhisgoodjobasyouthministerofa

Jacobsvillechurch.Andhe’dnotonlydestroyedheryoungwomanhood,buthe’dcomebackintoher
lifejustlongenoughtomakehertrusthimandthenhe’dbetrayedheralloveragainbyaccusingher
ofmakingfalseaccusationsagainsthisbestfriend.

Theywerefalse,ofcourse.HeknewBibWebbhadn’tkilledoldmanGarner.Biblovedtheold

devilasifhe’dbeenhisownfather,who’ddesertedBibandhislittlesisterwhenBibwasseventeen.
Bibhadraisedthegirlandthenhadtowatchherdieofadrugoverdosewhenshewasjusteighteen.
Bib’slifehadbeenrockyandpainfuluntiloldmanGarnercamealongandtookhimin.Silviahad
remindedhimofhissisterinthosedays,beingpoorandunsureofherselfandhopelesslyinfatuated
withBib.He’dmarriedhersevenyearsago,andBibhadgrowngrayintheyearsbetween.Helooked
adecadeolderthanMarc.

Theflightattendantpassedhimwiththedrinkscart,butheshookhisheadandshemovedonby.

Hefelthereyesonhimandhadtohideasmile.TheTexasRangerbadgeandaccoutrementsdidthat
toalotofwomen.Theysawtheuniformandweredrawntothemanwearingit.Hewasn’tbad-
looking,andheknewit,buthewasn’toverlyinterestedinrespondingthesedays.UntilJosette
LangleyhadwalkedbackintohislifeunexpectedlythatmorningoutsideSimonHart’soffice,he’d
thoughthewasdeadfromtheneckdown.Itwasdiscomfortingtoknowthatsheaffectedhiminthe
sameoldway.Andinthesameoldplaces.

Hehadtorememberthathewasinvolvedinamurderinvestigation.Liveswouldberuinedwhen

theculprit,whoeverheorshewas,wasfound.Hehadtohaveanunbreakablechainofevidencethat
ledtotheperpetrator,andhehadtodosomequickinvestigativeworktomakethathappen.

Thiswasgoingtobeafront-pagecaseuntilitwassolved.InevitablyitwouldsubjectBibWebb

tounpleasantpublicity,aswellasJosetteandDaleJennings’smother,andanyoneelsewho’dhadties
withtheoldcase.Hehadtomakesurethathedidn’tslipup.Hehadtobemethodical,andnotlethis
oldfeelingsforJosettegetinthewayofgoodpolicework.

Hewonderedhowitwasgoingtobeforher,havingtosufferhiscompanywhenhewastheone

manintheworldshehadreasontohate.Hefeltsorryforher.Hefeltsorryforhimself.Hehadplenty
ofregrets.

Tworowsupfromhim,awomanwascuddlingatoddler,whowasgraspingherhairand

gurglingashesmiledupather.Marcsmiledinvoluntarily,thinkingofhisyoungnephewwhomhe’d
onlyseeninnewsreelsandinthephotosGretchenhadsenthimcopiesof.Hewantedtoseethechild,
toholdhim,toseehissister ’seyesinthatyoungface.Hewouldhavebetthatsheandherhusband
Philippespentalotmoretimewatchingthebabythantheyspentwatchingtelevision.

He’dhavelikedachildofhisown.Hewasbeginningtoseethelong,lonelyyearsahead.He

wonderedifJosetteeverthoughtaboutkids.Hegrimaced.Withherdistasteforanythingintimate,he
doubtedshe’dletherselfthinkofkids.Itwasashame,too,becauseshehadsuchasweet,nurturing
personality.Shewasforeverdoingthingsforherparents,forneighbors,forkidsshedidn’teven
know.Herememberedtakinghertoanamusementparkonce,andshe’dfoundalittleboycryingwith
acutknee.She’ddugabandageoutofherpocketbookandputitinplace,dryingthetearsandeven
buyinghimanice-creamcone.Bythetimehisfranticparentsfoundhim,hewaslaughingand
holdingJosette’shandasifitwerealifeline.

Hehatedthatmemory.Ithadbeenthedaybeforehergraduation,beforehetookhertothedance.

Ithadbeenthelastfulldaytheyeverspenttogether.Itwashislastchance,andhedidn’tknowuntilit
wastoolate.

Hethoughtofthelonelyyearshehadleftandalmostgroanedoutloud.Hehadtokeephismind

onthecase,notonthepast;eveniftheydidendupbeingoneandthesamething.

Thepastwasinextricablylinkedtowhatwashappeningnow.HeandJosettehadtofindakiller

beforehedecidedtotargetanotherunknownvictim.Andtheyhadtofindhimfast.

ChapterFive

anAntoniowasbiggerthanJosetteremembered.She’dattendedcollegehere.She’dfalleninlove

here.Nowshewasuptoherneckinamurderinvestigation,facinganenemywhomshe’dlovedwith
allherheartbeforehebetrayedher.

HerknowledgeoftheJenningstrialgaveheranedgethatmostinvestigatorswouldn’thave.

Still,shedidn’twanttosteponanytoes,especiallythoseofthelocalpolicedepartment.Butitwasa
crimethatcouldreachallthewaytostategovernment,andthatrequiredcooperationandsensitivity
fromalltheagenciesinvolved.

Itwasgoingtobeatrickyinvestigation.Themurdervictimhadescapedfromprison,wherehe

wasservingalongsentenceforkillingBibWebb’selderlybusinesspartner.Howheescaped,and
whyhewaskilledexecution-style,werequestionsthatcurrentlyhadnoanswers.Josettewasexpected
tohelpfindthoseanswers.

Shelookedaroundthedistrictattorney’sofficewithasmile,becauseitremindedherofherown

office—crampedandboggeddownwithfilefolders.Itwasanice,modernoffice,butshehadyetto
meetanydistrictattorneywhodidn’thaveacaseloadthatheorshecouldnevercatchupwith.Itwas
almostahallmarkoftheprofession.

Adooropenedandatrimyoungwomanwithdarkhairandeyesmotionedherinsideanother

office,alsostackedwithfilestoonumeroustofitinsidethetwofilingcabinets.

“I’mLindaHarvey,oneoftheassistantdistrictattorneys,”theyoungwomansaidpleasantly.

“I’mtheonewhorequestedyourhelp.Wespokeonthephone.”

“I’mgladtomeetyou.I’mJosetteLangley.Iwasjustnoticingtheoverflow,”sheaddedwitha

smileandahandshake.“Ifeelrightathome.”

LindaHarveyjustshookherhead.“Iexpecttogotomygravewithaboxofunfinishedcase

files,”sheadmitted.“Ifyouwantcoffee,there’sanurnrightoutsidethedistrictattorney’sdoor,just
putaquarterintheboxandhelpyourself.”

“Thanks,butI’vehadtwocupstowakemeup.AnymoreandI’llbeflyingaroundtheroom.”

Lindachuckled.“Iknowwhatyoumean.Haveaseat.”Shedroppedintoherownchair.“I

understandfromSimonHartthatyouwerepersonallyinvolvedinthiscase.”

“FarmoreinvolvedthanIwantedtobe,”Josetteconfided.“Themurdervictimwasmydateon

thenighthewassupposedtohavekilledHenryGarner.Icouldn’tgivehimanalibi,butInever

thoughthewasguilty.”

“I’vereadthefile”camethequietreply.“YoususpectedthatBibWebbwassomehowinvolved.”

Josettegrimaced.“Thatdidn’twinmeanypoints,Icantellyou.Ionlymentionedthathewasthe

manwiththemosttogainfromGarner ’sdeath,whichwasafact.Themediablewitintoan
accusationandwenttotownspeculatingonWebb’sinvolvement,whichwasdynamite,considering
thathewasrunningforlieutenantgovernoratthetime.”

“Yes,”Lindasaid,frowningthoughtfully.“Hisopponentdroppedoutatthelastminute,leaving

himaclearfield.Ialwaysthoughtthetimingwasinteresting,especiallysinceWebbfellbehindinthe
pollsafterthetrial.”ShesmiledatJosette.“AsIrecall,theprosecutionwasprettyroughonyouwhen
youtriedtotestifyforJennings.”

“TheyduguparapecaseI’dbeeninvolvedinwhenIwasfifteen,”shesaid,obviously

surprisingtheotherwoman.Shenodded.“Yes,Iwasprettysurethatwouldbeinmyfile.”Sheleaned
forward.“Thatboydidtrytorapeme,”shesaidfirmly.“Ididn’trealizeuntilmuchlaterthathe’d
slippedsomethingintomyCoke.Itwaslikeaforerunnerofthedate-rapedrug.”

Theotherwomanletoutabreath.“Iwonderedifitwasn’tsomethinglikethat,”sheconfessed.

“I’mgladyouwerehonestwithme.Infact,whatIheardbotheredmesomuchatthetimethatI
trackeddownthatattorney,andhadhimtellmehimselfwhythecasewasthrownoutofcourt.Hewas
veryapologetic.Hewasyoungandtheboyhadfamilyandfriendswhoconvincedhimtheboywas
thewrongedparty.”

Josettetookaslowbreath.“Howniceofhim.Andonlynineyearstoolate.”

“Womenarestillgettingaroughdealinalotofplaces,”Lindasaidquietly.“Butatleasthe’soff

thestreets—forgood.Theyearbeforelast,hehadrapedayoungwomanandstrangledheralmostto
deathinVictoria.Hediedtryingtorunawayfromthepoliceinahigh-speedchase.”

Josettegrimaced.“Iknow.IhadalotofcallsfrompeopleinJacobsvilleafterward.Including

onefromthedistrictattorneywhoprosecutedtheboy.Hebelievedinme,rightupuntiltheverdict
andevenpastit.”

“Atleastyouwereexonerated,”Lindasaid.“You’vedonewell,despiteeverything.”

Josetteshrugged.“Ihadmotivation.Iwantedtobeabletodosomethingforotherinnocent

victims.”

“You’reatrainedinvestigator.Whyaren’tyouworkingonadistrictattorney’sstaff?Infact,why

aren’tyouadistrictattorney?Wehaveafemaleonehere.”

“Iknow,”Josettesaidwithagrin.“IfIstilllivedhere,I’dhavevotedforheronqualifications

alone.”

“She’satiger.SoamI,”sheconfided.Sheleanedforward.“Istheresomeparticularreason

you’remarkingtimeinstategovernment?”

Shewaspersistent,Josettethought.Shesmiledsadly.“JustafterIgraduatedfromcollege,Dale

Jennings’smurdertrialmadenationalheadlines.Iwasaninstantnotoriouscelebrity,pastandpresent,
andmadeouttobealiar.NobodywantedtohiremeexceptSimonHart.I’veknownhimmostofmy
life.Hewastheonlypersonwhowaswillingtotakeachanceonme.”

“Tough,”Lindasaidquietly.“I’msorry.Allthesame,ifyoueverchangeyourmind,we’renot

prejudicedhere.We’dbehappytohaveyou.”

“Thanks,”Josettesaid.“I’llrememberthat.”

“I’llbehappytohaveyouonthiscase.Ifyouneedanything,anythingatall,youjustask.”

“Imayneedmorethanyouwanttogive,”Josettesaidquietly.“Thisisahigh-profilecase,

involvingamemberofstategovernment.That’sonereasonwe’vegotMarcBrannonoftheTexas
Rangersinvolved.We’regoingtohavetocrossalotofjurisdictionallines.Withluck,wemayget
ourhandsonyourlocalmobbossJakeMarsh.Butitmayalsoinvolveprosecutingsomeonepretty
highup.”

Lindanodded.“Noneofushereareafraidofbadpublicity.”

Josetteletoutasighofrelief.“That’sjustwhatIwantedtohear.Thanks.”

Lindastoodup.“You’llhavetoshareanofficewithCashGrier,buthe’snotsobad,despitewhat

you’llhearabouthimfromBrannon.Theyusedtoworktogether.Sortof.”

“I’llremember.Thanksforthehelp.”

Lindasmiled.“That’swhatwe’reherefor—doingthejob.”

Bytheendoftheday,Josetteknewseveralpeopleonthestaffandfeltvaguelycomfortablein

hernewoffice.Shehadn’tmetGrierandshehadn’tseenBrannon.Sheassumedhe’dbeworkingout
ofthelocalRangeroffice.Thatwasarelief.Shedidn’tknowhowshewasgoingtomanagebeing
closetohimdayafterday.

Butwhenshegotbacktotheroomshe’drentedattheMadisonHotelforherstayinSan

Antonio,shehadasurprisewaiting.Brannonwassittinginalate-modelunmarkedsportutility
vehicle,black,withantennaealloverit.

Shehuggedherpursetoherchestasshestoodbesidehercarandwaitedforhimtogetoutof

hisownvehicle,watchinghimwithacarefullynoncommittalexpression.Thatwasdifficult,whenher
heartwastryingtoescapethroughherribs.

Heleanedagainsthercar,hisarmsfolded,andstareddownatherinthatarrogantmannerofhis.

Hewasthemostattractivemanshe’deverknown.Hewasalsosensuallyintimidating,andinhercase,
shewascertainhediditonpurpose.Heknewverywellhowshe’dfeltabouthimbeforesheaccused
hisbestfriendofmurder.Hewasrubbingitin.

“IthoughttheRangersissuedyouacar,”shedrawled.

“I’dratherdrivemyown,”herepliedshortly.“How’dyourdaygo?”

“Imovedinwithanassistantdistrictattorney,”shesaidwithoutpreamble.“Iassumeyou’llbe

workingoutofyourownoffice?”

Henodded.

“DidyougetthefilesIsent?”

Henoddedagain.

Sheliftedaneyebrowandcockedherheadathim.Herdarkeyestwinkled.“Ispeaksign

language,ifyou’drathernotanswermedirectly.”

Hechuckled.“Youhaven’tchanged.”

Sheadjustedhergold-rimmedglasses.“Oh,I’vechanged,Brannon,”shesaid.“ButItrynotto

letitshow.”Sheturned.“Ifyou’dliketodiscussthecase…”

“Iwould.Butnotinahotelroom,”headdedcoldly,stungbyherremoteness.

Shedidn’tlookathim.“Fine.I’lltakeaminutetocheckmymessagesandberightback.”

Thatirritatedhim.Hecouldn’tseemtomakeherangry.Hewasn’tsurewhyhewantedto.Her

calmdemeanormadehimuncomfortable.Shewassodamnedself-confident.

Ignoringhim,shewentintoherroom,calledthedeskandfoundnomessages,refreshedher

makeupandwentrightbackoutside,lockingthedoorbehindher.She’dtakenbarelyfiveminutes.

Brannonwasobviouslysurprised.“Fiveminutes.Forawoman,that’saworldrecord.”

“Foraman,itwouldbeamiracle,”shemurmureddryly.“Wheredoyouwanttogo,andI’ll

meetyouthere.”

“Don’tbeabsurd.”HeopenedthepassengerdooroftheSUV.

Shegaveitadoubtfullook.“Gotaladder?”

“It’snotthathightoclimbupinto,”hesaidshortly.

Sheshruggedandgotinwithasmuchgraceaspossible.Heclosedthedoorbehindherwith

exaggeratedpatience.

Whenhewasbehindthewheel,hefastenedhisseatbeltandcheckedtomakesureshehadher

owninplacebeforehestartedthetruckandpulledoutintotraffic.Hedrovelikehedideverything
else,witheaseandmastery.Shelookedathisbeautifullean,brownhandsonthesteeringwheeland
rememberedhowtheyfeltonbareskin…

Sheshiftedinherseatandlookedoutoverthegoldengrassastheypassedpasturesscattered

withpumperwells,smallgrasshopper-shapedmachinesthatbroughtupoilfrombeneaththegrazing
pastures.Cattleploddedaroundbesidethemwithmagnificentunconcern.

“Thosetanksbarelylookhalffull,”sheremarked,eyeingtheconcretedepressionsthatcaught

rainwater,called“tanks”inTexas.

“Thedroughtishittingeverybodyhard.Ofcourse,somepeopledogetrain,aslongasthey

don’tneedit,”headded.

HeglancedatherfromunderthebroadbrimofhisStetson.“IspoketotheD.A.beforeIgotoff

duty.Shesaystheylikeyouoverthere.”

“Shocking,isn’tit?”shereplieddrolly.

“Thatisn’twhatImeant.”

Sheglancedtowardhimwithablandexpression.“Whatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”

“Howaconvictedmurderergotputonaworkdetail,”hesaid.

Shepursedherlips,watchingfencesandcattleandgrasshopper-shapedoilpumpersflyby.

“Nowthere’savalidquestion.Ididn’tthinktowonderaboutit,either,butit’snotexactlystandard
policytoletmurdererspickuptrashontheroadside.”

“Exactly.”Heglancedather.“Somethingmore—theWayneCorrectionalInstituteisn’tafederal

prison,either,it’sastateprison.Jenningswassenttofederalprison.”

“So,whatwasJenningsdoinginWayneatall,right?”

“Right.”Hepulledoffthehighwaytowardatruckstop.“Coffeeandaburgersuityou?That’s

aboutallIcanafforduntilpayday.”

“Ipaymyownway,Ranger,sosuityourself,”shesaidwithoutembarrassment.“Haveyoutalked

tothewarden?”

“Notyet.Butit’sprettyobviousthatsomebodypulledstringstogetJenningstransferredthere.”

Shewhistledsoftly.“Somestrings!”

“I’mwaiting.”

“Forwhat?”

“Fortheobviousinference—thattheTexaslieutenantgovernorprobablyhascontactswhocould

manageit.”

Shegavehimasteadyglance.“Whystatetheobvious?”

“Bibdidn’tkillHenryGarner,orDaleJennings,”hesaidfirmly.

“Nobodycouldeveraccuseyouofbeingdisloyaltoyourfriends,”sheremarked.“ButI’m

keepinganopenmindonthiscase,andyouhavetodothesame,”sheaddedfirmly,hereyessteady
onhisface.“We’rebothprejudicedinfavorofthepeoplewethinkare,orwere,innocent.Thathasto
makeusextracautiousaboutanyaccusations.”

“You’reverybroad-mindedforawomanwithyourpast,”hesaidcurtly.“AndIdon’tmeanthat

inaderogatoryway,”headdedquietly.“Ican’tquitefigureyouout.”

“Noneedtotry,”sheassuredhim.“We’redoingajobtogether,nothingmore.Whenwegetthe

culprit,I’llgobacktoAustinanddowhatIdobest.”

“Whichis?”heprompted.

“ProvidingaliaisonfromMr.Hart’sofficetodistrictattorneysaroundthestate.I’mverymuch

athomewithmynosestuckinafilingcabinetormyeargluedtothetelephone.”

“Thatisn’twhatyoutrainedtodoatcollege.”

Sheshrugged.“I’mnotsuitedtofieldwork”wasallshewasgoingtoadmit.“Ifyoudon’tmind,

I’mrathertired.I’dliketogetthepreliminarydiscussionoutofthewayandgobacktomyroom.It’s
beenalongday.”

Hedidn’treply.Hepulledintothetruckstopandcutofftheengine.Shenoticedthathedidn’t

offertoopenthepassengerdoorforher.Brannonhadbeenraisedwithexquisitemannersbyhislate
mother,andwhilehewasMr.ConservativewiththeimagehegaveasaTexasRanger,hewas
emphaticallynotpoliticallycorrectinsomeareas.Itwasasmuchhisnaturetoopendoorsforwomen
andwalkonthetrafficsideofthemasitwastorestthatcannonofa.45caliberrevolverheworeon
hishiponanemptycylinder.Sonotofferingtoopenherdoorwasmeanttosting.Sheopenedit
herselfandignoredtheintendedinsult.

Heledthewaytoaboothinthebackoftherestaurant,withnodinersnearby.Awaitresscameat

once,youngandprettyandclearlydelightedtohaveBrannonathertable.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”sheaskedenthusiastically.

Brannongrinnedather.Itchangedhiswholeappearance.Helookedhandsomeandroguishallat

once.Itwasthewayhe’dlookedatJosettetwoyearsago.“Coffeewithcream,aribeyesteak,
mediumrare,andahousesaladwithThousandIslanddressing.”

“Noproblem.”ShelookedatJosettewithatoneddownmutationofthesmile.“Andyou,

ma’am?”

“Coffee,black,andthehousesaladwithranchdressingontheside.”

“It’llberightup.I’llgetyourcoffeenow.”ShegaveBrannonanothershylyfascinatedsmileand

hurriedaway.

“Thatsilverstargetsthemeverytime,”Josettedrawled,noddingtowardhiscircleandstar

TexasRangerbadge.

Heleanedbackwithonelongarmoverthevinylofthebooth,stretchingthefabricofhisshirt

overthosehair-roughenedmusclesthatsherememberedwithsuchpainfulvividness.“Ifthereweren’t
afewwomenleftwholikedmen,thenextgenerationwouldbesparse.”Hesmiledcoldly.“Notallof
yourgenderarehappilyfollowingtheirradicalleadersandtheirman-hatingagenda.Makeup-free
lemmings,”headdedtogetariseoutofher,“playingfollow-the-leaderoffacliff.”

“Somemeninspirewomentostartrevolutions,Brannon,”shepointedout.

“Oh,Idon’tknow.Iclosedadoorinawoman’sfacejustyesterday.”Hesmiled,watchingher,

waitingforareaction.

Hewasabsolutelygorgeous,shethought,watchinghim.Hedidn’tlooklikethesortofmanwho

likedtoplay,buthedid.Sherememberedhimwithsometeenagersoncampusduringanimpromptu
gameofbasketball;throwingsticksforoneofhisdogsonhisownranch.Hecouldbeas
mischievousasanyoneofhiscowboys.Buttherewereonlytracesofthatmaninhimnow.Hewasn’t
justmakingconversation.Hewasprobingforweaknesses.SoJosettewasnotgoingtogetintoa
verbalsparringmatchwithhim.Hecouldkeephisgood-old-boyprejudicesuntilhairgrewoutofhis
ears,forallshecared.

“IwanttoknowhowJenningsgotoutofamaximumsecurityprison,intoastatefacility,and

thenplacedonaworkdetail,”shesaidinsteadofgracinghisremarkswithareply.Herdarkeyesmet
hisgrayonesevenly.“Whoeverwasbehindit,thatwouldtakemorethanmereinfluence.Money
changedhands.Alotofmoney.”

“I’mstilllookingforamotive,”hesaid,irritatedthatshewouldn’trageathim.Hehatedthat

even,calmtone.Thewomanhe’dknowntwoyearsago,evenwithhertragicbackground,hadbeen
feistyandhappyandfullofthejoyoflife.Hereyeshadmadelovetohiseverytimehe’dlookedat
her.Now,theywereemptyeyes.Theywerepaintedwindowswiththecurtainsdrawn.

“Ifwecanfindtheevidence,wecanfindthemurderer,”shereturned,pausingwhilethewaitress

returnedwithtwomugsofsteamingcoffeeandfourlittleroundtubsofhalf-and-halfforBrannon.
Thewaitressgavehimyetanotherdeliberatesmile.

Brannontooktimetoreturnthesmile,andwink.Thewaitressblushed,abreathlesslittlegiggle

escapingfromherlipsbeforeshecontinuedtothenexttable,whereanothercouplewasjustsettling
in.ThebackoftheboothbowedbehindJosetteandsheshifted,uncomfortablyclosetothetableedge.
Itdidn’tbotherherthathewasflirtingwiththewaitress.Itdidn’t!

Withanamusedglance,Brannonbusiedhimselfwiththecreamandsugar,doctoringhiscoffee

untilitwasjusttherightcolorandsweetness.Hetasteditwithhisspoonbeforeheplacedthespoon
carefullydownonanapkinandliftedthemugtohislips.

“Themotiveisprettyobvious,”hesaidafteraminute,settingthemugdowncarefullyonthe

Formicatabletop.“Jenningshadsomethingincriminatinginhispossession.”

“Iagree.”Shesippedherownblackcoffeethoughtfully,notingtherich,strongtasteofitwith

pleasure.Insomanyrestaurants,coffeewaslikelukewarmbrownwater.Sheoftenimaginedthe
cooksputtingcoffeeintoaclothsackanddraggingitacrossthesurfaceofwaterinacoffeeurn.The
imageamusedherandshesmiledtoherself.

“Somethingfunny?”heasked.

She’dforgottenhowobservanthewas.Nothingmadeitpastthosequickpaleeyes.Sherecalled

thathe’dspentthepastfourteenyearsofhislifeinlawenforcement.

“Iwasthinkingaboutthecoffee,actually,”sheconfessed,andtoldhimwhatshe’dbeenthinking.

Hisfirmlipspursedinafaintsmile.“That’swhyIliketoeathere,”heremarked,raisingthe

mugdeliberately.“Evenwhenthefoodisn’tperfect,thecoffeealwaysis.”Hetookasipandputthe
mugbackdown.“IwenttoseeMrs.Jenningsthismorning,”headdedunexpectedly.“She’sina
downtownmission.Shedoesn’tevenhavethepriceofaphonecall.”

Hisexpressiontoldherhowhefeltaboutthat.Despitehisfaults,Brannonhadasoftheart.

“Daledidn’tgiveheranythingtokeepforhim,didhe?”

“Nowthat’saninterestingquestion,”hereplied.“Becausethehouseshe’downedwasransacked

justbeforeshewasevicted.Shewastakentothemissionbyasocialworker.Thewomanwasgoingto
driveherbacktoheroldhomeandhelphercollectherthings,butwhentheygotthere,thehousewas
alreadydestroyedinafire.Notatoothpickwassalvaged.”

Josettefrowned.“Justincasetheymissedsomething,theycoveredalltheirbases.Iftheevidence

wasthere,itwentupinsmoke.”

“Idon’tthinktheyknowwhereitis,”hereplied.“IfMrs.Jenningsdidn’thaveit,shestillmay

knowwhereitis,evenifshewouldn’tadmititwhenIaskedher.Thefirecouldhavebeenanot-so-
subtlewarningthatshe’dbettercooperate.Italkedtothepolicechiefhereandaskedhimtohavehis
menkeepaneyeonthemissionwhentheycould.Theydon’thaveabudgetforfull-time
surveillance,”headdedimpatiently.“Theyhardlygetenoughtocoverthebarenecessities.”

“It’slikethateverywhere,”Josettesaid.“Ifwespenttwopercentasmuchmoneyonlaw

enforcementandpovertyaswedoonfinancialaidtoothercountries,wewouldn’thaveanycrime.”

“Andnolittlekidswouldhavetogohungry,”hesaid.Heshrugged.Hispaleeyescaughthers

andhedidn’tsmile.“Bothofusknowaboutpoverty.”

Shesmiledwistfully.“Don’twe,though?Andnowyoursister,Gretchen’s,theequivalentofa

queen.”

“Shecarriesitwell,”hepointedoutwithasigh.“Wealthandpowerhaven’tchangedher.She’s

doingalotofgoodinQawifortheunderprivileged,andtheUNrecentlyaskedhertodofund-raising
workforthem.”

“She’llbeanatural.”

ItdisturbedhimhowmuchJosetteknewabouthisfamily,hishistory.Sheprobablyknewthathis

fatherdranklikeafishandhadthebusinesssenseofafrog,too.Onlyhisprematuredeathinacorral
hadsavedthefamilyranchfromcertainbankruptcy.Therewerenorealsecretsinhishometownof
Jacobsville,Texas.

“WhatarewegoingtodoaboutMrs.Jennings?”Josetteaskedabruptly.“She’sboundtobea

continuingtargetiftheperpetratordidn’tgetwhatheorshewaslookingfor.”

Henodded.“IfIweretheperpetrator,Iwouldn’tassumethatsomethingIcouldn’tfindwasina

house,evenifItorchedit.I’dfindawaytomakeMrs.Jenningstalk.”

Shegrimaced.“That’snotahearteningthought.Gotanyideas,beyondscantysurveillance?”

“Gladyouasked.YoucanhaveMrs.Jenningsmoveintoyourhotelwithyouforthenextcouple

ofweeksandkeepaneyeonher,”hesaid.

“Greatidea.Butwho’sgoingtopayforthat?Ourbudgetwon’tstandit,”shesaid,aghast.

“GetGriertotalktotheD.A.foryou.Ifhetakesthetroubletoaskforthings,theyusuallygiveit

tohimwithoutanyargument.”

“Grier?”sheasked,knowingthenamerangabellbutunabletoplaceit.

“CashGrier.He’sthecybercrimeexpertwiththeD.A.’sofficehere.”Heeyedhercuriously.

“Youhaven’tmethim?”

“No.TheyputmeintheofficewithhimatanotherdeskandsaidI’dworkoutofit,butthat’s

aboutalltheysaid.Well,exceptthatImustn’tbelieveeverythingIheardabouthim.Hewasoutofthe
officeallday.”

“You’llhearplenty.Heworkedforus,justbriefly,buthehatedthecommandingofficer,sohe

quit.”

“Thatmakestwoofyou,”shecouldn’tresistsaying.

Hedidn’ttellhertherealreasonhe’dlefttheRangers.Histemporarycommandingofficertwo

yearsagowastheobviousone—mostofthemenhadhatedhim.“Bullermadealotofenemies.He
wasallowedtoresign,justafterhelostGrierandmebothatonce,”hesaidshortly.“Damned
paperclip-countingbureaucrat.Thehigh-upswantedtoknowwhywehadsuchaturnoverinthis
office,soafterIleft,thestafftoldthem.Straightup.Bullerwasn’tfired,buthewascautionedthatif
hedidn’tvoluntarilyresign,he’dregretit.”

“Ouch.Iguesshehadskeletonsinhiscloset.”

“Bullerwasthesinglebadappleweeverhadinouroutfit,”hesaidproudly,“andhewasbarely

theretwomonths,justfillingin.Butweallhaveskeletons,”hesaidquietly,andwithoutmeetingher
eyes.Hefinishedthelastswallowofhiscoffee.Itleftafaint,pleasantbitternessonhistongue.

“Somebodyhasabigskeleton,andifwedon’tfindit,DaleJenningsisgoingtohavealotof

company,whereverhewentinthehereafter.”

Henodded.“IphonedJonesoveratthemedicalexaminer ’soffice,butshe’sgotbodiesstacked

up.Shesaidthestaff’sonovertimeanditwillbeanothertwenty-fourhoursbeforetheforensic
pathologistgetstoworkonourDB.Thatmeansit’llbeinthemorningbeforewegetmuchabout
Jennings’sautopsy.”

“Jones.”Shepursedherlips.“Youwouldn’tmean,byanychance,AliceMayfieldJonesfrom

Floresville?”

Hiseyebrowsarched.“Youknowher?”

Shechuckled.“Shewasatcollegewithme,”shesaid.Hersomberexpressionlightenedjustfora

fewseconds.“Shewasagreatprankster.”

“Shehasn’tchangedmuch,”Brannontoldher.

Hissalad,andhers,arrived,andsodidhissteak.Forafewminutestheyatewithoutspeaking.

Bothrefuseddessert,andovertheirsecondcupsofcoffee,theygotbacktothesubjectofJennings.

“IthinkthatJennings’smurderisconnectedtoHenryGarner ’s,”Josettesaid.

“Why?”

“Becauseoftheamountofmoneyinvolved.”

“Don’tsayawordaboutBibWebb,”hecautionedcoldly.

“Youstopthat,”shesaidirritably,glaringathim.“Everybody,andImeaneverybody,isa

suspect.Youhavetobealawenforcementofficerinthisinvestigation.Period.Youcan’taffordtobe
prejudiced.Notinyourposition.”

Healmostgroundhisteeth,buthehadtoadmitthatshehadapoint.“Okay,”heconceded.

Hereyessoftened.“Iknowhe’syourfriend,”shesaidgently.“Iknowyoudon’twanttodo

anythingthatmighthurthim.”

Hehesitated.“Youdon’tknowhimthewayIdo,”hesaidquietly.“HelovedHenryGarner.The

oldmanwasmorelikeafathertohimthanhisownfathereverwas.Bib’sfatherdesertedthefamily
whenhewasjustakid.Hehadtosupporthismotherandsisterbeforehewasevenoutofhighschool.
Afterhismotherdied,helookedafterhissister,untilshediedofadrugoverdose.Notonesingle
personhadeverdoneadamnedthingforBib—exceptHenry.Hecouldn’tevencometoHenry’s
funeral,”headded.

Josettenodded.She’dknownthat.Sheassumeditwasguilt,ofasort.

“Itwasn’tpublicized,butwehadtohaveadoctorcomeouttosedatehim,”headded.

“Becauseofthegrief,”shebegan.

“Hell,no!”heshotback.“Becausehewasraginglikeahomicidalmaniac!Hethoughtithadto

besomeofJennings’smobcontacts,thatJenningshadarrangedthemurderbecauseheknewHenry
wasgoingtofirehim.HewantedtothrottleJenningswithhisbarehands.IttooktwoshotsofValium
toputhimtosleep,atthat.Andwhenhecamearound,hecouldn’tstopcryingforanothertwodays.
HehatedJennings.”

Josettedidn’tmentiontheobvious,thatitgavehimamotiveforJennings’sdeath.Butsomething

abouttheepisodeunsettledher.SherememberedBibWebb’swife,Silvia,atthefuneral,dressedina
blackVersacesuit,smilingattheothermourners.

“Webb’swifehasveryexpensivetastes,”sheremarkedwithoutthinking.

“SilvialostherbrotherandherfatherjustbeforeshestartedgoingoutwithBib.Shewasonthe

streetandshedidn’tevenhavethepriceofapairofshoeswhenshewassixteen,andBibmarried
her.”

“That’syoungtomarry,”shesaidwarily.

“Hethoughtshewastwenty.Atanyrate,shewasoldenoughtobepregnantwithBib’schild,”he

replied.Hedidn’tlikeSilvia,anditshowed.

“Ididn’tknowtheyhadachild,”shesaid.

“Theydon’t.Shemiscarried,”hereplied.“Atbarelytwomonths.Shewentonashoppingtripto

Dallasandapparentlyfelldownsomestairsatthehotelwhereshewasstaying.Shesaidthedoctor
toldhershecouldneverhaveotherchildrenbecauseofthedamageitdid.”

Josettealmostsaid,howconvenient,butshewashavingenoughtroublewithBrannonasitwas.

Shereallycouldn’tpictureSilviaasamother;thewomanwastooselfish.

“She’sverypossessive,isn’tshe?”shemurmuredabsently.“Thenightoftheparty,shehardlylet

herhusbandoutofhersightforaminute.”

“She’slikethat.”Hestudiedher,toyingwithhisemptymug.“Shewaswithhimallevening,I

suppose?”

“Actuallyshewasn’t,”shesaidhonestly.“DalewentoutsideandIdidn’tseehimorSilviafor

severalminutes.Whentheycameback,separately,DalewaspreoccupiedandSilvia’shairwas
windblown.IrememberthatyourfriendBibwasdancingwithaneatlittlebrunetteinarather
conservativedress,andSilviaalmostmadeasceneoveritwhenshesawthem.”

“BeckyWilson,”hemurmured,rememberingWebb’spersonalassistant.Shewasusuallyinvited

toparties,overSilvia’sconstantobjections.“WasthisbeforeorafteryoutalkedtoHenryGarner?”

“After,”shesaid.“Iwenttogetsomepunchtodrinkandstartedtalkingtoanotherwomanguest

atthepunchbowl.Afewminuteslater,IlookedaroundtoseewhereMr.Garnerwas,butIcouldn’t
findhim.JustafterthatIrealizedthatthepunchwasspiked.IgotverysickandSilviaofferedtodrive
mehome.”Hereyesweresad.“IlikedMr.Garner.Hewashonestandgentleandkind.Allhetalked
aboutwasBibWebbandwhatahardlifehe’dhad.Hereallylovedhim.”

“Itwasmutual,”Brannonsaidroughly.“WhywereyouwithGarner?Wasn’tJenningsyour

date?”Itwasdifficulttotalkaboutthat.Atthetime,whenheknewfromcourttestimonythatshe’d
acceptedadatewithJenningsonlydaysafterthey’dbrokenup,he’dbeendevastated.

“DaleandIwereacquaintancesandheneededadatefortheparty,”shesaidhonestly,having

decidedthatlieswerenowaytodealwithproblems.“Iwentjusttomakeupthenumbers.Dalewas
pleasantenough,andIdidn’tknowabouthismobconnectionsuntilthatnight.HenryGarnertoldme
aboutthem.”

“Toldyouwhat,exactly?”heasked,perkingup.

“Thathe’dcometothepartyexclusivelytofireDalebecauseofatheftathishouse.He’dput

somethingupinhissafeandithadbeenremoved.”

Brannonalmostheldhisbreath.“Bingo!”heexclaimed.

ChapterSix

“I

don’tunderstand,”Josettesaid,frowning.

Brannonleanedforward,hisbig,leanhandsclaspedtogetheraroundhisemptycoffeemug.

“Listentowhatyousaid,Josette—GarnerwasgoingtofireJenningsbecausehethoughtJennings
stolesomethingfromhim.WhatifGarnerwaskillednotbecauseofhiswealthanditsbeneficiaries,
butbecausehehadevidenceofsomecriminaldealings?Whatifthemurdererkilledhimtosilence
him,andthencouldn’tfindtheevidencehehad?”

“Oh,that’schilling,”shereplied.“That’sreallychilling.”

“Itputsawholenewlightonthings,”heagreed.“Maybewewerelookinginthewrongdirection

altogetheratJennings’strial.”

“Idon’tbelieveDaledidit,”shebegan.

“AndIdon’tbelieveBibdid.”Hecockedaneyebrowandhiseyeslosttheirhardglare.“Maybe

we’rebothright.”

Shenoddedslowly.Thenshenoddedenthusiastically.“Maybeweare!”

Brannonwarmedtohissubject.“SupposeHenryGarnerhadevidenceofwrongdoing,and

threatenedtogotothepolicewithit.Hewaskilledandthemurderercouldn’tfindtheevidence.
SupposeJenningsdidstealit,andhidit,figuringhe’duseitforblackmailinsteadofbringingthe
culpritorculpritstojustice.”

“That’salotof‘supposes.’”Butshebegantoseethelight.“AndDaleJenningsdeniedthathe’d

committedthemurder…”

“Onlyatfirst,”heremindedher.“Hedenieditandthen,allofasudden,hehadhislawyerplea-

bargainforareducedsentencebyadmittingtoalesserchargethanmurderone.Why?”

Hereyesbrightened.“Someoneofferedhimsomething,”sheguessed.“Money.”

“Money.That’sagoodplacetostartlooking.”Hetwirledhisemptymugonthetable,thinking.

“Butiftherewasapayoff,whywaitanothertwoyearstokillhim?”

“Hismother,”shesaidatonce.“She’djustbeenswindledoutofherlifesavingsandwasleft

homelessandimpoverished,andaninvalid.Hemighthavecontactedtheperpetratoranddemanded
moremoney.Thistimemaybeheofferedtogiveuptheevidence.Maybehe’donlyaskedfora

moderateamountbeforeandwhenheheardabouthismother ’scondition,heaskedformoremoney.
Alotmore.Forhismother.”

“Notbad,”Brannonmused.Hispaleeyestwinkledather,astheyhadintheolddays,beforethey

wereenemies.“Everthoughtofdevotingyourselftolawenforcementasacareer?”

Shegavehima“duh”stareandfinishedherowncoffee.“Ithinkwe’reontosomething.Where

dowestart?”

“Atthemostlikelyplace.Let’sfindoutwhowasincontactwithJenningsinprisonbesideshis

attorney.”

Shepulledasmallnotepadoutofherpurseandflippedthepages.“Ihavealistofhis

correspondentsandthenamesofpeoplehephoned—addressesandtelephonenumbers.”Shehanded
ittohim.

Hegaveheranarrowglare.“Youshouldhavebeenadoctor.Nobodycouldreadthis!”

“Everybody’sacritic,”shemurmured,takingitback.“FirstnameonthelistisJackHolliman.

HelivesinFloresville,southeastofhereinWilsonCounty.He’sDale’suncle.”

Brannonraisedaneyebrow.“Convenient,thathelivessoclosetotheprison.”

“Probablytooconvenient,butwehavetostartsomewhere.”Shepickedupherticketandgotto

herfeet.Hedidthesame.Theypaidfortheirmealsinsilencebeforetheywalkedbackouttohis
utilityvehicle.

Minuteslater,theypulledintothelongdrivewayofasmallranch.Thefenceswerefallingdown.

Thedirtroadwasfullofpotholes.Whentheypulledupatthesmallhouse,theycouldseethepeeling
paintandmissingporchrails.

Astheygotoutofthecarandstartedupthesteps,ashotgunbarrelsnakedoutthecrackeddoor

andtherewerethesoundsoftriggersbeingcocked.Josettehesitated.

Brannonnevermissedastep.“TexasRangers!”Brannonannouncedinacurttone,andkept

walking.“IfyoupumpanybuckshotintomeandIdon’tdieonthespot,you’lllivetoregretit!”

Thehammersquicklyuncockedandthedooropened.Alittleoldman,bentwithageandwhite-

haired,peeredathisshirtthroughpaleblueeyes.“Yep,that’saRangerbadge,allright,”hesaidina
thin,raspyvoice.“Well,comein.Ireckonyouwon’tbetryingtoplugme,”headdedwithalaugh.

Theinsideofthehousewasasgloomyastheoutside.Itsmelledofpipesmokeandburning

woodandsweat.Itwashot,buttheoldmanseemednottonotice.Hesatdowngingerlyinarocking
chairgracedbyanembroideredcushionandafaded,colorfulafghan.Hemotionedhisvisitorstothe
onlyothertwochairsintheroom,cane-bottomedandflimsy-lookingwithcushionsthatlookedasif
theyhadn’teverseensoap.Infact,sodidtheoldman.

“We’relookingforJackHolliman,”Brannonsaid,easingdownintothechairandleaning

forward,hissteely-grayeyesunblinking.

“That’sme,”theoldmansaidheavily.“Iguessyoucameaboutmynephew,Dale.”Theoldman

grimaced.“Hellofawayforamantodie,warn’tit?”hedrawled.“Shotlikeadoginanalley.Hewas
thelastfamilyIhad,exceptformysister.”

“DaleJenningswasyouronlynephew?”Josetteasked.

“Yep,”hesaid.“Mykidsister ’sonlychild.Hispa’sbeendeadsincehewasten.Hismacouldn’t

fixwhathispadidtohim.”Hispalebluegazedroppedtothewornrugonthefloor.“Hispawas
alwaysinsomesortoftrouble,rightuptillthedayhedied.Hetaughttheboyhowtobreakthelaw.”

“Doyouknowofanyonewhomighthavewantedtokillyournephew?”Brannonaskedquietly.

“No,”hesaidatonce.“IknowtheyallsaidhekilledthatGarnerfellow,butIneverbelievedit.

Dalemightforgeacheckorstealacreditcard,somethinglikethat,togetmoneyforhisma,buthe
neverwouldhavekilledanybody.Hewasthesortwho’dstoptohelpahurtanimalandgive
everythinghehadonhimtopayavettosaveit.”

“Iknow,”Josettesaidquietly,andwithoutlookingatBrannon.“HeandIwereacquaintances,”

sheelaborated.“Ineverthoughthewasamurderer,either.NowIwanttoknowwhokilledhim.Ifyou
canthinkofanythingthatmighthelpustrackdownthepersonwhoshothim,we’dbegrateful.”

Theoldmanpursedhisthinlipsandnoddedslowly.“Iwrotetohiminprison.Hewasabad

letterwriter,buthedidsendmeacardlastmonth.I’llgetit.”Hegotupwithobviouspain,grimacing
ashewenttoasmalltableandopenedthedrawer.Hepulledoutacard-sizeenvelopewithhisaddress
onthefrontandhandedittoJosette.

Sheopenedit.Thecard,alandscape,waswritteninbadhandwriting.Thenotewasverybrief,

mostlyaskingabouttheoldmanandrecallingthelasttimehe’dbeentoseehim,beforehewas
arrestedforGarner ’smurderandahorsebackrideheandtheoldmanhadtakentoabubblingspring
inapasture.

“Heneverstoppedtalkingaboutthatlasttimewerodetogether,”herecalledsadly.“Iremember

hebroughthisownsaddle,haditmadespecial,sohecouldridewhenIdid.”Hesmiledsheepishly.
“SinceIgotdownwithmyhip,money’sbeentight.Ikepttwohorses,butIonlyhadtheonesaddle.”
Hesatbackdownwithasigh.“Stillgottheonehebrought,”herecalled.“It’sfancy,evengothand-
tooledsaddlebags.”Heshookhishead.“Healwayslovedthisoldplace,lovedthecountry.Hestayed
intowntolookaftermysister,whenshewassobadsick.Hemighthavebeenwild,buthealways
lookedafterhismama.Wouldhavelefttheranchtohim,ifthingshadbeendifferent.Ijustsoldoff
myhorseslastweek.IguessI’llsellthesaddleaswell.Nobodyneedsitanymore.”

BrannonturnedthecardoverinhishandsandthenpasseditovertoJosette.

“Ican’tgetintouchwithmysister,”theoldmansaid.“NotsinceshetoldmeaboutDale.Would

gotothefuneral,butthereain’tnobodytodriveme.Shesaidshe’dcallmeupandtellmeaboutit,
after.ButnowIcan’tcallher.Thephoneatherhouseisdisconnected.Issheallright?”

BrannonandJosetteexchangedwaryglances.

Helookedsofrailthattheyhatedtellinghim.

“She’sallright,”Josettesaidatonce.“Butherhousecaughtfireandburned.Shehasaniceplace

now,inaretirementvillage.I’llgethertelephonenumber,oroneofherneighbors’,andsenditto
you.”

Hesighedwearily.“Thankyou,girl,”hesaidinadefeatedtone.“Lookslikeeverything’sgoing.

Neverthoughtgettingoldwouldbelikethis,thatI’dbesocrippledIcouldn’tdoanythingfor
myself.”HispaleeyesmetJosette’s.“Don’ttakelifeforgranted,younglady.Squeezeeverydropout
ofit,whileyoucan.”

Shesmiled.“Itryto.”

Brannontookthecardbackfromher.“Idon’tguessyouknowanyofJennings’sfriendsorco-

workers?”

“Co-workers?Neverknewtheboytohavebutonejob,workingforthatoldmanwhogot

killed,”Hollimansaid.“Hesurewasproudofthatjob.Thelasttimehewasuphere,though,hesaid
somethingstrange,”heremembered,frowning.“Saidhe’ddonesomethinghewishedhehadn’t.
Wantedtoprotecttheoldmanfromsomesortofthreat,”hecontinued.“Hesaidhehopedhe’ddone
therightthing.”HeglancedatBrannon.“Anyideawhatthatmeant?”

“Notyet,”Brannonsaid,gettingtohisfeet.“ButIwillhave.That’sapromise.We’llbeintouch

aboutyoursister.She’sallright.”

Hollimanslowlygottohisfeet.“Thanksforstoppingby.Uh,sorryabouttheshotgun,”he

added.“Daletoldmetokeepmydoorslockedandwatchifstrangerscamearound.Neverknewwhy,
butitseemedlikegoodadvice,justthesame.”

“Noproblem.Noneedtowalkusout,”Brannonadded.“I’lllockthedooraswego.Youdohave

aphone?”

Theoldmanpointedtoit.“Notthatitwouldbemuchuseifanybodymeantmeharm,wayout

hereinthesticks,”headdedmeaningfully.“ButIgotmyshotgun.”

Brannongavehimanevenlook.“Gotadog?”

“Can’ttakecareofone.”

“Keepthatshotgunclose,andyourdoorslocked,”Brannontoldhim.“I’llaskthesherifftoget

hisdeputiestoincreasetheirpatrolsoutthisway.”

Hollimansmiled.“Thanks,son.”

Brannonglancedatthewallandhesitatedwiththedoorknobinhishand.“Jenningsisbeing

buriedtomorrowat2:00p.m.Ifyouwanttogo,sayso.I’llcomeandgetyou.”

Theoldmanswallowedhard.“You’ddothatforastranger?”

Brannontouchedanold,wornpistolandholsterthatJosettehadn’tevennoticed,hangingona

nailbesidethedoor.Hangingonthenailwithitwasafaded,wornsilverTexasRangerbadge.“We
aren’tstrangers,”hesaidquietly.

Hollimannodded.“ThenI’dliketogo.Thanks.”

“Noproblem.I’llbehereatone-thirty.”

“Thankyouforgivingussomuchofyourtime,Mr.Holliman,”Josettesaid.

“Notmuchelsetodowithit,excepttalk,”hereplied,andgrinned.

ShesmiledbackandwaitedforBrannonontheporch,whilehepushedthelockandclosedthe

doorfirmlybehindhim.

“Ididn’tevennoticetheholster,”sheconfessed.“You’reobservant.”

“Youmightbeforgivenfornotthinkingso,consideringthemistakesI’vemade,”hesaidtersely.

Sheletthatgo.“Doyouthinksomeonemighthurthim?”sheaskedastheygotbackintothe

blackSUV.

“Amurdererwho’skilledtwicewon’thesitate.Afterall,hecanonlybeexecutedonce,”he

repliedashestartedthevehicle.“We’veseenevidenceofhowdesperateheistogetwhatever
Jenningshadonhim.Anyonewho’sconnectedwithJennings,inanyway,isindanger.AndIstill
thinkJakeMarshisuptohisneckinit.”

Shewrappedherarmsaroundherchest.Itwasn’tchilly,butshewasrememberingpooroldMrs.

Jennings.“Dale’smother ’shousehasbeenransackedandshe’sbeenburnedout.Surelythemurderer
won’tbotherheragain.”

Hegaveheraquickglanceashepulledoutontothehighway.“Hewillifhethinkssheknows

something.That’sjustMarsh’sstyle,ifitishim.”

“Lord,”shewhisperedhuskily,lookingoutthewindow.“Whatafearfulthing,tobeoldand

helplessandhavenothing.”

“Todate,we’vebeenlivinginacountrythatpunishesage.”

Shesmiledsadly.“Iguess.”

“Hellofashame,amanlikeHolliman,whospenthislifeprotectingotherpeople,hastolive

likethat,”hecommentedastheydrovealong.Hisfacewassomber.“Therearehundredslikehim,not
justinTexas,butalloverthecountry,menwhoputtheirlivesonthelineeverydaytosaveothers.
Andthisishowthey’rerepaid,withretirementandSocialSecuritythatisn’tevenenoughtopayfor
theirmedicine,mostofthetime.”

“Thatisn’tright.”

“Don’tgetmestarted,”hecautioned.Hemadeanotherturn,andtheywereontheroadbackto

SanAntonio.

Therewasalong,tensesilence.Josettefeltwornandwrinkled.Thepasttwodayshadbeenso

rushedthatshe’dhardlyslept.Itwasbeginningtocatchupwithher.

Henoticedherlackofanimation.“We’llgoseeMrs.Jenningstomorrow,afterthefuneral,”he

said.“Meanwhile,I’mgoingtotalktothewardenatthestateprison.”

“Doyouthinkhe’llknowwhopulledthestringstogetJenningsassignedthere?”sheasked

drowsily.

“Notreally.Buthemayhavecontactswhocanfindout,”hereplied.“Thiswholethingisfishy.I

don’tseehowasystemwithsomanychecksandbalancescanletaconvictedmurdererslipthrough
thecracks.”

“Moneytalks,”shemurmured,closinghereyes.

Heglancedather,noticingthenewlinesinheryoungface.Hertraumaticlifewaswrittenthere.

She’dmadeoneerrorinjudgment,andithadtormentedhereversince.Hehadn’thelped,withhis
certaintythatshe’dtriedtoframethelocalpolitician’ssonforrape.Hewassorrythathe’dhelpedget
theboyoff.Itwassomethinghewasn’tevergoingtobeabletojustify,especiallyconsideringthefact
thathe’dseenheratthatparty,halfnakedandcoweringandsobbing,sosickandafraidthatshe
wasn’tevencoherent.Hehatedhisowntreatmentofherlaterevenmore.

“Didyoueverfindoutwhattheboygaveyouatthatpartywhenyouwerefifteen?”heasked,

thinkingaloud.

“Yes,”shemurmured,toodrowsytoprotestthequestion.“Theforerunnerofthedate-rape

drug.”

Hestiffened.“OfallthemistakesI’veevermadeinmylife,Iregrethelpingthatboygetoffthe

most.Ishouldhaveknownbetter.”

“It’sallancienthistory,Brannon,”shesaidimpassively.“Wecan’tchangeanything.”

“IwishtoGodIcould,”hesaidharshly.“Irushedtojudgmentaboutyou.I’veruinedyourlife.”

“Ihelped,”shereturnedwithoutlookingathim.“Ideliberatelyleftthehouseatnighttogoto

whatIknewwouldbeawildparty.Iwasrebellingagainstmystodgyoldparents.Andguesswhat?
Theywererightallalong.Iwastooyoungtohandleexperiencedboysandalcoholanddrugs.
BecauseofwhatIdid,theirliveswereruined,too.Dadcouldn’tkeephisjobinJacobsville.Wehadto
move,andhehadtotakeabigcutinsalary.Theydiedalotyoungerthantheyprobablywouldhave,”
sheaddedgruffly.“AllbecauseIdidn’tlikehavingruleswhennobodyelsedid.”

Hisjawclenched.Hefeltasguiltyaboutthatasshedid.She’dbeentooyoungtoknowbetter,

andhe’dbeenayoungpoliceofficerwhowasstilllearninghowtosizeupsuspects.Hehadn’tdonea

verygoodjobwithJosette’sassailant.

Hishandscontractedonthesteeringwheel.“WhatIhatemostisthatifithadbeenGretchen,I

wouldn’thavebeensoquicktobelievehim.”

“YoursisterhadbettersensethanIdid,atthesameage,”shemused.“Gretchenwasalways

matureforherage.Iguessthatwasbecauseyourmotherwasillsomuch.Youlostyourfatherwhen
youwereyoung,didn’tyou?”

“Yes.Welosthim,”hesaidinanoddtone.“Gretchenlookedafterourmotherwhenshewasin

theterminalstagesofcancer.Ifeltbadaboutthat.IwaswiththeFBIthen,andworkingundercover.I
couldn’tevencomehome.”

“IneverunderstoodwhyyoulefttheRangers,”shecommented.“Youneverwantedanythingas

muchasthatjob,andthenjustasyouweregettingpromotions,youquit.Justlikethat.”

“Iquitbecauseofyou.”

Sheblinked.Perhapsshewashearingthings.“Excuseme?”

“Eventhoughyouseemedtobeadecentsortofwoman,therewasalwaysapartofmethat

thoughtyou’dbeenlyingabouttherape—thatyouwerescaredandaccusedtheboytoexonerate
yourself.”Hestoppedataredlight,andhiseyesunderthebrimofhishatpinnedherface.“ThenI
madelovetoyou.”

Shefeltherwholebodygohotwiththememory.Herfacewasrigid,butherhands,onthe

briefcaseinherlap,jerked.

“Whatarevelationthatwas,”hesaidcurtly.“Hecouldn’thaverapedyouifhe’dtried,notinthe

conditionyouwerein.”

“Couldwenottalkaboutthat,please?”sheaskedtightly,avertingherface.

Heglaredatthetrafficlight,whichwasstillred.“ThatwaswhenIknewjusthowfaultymy

judgmentreallywas,”hecontinued,asifshehadn’tspoken.“Ihelpedthedefenseattorneyputthe
finalnailinyourcoffin,whenyouweretherealvictim.Everythingyousuffered,everythingyour
parentssuffered,couldbelaidrightatmydoor.Icouldn’tlivewithknowingthat.Ihadtogetaway.”

“Youdidagoodjobofthat,”shesaidstiffly.“Youcalledmenames,tookmehomeandwalked

away.ThenexttimeIsawyouwasincourt,atDaleJennings’strial.”Herexpressioncooled.

“Thentheprosecutingattorneytookmeapartonthewitnessstandandbrandedmealiar.”

“BibgavethatinformationtotheD.A.,”hesaidatonce.“Heremembereditfromearlyinour

friendship,becauseithadbotheredmeandItalkedaboutit.ButIwouldn’thaveuseditagainstyou.
Especially,”headdedharshly,“notafterwhatIknewaboutyou.Ididn’tknowtheyevenhad
knowledgeofituntilIhearditincourt.Andthenitwastoolatetostopit.”Henoticedthatthelight
wasgreenandputhisbootedfootdownontheacceleratorgently.Hefeltguttedasherememberedthe
painhe’dfeltatthetrial.“Aftertheprosecutiontookyouapartonthewitnessstand,youwouldn’t

evenlookatme.Icouldn’tblameyouforthat.I’ddoneenoughdamagealready.Afterward,itwasone
morereasontogetoutofSanAntonio.”

“Youcouldhavestayed,”shesaid,hervoicestrained.“MyparentsandImovedaway.”

“Anothermove,anotherjob,andyourfather ’sheartcouldn’ttakeit.”

“Lifehappens,Brannon,”shesaidwearily.“Maybeifithadn’tbeenthis,itwouldhavebeen

somethingelse.MyfatherwasfondofsayingGodalwayshasareasonforthings,thatHetestsusin
allsortsofways—thatHeevenusesotherpeopletodoitsometimes.That’swhyweshouldn’thold
grudges,hesaid.”Sheshruggedandshiftedthebriefcase.“Idon’tblameyouforwhathappened.Not
anymore.”

Whichwasfarmorethanhedeserved.Butwhatshewasn’tsayingwaspoignant—thatshestill

caredabouthim.Howcouldshe,afterwhathe’ddone?

Theywerebackinthecity.Heturnedontothestreetwhereherhotelwaslocatedandpulledupin

thecourtyard.

“DoyouwanttogotoJennings’sfuneraltomorrow?”heasked.

“Yes,”sherepliedatonce.“I’dliketoseeifIrecognizeanybodyinthecrowd.”

Hesmiledfaintly.“That’swhyIwanttogo.”

“Ifiguredthat.I’llseeyou…”

“I’llcomebyforyouaboutone,”hesaid.“ThenwecangooutandpickupHolliman.”

Shehesitated.Herfingerstracedapatternontheleathersurfaceofhercase.

“It’sthelogicalwaytodothings,Josette,”hesaidquietly.“Wehavetoworktogether.”

“Iknow.”Sheopenedthedoor.“Okay.I’llbeinthelobbyatone.”

“Maybebythen,I’llhaveanewlead,atleast.”

Shestudiedhimthroughtheopendoorasshehelditinonehand.“Idon’thavetotellyouthatit

needssomeonewithinfluencetoaccomplishamurderlikeDale’s.”

“I’mnotstupid,”heagreed.Hisgrayeyesnarrowed.“Doyoucarryapiece?”

Sheglaredathim.“No,andIwon’t.I’vegotanicelittleelectronicdeviceinmypursethatpacks

apowerfulpunch,andI’mnowimpunderfire.I’llgetby.”

“Agunissafer.”

“Onlyifyou’renotafraidofit,”sheremindedhim.“AndIamafraidofguns.Youwatchyour

ownback,Brannon.I’vehadalotofexperiencetakingcareofmyself.”

“Soyouhave.”

Sheclosedthedoorandturnedtowalkintothehotel.Henoticedthatshesmiledatthedoorman,

whowenttoopenthedoorforherwithamatchingsmile.Josettehadalwaysbeenlikethat,gentleand
friendlyandcompassionate.Itmadehimsicktorememberhistreatmentofher.

Hepulledoutofthedrivewayandbackontothestreet.Hereallyshouldgobytheoffice,buthe

wantedtotalktothewardenofthenearbystateprison.Hepulledoverintoaparkingspotandusedhis
mobilephonetogetthenumberanddialit.Hemadeanappointmentwiththewarden,whohadthe
afternoonfree,beforehepulledbackoutintothestreetandturnedontheroadthatledtoFloresville.

Josettewentintoherhotelroomandcollapsedononeofthetwodoublebeds.Shewaswornto

thebone.Abathwasjustwhatsheneeded,tosootheherachingmuscles.

Sheuncoiledherhairandletitloose.Unfurled,itreacheddowntoherhipsinback.Itwasdark

blond,soft,faintlywavy.Ifonlyshe’dbeenpretty,too,thathairwouldhavemadeherlikeasiren,she
theorized.But,then,theonlymanshe’deverwantedtoattractwasBrannon,andthatdoorhadbetter
stayclosed.

Shetouchedherthroatandclosedhereyes.Evenaftertwoyears,shecouldfeelBrannon’shard,

warmmouthonherthroat,workingitswaydownoverhercollarbone.Herpulseraced.She’dtried
sohardtoputthepainfulmemoriesaway,buttheyweretenacious.Josettelookedatherselfinthe
mirror.Hereyeswerehuge,soft.Hermouthwasjustfaintlyswollen.Shelooked…sensuous.

Josetteturnedawayfromthemirror,hatingherownresponses.Brannondidn’twanther.He

neverhad.Hehadaterribleopinionofher;he’dsaidhimselfthatshewasn’twomanenoughforhim.
Whycouldn’tshegetoverhim?Despitethemensheworkedaround,therehadneverbeenanother
onewhoattractedher.Nomatterhowhardshetriedtogetinterestedinothernice,singlemen,there
wasonlyoneinherheart,despitethemiseryhe’dcausedher.

Shestrippedoffherclothingandwentintothebathroomtoshower.Minuteslater,whenshe

camebackout,inherbathrobeandrubbingherhairdry,themessagelightonthephonewasblinking.

Josettesatdownonthebedandliftedthereceivertocallthelobby.

ItwasthesecretaryattheD.A.’soffice.“MissLangley?”thepleasantvoiceasked.“Ijustwanted

togiveyouthisnewaddressforMrs.Jennings.Thesocialworkerfoundheranicelittleapartment
outatPioneerVillagenearElmendorf—oneofourlocalretirementcomplexes.”

“That’snice,”Josettesaidwarmly.“Iwasworriedaboutheratthemission.She’snotreallyable

totakecareofherself…”

“That’sjustwhatthesocialworkersaid”camethereply.“She’sveryhappyathernewaddress.

Haveyougotapenandpaper?”

“Yes.Righthere.”Shefumbledfortheminherpurse.“Okay.”Shewrotedowntheaddressasthe

womandictatedit.“Hasshegotaphone?”

“Notyet,”thesecretarysaid.“Butherneighbor,Mrs.Danton,saidshe’dbegladtotake

messagesforher.Here’sthenumber.”ShegavethattoJosette,too.

“Thanks,”Josettetoldher.“BrannonandIaregoingwithherbrothertothefuneraltomorrow.

I’llphoneMrs.DantontonightandaskhertoaskMrs.Jenningsifshe’dlikeustopickherup,too,
sinceshehasn’tgotanywaytogo.Herbrotherwasupsetbecausehehadn’theardfromher.”

“Mr.Holliman?Oh,yes,Grierinourofficeisaveritableongoingdocumentaryofhislife.It

seemsthatMr.HollimanwastheTexasRangeraroundthesepartsinthefiftiesandsixties.”

“I’dlovetohearabouthim,”Josettesaid,smilingtoherself.“Thanksfortheinformation.”

“Mypleasure.Seeyou.”

Josettehungupandputthepadinherpurse.Shewasalreadythinkingaheadtotomorrow.She

hadn’treallywantedtogotoDale’sfuneral.Itwasn’tthatlongagothatshe’dlostherparents,bothof
themwithinjusttwoyears.Butitwentwiththejob.Shewasjustgoingtohavetofaceit.

ChapterSeven

hewardenoftheWayneCorrectionalInstitutenearFloresvillewasaheavyset,taciturnmannamed

DonHarris.HeofferedBrannonachair,crossedhishandsneatlyonhisdeskandletBrannontellhim
whathewanted.

Hepushedabuttononhisintercom.“Jessie,getmethefileonDaleJenningsandbringitin

here,wouldyou?”

“Sir,youcanpullituponyourcomputer,”shebegan.

“Oh.Oh,soIcan.Nevermind.”Hehungup,disconcertedasheturnedtothecomputeronthe

sideofhisdeskandpunchedininformationwithtwofingers.“Hatethesedamnedthings,”he
muttered.“Onedaysomebodywillpulltheplugandshutdowncivilization.”

Brannonchuckledheartily.“Icouldn’tagreemore.That’swhyIkeephardcopyofeverycase

fileI’vegot,nomatterwhattheexpertstellmeaboutzipfilesandhard-drivebackups.”

Thewardensmiled,thefirstwarmexpressionBrannonhadseenontheman’sfacesincehe

walkedin.“Goodforyou.”Helookedatthescreen.“Yes,hereitis.Jenningswastransferreddown
heretwoweeksagofromthestateprisoninAustin…”

“StateprisoninAustin?”Brannonshottohisfeet,wentaroundthedeskandlookedoverthe

warden’sshoulder,withamurmuredapology.

Thereitwasonthescreen—Jennings’sfile.Exceptthatithadbeenaltered.Itdidn’tshowa

murderconviction.Accordingtothefile,Jenningswasinforabatterycharge,servingaone-year
sentenceinastateprison.

“That’sbeenaltered,”hetoldthewardenflatly.“Jenningswasservingtimeforfelonymurder.

HewasinfederalprisoninAustin,notastatefacility.Thechargethat’sshowingisanoldone,from
histeens.Hegotprobationforit.”

Thewardenlookedsick.“Youmean,Iletaconvictedmurdereroutonatrusteeworkdetail?”

Brannontouchedhisshoulderlightly.“Notyourfault,”hesaidreassuringly.“Thefileswere

obviouslydoctored.Jennings’sescapewascarefullyarranged.Apparentlywe’reupagainsta
computerhackeraswellasacraftyassassin,”headdedcurtly.

“I’lllosemypension,”thewardenwasmurmuring.

“Oh,no,youwon’t,”Brannontoldhim.“I’mworkingforSimonHart,thestateattorneygeneral.

I’llmakesureheknowsthesituation.Youcan’tpossiblykeepuppersonallywithseveralhundred
inmatehistories.It’snotyourfault.”

“It’smyprison,”Harrissaidharshly.“Ishouldbeabletodoit.”

“Noneofusaresuperhuman,”Brannonsaid.“I’dlikehardcopyofthatfile,ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Icandothat,atleast,”Harrissaid,crestfallen.Hepushedthebuttontoprintoutthefileandrose

togetitfromatrayacrosstheroom.Hewaitedforittofinish,andcollectedthepagesintoanewfile
folder,presentingthemtoBrannon.“Getthepersonwhodidthis,”hesaid.

“Seethat?”Brannonasked,indicatinghisRangerbadge.“Weneverquit.”

Thewardenmanagedasmile.“Thanks.”

“We’realldoingthejob.Thankyou.”

Hetookhisfileandleft.

ThesunwasoutforJennings’sfuneral.Itwasawarmday,andtherewasn’tmuchtrafficas

JosettesatbesideBrannon,withamothball-scentedHollimanseatedintheback,asBrannonpulledup
atthecemetaryminutesbeforeJennings’sfuneral.

BrannonhelpedHollimanoutandescortedtheoldgentlemantothegraveside,withJosette

bringinguptherear.

Thereweren’talotofpeoplepresent,andmostofthemwerelawenforcement.Brannon

recognizedthesheriff,thelocalpolicechief,acoupleofplainclothesdetectivesandMrs.Jennings,in
anobviouslyborrowedblackdress.JosettehadphonedMrs.DantonandhadheraskMrs.Jenningsif
shewantedBrannontodrivehertothefuneral.ButMrs.DantonphonedbackandtoldJosettethatthe
sheriffhadalreadyofferedtotransportthelittleoldlady.

Itwaseasytoseethattheburialwasbeingpaidforbythetaxpayers,sinceMrs.Jenningsvery

obviouslyhadnothingleftafterthefire.Therewasaholeandacoffin,butnoneofthenicetiesthat
wouldhavegonewithaproperfuneral.

Josettelookedatthesimplepinecoffinandremembered,alltoowell,herparents’funerals.At

leastthey’dhadinsurance,sotherewasaserviceinchurchandthenadrivetothecemetaryforburial.
PoorDaleJenningshadonlyaholeintheground.

Sherememberedhim,tallandfairandalittlecocky,onlyfouryearsolderthanshewas.His

brashnessandtheabruptwayhehadwithpeoplemadeithardforhimtomakefriends.ButJosettehad
seenthroughtheprotectiveshelltothemanunderneath.Notthatshewasblindtohislackofhonesty,
whichwasalltooapparent.Whenhe’daskedhertoapartyatWebb’s,she’ddebatedaboutgoing.But
MarcBrannonhadjustwalkedoutonherandheregowasbadlybruised.She’dexpectedBrannonto
showupathisfriendBibWebb’sparty,andthatwastheonlyreasonshe’dacceptedDale’sinvitation.

WhatadifferencetheremighthavebeenifBrannonhadcomethatnight.

Shestaredatthecoffinwithsadeyes.Itseemedsuchawaste.IfonlyDalehadstayedinprison.

Evenifitwasforhismother ’ssake,hisowngreedhadseenhimdoneinbyabullet.Blackmailwas
repulsive,regardlessofthereason,Josettethought.Therewasapriceforsuchunderhandedconduct,
andDalehadpaidit.

Shethoughtofherfather,anhonestmanwho’dneverdoneathingtohurtanyotherhuman

being.ThenshethoughtofDale,inthatlonelygraveontheoutskirtsofthecemetery,inamoundof
earththatwouldonlybemarkedbyasimplewhitecardinametalholderwithaplasticface.Overthe
years,itwouldfadeuntilitwasnolongerrecognizable.AnditwouldbeasifDaleJenningsofSan
Antonio,Texas,hadneverevenbeenborn.

Amovementcaughthereye,andshewatchedasJackHollimanwentrighttohissisterand

huggedherclose.

“Theykilledmybaby,Jack,”thewhite-hairedoldwomansaidhuskily,tearspouringdownher

lean,paleface.“Shothimdowninthestreetlikeadog.”

“Iknow.I’msorry.I’msosorry.”Hepattedherbackawkwardly.

Twomenwerestandingbythecoffin.One,well-groomedandwearinganicesuit,hadtobethe

funeraldirector.Theother,aslightmanwiththinninghairandaboutDale’sage,clutchedaBible.The
minister,sheassumed.Josettenoticedthefuneralhomedirectorlookingimpatient,andsheturnedand
startedmovingtheelderlycoupletowardthegrave.Therewasn’tevenatenttosheltersilverhair
fromtheblisteringsun,orfoldingchairstotaketheweightoffarthriticlegs.

Thecoffinwasacheapone,andtheservicewasverybrief.Theministerwassoft-spokenanda

littlenervousashespokeaboutDaleJennings,whomhesaidhenevermet.Hereadacoupleoflines
ofscripture,endearinghimselftoJosettewhenhestumbledoverthepronunciationofsomeofthe
words.Thenheledaprayer,stillinarticulate,andfoldedhisBibleagainsthishipbeforehewalked
overtoofferhiscondolencestotheelderlypeople,withthecrispblackcoveroftheBibleheldtightly
inhishand.Awidegoldringonhislittlefingercaughtthesunandsparkled.

ThatwaswhenJosettenoticedthathewasdressedverymuchlikeMrs.Jenningsandherbrother,

inclotheswhichwerefunctionalratherthandecorative.Sherealizedalsothathe’dprobablyoffered
toconducttheserviceoutofhisowngenerosityratherthanforanymonetaryconcession.She
decidedthatshe’ddigintoherownpurseforthatcompensation,butshewasaminutetoolate.She
sawBrannonpausebesidetheministerandplaceabillgentlyinhishands.Shehadtoturnawayso
thatBrannonwouldn’tseethemistoverhereyes.Hehadabigheart.Itwasoneofsomanythingsshe
lovedabouthim.

JosettecomposedherselfandturnedherattentiontothesmallcrowdasBrannonpausedtotalk

tothesheriff.Brannon,too,waslookingaroundforanyoneinthesmallcrowdwhoshouldn’thave
beenthere.Butitwouldhavebeentooobviousforthekillertojoinin.

“Unlessyouthinkthesherifforoneofthosedetectivesistheculprit,we’reoutofluck,”

Brannonmurmuredtoher.

“Idon’twanttogetold,andIdon’twanttodiepoor,”shesaidstiffly.

“Don’tlookatme,”hereturned,shiftinghisgazetoHolliman.“IexpectI’llenduppackedin

mothballslikethatsuitHolliman’swearing,greetingvisitorswithashotgunandspendingthehour
beforeIeattryingtorememberwhereIputmyfalseteeth.”

“Oh,thatwaswicked,”shesaidsoftly,tryingnottosmile.Itwasn’tanoccasionforhumor.

“Noticetheministerisn’tstandingtooclosetohim,”hepointedout.“Thesmellofthemothballs

isoverpowering.”Helookeddownatherwithconcernshedidn’tsee.“Thismustberoughforyou.”

Hergazeflewuptohis.Itembarrassedherthatheknew.Shemovedoneshoulderinherneat

blacksuit.Thatandanavyblueoneweretheonlyclothesshe’dpacked,besideshergownandrobe.
Therewasn’tmuchofachoiceofoutfits.

“You’velostyourparents,too,”shepointedout.

“Withmoredistancebetweentheirdeaths,though,”hereplied.Hisfacewashardashelooked

towardthegrave.“AndIdidn’tcarethatmyfatherdied.”

She’dneverheardhimmentionhisfather,inallthetimeshe’dknownhim.Sheremembereda

fewlowwhispersaroundJacobsville,thattheBrannonkidshadatoughlife,butshe’dassumeditwas
becausetheirmotherwaswidowedandsickalot.

“Didn’tyoulovehim?”sheaskedinvoluntarily.

“No.”

Asingleword,endowedwithmoresarcasmandbitternessthanhemighthaverealized.

Shewaited,buthedidn’tsayanotherword.Theministermovedonandhewenttoescorttheold

peoplebacktothetruck.

“We’lldriveyoutoyourapartment,Mrs.Jennings,andsavethesheriffatrip,”hetoldher,

revealingthatheknewhowshe’darrived.

Thesheriffthankedhimandmadetheirgoodbyes,alongwiththedetectives.Brannonhelpedthe

oldpeopleintothetruckandgotinbesideJosette.Minuteslater,theydisembarkedatthesmall
efficiencyapartmentthesocialworkerhadfoundforMrs.JenningsjustofftheFloresvilleroadnear
Elmendorf.

“Itain’tmuch,”shesaidwearilyasshepulledoutherkey.“Butit’saroofovermyhead.”

Sheunlockedthedoorandinvitedtheminside.“I’llmakesomecoffee.”

“No,youwon’t,”Josettesaid.ShedrewBrannontoonesideandslippedhimaten-dollarbill.

“Wouldyougogetthemabucketofchickenandthefixings,andsomecupsofcoffee?”

Hepushedthemoneybackintoherhandandclosedherfingersaroundit.“You’restillasucker

forlostcauses,”hesaidhuskily.“I’llgetthechicken,andthecoffee.Youseewhatyoucanfindout
fromher.Backinaminute.”

Shewatchedhimgowithasenseofbreathlessness.Hestillgottoher.Itwasdisturbing.

ShesatdownonthesofanexttoMrs.Jenningsandpassedheratissue.Theoldwomanhadbeen

verydignifiedandquietatthefuneral,butitwasallcatchingupwithhernow.Shedissolvedinto
tears.Mr.Hollimanwastryinghisbestnottobeaffectedbyit,sittingstoicallyinhischairuntilhis
sistercalmeddown.

“Hewasgoodtome,”shetoldJosetteinahuskyoldvoice.“Nomatterwhatelsehedid,hewasa

goodson.”

“Hedidn’tkillanyone,Mrs.Jennings,leastofallHenryGarner,”Josettesaidfirmly,andwith

conviction.“Ineverdoubtedthatforaninstant.Ijustcouldn’tconvinceanyoneelse,withsomuch
evidenceagainsthim.”

“Heneverhadnoblackjack,”theoldwomansaidharshly.“Neverlikedphysicalviolenceatall.”

“No,hedidn’t,”Hollimanaddedfirmly.“Icouldn’teventeachtheboytoshootagun.Hewas

scaredofthem.”

“Iknowhedidsomebadthings,MissLangley,”Mrs.Jenningscontinued,wipinghernosewith

thetissue,“buthewouldn’thurtanoldman.”

“I’mcertainofthat,”Josettereplied.Sheleanedforward.“Mrs.Jennings,didDaleeverleavea

packagewithyou,somethinghewantedyoutoputupandkeepforhim?”

OldmanHollimanshiftedinhischair.Mrs.Jenningsfrowned,brushingathermouth,and

avoidedJosette’seyes.“Hedidoncesayhehadsomethingthatneededasafeplace.Buthenever
broughtittome,”shesaid.

“Didhesaywhathedidwithit?”Josettecontinued,warmingtohersubject.

“No.Hejustsaidthatwomanwantedit.”

“Woman?”Josetteaskedquickly.“Whatwoman?”

“Don’tknowmuchabouther,”theolderwomantoldher.“Hementionedheronceortwice,said

shewashelpinghimwiththisnewjobhe’dgot.Hethoughtshewasrealspecial,buthewouldn’t
bringhertoseeme,evenwhenIasked.Hesaidshewasrealshy,yousee.Hewastalkingabout
marryingher,buthesaidhedidn’thaveenoughmoneytosuither.Hewasalwaystalkingabout
gettingenoughtomakeherhappy.Hesaidshewantedhimtokeepthatpackageinarealsafeplace.
Shewantedhimtoletherkeepit,buthewouldn’tgiveittoher.Hesaidshe’dbeindangerifshehad
it.Iasked,”sheadded,glancingatJosette,“buthewouldn’ttellmewhatitwas.”

Thiswassomethingnew.ItwasexcitingtoJosettethatwhathadseemedadeadendwas

beginningtoshowpromise.

“Didhesaywherethewomanlived,whatshedidforaliving?”Josettepressed.

“No.Buthewasseeingherbeforethatmesshegotinto,andheworkedhereinSanAntonio.I

guessedshewasalocalgirl.Oh,andhedidsayshelovedpeppermints.Hewasforeverbuyingher
fancyones,wheneverhewenttothedrugstoretopickupmymedicineforme.”

Peppermints.Josettedugoutherpadandpenandwroteitdown.

“DidheevermentionamannamedJakeMarsh?”shepersisted.

Mrs.Jenningsandtheoldmanexchangedalook,buttheoldwomanjustshookherhead.“Not

thatIrecall.Hejusttalkedaboutthatwoman.”

“Abadwomancanbetheruinofagoodman,”Hollimansaidsadly.

“Nodoubtaboutthat,”Mrs.Jenningsretorted.

“Canyourememberanythingelsehemighthavesaidabouther?”Josettepressed.

“Well,hedidn’tsayawholelotabouther,”sherepeated.“Notevenwhatshelookedlike,

althoughmyDalelikedagood-looker.Idon’tthinkhewouldhavebeeninterestedinanuglygirl.”

“No,Idon’teither,”Josettereplied,butshewaswonderingaboutthat,becausehe’daskedherto

theWebb’spartythenightofthemurder.Josettehadapassablefigure,butherfacewasjustordinary,
notpretty,andsheworeglasses.Funny,shehadn’tthoughtofthatuntilnow.

“Didn’trecognizethatminister,”Hollimanmurmured.“Didyou?”

Hissistershookherhead.“Iaskedthefuneralhomedirectorifhecouldfindsomebody,”she

replied.“Hedidn’tevenhavetolook.Thatyoungfellowvolunteeredtodoit.Niceyoungfellow.”

HollimanwasabouttosaysomethingwhenthefrontdooropenedandBrannoncameinwitha

bigsackoffood,andaboxfulofcoffeecups.Bythetimetheyfinishedthemeal,thethreadof
conversationwaslost.

Later,BrannontookHollimanhomebeforehedroveJosettebacktoherhotelandtoldherwhat

heandthewardenhaddiscovered.

“We’vegotaguyinouroffice,backinAustin,”shetoldhim.“PhilDouglas.HegivesSimon

headaches,becausehe’ssoovereager,buthe’sarealhacker.There’snothinghedoesn’tknowabout
computers.Maybehecouldtrackdownwhoeverchangedthoserecords.”

“We’vegotpeopleworkingonit,butyoumightgivehimashotatit,”Brannonreplied

immediately.“Ithadtotakesomeonespecialized.Iknowcomputers,butIcouldn’tgetintoprotected
files,evenwithmyclearance.”

“NeithercouldI,”sheagreed.“Somethingelse—Mrs.JenningssaidDalewasinvolvedwitha

womanwhenGarnerwasmurdered.Shesaidhewasobsessedwithgettingenoughmoneytokeepher

happy,andthattherewassomesortofpackageinvolved.ButMrs.Jenningsneversawit.”

He’dalreadyparkedthetrucknearherhotelroom.Heleanedbackintheseatandfoldedhis

armsoverhisbroadchest.“Awoman.Didsheknowwhatthiswomanlookedlike?”

“No.Hedidn’ttellhermuch,justthatthewomanwassmartandthatshelikedfancycandy.”

“It’sprobablyadeadend.”

“That’swhatIthought,”Josetteagreed.Sheturnedherpurseoverinherlap.“Thatwasniceof

you,slippingtheministermoneyforpreachingthefuneral.Iwasgoingtodoit,ifyouhadn’t.Hewas
sweet.”

“Notlongatthejob,either,apparently,”hemused,smiling.“HisBiblewasbrand-new.”

“Hedidagoodjob,forsomebodywhodidn’tknowDale.”

HestudiedherfromunderthebrimofhisdressStetson.“Ihatefunerals.”

“Me,too,Brannon,”sheconfessed.“Butthisonewentwiththejob.Ifeltsorryforhismother

andhisuncle.”

“They’regoodpeople.Sometimestheworstoffenderscomefromthebestfamilies.”

“I’velearnedthat.”

Hestudiedheropenly,oneeyenarrowed.“Tomorrow,I’mgoingtocheckoutbankrecordsand

seeifJenningsmadeanylargedepositsrecently.Youmightphoneyourofficeandgetthatcomputer
experttowork.”

“Iwill.Thanksfordrivingtoday.”

Heshrugged.“Idon’treallyfeelcomfortableridingwithanyoneelse.”

“Inoticed.Youwerealwayslikethat.Youcan’tgiveupcontrol,canyou,Brannon?”sheadded.

Hisfacehardened.“IneverhadanywhenIwasakid.Myfathertoldmewhattodo,wheretogo,

howtobreathe.Gretchenwasonlyten,tooyoungtounderstandmuchabouthowthingswere,butI
wasn’t.Mymothercouldn’tcallhersoulherown.Heupsetherconstantly.Ikepthimawayfrom
Gretchen.Sheneverevenknewhowdangeroushewas.”

“Atleasthedidn’ttakeashortquirttoher,”shesaid,recallingsomethingthathadhappenedto

herfriendChristabelattheageofsixteen.

Henodded.“JuddDunnsentherfathertojailforthat,afterhe’dbeatenhimwithinaninchofhis

life.Christabel’sprotestsandhermother ’sdidn’tfazehim.Christabelalmostdiedfromtheattack.
Herbackwasinribbonswhenherfathergotthroughwithher.Allbecauseshetriedtostophimfrom
beatingahorse.”

“AresheandJuddstillmarried?”sheasked,becauseJuddwasagoodfriendofhis,andafellow

TexasRanger.

“Yes.”Hesmiledinvoluntarily.“Andstillnotlivingtogether.She’s,what,almosttwenty-one

now?”

“Shewassixteenwhenhemarriedher,fornootherreasonthantotakecareofherandher

mother,”sheagreed.“Herfatherhadnosoonergotoutofjailthanhegotdrunkagainandwrecked
hiscar.Hediedofhisinjuries,soJuddstillhastheresponsibilityfortheranch,nottomention
Christabelandhermother.You’dthinkhe’dbegladtolethertakeovertheranch,andhavethe
marriageannulled.Shewrotemethatamansheknowswantstomarryher.”

“That’swhatJuddtoldme,”hecommented,pushinghishatbackonhishead.“Buthedoesn’t

approveofherchoice,andIwouldn’tgiveafigforChristabel’schancesofanannulment.”

Shewonderedaboutthat.Shedidn’taddthatChristabelhadalsowrittenherthatshewaseither

goingtomakeJuddwildforherandseducehim,ormakehimgiveherup.Itwouldbeinterestingto
knowwhowonthatcontestofwills.

Hispaleeyesslidoverherbodyintheneat-fittingdarksuit,downthelongskirttoherankles

andbackuptothehigh-buttonedwhiteblousesheworewiththesuit.“Youalwaysbuttonthecollarof
yourblouses,”hecommented.“Andwearskirtsdowntotheankles.Iwishyou’dstayedintherapy,
Josette.Youdon’tmovewiththetimes.”

“MylifewasruinedbecauseItriedto.”

Thestatementwasbitter,fullofself-recrimination.Helaidhisarmacrossthebackofhisseat

andhispaleeyesnarrowed.“Youdon’thavetosacrificeyourprinciplestofitinthesedays,”hesaid.
“Alotofwomenpreferbeingcelibatetoriskingtheirlives,andthey’renotafraidtosayso.Sexis
dangerous.Evenmenthinktwicebeforetheyindulge.”

Sheavertedhereyestothewindshield.“You,too,Iguess?”sheasked,andcouldhavecursed

herselfforthatinvoluntaryquestion.

“Me,too,”hesaidatonce.“Idon’twantsomefataldiseaseorachronicconditiondoctorsstill

can’tcure.”

“Thatdoesn’tstopalotofmen.”

Hewasstillwatchingher.Henoticedthetwingeofcoloronherhighcheekbones.“Youdon’t

evendate,doyou?”

Shethoughtaboutdenyingit,buttherewasreallynopoint.“Notmuch,”shesaidfrankly,

meetinghiseyes.“Istilldon’thaveaclueabouthowmenthink,andIdon’twanttobeaccusedof—
teasing.”Shebitoffthewordasifittastedbad.

Heavertedhisface.Hisjawclenchedashisownwordscamebacktohaunthim.

“Surelyyouremember?”Sheclutchedherpurse.“Youwereeloquentaboutwomenwho—how

didyouputit?—ledmenonandwouldn’tdeliver.”

Hegrimaced.Therewasanaudiblesighashecurledonebighandaroundthesteeringwheeland

staredoutthewindshield.“IguessIwas.Iwasshocked.Furious.Allthoseyears,IthoughtIwasright
whenIhelpedgetthatboyoff.Tobeconfrontedwithpositiveproofthatyouweretherealvictimwas
painful.”Heslantedthehatbackoverhiseyes,asiftohidethemfromher.“ButIhadnorighttosay
thosethingstoyou,ortoleavewithoutaword,afterwe’dbeengoingtogetherformonths.”

“Weneverwenttogether,”shesaidinamonotone.“Youtookmeoutplaces.That’sallitwas.”

“Untilthatlastdate,maybe.”Hisjawclenchedagainwithemotion.“Idon’tlikebeingwrong.”

“Mostofusmakemistakesaswegoalong.Notyou,ofcourse,”sheaddedwithveiledsarcasm.

“Younevermakemistakes,doyou,Brannon?Peoplearegoodorbad.Nograyareas.No
intangibles.”

“I’vebeeninlawenforcementsinceIwaseighteen,”hesaidcurtly.“Thelawisthelaw.You

eitherbreakitoryoudon’t.”

Shesighed.“Yes.Iguessyou’reright.I’dbettergoin.I’llphoneyoutomorrowafternoon.”

“I’llbeoutmostoftheday,”hesaidtersely.

“ThenI’llleaveyouamessage,Brannon,”shesaidsweetly,openingthedoor.

Heturnedhisheadandlookedather,sawthelinesinherface,thedarkcirclesunderhereyes,

theweariness.“Getsomerest.”

“I’mfine.”Sheclosedthedoorfirmly,turnedandwentintothehotel.Thedoormangrinnedat

herandrushedtoopenthedoor.Shedidn’tlookback.

Brannonpulledoutintothestreetwithmixedemotions.Herememberedthefeelandtasteofher

inhisarms.Theywereoldmemoriesbuttheywerevividwhenhewaswithher.Hewonderedifshe
rememberedthemagicthey’dsharedthatoneevening,beforetheirlivesweretornapartasecond
time.He’dneverbeenabletogetpastit.Otherwomenweregoodcompanions,butJosettewasunder
hisskin.

Hethoughtabouthisfather,aboutthemiserythemanhadcausedhimandhismotherwithhis

incessantraving,hisconstantcriticisms,hisdemandsforperfection,evenwhenhewassober.He’d
grownuphatinghisfatherforbeingsoinflexible,sojudgmentalandrighteous.Abusecancomein
manyforms,andoneoftheworstwasverbal.Onlynowdiditdawnonhimthathewasbecominglike
hisfather.Hedid,asJosettehadaccused,seethingsonlyinblackandwhite.Hedidn’tallowforgray
areas.Therewasonlythelaw.

Ashedrovebacktohisownapartment,heconsideredthat.Hispainfulchildhoodwassomething

hefeltcomfortablediscussingwithJosette,buthe’dnevertalkedaboutittohisownsister.Gretchen
hadbeentreatedgently,caredfor,lovedbyMarcandtheirmother.Shehadlittlememoryoftheir
father ’sbrutality,becausehewasdrinkingregularlyandhadcalmeddownsomewhatbythetime
Gretchenwasoldenoughtobeawareofhisproblems.He’ddiedwhileshewasingrammarschool.

ButBrannon’smemoriesweremuchmorepainful.Inmanyways,they’dshapedhimintotheman
he’dbecome.

Ontheotherhand,Josettewasbetterabletounderstandthatsortofpain,becauseshe’d

experienceditinherownlife.Theysharedahistoryofturmoilandunrest.Alotofherproblems
wereprobablyhisfault.Butcircumstanceshadbeenunkindtobothofthem.

Insideherhotelroom,Josettewasthinkingthesamething.Shefeltdrainedfromthe

conversation,fromthelongday,fromthecase,fromthepast—shewassimplyexhausted.

Shehadroomservicesendsuppertoherroom,whichtookupmostoftherestofthedaylight.

Aftersheleisurelyatehermeal,shetookabathandwrappedupinherchenillerobe,herlonghair
drippingaroundhershouldersinawavygoldencurtainuntilshewrappedatoweltightlyaroundher
headtoabsorbthemoisture.Shesatonthebedtogooverhercasenotes.

ThefileonDaleJenningswasthick,andreferencestoJakeMarshturnedupeveryfewpages.

Shecouldn’tforgetthatDalehadhelpedoneofMarsh’sfriendsgetajobworkinginBibWebb’s
campaign.Therehadtobesomethingtothat.

She’dtakenalotoftimegatheringthismuchevidenceandprintingitout.Shedidn’twanteven

onelooseendthatshedidn’ttieup.Furthermore,shewasgoingtoshareitwiththepoliceandthe
districtattorney’soffice,sotheyhadaccesstoeverythingshe’ddugup.

Themostnoticeablethingaboutthefilewasthelackofanythingthatpointedtothatmissing

pieceofevidenceDalehadheldonto.Therewasnomentionofasafety-depositbox,orakey.There
wasnothingtopointtoahidingplace.

SherememberedwhatBrannonhadsaid,aboutthetransfertoastateprison,andhereyes

narrowedinthought.PerhapsifPhilDouglas,backattheofficeinAustin,couldfindastartingpoint,
hecouldturnupsomethingbesidesthenameofthepersonwho’dgottenDaleoutoffederalprison.
Shemadeanoteonthecanarylegalpadtothateffect.

Whenshefinished,sheputthefilealongwiththelegalpadandpenonthebedsidetableand

proppedherselfagainsttheheadboardwithbothplumppillows.Shewasn’treallysleepy,andher
mindwaswhirringaroundsofastthatshecouldn’tholdasinglethoughtinit.Sheturnedonthe
television,buttherewasn’tanythinginterestingon,excepttheweeklypoliticalfauxpas.Inanelection
year,one-upmanshiponthenightlynewswasdefinitelythething.

Sheturnedoffthetelevisionindisgust.Whatwastheretodoinahotelmilesfromher

apartment?ShemissedBarnes,hercat.Usuallyhesleptcurledupnexttoheronthebedcover.

ShewonderedifBrannonhadacatthesedays.Heusedtohaveamangyoldyellowtomcatthat

sleptonthekitchenflooratnight.IthadbeenGretchen’spet,butBrannonhadfedit,andwhen
nobodywaslooking,heplayedwithit.HecalleditJohn,afterthefictionalJohnReid,theoriginal
“LoneRanger”oftelevisionlegend.He’dalwayswantedtobeaTexasRanger,Gretchenhadtoldher
once.HeknewthetiniestdetailsaboutthefirstRangers.He’dworkedhardatlawenforcement,justto
haveashotatajobwiththeexclusivelawenforcementgroup.Itwasadifficultjobtoget,too.There

wereonlyfifteenRangersergeantsinCompanyD,Brannon’scompany,thatoperatedoutofSan
Antonio,andtheyhadtocoverforty-onecounties.Theyworkedwithmanyotherlawenforcement
agenciestosolvecrimes,becausetheirauthoritywasliterallyborderless—aRangercouldgo
anywhereinTexastoassistincriminalinvestigation,andinfrequentlyevenwentoverseasinsuch
endeavors.

GretchenhadwonderedifBrannon’sinfatuationwithlawenforcementhadbeenbecauseofhis

father.Asayoungboy,Marcfelthehadnopoweratall.Hewasatthemercyofaverballyabusive
father,andMarcwastheonlyprotectionhismotherandGretchenhad.WhileoldmanBrannonmight
notbeathisson,hewasapparentlygoodatmentalcruelty,whichwas,initsownway,equally
destroyingtoayoungego.

SherememberedhowoftenBrannonwentoutofhiswaywhenhewasontheJacobsvillepolice

forcetokeepyoungoffendersontherighttrack.Hewasacaringman.Andhelikedcats.Shesmiled,
thinkingsadlyofpoorBarnes,sittinginthevet’sboardingroomwhileshewasaway.

SheknewBrannonhadgoodhorsesandbeefcattleathisJacobsvilleranch,theonethathis

managerkeptsolventforhim.Hewasanexperthorseman,anotherRangerskillthathe’dmastered
longbeforehepinnedthatstaronhisshirt.Hecouldspinalariat,bulldog,ridebareback—domost
anythingthatequestrianskilldemanded.SherememberedhorsebackrideswithhiminSanAntonio
duringthosewonderful,idyllicdaysbeforeHenryGarner ’smurder.Shelikedtoride,too.

Hermind,oblivioustothepresentasshewanderedthroughhappiertimes,wasintentonthe

goodmemories.Itwassointentonthemthatsheforgotherwethairwasstilldoneupinatowel.She
wasabouttocutoutthebedsidelampwhenasharpknockcameatherdoor.

ChapterEight

osettegotoutofbedandpaddedtothedoorinherbarefeet,keenlyawarethatshewaswearing

nothingbutarobeoverbareskin.Shehesitated,rememberingallthereasonssheshouldn’topenthat
door.Herpursewiththestungunwashalfwayacrosstheroom,andshedidn’thaveafirearm.Forall
sheknew,themurderercouldbeontheothersideofthedoor.

Herheartpounded.Hermouthwasdry.Theknockcameagain,farmoreinsistent.Shewent

closeandlookedoutthroughthepeephole.ItwasBrannon,disheveledanddusty,withacutbesidehis
firm,chiseledmouth.

Withasighofrelief,sheopenedthedooratonceandlethimin.“Whatintheworldhappenedto

you?”sheexclaimed.

Hewipedthecutbesidehismouth.“IgotjumpedatmyapartmentasIwasgettingoutofthe

truck,”hesaid,tracesofangerstillevidentinhisdeepvoice.“Ididn’tknowiftheyhadadouble
headerinmind,soIcametocheckonyou.”

“Youcouldhavephoned,”shepointedout.

“Alotofgoodthatwouldhavedoneifthey’dalreadymanagedtogetintotheroom,”hesaid

sarcastically.

Theconcern,whichwasobviouslygenuine,madeherfeelwarminside.Shestaredathisface.

Shewincedasshereacheduptotracebesidethecut.“Well,atleasttheydidn’tseemtodoany
permanentdamagetoyou.Howmanywerethere?”

“Two.”

“Recognizethem?”

Heshookhishead.“Toodark,andtheywerewearingfacemasks.”

“Whywouldtheyjumpyou?”shewonderedaloud.

“Ataguess,itwasawarningthatwe’regettingtooclosetosomethingtheywanttostayhidden,”

hetoldher.Hiseyesnarrowed.“Wethair?”

Shenodded.“IwasgoingovermynotesbeforeIdriedit.Iforgotallaboutit,”sheaddedwitha

sheepishsmile,assherecalledwherehermindwaswhenshewasabouttoturnoutthelight.

Hewentandputonthechainlatchandmadesurethedoorwaslockedbeforehesailedhis

Stetsonintothechairnexttoit.Thenhecaughtherhandandpulledherintothebathroom.

Shedidn’tneedtoaskwhy.Hestoodpatientlywhileshegotawashclothandsoapedit,reaching

uptocleanthewoundonhisforehead.He’dbeeninafightwithasuspectwhiletheyweredating.
She’dpatchedhimupthen,too,flatteredandsecretlyamusedthathecametoherforbandagingthat
hecouldeasilyhavedonehimself.

“Wedon’tevenhaveanantisepticorabandage,”shemurmuredasshebathedthecut.

“I’llgetonewhenIgethome.Thanks.”

Hewashedhishandsandhisfacebeforehewipedthemonatowelandturnedtowardher,

reachingforthetowelwrappedaroundherhead.“Whatareyoudoing?”sheprotested.

Hewrangledthetoweloffherhairandpluggedinthehairdryerthatcamewiththeroom.“Nice

thingabouthotelsthesedays,”hemurmured,“theyfurnisheverythingyouneedtotravelinstyle.
Standstill.”

He’dlethercleanhimup.Soshelethimdryherhair.Itwasodd,thefeelingofnurturingit

fosteredinher.Ofcourse,Brannonhadalwaysbeenspecialtoher.Thatneverchanged.Thefeelof
hisbigfingersinherhairwashypnotic,soothing.Thenear-nessofhislean,fitbodywasdisturbing.
Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshe’dbeenthisclosetoBrannon.Sherememberedthefeelofthose
handsonbareskin,thefaintspicyscentthatclungtohim,thefreshodorofthesoapheused.Hewas
familiartoherasnoothermanhadeverbeen.Sheclosedhereyesandletthememorieswashover
herofthelasttimethey’dbeenclose,beforehe’dwalkedoutofherlife.

She’dgenuinelybelievedthathewasintenselyseriousaboutherinthosedays.Brannonhad

neverbeenaladies’man.Hedidn’tnotchhisbedpost.Hewassomber,andquietlydeliberativeabout
things,andhewasdecidedlyold-fashionedinhisattitudes.Hehadatenderside,butitwasshown
rarely,andonlytopeoplehetrusted.ButJosettehadn’tunderstoodhowharditwasforhimtotrust.
Herjudgmenthadbeenfaultythere.Hisloyaltytoanoldfriendsupercededhistrustinawomanhe
didn’tknowintimately.

Shehadtorememberthat,andholdontoherpride.Itwashard,standingsoclosetohimthatshe

couldfeelthewarmthofhisbody.Shewantedsobadlytopressherselfintohisarmsandforgetthe
past.Thecomfortofthosestrongarmshadbeenthecrowninggloryofherlifeduringthosesweet
monthsthey’dgonetogetherinherlastyearofcollege.

“YouseemtoshrinkeverytimeIseeyou,”hemurmured,noticingthedisparityintheirheights.

“Iweartwo-inchheelstowork,”shereplied.

“SodoI,”hemurmureddryly.

Shelookeddowninvoluntarilyandnotedtheridingheelsonthosehand-tooledcowboybootshe

wore.Shechuckledsoftly.“Iguessso.Butyou’restillwearingthem.I’mnot.”

Heruffledherhairasthewarmairblewitupinwaftsofpuregold.“Ialwayslovedlonghair,”

hemused.

“Youcouldletyoursgrow,”shepointedout.

“It’snotthesame.”Heturnedhersothathecoulddrytheback.Overherhead,hemethereyesin

themirror.“Istillrememberyouatfifteen,”hesaidquietly.“Youdon’tlookmucholder,now.”

Herfaceflamed.“Thatisn’tamemoryIlike,”shesaid,avertinghereyes.

“DidIevertellyouthatjustbeforetherapetrial,I’djustseenamangotoprisonforarapehe

didn’tcommit?”heaskedoutoftheblue.

“What?”

“Hewasanice,clean-cutyoungmanwhoworkedinanofficeandhadanewassistantwho

seemedtodoteonhim.Onedayshewenthomefromworkandcalledthepoliceandtoldthemhe
rapedher.”

“Didhe?”

“No.Shewantedhisjob.Shegotit,too.Hewenttojail.”

“Butthat’ssounfair!”

“Itwas.Hewouldhavestayedthere,too,butshemadethemistakeofbraggingtoafriendabout

hercraftypromotion,andhewenttothepolice.Therewasanewtrialandhetestified.Theyoungman
wasclearedandshewasfired.Buthewasneverthesameagain.Hesaidhecouldn’tevertrustanother
woman.”

“Iguessnot.”Shesighed,meetingBrannon’spaleeyesinthemirror.“Nowonderyoudidn’t

believemethatnight.Somepeopleareworsethansnakes,aren’tthey,Brannon?”

“Youneverusemyfirstnameanymore,”hesaidquietly.“Why?”

“We’rebusinesscolleagues,”shesaid,avoidinghispiercinggaze.“Iwanttokeepthingsata

professionallevel.”

“Mostco-workersareonafirstnamebasisthesedays.”

Herfacewasstiff.Shefelthimletgoofherhairandshepulledaway,runningherfingers

nervouslythroughthesilkylengthofit.“Thanks.”

Heturnedoffthedryerandlaiditaside.Beforeshecouldmove,hehadtwogreathandfulsof

thatgoldenwealthandwasliftingittohismouth.Hiseyesclosed,browsdrawndownoverhiseyesas
ifhewereinpain.

Shewasuneasy.Shecaughthishands,asiftoremovethem,buttheyturnedandcaughthers

instead,leadingthemtohisshirt.Shefeltthemetalbadgeontheleftpocketcoldagainstherfingers,
smelledthescentofherownshampooandhiscolognemingle.

“Iwaswrongaboutyou.Sowrong.Icouldn’tevenapologize,”hesaidashebent.“MaybeI’m

morelikemyfatherthanIrealized,Josie…”

Thesoundwentintohermouthashislipscovereditgently.Thereinthesilenceoftheroom,she

felttheheatandpowerofhimashisarmsenfoldedheragainstthelengthofhispowerfulbodyand
heldherthere.

Sheshouldstruggle.Itwouldbemoredignifiedthanmoaningunderthewarm,sweetcrushof

hislips.Herhandsclenchedhisshirt,stillcrispandclean-smellingdespitethelongdayandthefight
he’dbeenin.PicturesranthroughhermindofBrannoninanalleywithabulletinhim,likepoor
Dale.Herarmswentunderhisandaroundhimandshemoanedagain,frightenedofwhatshe
imagined.

Hebentsuddenly,liftingherintohisarms.Withhismouthstillcoveringhers,hecarriedherto

thefirstofthetwodoublebedsandsankintoitssoftnesswithherunderhim.

“No,”shewhisperedbreathlessly.

“Yes.”Hekissedheragain,hisarmsmakingacagearoundher.“Iknowwhatyouare,”he

breathedintohermouth.“WebothknowIcouldn’tseduceyouifIwantedto,sorelax.”

Itwasdisturbingthatheknew,orthoughtheknew,suchintimatethingsabouther.“Youaren’t

supposedtoknowthat,”shewhisperedshakily.

Hesmiledagainsthermouth.“Iknoweverythingaboutyou.Ialwayshave.”Hebrushedthehair

backfromherfaceandlayproppedononeelbow,justlookingintohersofteyes.“IhatedtheFBI,”
hemurmuredinadeep,intimatetone.

Hereyebrowslifted.“Thenwhydidyoustaywithitfortwoyears?”

Heshrugged.Hisfingerstouchedhersoftlyswollenmouth.“IthoughtIcouldleaveTexasand

getridofthebadmemories.Buttheyfollowedme.”

“Memoriesareportable,”sheagreed.

Hesighed,brushingherhairbackfromherface.“Youlooktired.”

“Iam,”shesaid,awareofthatgentle,caressinghandatherthroat,tanglinginthesoftnessofher

hair.“I’dbeenputtingintwelve-hourdayslatelyonanewprojectSimonhadinitiated,toput
informationonstatefelonycasesintoacentraldatabase.”

“Ithoughtyouweren’tacomputerwhiz,”hemused,smiling.

Shesmiledback.“I’mnot.That’swhereourheadcomputerguy,PhilDouglas,excelled.He

investigatedcybercrimeanddidmostofthecorrelationforthedatabase.Ididthelegworkandmade
thecontacts.”

“Likeyourjob,doyou?”heasked.

“Imightaswell.Imakeacomfortableliving.”

“SodoI,butI’llneverbeamillionaire,”headded.“Notunlesscattlepricesskyrocketandthe

priceoffeedplummetsbeforewinter.”

“Thedroughthasbeenhardonranchersandfarmers.”

Henodded.“I’mbreakingeven.I’llsettleforthat,ifitmeansIcankeeptheranchinthefamily.”

“Youdon’thavechildren,”shepointedout.

“Gretchendoes,”hereplied.“Theirsonisalmosttwoyearsoldnow.”

“Yes,butshe’stheequivalentofaqueen,too,”shereturned.“Willherchildrenwanttocometo

Texastolive?HersoninheritsthethroneofQawi.”

Hedidn’tlikethatquestion.Hegrimaced.“Imighthavekidsofmyownoneday,”heargued.

“Onlyifthetoothfairybringsthem,”shesaidunderherbreath.

Hiseyebrowsarched.“Oh,thatwasalowblow.”

“Yousaidyouneverwantedtogetmarried,”sheremindedhim.

“I’mthirty-three,almostthirty-four,”hereplied.“Andtwoincomeswouldcomeinhandy.I

couldbuyagoodseedbullandbreedmyownstrainofcattle.”

“AndgiveupworkingfortheTexasRangers?”sheteased.

“There’saRangerpostinVictoria,”hecountered.“AndJuddDunnworkstherenow.Wewere

partnersuntilIlefttheoutfit.Wecouldbeagain.”

“Victoria’sclosetoJacobsville,”sheremembered.

“Exactly.”Hetracedoneofhereyebrows.“Doyouwantchildren?”

“Someday,”shesaid.Sheshiftedonthebedspread.“Iguess.”

“You’vegotsomebadmemoriestogetpast,Iunderstandthat,”hesaidslowly.“Inyourcase,it

wouldhavetobewithamanyoutrustedverymuch.Unlessyou’vehadthatminorsurgeryinthepast
coupleofyears,Iassumeyouhaven’tfoundamanyoutrustedenough.”

Shefelttheheatinhercheeks.Shedidn’twanttotellhimthattherewasonlyonemanaliveshe’d

everwantintimacywith.Neitherdidshewanttoadmitwhatshe’dhaddone,justaftertheirlast
disastrousdate…

“ThetherapistsaidIhadn’treallydealtwithityet,”sheevaded.

“She’sright,”hesaid,recallingtheprettybrunettepsychologistJosettehadseen.“Youshould

havestayedwithherforawhile.”

“Ididn’twanttorememberthepast,”shesaiduncomfortably.

“NeitherdidI,”hesaidflatly.“Butyoudon’tgetoverthingsbydwellingonthem.Sometimesit

helpstorelivebadmemories,sothatyoucanputthemaway.”

“Mineareprettyawful,”shesaidheavily.

“Iknow.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“WereyoutemptedtogetinvolvedwithJennings?”

“No,”shesaidhonestly.“Iknewhimfromthecoffeeshopnearthecampus,andwewerecasual

friends.Itwouldneverhavebeenmorethanthat.Ineverknewwhyheinvitedmetothatparty.”

“I’llbetIknowwhyyouwentwithhim,”hesaid.“I’djustwalkedoutonyouwithoutaword.

YouwerehopingI’dbeattheparty,too,weren’tyou,sothatyoucouldflauntJennings?”

Shegrimacedandthenshelaughedsoftly.“That’sjustwhatIhoped,actually.Imustbevery

transparent.”

Heliftedupalittleandpointedathisbadge.“I’maTexasRanger.Ihaveexperiencein

deduction.”

Shemadeafaceathim.“Don’treadmymind.”

“IassumedJenningswasguiltybecauseofwhatIknewabouthismobconnections,”hetoldher.

“ButI’mbeginningtowonder.”

“IwassocertainthatDalewasn’tguilty,andthatyourfriendBibwas.Now,thefurtherweget

intothiscase,themorecertainIamthathewasn’tguilty,either.”

“JustasIam,aboutJennings.It’ssoeasytorushtojudgment.”

Shereachedupandshylytracedaroundthecutonhisforehead.“Goodthingyouhavesucha

hardhead,”shecommentedwithafaintsmile.

“Oneofmyassailantswon’tbesmilingstraightforawhile,”hereplied,irritatedatthememory.

Hesearchedhereyesslowly.“YoukeepyourdoorslockedtightwhenIleavehere,”hesaidfirmly.
“Anddon’topenthatdoortoanybodyyoudon’tknow,regardlessofthereason.Gotthat?”

“Arewegoingtodotheprotectivemalething?”shesaidwickedly,andsmiled.“Oh,that’sso

sexy!”

“Cutitout,”hemuttered,rufflingherhairagain.“It’stheunderstaffedthing.Ican’tsolvethis

casealone,andtheywon’tgivemeanymorepeople.”

“Whichmeansyou’restuckwithme.”Sheloopedherarmsaroundhisneck.Amazing,how

comfortableshefeltlyinglikethiswithhim,whenshewasthemoststandoffishwomanintheworld
withmen.

“Thatworksbothways,”hetaunted.

“Well,then,youhavetobecareful,too,andkeepaneyebehindyou,”shecautioned.“That’sthe

protectivefemalething,”sheadded.

Hedrewastrandofherlonghairacrossherlipsandbenttokissherthroughit.“Evenifyoudo

havehalfadozengoodreasonsto,I’mgladyoudon’thateme,Josette,”hesaidhuskily.

“Iwouldn’tknowhowtostart.”

Hemovedherhairasideslowly,andhismouthtoyedsoftlywithherupperlip,whilethetipof

histongueprobedunderinlazydartingthrusts.Shewonderedifitwasmeanttomakeherfeelhotall
over.Probablyitwas.Shewishedsheknewmoreaboutmen.

Henibbledherlipbeforehecoaxedhermouthtoopen.Thenhekissedheragain,withanoddly

hesitanttenderness,hisbig,leanhandlyingwarmandstrongagainsthercheek.Itmovedslowly
downtohercollarboneandteasedaroundtheopeningoftherobe.Butwhenheheardherjerkyintake
ofbreathandfeltherhandsclenchbehindhishead,hestilled.

Heknewthatitwasn’tfear.Hecouldfeelthesoftrushofherbreath,feelthetensioninherbody,

almosthearherwildheartbeat.Shewasinvolvedalready.Sowashe.Butitwastoosoon.He’dbeen
relentlessthelasttime,overwhelmingherprotests.Thistime,hehadtogoslow.Hehadtotreather
likeapricelesstreasure,andnotmakeherfeeluneasybecauseshewantedhim.Itflatteredhimthat
shecouldstillwanthim,withtheirpast.Hehadtobetenderwithher,nowmorethanever,andpatient.
Verypatient,despitetheacheinhisloins.

Soheliftedhismouthslowlyfromherclinging,softlipsandgaveheralong,searchinglook.

Thenhepushedhimselfawaywithalong,jerkysighandgottohisfeetinonefluid,graceful
movement.Hegazeddownatherwithmuteddelight.Nowshelookedfrustrated.Veryfrustrated.
Good.

“You’releaving?”sheaskedabruptly,proppinguponherhands.Hereyeswidened.“You’re

leavingnow?”

Hestraightenedhisshirtandstringtie,andpickeduphishat.“Whatwouldbethepointof

staying?”heaskedwithfaintlyamusedeyesandasoftchuckle.“Idon’thaveanythinginmywalletto
use.AndevenifIdid,ifItriedtodowhatyou’rethinkingofrightnow,we’dbothendupinthe
emergencyroom!”Hepursedhislipsatherfaintgasp.Hepursedhislipsandgaveherawickedgrin.
“Ofcourse,wecouldrushrightovertothehospitalandaskifthere’sagynecologistoncallfor
emergencyminorsurgery…?”

Shecoloredwhensherealizedwhathemeant.Shegottoherfeetandstuckherhandsdeepinto

thepocketsofherrobe.“Youcanstoprightthere,yousexmaniac!”shesaidhaughtily.“Idon’tsleep
around,minorsurgeryornot!AndIdon’tgiveadamnwhosaysit’sperfectlyokayinamodern
woman!”

Hesmiled,withoutsarcasmormockery.“That’smorelikethewomanIremember.Ialways

admiredthataboutyou,”hesaid,withafaintglitterinhisgrayeyes.“Youneverfollowedthecrowd.”

Sheshrugged.“Myfatherwasneveronetokeephisopinionstohimself,”shesaid,andsmiled.

“Hetaughtmetobepoliticallyincorrect!”

Hechuckled,rememberingsomefirmlectureshe’dheardfromtheReverendintheolddays.

Therewasanoddlittlesilence.“Thanksforstoppingtoseeaboutme.”

Hemovedclosetoherandtiltedherchinuptohiseyes.Henoticedthatshedidn’thaveher

glasseson.She’dleftthemonthevanitywhenhe’dstarteddryingherhair.“Canyouseeme?”he
askedsuddenly.

“You’realittleblurry,”sheconfessed.

Hesmiled.“Anditmakesyoufeelvulnerable.”Henoddedwhenhershockedexpression

blossomed.“Yes,Iremember.Youdidn’thaveyourglassesonthatnight,whenIfoundyouhuddled
inacornerofthatboy’sroom,andthefirstthingyousaidtomewasthatyoufeltcompletely
vulnerablebecauseyoucouldn’tseeanythingclearly.Then,yearslaterwhenweweredating,you
wouldn’twearglasseswhenyouwentoutwithme.Orcontactlenses,”headded.

Shesmiled.“IalwaysthoughtIlookedbetterwithoutglasses.Ican’twearcontacts,”shesaid,

“becauseIkeptgettinginfections.I’mnotmeticulousenoughaboutkeepingthemclean.”

“Excuses,excuses,”hechided,chuckling.

“Yourvisionisperfect,isn’tit?”

Henodded.“Sofar.WhenIgetold,IexpectI’llbedeckedoutinreadingglasses.”

Shechangedthesubject.“DidyouaskthepolicetokeepaneyeonMrs.Jennings?”

Hegrimaced.“Imeantto,”hesaidatonce.“ButIgotsidetracked.”Hemovedawayfromherand

pickedupthephone.Hedialedanumberandexplainedthesituationtothedutyofficer,addinga
thank-youbeforehehungup.

“He’lltakecareofit,”hetoldher.Heshookhishead.“IphonedthesheriffaboutHollimanand

hisplace,butIforgotMrs.Jennings.”

“You’vebeenbusy,”shereplied.

“Notthatbusy.”Hemovedbacktoher.“I’llpickyouupforbreakfastinthemorning,andwe’ll

goseesomeofJennings’scorrespondents.”

“Okay.”Shesmiledathimhesitantly.“Youbecarefulgoinghome.”

Hetouchedhernose.“Youbecarefulhere.RememberwhatIsaid.”

“Iwill.”

Heopenedthedoorandwaitedoutsideuntilsheclosedandlockedit.Shepeeredoutthevenetian

blindsashegotintothebigblackSUVanddroveoff.Nowshewasworriedabouthim.Iftwomen
hadjumpedhimandbeenrouted,whatifthekillersentmorebackafterhim?Shegrimaced.Thiscase
wasturningintoanightmare.

Sheperchedonherbedandstaredsightlesslyatthecasefilesthathadbeenquicklytossedaside

byanimpatientMarcBrannon.Herheartrippledwithdelightasshefeltalloveragainthewarmthof
hishardmouthonherown,thefeelofhislongfingersonherbareskin.Sheshiveredwithdesire.It
washappeningalloveragain.Shewasstillinlove,livingforasightofhim,aphonecall,atouch.
Sheclosedhereyestight.Shedidn’tdarewalkthatroadtwice.He’dturnedandwalkedawayfromher
twoyearsagowithoutasinglelookoverhisshoulder.Whichmeantthathecoulddoitagain.She
couldn’tlivethroughasecondrejection.Soshe’dbetterrememberthepainaswellasthepleasure,
andnotgetinoverherhead.

Thenextmorning,shephonedSimonHartandfilledhiminonwhatwashappening,especially

aboutthecomputerbreak-in.

“Idon’tlikethat,”hesaidcurtly.“Ireallydon’tlikethat.”

“Well,we’vegotourownhackerrightinyouroffice,”sheremindedhim.“PhilDouglascould

solvethiscasebeforelunch.He’sthebestcybercrimeexpertwehave.”

“IsenthimdowntoMalaSuerte,remember?”hesaidwithagroan.

“Thengethimback!Itwon’ttakehimanhourtofindoutwhohackedintothefilesandgotDale

transferred.”

Therewasahesitation.“Wedohaveother,moreexperienced,peopleinthecybercrimeunit.”

“Simon,you’rehedging,”shesaid.

Hemadearoughsoundinhisthroat.“Well,theFBIborrowedhimonanothercase.”

“YouneverloanedmetotheFBI,”shesaid,disconcerted,“andI’vebeentheretwoyears.Phil’s

onlybeenthereeightmonths!”

“Ididn’twanttogetridofyou,”heemphasized.“Okay.I’llphonetheirofficeandhavehimsent

back.”

“He’sverygoodathisjob,”sheadded.

“Iwasgettingeven,”heblurtedout.

Shepaused.“Huh?”

“Doyourememberthatagent,Russell,who’sbeengivingussomuchtroubleoverJakeMarsh?”

“ThesameoneMarcalmostdeckedathisranchwhenhissisterwastherewiththeSheikhof

Qawi?”sheasked.

“Yes,”hereplied.“Anyway,Russellheardaboutthiscaseandcameinherelikeapitbull,trying

togethelptoprovethatalocalmobbosshadJenningskilled.Russellhasbeentryingtogetthegoods
onJakeMarshfortwopreviousunsolvedmurdersinSanAntonio.”

“JakeMarshisourmainsuspect,too,”sheagreed,“butnobodyseemstoknowwhereheisright

now.Butdespitethebesteffortsoftheforensicpeopleandtheevidencetechnicians,wecan’ttell
anythingmorethanthecaliberofthegunDalewaskilledwith—aninemillimeterpistol.”

“That’sdiscouraging.Ifyouhadgoodevidence,IcouldinflictRussellonyou.Anyway,hehas

suspicions,butheneededacybercrimeexperttogothroughthelawenforcementdatabaseforhim
andrunchecksonmutualacquaintancesandpreviouscharges.IloanedhimPhil.”

“YoumighthitpaydirtbylettingPhilworkforRussell.Weneedallthehelpwecanget.Iwould

liketoknowwhoperpetratedthatprisonertransfer.”

“SowouldI,andthemorepeopleworkingonit,thebetter.I’llgetthecrimelabguysoveratthe

FBIofficeonit,too,”hesaidwithachuckle.“Iftheycanborrowourpeople,weshouldbeabletouse
theirs.Thisisacapitalcrime,afterall.”

“Thanksalot,Simon.I’llbeintouch.”

“Meanwhile,I’llgetintouchwiththestatejudicialboardandgetthemtolaunchanindependent

investigationintotheJenningsrelease.”

“Goodidea.”

Shehungup,morepuzzledthanever.SotheFBIwasinonthis,too,werethey?Well,itdid

involveacandidatefornationaloffice,itwasmurderandtherewererumorsofmobties.Jake
Marsh’snamekeptturninguparoundeverycorner.She’dhavetoremembertotellBrannonthat.If
onlytheycouldfindMarsh!

WhenBrannonshoweduptodriveherdowntoFloresvilletotalktoJennings’scorrespondent,

shetoldhimwhatSimonhadsaidonthewaydown.

“JakeMarsh,again,”hemurmured,frowning.“IknowSimonwantstoputhimoutofbusiness

asmuchaswedo.”

“Yes.YouroldpalRusselldoes,too,”sheadded.

“CurtRussell.”Hiseyesbegantoglitter.“Istilldon’tunderstandwhathe’sdoingonthiscase.

LasttimeIlooked,hewasSecretService.”

“Well,hetoldSimonthattheFBIsenthim,soIguesshe’schangedjobs.He’safterMarsh,”she

toldhim.

“HethinksMarshwasinvolvedinJennings’smurder.”Henoddedthoughtfully.“Sodowe.But

westilldon’thaveamotive.”

“NotunlessthatinformationDalehadconcernedMarshandsomeofhisdealings.Ifhehad

concreteproofofwrongdoing,”shesaidwithacuriousfrown,“thatwouldcertainlymakeamotive
formurder.”

“Itwould,”heagreedtersely.

Heledthewaytotheparkinglotoutback,wherehe’dlefthisblackSUV.Ontheway,asmall,

towheadedboyinjeansandalong-sleevedshirtandsneakerswaswanderingalongbetweenthe
endlessrowsofcarsinthehugelotandbawlinghiseyesout.Hecouldn’thavebeenmorethanfour
yearsold.

“Hey,partner,”Marccalledsoftlyandpickedthelittlefellowup.“What’sthematter?”

“LostMama”cametheplaintivesob.Littlepudgyfistswipedlittleweteyes.“LostMama!”

“Well,we’lljustfindherforyou,”hesaid,cuddlingthechildclose.

Josette’shearttwisted.She’dseenMarcwithchildrenbefore.Theychangedhim.Theimplacable

lawenforcementofficerwithhiswildtemperandfuriousexpressionswassuddenlyeverywoman’s
idealoftheperfectfatherforherchildren.Shelookedathimandknewhowhe’dbewithhisown
child.Shewantedtothrowherselfdownontheconcreteandsquallherowneyesout,justtogetthose
lean,musculararmsaroundhersosecurely.

“Hecan’tbefouryet,”Josettesaidasshejoinedhim.Shesmoothedthesilky,cleanhairofthe

littleboyandsmiled.“What’syourname,littleguy?”

“Jeffrey,”hesobbed.“I’mthreeyearsold.”Heheldupfourfingers.

MarcandJosetteexchangedamusedsmiles.

Fromthehotel’ssideentrancecamethesoundofexcitedvoices.“Buthewasrighthere!”a

womansobbed.“Ijustturnedmybackforasecond…!”

“Youneverpayhimanyattention!”asharpmalevoicecountered.“Youcouldn’tevenpostponea

phonecalllongenoughtowatchourson.”

“Somebodymissakid?”Marcraisedhisvoice.

Twoneatpeople,oneinabusinesssuitandonewearingranchclothes,camequicklytoward

them.Themanwasirritated.Thewomanwasblondandsmallandfrantic.

“Jeffrey!”shesobbed,holdingoutherarms.“Oh,thankGod!Ifhe’dgoneinthestreet…!Thank

you,thankyou!”Shegraspedherchildtightinherarmsandcoveredhiswetfacewithkisses.

ThemanwithhergaveMarcaslow,quietglance.“Thanks,”hesaidtersely.“We’llgethim

homenow.”

“Childrenwanderfar,andtheydoitquick,”Marctoldthewomanflatly.

Sheswallowed.“Yes.I’msorry.Itwon’thappenagain.”Shegavethedarkmanbesidehera

worriedglance.“We’llgonow.”

Themannoddedpolitelyandfollowedalongbesideher,buthelookedlikeastormaboutto

break.

“Theregoesamarriage,”Marcmused,watchingthem.Heshookhishead.“Sometimesit’sjust

toomuchdistance.”

“Andothers,it’stoolittlecommunication,”shereplied.

Heturnedtoher.“That’safact.Especiallywithyouandme.Weshouldhavebeentotallyhonest

witheachother.Ifwehad,wemightbefriendsnow,insteadofreluctantco-workers.”

Shesearchedhiseyes.“Youreallylikechildren,don’tyou?”sheasked.

Hesmiled.“Lovethem,”headmitted.

“Me,too.”

Heslidhishanddowntolinkwithhers.Thrillsofpleasureranupanddownherslenderbody.

“We’dbettergo,”shesaid.

Henodded,andhewalkedbesideher.ButheheldherhandallthewaytotheSUV.Shedidn’ttry

topullitaway.Maybehecouldhelpherforgethowcruelhe’dbeeninthepast,ifhewentslowlyand
carefully,anddidn’trushher.Hehadtohopeso.Hefeltaliveagain.Itwasagoodfeeling.

ChapterNine

andraGateswasaboutMarcBrannon’sage,withbleachedblondhairandpurplefingernailsandthe

socialgracesofasmalldog.Hertrailerwasjammedupagainsttwoequallysad-lookingonesina
trailerparkoutsideFloresville.Shewasn’tpleasedtoseeMarcandJosette.Shelettheminsideonly
whenMarcthreatenedtogetasearchwarrant.

Theysatdowngingerlyonthesofa,whichwascoveredwithclothesandnewspapersand

discardedcandywrappers.WhileMarcwasdetailingthereasonforthevisit,Josetteunobtrusively
slippedoneofthecandywrappersintoherpocket,onahunch.

Sandrasatbackinherchair,herlowerlipprominent.“IwasjustafriendofDale’s,”shesaid

withcoldemphasis,wavingalanguidhand.Josettenoticedthatsheworeadiamonddinnerringon
herrighthand.Ifitwasacheapring,itcertainlydidn’tlookit.“Ihadnothingtodowithhisdeath,”
sheadded.“Nothingatall!”

“Wearen’taccusingyouofanything,MissGates,”Josettesaidquickly.“Weonlywanttoknow

ifhewroteyouanythingaboutbeingtransferredtotheWayneCorrectionalInstitute.”

Sheeyedthemwarilyforaminuteandhergazewenttothewindowbeforeshetookaslow

breathand,withoutlookingdirectlyatthem,answered,“Sure,Iknewhewasbeingtransferred.He
wrotemeaboutit.”

“Didhetellyouhowhemanagedit?”Brannonaskedevenly,observingherresponseswithkeen

grayeyes.

Sheglancedathim,startled,andthenavertedhereyesagain.“What…doyoumeanbythat?”

“WayneCorrectionalInstituteisastateprison,MissGates,”Brannonreplied.“Jenningswasin

federalprisoninAustinuntilaboutaweekorsobeforehewaskilled,whenhemanagedtoget
transferredoverhereandassignedtoanoutsideworkdetail.”

Shefoldedherarmsandgavehimacoldglare.“Hedidn’tsayanythingaboutthattome,”she

said.“Ionlyknowthatitwaseasiertogoseehimhere.Imean,itwouldhavebeeneasierformetogo
seehim,ifhehadn’tgotkilled.”

Brannonlookedathermeaningfully.“Iknowthatyouknewhimbeforehewenttoprison,Miss

Gates,andthatyouvisitedhimbothinAustinandSanAntonio.”

Shelookedirritable.“SoIdid.Sowhat?”Nowherlegswerecrossedandonefootstarted

kickingimpatiently.

Heignoredthequestionandlookedaround,hispaleeyeslightingonaveryexpensivecomputer

andprintersetup.Consideringthepovertyaroundher,thatwasodd.Sowasthatdiamondshewas
sporting.

“Doyoulikecomputers?”heaskedpleasantly,changingthesubject.“I’mbarelycomputer

literatemyself,butwehavetousethem,likeeveryotherlawenforcementofficeinthecountry.”

Sheseemedtorelaxalittle.“Yes,Ilovecomputers.Itookcoursesatthelocalvocational

technicalschoolincomputerprogramming.”Shepointedtoacertificateonthewalloverher
computer.Brannongotupandsaunteredovertolookatit,leaningtowarditwithonebig,leanhand
onthedesk.Hiseyesshotdowntothecomputer.Itwasanexpensiveone,andshehadseveralCD-
ROMdiskslyingaroundit,oneofwhichwasaphotoprogram.Anotherwasasophisticated
spreadsheetprogram.

Hestoodup.“Impressive,”hesaid,andwalkedbacktothechair.“Howlongdidittakeyouto

getthroughthosecourses?”

“Ayearandahalf,”shesaidandsmiledjerkily.“Mytipspaidforthatdiploma.Iwasawaitress

atatruckstopjustoutsideSanAntonio.”

“IusedtobeabusboywhenIwasinmymiddleteens,”Brannontoldhereasily,andwithasmile.

“Youdon’tmakemuchatthosejobswithouttips.”

“Youdon’tmakeanything,”shemuttered.“Iwassodamnedtiredofbeingpoor…”Shelaughed

nervously.“NotthatI’mrichnow,butIdesigngamesoftware.Mynewonewonanawardfromone
ofthecomputermagazines,”shesaid,namingitwithobviouspride.“I’vecomealongway.”

“Obviously,”hesaid.“That’sanexpensivecomputer.Topoftheline.”

Nowshewasnervousandonherguardagain.“IhavetohavegoodequipmentorIcouldn’t

makealiving.”Sheuncrossedherlegsandgottoherfeet.“I’vegotalunchappointment,”shetold
them,quicklycheckingthewatchonherwrist.“Sorrytorushyouoff,butI’moutoftime.”

Theygotup.“Noproblem,”Brannontoldherwithacourteoussmile.“Thanksforyourhelp,

MissGates.”

“Ididn’tknowanything!”sheprotested.

“AndI’msorryaboutJennings,”headded,notingthefaintflickerofhereyelids.“Forwhatit’s

worth,Idon’tthinkhekilledHenryGarner.”

Shecolored.Herlowerliptrembledbeforeherteethcaughtandstilledit.Herfacetautened.“He

wassuchaloser,”shesaidhuskily.“Suchastupid,trustingfool…!

“Hewasn’tallbad,”Josetteventured.“Hehadsomewonderfulqualities.”

“Alotofgoodtheydohimnow,”shesaidcoldly.“Theworldisfullofpeoplewhouseother

peopleandgetawaywithit.”

Josettestartedtoaskaquestion,butBrannoncaughtherhandinhisandpulledheroutthedoor

behindapleasantgoodbyetoMissGates.

WhentheywereinthesportsutilityvehicleandheadedbacktoSanAntonio,Josetteasked

Brannonwhyhe’dpulledheroutthedoorsoabruptly.

“Becauseyournextquestionwouldhavebeen,whodidsheknowthatusedotherpeopleandgot

awaywithit,andthatwouldhavebeencounterproductive,”heexplained.“She’sinthisuptoherneck.
Ifshewasmakingthatmuchmoney,shewouldn’tbelivinginadownscaletrailerpark,drivinga
rustingoldcarandwearingshoesthatlookthreeyearsold.Designingsoftwarewouldn’texplainthat
two-caratdiamondorthecomputerandtheprinter.AndIsawsomesoftwareonherdeskthatsellsfor
sixhundredapop.”

“YouthinkDaleJenningsboughtherthering?”

“Ifit’sreal—anditlooksreal—yes,Ido,”Brannonsaid.“AndI’dbetmoneyshe’stheonewho

hackedintothecomputersystemandgotJenningssentdownhere.”

“That’swhatIthought,too,butwecan’tproveit.”

“Notyet,anyway.”Heshookhishead.“She’sonecoollady.YouneedtogetthelocalD.A.’s

cybercrimespecialistonthisone,andthatguyPhilatyourownoffice,too.I’lljustmentionittoour
residentexpertaswell.She’snotgoingtobeeasytocatch,atthat,nomatterhowmanypeopleweput
onthejob.Iimagineshe’shadalotofpracticeaterasingherelectronicfootsteps.Butwemightfind
outsomething.”

“Suchas,whopaidhertogetDaletransferred,”Josetteguessed.“Becauseshewouldn’thave

gonetothatriskjustforthepleasureofhiscompany.”

“Butshewouldhaveforapayoff,”heagreedatonce.“Idon’tthinksherealizedshewasdoingit

sothathecouldgetexecuted,though,”headdedshrewdly.“Andshedidseemtocareabouthim.ButI
don’tthinkJenningswastheonlypersonpayingheroff.Shemayhavebeenplayedforasuckeras
well.”

“Mrs.JenningstoldmethatDalewasgoingwithsomewomanwholikedexpensivepeppermint

candy.SoItookthis,”sheshowedhimawrapper.

Brannongaveitacuriouslook.“Thisisimported.Expensivetasteforawomanwholivesina

usedtrailer.”

“Isn’tit,though?”

“YousaidthatJennings’sgirlfriendlikedexpensivemints.DidMrs.Jenningssayanythingelse

abouther?”

“Notmuch.Itwasjustacommentshemade,thatIremembered.”

“I’mglad.Everycluehelps.”

“Whydidn’tyouwanthertogetsuspicious?”sheaskedcuriously.

“BecauseI’mgoingtogetacourtorderforawiretaponherphone,”hesaidsimply.“There’s

enoughevidence,evencircumstantial,toinvolveherinthiscase.Besides,ifSandraGatesreallyis
mixedupinthis,she’sindanger.Themurdererisnotgoingtowanthertotellwhatsheknowstothe
police.”

“Soshe’sexpendable.”

“Exactly.”

Josettedugintothefileinherbriefcaseandthumbedthroughit.“There’sanotherpersonhere

weneedtoquestion.He’sanassociateofJakeMarsh’s,”shesaid,frowningasshereadoverher
notes.“Thisman,JohnnyYork,hasanarrestrecordaslongasmyarm,butonlyoneconviction.He
wasarrestedonsuspicionofmurderlastyear,buthewasreleasedforlackofevidence.He’son
probationforanassaultconviction.AccordingtowhatI’vefoundout,hehasonefavoritehaunt.He
likestoplaypool.So,wemightstopbythepoolhallonMesquiteStreetandtalktohim.”

“Hewon’tbethereatthishouroftheday,”heassuredher.Hepulledovertothecurbandused

hisonboardcomputertoinputYork’sname.

“That’sourstatecrimedatabase,”shemurmuredwithdelight.

“Yes,itis,andIcouldn’tdomyjobwithoutit,either.”Ahugefileofdatacameuponthescreen.

Therewasaphoto.Themanwasordinary-looking,withthinninghairandsmalleyes.Funny,how
familiarhelooked.HescrolleddowntoYork’shomeaddressandsmiled.“Isn’tmoderntechnology
great?”hemurmuredwithagrin.“Wecouldhavespenthourstryingtorundownthisinformationby
questioningpeoplewhoknowhim.”

“Itreallydoessavetime,”shereplied.“Wheredoeshelive?”

“Aboutsixblocksfromhere.He’sprobablystillasleep.We’llwakehimup.”

Ittooklessthanfiveminutes,eveninmorningtraffic,togettotheaddressonthescreen.As

BrannonandJosettegotoutofthecar,acurtainwaspulledbackandthenreleasedatthefrontofthe
house.Astheyapproachedthesteps,theyheardadoorslam.

“He’stryingtomakebushbond!”Brannonsaidshortly.“Stayback.Hemaybearmed.”Hedrew

hisownpistolandstartedquicklyaroundonesideofthehouse.

JosettefeltherheartbeatshakingherasshedisobeyedBrannon’sordersandwentaroundthe

oppositesideofthehouse.Brannonwastryingtoheadoffacriminalbyhimself.Josettewasan
officeperson,notafieldagent.Nevertheless,shemightbeabletospookthemanenoughtorunhim
backtowardBrannon.Andevenifhehadagun,surelyhewouldn’tbesodesperateastoshootan
unarmed—

Asshethoughtthat,agunshotsangout.Brannon!Sherushedaroundthecornerofthehousejust

intimetoseeasmall,baldingmanwholookedstrangelyfamiliarwhirlatherapproach.Shefelta
stingingpaininherupperarmandheardafirecrackerpophalfasecondlater.Funny,herarmfelt
veryheavy.

Therewasanothershotandthemanspunaround,droppinghisgun.Brannonwasonhim

secondslater,whippinghimtotheground,jerkinghishandsbehindhim.Hecuffedhimandstoodup,
remindingJosetteabsentlyofthewayheusedtocompeteinbulldoggingcompetitioninrodeo;she’d
seenhimthrowandbindthelegsofcalvesjustthatquickly.Shewonderedwhyhermindwasstuckon
suchanirrelevantthing,andwhyshefeltsofunny.

BrannonglancedtowardJosettejusttomakesureshewasokay.Buttherewasagrowingred

spotonthebeigejacketshewaswearing,andshelookedasifshewereabouttofaint.

Mutteringcurses,hereholsteredhispistolandrushedtowardher,withhismobilephonealready

outandactivated.Hephoned911asheran,givingtheirlocation,theirsituation,andademandforan
ambulanceandbackup.

HecaughtJosettejustasshestartedtofall.Hewhippedoffhisstringtiebeforeheeasedherto

thegroundandunbuttonedherjacket,slippingitoffherwoundedarm.

Shelaylookingupathimblankly.Shebegantoshakeuncontrollably.Shelaughed.“Ifeel

funny,”shesaidunsteadily.

“Liestill,”hereplied,hisexpressionsetandgrimashetorethesleeveofherjackettogetalook

atthedamage.ThankGoditwasn’tthroughthebone,butitwasanastywoundjustthesame.Ithad
enteredandexitedthroughtheinsideofthebiceps,leavingbloodpumpingoutfromwhathadtobea
tornartery.Hemadeatourniquetofhisboloandaretractablepenfromhispockettohelpstopthe
flowofbloodwhileheputpressureonthewoundtostoptheprofusebleeding.“Comeon,comeon,
damnit!”hecursed,lookingaroundfortheambulancewithfuriouspaleeyes.Hedidn’thearasingle
sirenyet.

Josettefeltpainwherehishandspressed.Thedrivewaywasgravel,anditwascoldand

uncomfortableunderherback.ShelookedupatBrannon’sdark,leanfacewithasensethatshewas
somewhereelseseeingthemtogetherontheground.

“Ithit…anartery,didn’tit?”sheasked.Hervoicesoundedstrange.Hertonguewassothick,it

washardtotalkatall.

“Yes,itdid,”hesaid.Hewasstillpressingdownhardwherethebullethadenteredandexited.

Therewasbloodalloverhishands,alloverherjacketandblouse,alloverthegroundbesideher.It
ranintothesoilandgravelandshecouldsmellit.Therewasametallicsmelltoblood,shethought,
growingweakerbythemoment.

“Ofalltheidioticthingsyou’veeverdoneinyourlife…!Holdon,Josie,”hesaidsoftly.“Hold

on.”Heliftedhisheadagain.“Whereisthatdamnedambulance!”heraged,becausehisbestefforts
werebarelysuppressinganyoftheredflow.Shecouldbleedtodeathifitwasn’tstoppedsoon.

Hereyessearchedhisface.Heseemedpalerthannormal,andhiseyeswereglitterywithfury

andimpotence.“Marc,”shewhispered,driftinginandoutnowfrombloodloss,“whydidn’tyousay
goodbye?”

Hewasstilllookingfortheambulance.Atlast,therewasthefaintsoundofsirensapproaching.

“What?”hemurmured,fixatedonhistaskashekneltbesideher,thesuspectalreadyforgotteninthe
terrorofthemoment.

“Notanoteoraphonecall.Youjust…walkedaway…andneverevenlookedback.Iwanted…to

die.”Shegrimacedandgroaned,tryingtotwistawayfromhishands.“Don’t!”shechoked.“Ithurts!”

“Betterhurtthandead,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.

“Thinkso?Iwonder.”Shebitherliptokeepfromcryingout.

Marcmutteredcursesattheslownessoftheparamedics,finallyyellingatthemwithlanguagehe

wasgoingtoregretlater.Shesmiledsoftlyatthememoryofhistemperfromdayspast.Sheclosed
hereyes,oblivioustothesoundsofactivityaroundher,andgaveintothepain.

Shewasvaguelyawareofthehospital,butshewaspleasantlynumbfromwhatevertheyhad

pouringintoherfromanIVbag.Brannonwasstillrightbesideherasshewasmovedintoacubicle.
Adoctorenteredandexaminedthewoundandpronounceditnonlethal.Shewasgivenalocal
anestheticandantibioticswereaddedtothedrip.Thedoctorwenttoworkonherwithasurgical
needleandsutures.Thewholetime,Brannonstoodbesideherandheldherotherhandtightinhis.

“Yougothim,didn’tyou?”sheaskeddrowsily.

“Igothim.Hewasbroughtinwithyou,”hesaid.“They’llbetransferringhimuptoasecure

areawhenhe’shadhisbulletremoved.Hefaredworsethanyou,believeme.”

“Youalwayswereagoodshot,”shesighed.“Andnobodycouldbeatyouataquick-draw.Don’t

youstillholdarecordofsomesortforthat?”

“Youwerelucky,”hereplied,ignoringthepraiseandthequestion.“You’restillgoingtolearn

plentyaboutbulletwoundsbeforethisisover.”

“Sheis,indeed,”theyoungdoctorrepliedwhileheworkedonher.“She’sgoingtobesoreand

sickforacoupleofdays,andonantibioticsforthenexttendays.Istheresomeonewhocanstaywith
hertonight?”

“No,”shesaid.

“Yes,”Brannonsaidatthesametime.

Thephysicianmadeasoundinthebackofhisthroat.“Wecanadmityou,”heoffered.

“Nochance,”shetoldhim.“It’sjustascratch.”

“Youwon’tthinksowhenthepainkillerwearsoff,”thedoctormurmured.“I’llgiveyoua

prescriptionforoneandanotherfortheantibioticsbeforeyouleave.”HeglancedatBrannon.“We’ll
havetofilloutareportonthis.”

“She’swiththestateattorneygeneral’soffice,”hereplied.“Atrainedinvestigator,andshecan’t

useagun.Somethingsheshouldhavethoughtofwhenshewentaroundthehousetotrytohelpme
flushoutasuspect.”Hegrimaced.“Don’teverdoanythinglikethatagain,Josie,”headdedgently.

“Iwon’t,Brannon,”shesaid.“ButI’mtough.Besides,thinkoftheboostthiswillgivemy

memoirs!”

“Itwasmyfaultforputtingyouindangerinthefirstplace,”hecontinueddoggedly.“Thatbeing

thecase,I’lltakecareofyouuntilyou’rebackonyourfeet.”Heheldupahandwhensheprotested.
“You’ddoexactlythesameifitwereme.”

Shesighed.“Pointtaken.”

AfterJosettewassewnup,andwaitingforthephysiciantowriteoutherprescriptions,Brannon

wentdownthehalltothesurgicalwingwherehisprisonerwasbeingtended.

BrannonrecognizedtheyoungBexarCountysheriff’sdeputywhopatrolledthesouthendofthe

countythatborderedonWilsonCounty.Hewaswaitingoutsidetheswingingdoors.Heglancedat
Brannon,grinnedandextendedhishand.

“Nicework,Brannon,”hetoldtheTexasRanger.“We’vebeenafterthislittleweaselformonths.

Weconvictedhimforaggravatedassaultwhenhewastryingtoshakedownaliquorstoreowner.He
gotcaughtdrinkinganddrivingandwentundergroundbeforewecouldarresthim.”

“Heshotmypartner,”Brannonsaidangrily.“Shewasn’tevenarmed.”

“Thatwouldn’tstopYork,”hereplied.“He’sthepoorman’scleanerlocally—he’lldoanything

formoney,includingmurder.He’ssuspectedofbeingoneofJakeMarsh’shiredguns.Infact,San
AntonioPDwouldfingerhimforJennings’smurder,ifhecouldbeconnectedwiththecaseanyway
atall.”

“Giveustime,”Brannonsaid.Hehesitated.“TherewasaphotoofhiminthefileIaccessedon

mycomputer.Hesurelookedfamiliar.”

“YouwereatJennings’sfuneralyesterday,weren’tyou?”thedeputyasked.

“Yes.”

“Remembertheminister?”hemused.

Brannontookasharpbreath.“Damn!AndIthoughttheministerwasjustnewandnervous.What

thehellwashedoingthere?”

“Ataguess,gettingagoodlookatsomeonehe’sbeenhiredtoshoot”camethereply.“God

knowswho.”

Brannonshovedhishandsintothepocketsofhiskhakislacks.Hewasthinking.Ifthelittleman

wasahiredkiller,andhewasatthefuneral,themurdererhadalreadypickedhisnexttarget.Ifheand
Josettehadn’tplayedahunchanddecidedtopayYorkavisitthismorning,hemighthavesucceeded.
But,ifthedeputywasright,whowasthetarget?Andwhy?

HewasstillnoclosertoanswerswhenhehelpedJosetteintotheSUVanddrovebacktohis

apartment.

Shewastoogroggyandsicktowanttotalk.Hecarriedherupthestepsintotheapartment

building,intotheelevatordespitecuriousglancesfromotherpassengers,andgotoutonhisfloor.

Onthewaytohisapartment,hemetoneofthesecuritypeople.“Hey,Bill,howabouttakingmy

keyandunlockingthedoorforme?”

“Surething,”theothermanreplied,withacuriouslookatBrannon’sburden.

“Wejustcamefromthehospital,”Brannonbegan.

“Hellofaplacetopickupwomen,Brannon,”theothermanmused.“Butifthat’stheonlyway

youcangetone…”

“Putasockinit,”Brannonsaidwithachuckle.“She’sbeenshot.Ican’tleaveheraloneandshe

hasnofamily.”

“Shot?”Theothermanunlockedthedoor,openeditandhandedBrannonbackhiskeys.That

waswhenhenoticedthewhitebandageonJosette’sarm,wherethatsleeveofherjacketwasoff.
“Shouldn’tshebeinthehospital?”

“S’onlyafleshwound,”shemurmured,withhercheektightagainstthehardbeatofBrannon’s

heartunderhisshirt.TheRangerbadgewasuncomfortable,butitseemedtobeeverywhereshe
movedherface,coldandhard.“Hedidn’tmeanto…”sheaddedinaslur.

“Now,you’reshootingwomen?”thesecuritymanaskedwithwideeyes.

“Ididn’tshoother,youidiot!Asuspectgother.ButIgothim,”headdedwithagleamof

triumph.“Andhe’sinsurgeryrightnow.”

“Sorry,kid,”BilltoldJosette,whowaswatchinghimwitheyesbarelyopen.“Maybewhen

you’rebetter,they’llgiveyoufiveminutesalonewithhim.”

“Don’tIwish,”shemurmured.“Andtwostunguns,oneforeachhand…I’msosleepy,

Brannon.”

“Okay.I’llhaveyouinsideinajiffy.Thanks,Bill.”

“Anytime.”BillopenedthedoorandputthekeysinthehandthatwassupportingJosette’srib

cage.HesmiledatJosetteandthenliftedamusedeyesbacktoBrannon’s.“Butthenextoneyouget
fromthehospital’smine.Someluck,Brannon.Ineverfindgiveawayslikeher!”Hewalkedoffbefore
Brannoncouldthinkofasnappycomeback.

BrannoncarriedJosetteintothesparebedroomandlaidhergentlyonthebrown-and-beige

geometricpatternofthecoverletwhilehetookoffhershoesandskirt.Theywerefollowedbyher
jacketandtheruinedblouseunderit,leavingherinafullslip,braandpanties.Hetriednottopaytoo
muchattentiontoherverynicefigurewhilehewasdoingwhatwasnecessary.

Heliftedherlongenoughtouncoverthesheetsbeforeheputherbackdownonthemandpulled

thecoversoverher,notingthefaintsmellofrosesthatclungtohercreamyskin.

Heproppedhishandsbesideherheadonthepillowandstudiedher.Herlongblondhairwas

halfin,halfoutofabun,hanginginstrandsallaroundherovalface.Hetookherglassesfromtheir
perchonhernoseandlaidthemonthebedsidetable.Hesmoothedbackherhairandthen,
impulsively,pulledoutallthehairpinsthatkeptitinplace.Thewealthofgoldenhaircamecascading
downintohishands.

“ItwilltanglewhileI’masleep,”shemurmured.

“Letit.YouhavethemostbeautifulhairI’veeverseen.”Hishandsspearedthroughit,arranging

itaroundherfaceonthepillow.Hesmiledgently.“Tired?”

“Very.”Shedrewalongbreath.“Sorrytobesomuchtrouble.”

“Youaren’t.I’llhavetogobacktowork,butI’llbehereaboutfive-thirty.Justsleep.Youneedto

getbetterbeforewegoanydeeperintothisinvestigation.”

“Okay.”Shesearchedhiseyesslowly.“Itwasn’tyourfault.”

Hisfacesetinharshlines.“Ishouldhaveknownyou’dtrytoplayhero.”

“Don’tblameyourself.”

“You’retheonewhogotshot.Itshouldhavebeenme.”

Shemanagedasmile.“You’reonlyjealous.It’sbulletenvy.”

“There’sagenuinedelusion!”

“I’llbefine,”sheaddeddrowsily.

“Ofcourseyouwill.Butforacoupleofdays,youneedtorestthatarmandletyourbodyget

overtheshock.Youlostalotofblood.”Hebentdownimpulsivelyandbrushedhishardmouthover
hersoftone.“Getsomesleep,honey.I’llseeyouthisafternoon.Wantmetoputyousomethingto
drinkbythebed?”

Hadhecalledher“honey?”Surelynot.“Couldyou?Somethingcold?”

“Orangejuice?”heasked,rememberinghowmuchshelikeditwhiletheyweredating.

Hereyeslitup.“Yes,please.”

Hewenttogetit.Bythetimehecamebackandsetitonthebedsidetable,shewassoundasleep.

Hestoodwatchingherforalongtimewithastrangeexpression.He’dneverbroughtawoman

homewithhimbefore.Hecouldn’texplainwhatimpulsehadledhimtomakehimselfresponsiblefor
Josette.Butshedidlooksorightthere,inthatbed,asleep.Sheneedednurturing,takingcareof.It
touchedhimtorealizethathewasneeded,onaverypersonalbasis.Sincehismother ’sdeathandhis
sister ’smarriage,hehadn’thadanyonetotakecareof.Hemissedthat.Helikedbeingneeded.Not,he
addedsilently,thathewasgoingtotellJosettethat!

Shedidn’twakeupforseveralhours.Shewasawareofpaininherarm,afullnessandthrobbing

thatweredecidedlyunpleasant.Shesatupwithaneffortandlookedonthebedsidetable.Brannonhad
leftheracarafeoforangejuiceandtwobottlesofpills,oneforpainandtheotherapowerful
antibiotic.Shetookbothandswallowedthemwiththecold,deliciousjuice.Itfeltgoodgoingdown.
Sheputtheglassnexttoherforeheadanddrankinthecoolingcontact.Shemusthaveafever,she
decided,andwonderedifBrannonhadanythingshecouldtakeforthat.

Shemadeherwayintothemasterbathroomandlookedinthemedicinecabinetforananalgesic.

Findingit,sheshooktwotabletsintoherhandandwentbacktothebedroom.

Shelaiddownforafewmoreminutes,butshewasfartoorestlesstosleep.Shegotupand

lookedaroundforsomethingtoputon.She’dhavetogetBrannontogobyherhotelandgether
clothes,orshewouldn’thaveanythingtowear.ShethoughtaboutsomeofBrannon’scolleagues
walkingintotheroomandfindingherinherslip.Thatwouldn’tdohisreputationmuchgood.

Intheend,shedrewoutawornoldpairofcleandenimjeans,Brannon’sofcourse,andatan-

and-whitecheckedlong-sleevedshirtwithapocketmissing.Sheleftherhairloosebecauseshe
couldn’tfindherhairpins,usingBrannon’scombstotrytogetsomeorderoutofthetangles.Then
shewenttothekitchen,herarmstillinitssling,andbegantolookforfood.

Evidentlyhecouldcook,becausehehadanicelystockedrefrigerator.Shemadebiscuitsfrom

scratchandputthemintheoventobake.Whiletheywerecooking,sheputasmallchickenontocook
intheovenwiththem,andbusiedherselfpreparingbeansandpotatoesontheburners.

Thebiscuitscameoutperfect.Thechickentooklonger.Byexactlyfive-thirty,shehad

everythingreadyonthestoveandtwoplacessetatthekitchentable.

Brannonwalkedincarryingabucketofchicken.Hestoppedatthekitchendoorway,hiseyeson

thetable.Hetookawhiff.Somethingsmelleddelicious.

“Isthatchicken?”heasked,indicatingacasserole.“Itsmellsfabulous!”

“Icookitwithrosemary,”shetoldhimshyly.“Sorrythechickenisredundant.”

“Andyoumadebiscuits.”Heputthebucketofchickenonthecounterandwenttothetableto

lookatthemealshe’dprepared.“Youshouldn’thavegonetothismuchtrouble,butIdolove
homemadebiscuits,”hemurmuredwithagentlesmile.“Ihaven’thadadecentonesincewewere
dating.Iusedtostopbyforbreakfastsomemornings,becauseyoualwayscookedthemathome.”

“Yes.”Thememorymadehersad.She’dthoughttheyweregoingtohaveafuturetogetherback

then.He’deventeasedheraboutmovinginwithhimsothathecouldhavefreshbiscuitsevery
morning.

“Thatwasanidiotcomment,”hemuttered.“Ididn’tmeantobringbackunpleasantmemories.”

“Theyweren’tallunpleasant,”sheremarked.“Here,sitdownandbutterabiscuitbeforetheyget

cold.”

Heseatedher,andthenhimself,buthenoticedthatsheonlytookalittletasteofchickenanda

singlebiscuit.“Aren’tyouhungry?”heasked,concerned.

“Notreally.I’malittlenauseousstill.Ihopethebiscuitsareokay,”sheadded.“Ihadtomake

themwithonehand,andIcouldn’trollthemout.”

Hetookanibbleofone.“They’redelicious.”

Shesmiled.“I’mglad.Youneverusedtoeatpropermeals.Youwereforeversnacking,because

somethingalwayscameupwhenyouwereworking.”

“Thatgoeswiththeturf,”heremindedher.“Ican’trememberthelasttimeIhadasingle

uninterruptedmeal.”Hetookaforkfulofchickentohislipsandsavoredit.

“Areyouhappy,nowthatyou’rebackwiththeRangersagain?”sheaskedconversationally.

“IlovetheRangers,”hereplied.“Ialwayshave.IsupposeI’llkeepworkingforthemuntilI’m

oldenoughtoretirewithapension.ButI’llstillhavetheranch.Itbringsinaniceprofit.Iputthe
moneyrightbackintolivestockandmechanicalimprovements.What’sleftover,Iinvest.I’vemade
somegoodchoices.Sogood,infact,thatIcouldprobablyquitworkingwheneverIfeltlikeit.”

Shesmiled.“Youaren’tcutouttositaroundonaranchandleteveryoneelsedothework.”

“You’vegotthatright.Atleastdrinksomemorejuice,”hechidedwhensheleftherglassand

startedtostandup.“Anddon’teventhinkaboutdoingthedishes.That’smyjob.Tomorrownight,I’ll
cook.”

“Canyou?”sheasked.

“I’mnogourmetchef,butImakeameanmeatloaf.”

“Myfavorite!”sheexclaimed.

Hegaveheraspeakinglook.“Oneoftheonlytworestaurantsyou’dletmetakeyoutohadmeat

loafonthemenu.Ihaven’tforgotten.”

“Iloveit.”

“Meatloafandpeachcobbler,”hemurmured,smilingreminiscently.“Andcrepesandchocolate

maltshakes.”Thesmilefaded.“Iwishwecouldgobackintime.I’vemadeseriousmistakes.Idon’t
supposeI’lleverbeabletomakeupforthem.”

Sheavoidedhiseyes.“Thepastisbestleftalone.Whatdidyoufindoutabouttheshooter?”

Hetoldher,addingthebitaboutYorkbeingthenervousministeratthefuneralofDaleJennings.

“Ithoughthelookedverynervousforaminister,butIassumedhewasjustnewatthejob!What

washedoingthere?”sheexclaimed.

“Probably,”hesaidflatly,“gettingagoodlookathisnexttarget.”

ChapterTen

osettefeltherheartdrop.“DoyouthinkhekilledDale?”sheaskedbluntly.

“Idon’tknow.It’spossible.ButwhatconnectioncouldJenningshavehadtoYork,ortoJake

Marsh,forthatmatter?Weretheyinonsomeblackmailschemewithhim?Oraretheyincahootswith
somebodyelse?Despitealltheinvestigatingwe’vedone,wehaven’tansweredmanyquestions.”

“Iknow.”Shelookedathimworriedly.“York’sincustodynow,though.Hecan’thurtanybody

else.”

“YorkislikeMarsh—he’sslippery,”hereplied.“Yorkgotlooseonceandhecandoitagain.

Apparentlyhe’sbeingpaidwellenoughtomaketherisksworthwhile.Heprobablyhasanewidentity
andaplanetickethiddenandreadytouse,oncehegetsridofthetarget.Ortargets.”Hegrimaced.
“Thiswholedamnedcaseislikeawell.Yougodownaninchanddiscoveryou’vegotseveralyards
belowtoexplore.Somebodyhasalottolose,andiswillingtokillhowevermanypeopleittakesto
keepasecret.”

“Mrs.Jenningshasbeentargetedoncealready,”shepointedout.“Iftheperpetratorthinksshe

knowsmorethanshe’stelling—andIthinkthatmyself—she’sstillindanger.MaybenotfromYork,
butfromsomebodyelse.”

Hisgrayeyesnarrowedashewatchedheracrossthetable.“Youshouldn’thavedonesomuch,”

hesaidgently.“Gotobed.I’llcleanupinhere.”

“Idofeelalittlewoozy,”shemurmured,smilingfaintlyasshegottoherfeet.“I’llbebetter

tomorrow.”

Hemadeanoise,butitdidn’tsoundlikehewasagreeing.Shewentbackintotheroomhe’d

givenherandsatdownheavilyonthebed,feelingweakandshaky.Aminutelater,hecameinwitha
pajamatopandtossedittoher.Itwasbrand-newandlookedasifithadneverbeenworn.

“IkeepapairincaseIgetshotandhavetogotothehospital,”hemurmureddryly.“Otherwise,I

don’twearany.”

Sheflushed,lookingatthetop,whichwouldprobablycomedowntoherknees.

“I’llwearthebottomswhileyou’rehere,”headded.“Tomorrow,I’llgobyyourhotelandpick

upsomethingsforyou.Andtelltheclerktoholdyourroom.”

“Thanks.”

“Noproblem.Trytogetsomesleep.Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

Heclosedthedoor.Shechangedintothepajamatopandclimbedunderthecovers.Inscant

minutes,shewasdeadtotheworld.Butitdidn’tlastlong.Shewokeinthenight,feverishand
frightened.

Brannonopenedthedoorandmovedtothebed,feelingthefeverwithacoolhandagainsther

forehead.

“Hot,”shewhisperedhoarsely.“Sohot!”

Heturnedonthebedsidelightandwenttogetawetcloth.Hebathedherfaceandhandswithit

andliftedherheadsothatshecouldswallowtheanalgesictotakethefeverdown.Then,afraidto
leaveheraloneinaroom,hegotunderthecoversandpulledherclose,holdingherwhileshe
shiveredwiththefever.

“Oh,Marc,”shewhisperedinherdelirium.“Marc,whydidyouleave?”

Histeethgroundtogetherassherelivedthatlast,disastrousdatewithhimthathadputanendto

theirrelationship.Sheweptandshivereduntiltheanalgesicfinallykickedin,andsheslept,herface
bathedintears.

Bythetimeshewoke,Brannonwasalreadyupanddressed.Shedidn’tevenrealizehe’dstayed

withherallnight.Butwithmorning,shedidn’tfeelbetter.Herarmthrobbed,nomatterhowsheheld
itorrestedit,andshewasstillfeverish.Allthatlongday,Brannondidn’tleaveher.Hebathedher
heatedfaceandherhands,dispensedaspirinsandantibioticandpainkillerstoher,andfinally
stretchedoutonthecoverandpillowedherheadonhischestwhilesheweptfromthemiseryofitall.

“Iguessyou’vebeenshot,”shesaidwearilywhenthepainhadeasedalittle.

“Twice,”hesaid.“Onceintheleg—missedthebone,fortunately—andonceintheshoulder.”

“Wholookedafteryou?”sheaskedabsently.

Therewasapause.“Ilookedaftermyself,”hesaid.

“DidGretchenknow?”

“Idon’ttellmysisterthingsthatwillupsether,”hesaidstiffly.“Shehadenoughresponsibility,

lookingafterourmotherandtheranch.Mother ’scancerwasroughonGretchen.That’swhyshewent
onholidayoverseasafterourmotherdied,andit’showshemetherhusband.”

“IalwayslikedGretchen,”shesighed.

“Shelikedyou,too.”

“How’sthehitman?”

Hechuckled,surprisedatthereference.“Inaroom,underheavyguard,beingrelentlessly

questionedbyGrier.Iwouldn’twishhimonmyworstenemy.”

“Ihaven’tmethimyet.”

“Youhaven’tmissedmuch.Heprobablyhasabadgesewnonhisunderwearandatattooonhis

butt.He’sthetype.”

“NotaRangerbadge,though,”shemurmureddrowsily.

“Thosearehardtoget.Butactually,hehadone,untiltwoyearsago.”

Hereyesclosed.“I’llbebettertomorrow.”

Hesmoothedherdisheveledhair,likingthefaintscentofrosesthatclungtoit.Shewaswarm

andvulnerableinhisarms.Hefeltpeace.Odd,whenhe’dneverfeltitwithanyoneelse.Heliked
holdingherwhilesheslept.Buthewasn’tgoingtotellherthathe’dspentthepreviousnightwithher,
orwhatshe’dwhisperedinthegripoffever.

“Gobacktosleep,”hesaidsoftly.

Shefelthimmoveandherfingersclungtohisshirt.“Don’tgo,”shewhispered,tooweakfrom

paintopretendshedidn’tmindbeingleftalone.

Hischestroseandfellheavily,buthesankbackdownandherbodyrelaxedagainsthim.

Secondslater,shewasasleepagainand,likethenightbeforewhenshelaysocloseinhisarmsinthe
darkness,hewasfightingonceagainatwo-year-oldhungerthathadneverdiminished.Onlywhenthe
firstlightbrokethroughthewindowdidheleaveherandgobacktohisownbed.Itwasbestfornow
ifshedidn’tknowthatshehadcompanyatnight.

Thenextmorning,shewasupbeforeBrannon.Shedressedandbeganmakingbreakfast.Itwas

readywhenhecameoutofhisbedroom,wearingjeansandnothingelse,yawning.

Hestoppedshortatthesightofherputtingbutteronthetableandblinked.“IthoughtItoldyou

tostayinbed,”heremarked,comingcloser.

Shewastryingnottostare.Hiswavyblond-streakedbrownhairwasdisheveled,andhischest

wassexierthanaTVcommercial.She’dseenhischestbefore,withbroad,hardmusclescoveredwith
atangleofsofthairthatwedgedfromhiscollarbonedownintothelowwaistlineofhisjeans.She’d
toucheditaswell,thatlastmemorableeveningthey’dspenttogether;touchedit,kissedit,nibbledit…

Sheflushedandavertedhereyes.“I’mmuchbetter,”shesaid.“It’ssore,butIcanhandlethat.

Thefeverseemstobegone.”

“Doesit?”Hewasbesideherbeforeshehadtimetobeshocked,oneleanhandpressedtoher

cheek.

Herheartstoppedandranaway.Hesawherpulserampaginginthearteryofherneck.Theshirt

shewaswearing—hisshirt—wasthrobbingfromtheforceofherheartbeat.Hisfingersspreadgently
onhercheekandhisthumbrubbedsoftlyoverherswollenlips,sensitizingtheminasilencebroken
onlybytheinsistentsizzleofbaconintheironskilletonthestove.

“Thebacon,”shechoked.

Hiseyesheldhersforonelongminutebeforehedroppedhishandandmovedtothetable.The

impactofthosesoft,darkeyesmadehimache.He’ddonenothingbuthurtherinthepast,butshestill
wantedhim.Hewonderedwhatshe’dsayifsheknewhowhungrilyherhandshadexploredhischest
whileshesleptinhisarmsforthepasttwonights.Ithadkepthimawakeuntildawn.Ofcourse,hewas
usedtograbbingcatnapsandfunctioningwiththem.

Withunsteadyhands,Josettetookaspatulaandpiledthebaconontoaplatterlinedwithpaper

towels.Shethenmovedthepanoffthehotburnertoanunlitbackone.Sheputthebacononthetable
besidetheeggsshe’djustscrambledandthebasketofhotbiscuits.Shepouredcoffeeintotwomugs
andputthemonthetable.

“I’mgoingbacktoworktoday,”shesaidhuskily.

“You’renot.”

Sheglaredathim.“Idon’tgetpaidforlyingaroundinbed…!”

“Youhavesickdaysjustlikeanyothergovernmentworker,”Brannonsaidcalmly,whilehe

butteredabiscuit.“I’llbetyouhaven’ttakenasickdayoffsinceyou’vebeeninSimon’soffice,”he
added,staringstraightintohereyes.

Sheavertedhergazeandgrabbedabiscuit.“Idon’tgetsick.”

“NeitherdoI,asarule,butagunshotwoundisn’texactlysick.You’llstayhometoday,”he

added,impatientlytakingthebiscuitshewastryingtobutterwithonehandawayandbutteringit
himself.

Shetookthebiscuitfromhisoutstretchedhandwithamutinousexpression.“Allright,”shesaid

curtly.“Onemoreday.”

“We’llsee.”

Hergazefellreluctantlytohischestanddartedaway.Hewasn’toverlymuscular,buthewas

well-builtandfitphysically.Shedidn’tdoubtthathecouldholdhisowninafree-for-all.Hewas
certainlyefficientwhenhewentaftersomeone,andsherememberedamusedlyhowhe’dtackledthe
manwhoshother.

Hefinishedhiseggsandbaconandbiscuitandsatbackwithhiscoffeecupinhishand,and

watchedhertrynottolookathischest.Itamusedhimthatshewasstillshy.

“Youcouldtakeoffyourshirt,too,”heremarkedashesippedcoffee.“Wecouldcompare

wounds.”

“You’vealreadyseenmine,”shepointedout,tryingnottoreact.

“Andalotmore,”headdedwithawickedgrin.

Sheflushed,almostoverturninghercoffeecup.“That’senough,Brannon.”

“We’rebacktothat,arewe?”hesaidwistfully.“Isupposeyoudon’tthinkweknoweachother

wellenoughforfirstnamesanymore.”

Sheputdownhercupaudiblyandwipedhermouthwithhernapkin.“I’mgoingbacktobed,

sinceyouwon’tletmeoutthedoor.”

Hestoodup,blockingherway.Hisbig,warmhandscaughtherfaceandheldituptohispale,

glitteryeyes.“Don’tboxitupinsideyou,”hesaidcurtly.“YoustillresentthefactthatIwalkedaway
fromyouwithoutaword.”

“Yes,well,somememoriesaremorevividthanothers.”Hervoicesoundedodd.Thetouchof

thosestronghandsonherfacemadehermeltinside.

“Itestifiedfortheprosecutionatyourrapetrial,”hecontinued,histonebluntand

uncompromising.“Onthebasisoftheboy’sassurancesandthedepositionofaresidentinthe
emergencyroom.HowdoyouthinkIfeltwhenIknew,knew,thatyouweretellingthetruththat
night?”

Shesearchedhiseyes.“Itwasalongtimeago,”shesaidheavily.

“Notforme.Imadeamistake—ahellofamistake.Insteadofsupportandjusticeandsympathy,

youweretreatedasifyou’dcommittedthecrime.Itscarredyou.You’restillcarryingthewounds,
andthey’renoteasilytreated,liketheoneinyourarm.”

Hergazefelltohischest,butshedidn’treallyseeit.“Icanlivewithmyscars.”

“Well,Ican’t,”hesaidflatly.Hiseyeswereflashinglikesunlitsilver.“Ican’tbearthem!You

dresslikeadowager.Youdon’tdate—yes,Iknow,”headdedwhenshelookedup,surprised.“Simon
toldme.Hesaidyoucutmendeadiftheysomuchassmileatyou.Youhadtherapy,butonlyfora
coupleofweeks,becauseyourfatherdidn’tbelieveinthatsortofthing.Nowhereyouare,twenty-
fouryearsoldandassexlessasthattableoverthere.Andit’smyfault.It’smyfault,Josette!”

Hereyesclosed.Mostofitwastrue,shesupposed.Shehadn’twantedtothinkaboutthepast.But

thepastandthepresentwerelinkedtogetherlikeacircle,formingachainthatwasendless.

Hiswarmhandswenttoherwaistandcontracted.“Icouldn’tdealwithit,soIquittheRangers,

joinedtheFBIandleftTexas.Buteventhatdidn’twork.Thememorieswentalong.”Hishandsdrew
gentlyoverhersmallwaist.“Gretchensaidyoudidn’tblameme.”

Shesearchedhishardface,surprisedbytheindecisionthere,whenhewasalwayssucha

forcefulperson.Herlipspartedonasoftbreath.“Ididn’t,”shesaid.“IwasinJacobsvillesellingmy
father ’slastbitofpropertythere.Iranintoheratthebank.”Shelookeddownathisbroadchest.“She
saiditwasn’tbecauseIaccusedBibWebbofoldMr.Garner ’smurder.Ithoughtitwas,yousee.I
thoughtyoublamedmeforaccusinghim,andyoucouldn’tbearthesightofmeafterward…”

“DearGod.”Hedrewhertohimandheldherasgentlyashecould,allowingforthewoundin

herleftarm.Hislipsmovedinherlong,softhair.“Peopledisagreewithmeallthetime.Itdoesn’t
usuallyinspiremetoquitmyjobandleavethestate.”

Shesmiledtoherself.“I’llrememberthat.”

Hesmoothedthelengthofherhair,enjoyingthesoftnessofit.“IleftbecauseIknewhowbadly

I’dmisjudgedyou.DespitetherelationshipweweredevelopinginSanAntonio,Istillhaddoubts,”he
confessedquietly.“Ifyouwerethesortofwomanwho’daccuseaninnocentboyofrape…Well,it
wasaquestionoftrust.”

“Youthoughtyoumightendupincourtasadefendant,”shesaidflatlyandwithahollowlaugh.

Shepulledawayfromhimandmovedtothedoorway.

“Idon’ttrustpeople,”hesaidharshly.“Ineverhave!Mostpeopleareonlykindwhentheywant

something.Ithoughtyouweretoogoodtobetrue.Givenyourpast,orwhatIthoughtwasyourpast,I
erredonthesideofcaution.Andthen,thatlastnight,Ilostmyheadcompletely.”Hiseyesclosed.
“WhenIleftyou,Idrovearoundforhours,tryingtoaccepthowmistakenI’dbeenaboutthewhole
situation.Irememberedtheverdict,whentheboywasacquittedlargelyduetomytestimonyandthat
oftheintern.Yousattheresostiffly,soproud,sowounded,andyoudidn’tcry.Youheldupyourhead
andyouwalkedoutwithyourparentsasifyouwerethevictor.Thatmemorywaswhathurtthemost.”

Shemethiseyes.“We’llalwaysbeonoppositesides,Brannon,”shesaid,andshedidn’tsmile.

“Youdon’ttrustpeople.NeitherdoI.Notanymore.”

“Atleastyouwereexoneratedwhenthatcreepwaskilledinthathigh-speedcarchaseafter

rapingandnearlystranglingthatwomaninVictoria,”Brannonsaid,tryingtofindsomegoodinthe
awfulsituation.

“Notthatitmatteredanymore,”shereplied.“Ihaveagoodjob,niceco-workersandafuturein

stategovernmenttolookforwardto.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Andhowaboutafamily?Kids?”

Sheturnedaway.“Idon’twanttomarry.”

Hisfacecontorted,becauseheknewwhy.He’donlyjustrealizedit.Awomanlikethat,withher

torturedpast,hadgivenintohimcompletelyonedarknight.Shewouldn’thavebeencapableof
sleepingaroundafterherexperiences.TheonlyreasonshecouldhavehadtogiveintoBrannonthat
night,thatdisastrousnight,wasthatshelovedhim.Itwastheonlypossibleexplanationforwhathad
happened.She’dlovedhim.He’dfoundhervirginalandwassoshockedbyitthathe’djerkedback
fromherasifshewerediseased.He’drearrangedherdisheveledclothing,stuckherinhiscarand
drivenherstraighthome.Heleftheratherfrontdoor,andstalkedaway.Exceptforonefumbling

phonecalltocheckonher,laterthatnight,hewalkedawayandneversaidanotherwordtoher,until
theymetoutsideSimonHart’sofficetwoyearslater.

Heshovedhishandsinthepocketsofhisjeans,hisexpressionharderthanever.“Wecouldhave

solvedalotofproblemsthatnightifeitheroneofushadbeenhonestaboutwhatwefelt.”

Sheturned.“Ifeltashamed.”

Hisjawtautened.“NotuntilIstopped,”hedrawledwithself-recriminationinhistone.

Sheflushedtotherootsofherhairandstartedwalkingbackdownthehall.

Hefollowedherintothebedroom.

“I’mnotgoingtoarguewithyou!”sheraged.“I’mhurt.Youjustleavemealone!”

Therewasasuspiciousbrightnessinhereyes.“Youaren’twalkingawaythistime,”hesaid,and

movedcloser.“Neveragain.”

Sheputupbothhandsathisapproach,wincingastheleftoneprotested.

“Idiot,”hemurmuredashisarmsenfoldedheragainsthisbarechest.“You’revulnerable.”

“Idon’twantyourarmsaroundme!”shefumed.

“Funny,becauseyou’vesleptinthemforthepasttwonights.”

“W-what?”sheexclaimed,staringupathim.

Hepushedthelong,softhairawayfromhercheek.“IfI’dbeenshotandragingwithfever,

wouldyouhavebeeninhereasleepwithmeintheotherroom?”

“Ofcoursenot,”shesaidwithoutthinking.

“Exactly.”

“Butitwouldhavebeenimpersonal,”shesaiddoggedly.

“Itwasmostlyimpersonal,”heagreed.

“Mostly?”

Hisfingerstraileddownherneck,makingchillswheretheytouched.“It’sdifficultforamanto

betotallyimpersonalwhenhe’shardasarock.”

Shedidn’tbelieveshe’dheardhimsaythat.Hereyeswerelikesaucers.

“Ithoughtofitaspenance,”hemurmured,amusedbyhershock.“Retribution.Youkeptstroking

mychestandkissingitandwhisperinghowmuchyouwantedme.I’monlyhuman,Josie.”

“Inever!”sheexclaimed,horrified.

Heliftedaneyebrowandsmiledslowly.Helookedrakishlyhandsomewhenhedidthat.“No,

youdidn’t,butitwasgoingthroughmymindallnighthowsweetitwouldbeifyoudid.”He
shrugged.“Ihaven’thadawomaninalongtime.I’mveryeasilyarousedwhenI’veabstainedforthis
long.”

Shemethisgrayeyesevenly,fascinated.

Hecouldseethequestionthatshedidn’twanttoask.Hetouchedherlipswithhismouth,tenderly

brushingthemapart.“Twoyears,”hewhisperedintothem.“Ihaven’thadsexintwoyears,Josie.Not
sincethatnightIlostmyheadwithyou.”

Whileshewastryingtogethermindtowork,oneofhisleanhandseasedupundertheshirtshe

waswearingwithnothingunderneath.Hisfingersbegantostrokehernakedbreastwhilehismouth
playedtenderlywithhersoftlipsandteaseditintosubmission.Henibbledtheupperlipwhilehis
thumbandforefingerfoundahardnippleandcaresseditsoftly.

Hefeltherbodytautenagainsthim,heardthesoft,shockedmoanthatwentintohismouth.

“Yes,”hewhispered,andhismouthgroundhungrilyintohers.

Bothhandswereunderhershirt.Thentheywereonthebuttons.Whilehekissedher,heopened

theshirt.Hedrewback,sothatwhenhepulledtheedgesaside,herpert,prettylittlebreastswerebare,
theirduskynippleshard,herbodytremblingwithdesire.

Hisleanhandsheldhernarrowwaist.Hiseyesblazedashelookedatherbody.“Noteventhe

dreamswerethisbeautiful,”hegroundout.

Hebent,andshefelthismoutheasedownverytenderlyonhernipple.Shejerked.Hisheadlifted

afractionofaninch.“Iwon’tbiteyou,”hewhispered.“Ionlywantthetasteofyou.”

Herbreathwasaudible.Hismoutheasedcloser,envelopingher.Shefelthistonguesmoothing

againstthehardnipple.Herwholebodyarched.Therewasaragingheatinherabdomen,asudden
moistureinanotherplace.Hertremblinghandscaughtinthethickwavesofhishair.

Hisfreehandwasatthefasteningofherjeans.Shecaughtit,holdinghiswrist,diggingin.

Hesighedagainstherbreast,buthedidn’tinsist.Secondslater,hisheadliftedandhedrewher

barenessagainsthisown,lettingherfeelthethickhaironhischestbrushinghersensitizednipples
whilehelookedintoherwideeyes.

“Youhaven’thadthatminorsurgerywediscussed,”heguessed.

Sheswallowedhard,tryingtogetherbreath.Shewasstandinghalfnudeinhisarms,feelinghis

bodysointimatelyagainstherownthatshecouldfeelthestrengthandpowerofhisarousalstarkly
againstherlowerstomach.

“Itoldyou…yearsago,”shemanagedtosayshakily,“thatIdidn’thaveaffairs.Istilldon’t.”

Hispulsewashammeringathisthroat.Hiseyeswereblazingwithdesire.Hisbodywasrigid.

“Iknow.I’mlivinginthedarkages,”shesaidsarcastically,tryingtopullaway.

“Chastityisn’tsomethingyouneedtoapologizefor,”hesaidquietly,watchingher.“Irespectit.”

Shelookeddownatherbarebreastspressedhardtohisbarechest.“Sureyoudo.”

Hesmiledgently.“Thisisforeplay,”hesaidinasoft,teasingtone.“Perfectlypermissible,even

amongsomeofthemostdevoutpeople.”

Herhandsmetonhisbroadchest.“Letmego.”

Hedid,slowlyandwithobviousreluctance.Hebroughttheedgesofhershirtbacktogetherafter

onelong,lastlookatherbreasts.“I’veneverseenaGreekstatuewhocouldcomparewithyou,”he
murmuredasherefastenedbuttons.“YouhavethemostbeautifulbreastsI’veeverseen.”

“Youmustn’tsaythingslikethattome,”shechoked,embarrassed.

“Youcansaythemtomeanytimeyoulike,”heoffered.

Shecoughed.“Youdon’thavebreasts.”

Aslow,wickedsmilesplithislips.“Ihavesomethingelseyoucouldcommenton…?”

Shepushedathischest,hard.“Youstopthat!”

Helaughed,notatallputoutbyherbadtemper.Heswungherupgentlyinhisarmsand

depositedherinthebed,leaningoverhertosearchherangryface.“YoumightaskmewhyIhaven’t
hadsexforthepasttwoyears.”

“Doesithaveanythingtodowithasocialdisease?”sheaskedpointedly.

Hegrinned.“Nope.”

Sheavertedhereyestohismouth.Itwasslightlyswollen.Suchamasculinemouth,anditcould

wreakthemostdelicioushavoconawoman’slips…

“Youshouldn’ttemptmewhileyou’relyingonaconvenientflatsurface,Josie,”hemused,

bendingtokissherverygently.Hestoodupandmovedaway.“Nowstayput.I’vegottogooutfora
while,butI’llbebackbeforeyoumissme.I’llputonthedeadboltwhenIleave.Don’topenthedoor
foranyone.Understand?”

“Iunderstand.”

Hemovedtowardthedoor.

Shesatup,breathless.“Marc.”

Heturned,hiseyessoftlyinquisitive.

“Why…haven’tyouhadawomanfortwoyears?”sheaskedhuskily.

Hesearchedhereyes.“Oh,Ithinkyouknow,Josie.”Heturnedandwentout,backtohis

bedroom.Scantminuteslater,hecalledgoodbyeashewasclosingtheouterdoor.Josettewasstill
sittingupinbed,tryingtoreasonoutthatcrypticremark.Shewasnoclosertosolvingitwhenshe
driftedbacktosleep.

ChapterEleven

henBrannoncameback,hebroughthercasefilesandsomeofherclothes.Heactedasifhe

hadn’tsaidordoneanythingunprofessional,andhewaspoliteandgentle,butcompletelyremote.She
wonderedifheregrettedwhathadhappened.Shedidn’tgetthechancetoask,becausehenosooner
deliveredherthingsthanhewentrightbackoutagain.

Whenhewasthroughwithworkfortheday,hefoundheronthetelephonewithhernotesspread

outonthebedandapadandpencloseby.Thepadhadscribblingalloverit.She’dchangedclothes,
too.Shewaswearingapairofgraysweatpantswithanoversizelong-sleevedcowl-neckedpullover,
andherhairwasbackinitsneatbun.

Sheglancedupathimwhileshetalked,curiousabouttheoddlookonhisfaceashewenttoward

thekitchen.

Whenshefinishedherconversation,shehungup,pickeduphernotepadandwalkedintothe

kitcheninhersocks.

Hewasmakingsandwicheswithapackageofsandwichmeat,aloafofbreadandajarof

mayonnaise.

“Hamandcheeseorsalami?”heasked.

“Ifixedmyselfasaladjustbeforeyougothere,”shesaid.“That’sallIusuallyhaveforsupper.

Breakfastismybigmeal.”

Heonlynoddedandcontinuedwhathewasdoing.

“I’vebeentryingtorundownleads,”shesaid.“SimonmanagedtogetPhilreturnedbytheFBI,

soIcalledPhilinAustinandgothimbusyonSandraGates’sbackground.ThenIphonedtheassistant
districtattorneyandtoldherthedirectiontheinvestigationisgoing.She’sgoingtoputher
cybercrimeexpertintouchwithPhil.ThatwouldbeGrier,Iguess?”

Henoddedagain.

“Areyouevenlistening?”sheasked,exasperated.

Hefinishedhistwosandwichesandputeverythingbackinitsplacebeforehelookedather.His

eyeswereharderthanshe’dseentheminalongtime.

“Areyoumakingastatement?”heasked,noddingtowardthewayshewasdressed.

“Astatement?”sheaskedblankly.

“You’redressedlikeabaglady,”hesaidflatly.“Textbookunisexclothing.”

“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”shereturnedhotly.“Wereyouexpectingtofindmeinapertlittle

see-throughnegligee,pantingforyoutowalkinthedoor?”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“No,”hesaidquietly.“That’sthelastthingintheworldI’dexpecttoseewith

you.”

“Thenwhat’swrong?”

“Youcan’tforget,canyou,Josie?”heaskedinasoft,wearytone.“Youwon’tdoanythingto

encourageme—notevenleaveyourhairdown.”

Shestaredatthenotesinherhand.Afteraminutesheliftedhereyesbacktohis.Shecouldn’t

managewords.Hermiserywasplaininherdarkeyes.

Heleanedback,watchingher.“Evenamanwithanenormousegowouldneedencouragement

withyou,”hesaidsoftly.“Butyouaren’tconfidentenough,areyou?You’restillseeingmeasthe
manwhowalkedoutonyouwithoutaword.”

“Isupposethat’strue,”sherepliedafteraminute.“Trustcomeshardtome.Butthere’smoretoit

thantrust.Youwantme.Butthat’sallit’severbeen,andalliteverwillbe.Youdon’tneedawomanin
yourlife,Marc.You’reself-sufficient.YoucandomostanythingaroundahousebetterthanIcan.
You’reabornloner.”Sheshrugged,favoringhersorearm.“SoamI,really.Ilikebeingalone,
havingmyownspace,nothavingtoanswertoanyone.Idon’t…Idon’twanttochangemylifenow.
I’musedtothingsthewaytheyare.”

“Whatdoyouknowaboutme?”

Thatwasacuriousquestion.Shedidn’treallyunderstandit.“You’reaTexasRanger.Youwere

borninJacobsville.Youwereapolicemanbeforeyouworkedhighwaypatrol.You’vebeenaRanger
sinceyouweretwenty-six,exceptforthoseyearswiththeFBI.You’rethirty-threenow,andyouhave
asisterwho’smarriedtoaforeignheadofstate.”

“That’sright.Allyouknowaretheexternalfacts.”Hemadecoffeebeforehespokeagain.“What

sortofmusicdoIlike?WhatdoIreadforpleasure?WhatarethethingsIenjoymost?WhatdoI
wanttodowiththerestofmylife?”

Shecouldhaveansweredthosequestions,becausesheknewmostoftheanswers.Butshewasn’t

settingherselfupforanotherrejectionfromhim.Shedidn’ttrusthim.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaidflatly.

“Exactly.Andyoudon’twanttoknow.”Helookedatherforalongmoment.“Ibetrayedyou

once,andyoucan’tforget.”

“YoubetrayedmetwiceandIcan’tforget,”sheshotback.

Hiseyebrowslifted.“Twice?”

“YousoldmeouttotheprosecutoratDale’strial.”

“Ididn’t,”hereplied.“Itoldyou,Bibbroughtituphimself,withoutanyinspirationfromme.”

“Butyoutoldhimallaboutmypast,”shecontinued.

Hecouldn’tdenythat.Hisfacetautened.“Yes,Idid,”hetoldher.“AndwhenIrealizedwhathe’d

done,Itoldhimthetruth.HewasasupsetbyitasIwas,butneitherofuscouldmakeituptoyouby
then.Itwastoolate.”

Shesearchedhiseyesandsawtheinflexibilitythere.Hewasrememberingthatshe’daccusedhis

bestfriendofmurder,andshewasrememberingthestingingcommentaryinthelocalnewspaper
aboutherbackground.Itopenedupwoundsshethoughtwerehealingandconvincedherthatthey
werenevergoingtobeabletogetpastwhathadhappened.Itwastoolate.Itwasjusttoolate.

“Itdoesn’tmatteranymore,Brannon,”shesaid,turningaway.“Let’sgobacktobeingcolleagues

andnotcomplicatetheissueanymore.I’msureyouhaveallthewomenyouneedinyourlife,
anyway.”

Therewasahardthudbehindher,asifafisthadhitthetable.Shedidn’tturn.Shekeptwalking,

rightbackintothebedroom.Sheputdownthepad,pickedupthephoneandwentbacktoworkonthe
case.

Justthatquickly,sheandBrannonwereenemiesagain.Theywerepoliteandcordialwitheach

other,andnothingmore.Theyreturnedtoworkthenextday,althoughJosettestillfavoredhersore
arm.Butshewaswellenoughtodowhatsheneededtodo.Shemovedbackintoherhotelwithagruff
speechofgratitudetoBrannonfortakingcareofher,whichheignored.

Twodayslater,havingtriedtophoneMrs.Jenningsandfailingtohearfromherortheguard

thathadbeenhiredtoprotecther,shegotintoherrentalcaranddrovedowntowardElmendorf
wheretheoldwoman’sapartmentwaslocated,andwithoutphoningBrannonfirst.Mrs.Jennings
mightbemorewillingtotalktoheriftherewasn’tanyoneelsearound.

Sheknockedonthefrontdoor,buttherewasnoanswer.Shewentnextdoor,toMrs.Danton,the

neighborwho’dofferedtotakecallsfortheelderlywomanuntilherownphonewasworking.

“No,Ihaven’tseenhersincedaybeforeyesterday,”thethin,elderlyneighborsaid,andfrowned.

“Butshehadcompanyyesterday,”sheaddedquickly.“Amanandawoman,dressedrealnice,inabig
fancyblackcar.Thewomanhadonahat.IrememberthinkingwhataprettyhatitwasandwishingI
hadone.Iusedtoalwayswearahattochurch,”sheadded,smilingwithreminiscence.

“Howlongdidtheystay?”Josetteaskedwithanuneasyfeeling.

“Nottoolong.Maybeanhour.Theycameoutandgotintotheircaranddroveaway.Ifigured

maybetheywerefamily,becausetheywerecarryingsomeofherthings.”

“Whatsortofthings?”

“Alittlewoodenbox,kindoflikeacigarbox,andabookofsomesort.ABible,maybe.The

manhadacigaretteinhishand,buthedidn’tsmokeit.Hegrounditoutonthedrivewayunderhis
shoejustbeforetheyleft.Niceshoeshehadon,too.Thoseblackwingtips.Ialwayslikedtoseea
manwearthose,theylookrealfancy.”

NowJosettefeltreallyuneasy.Shewenttothedrivewayinfrontofthehouse.Sureenough,there

wasthecigarettestub.Gingerlysheproducedahandkerchiefandcarefullyrolleditontothewhite
clothwithherballpointpen,securingitlooselybeforeshetuckeditintothebriefcaseshewas
carrying.Sheputitbackinthecar,alongwithherpurse,andtookoutherflipphone,slippingitinto
herjacketpocket.

Shewentbacktotheapartment,accompaniedbytheneighbor,andpeeredinthroughthe

curtains.Shecouldn’tseeanything.Shewentaroundtothesideoftheapartment,buttherewere
venetianblindsthere,andtheywerepulled.Atthebackdoor,shesawthekitchenthroughthedoor,but
nopersonwasvisibleandnolightswereon.Therewas,however,acrackedwindow.Andthescent
thatreachedhernostrilsthroughitwasunmistakabletosomeoneraisedinranchcountry.

Sheactivatedtheflipphoneanddialedtheemergencyservicesnumberandthesheriff’spatrol

unitforthatarea,askingthemtosendnotonlyanambulance,butacrimesceneinvestigationteamas
well.ThenshecalledBrannon.Hewasn’tinhisoffice,butshehadthemrelayamessagetohim.

“Youthinksomething’shappenedtoher,don’tyou?”theneighboraskedsadlywhensheclosed

herflipphone.“Somebody’salwaysfallingandcan’tgetup,orbeingfounddead.It’ssadthatwe
havetogetoldandhelpless.”

“Yougoonhome,”Josettesaidgently.“Thankyouforyourhelp,butyoudon’tneedtobehere

whenwegoin.”

Theoldwomangrimaced.Sheturnedaroundwithherarmsfoldedandwentbacktoherown

apartment.

Josettewaitedoutsideuntiltheparamedicsandadeputysheriff’scardroveup.Shewent

immediatelytotheyoungdeputyandintroducedherself.

“There’sarecognizableodorcomingfromthehouse,”shesaidflatly,providinginformation

shehadn’twantedtosharewiththeelderlyneighbor.“Ithinkshe’sprobablydead.She’sconnectedto
acaseI’mworkingwithoneoftheSanAntonioCompanyDTexasRangersandthelocalD.A.’s
office.Ifsheisdead,it’sgoingtobeahomicide.”

“Yousureofthat?”thedeputyasked,alittledubiously.

“Deadsure,”shereplied.

Theyhadtoforcethefrontdoor.Thesmellcameandhittheminthefacetheinstantitopened,

becausetheheatwasunseasonableandtherewasnoventilation,noairconditionerworking,inside.
Mrs.Jenningslayfaceuponthehallcarpetjustoutsidethekitchendoorway,hereyeswide-open,her

mouthopen,androundburnmarksalloverherthinoldarmsandlegs.Therewasasmallholeinthe
bodiceofhercottonhousedress.Therewasnoweaponvisibleanywherearoundthebody.The
bodyguardwasfoundinacloset,boundandgagged,butunharmed.Hegaveastatement,butcouldn’t
provideanyleadsbecausehe’dbeenknockedoutfrombehindandneversawtheassailants’faces.

Afewminuteslater,therewasthescreechingofbrakesoutside.Shewalkedoutontothe

pavementintimetoseeBrannongetoutofhisSUV,followedbyapaneltruckdrivenbyAliceJones
fromthemedicalexaminer ’soffice.

JosettenoddedatBrannonandwaitedforAlice.

“Youworkinghomicidenow,Langley?”Aliceteasedassheluggedherbagupthesteps.

“You’dbesurprised.Stillcuttinguppeople,Igather?”

Alicelaughedandhuggedher.“Itbuysgroceries.IseeBrannon’shere,too.He’llwantmetojab

inathermometerinfrontofeverybody…”

“ForGod’ssake,Jones,putasockinit!”Brannonsaiddisgustedly.

“Nosenseofhumor,”thecoronerscoffed.“Nowonderyounevermadecaptain.”

“I’mnotoldenough,”hesaidcurtly.

“Excuses,excuses,”shemurmured,andshoulderedpastthem,hermindalreadyfocusingonthe

taskahead.

ThedeputygaveBrannonanamusedlookandfollowedAliceintotheapartment.

Theapartmenthadbeenthoroughlyransacked.Itlookedasifatornadohadhitthecontentsof

thesparselyfurnishedrooms.Everythingtheoldladyhadwasemptiedoutorscattered.There,inthe
midstofit,thebodylayunderasheetsomeonehadbroughtoutofthebedroom.Hershoeswere
visiblewhereitdidn’tquitecoverherfeet.Josetterememberedthewoman’saffectionforherson,
andhergriefathisdeath.Maybeshewaswithhimagain,now.Butshelookedsovulnerablelying
therelikethat,sohelpless.Itmadehersad.

BrannonandJosettewereoutsidewiththedeputyandtwosheriff’sdepartmentcrime-scene

investigators,helpingkeepthecuriousaway,whenAlicecameoutandpulledthemtooneside.

“You’llgetacompletereportafterwefinishtheautopsy,”shetoldthem.“Butfroma

preliminarystandpoint,Icantellyoudefinitelythatshe’sbeendeadatleasttwenty-fourhours,and
thatshewasprobablytorturedbeforeshewasshot.”

“Cigaretteburns,”Josetteguessed.

“Righton.”

“Justaminute,Alice,”Josettecalledoverhershoulderasshewenttothecartoherpurse.She

drewoutahandkerchiefandopenedit.“Ifoundthisonthepavementoutsidetheapartment.”

“Hey,Bill!”Alicecalledtooneofthecivilianevidencetechnicians.“Comegetthis!”

Thetechniciancameout,hishandsindisposablegloves.Hestrippedthemoffandpeeredover

AliceJones’sshoulderatwhatJosettehad.Sheexplainedwhereshefounditandgaveadescriptionof
thevisitorstothem,addingthenameoftheneighborwhogaveittoherandwhereshelived.

Pullinganevidencebagfromhispocket,thetechniciancarefullyeaseditinsideandclosedthe

edges.

“It’salongshot,”Alicesaid,veryprofessionalnow,“butinsevenpercentofthepopulation,we

cangetaDNAprofilefromsalivatraces.Crossyourfingers.”

“They’recrossed.Nicework,Josie,”Brannonremarked.

“Luck,”shereplied.“Pureluck.Ifherneighborhadn’ttoldmeaboutit,I’dhavewalkedright

overit.Isawsomethingelse.It’sanunusualbrandofcigarettes.”

“Inoticed.”Hisfacewasflinty.“Iwantthesepeoplelockedup.Ican’timaginethesortof

mentalityittakestotortureahelplessoldwoman!”

“Theneighborsaidtheytookasmallboxandabook,maybeaBible,outoftheapartmentwhen

theyleft.Mrs.Jenningsknewsomething.We’llneverknowwhat.”

“AndIhavemorenews,”hetoldher.“Yorkknockedoutanorderlyandwalkedrightoutbythe

manwehadguardinghiminthehospital.”

“Oh,great!”Josettemuttered.“That’sjustwhatweneed,ahitmanonthelooseandatargetwe

can’tnamestillindanger.”Sheglancedtowardtheapartment.“Youdon’tsuppose…?”

“Theneighbor ’sdescriptionofthemalevisitordoesn’tmatchYork,”Brannonsaid.Hiseyes

narrowed.“ButIcheckedthefiles.JakeMarshalwayswearswingtips,”headdedwithadetermined
look.

“Doeshehaveawifeormistress?”sheasked.

Brannonliftedaneyebrow.“Ihearhehastwowives,”hemused.“Butnobodycanproveit.”

“Mrs.Dantonsaidthemanhadanice-lookingwomanwithhim,inafancyhatwithaveil,”she

continued.

“Notmuchtogoon.”

“Yes.Iknow.”Josettegrimaced.“Iguesssomebody’stoldpoorMr.Hollimanthathissister ’s

dead.”

“Notyet,”Brannonsaid.“Iasked.IthinkyouandIcouldhandlethatchorebetterthanthe

deputies,becauseweknowhim.I’llclearitwiththem.”Hewenttofindtheinvestigatorincharge.

“Didyounoticethatallthedrawerswerepulledoutandthecontentsdumped?”Josetteaskedas

shesatbesideBrannoninhisbigSUVonthewaytoMr.Holliman’shouse.

“Yes.”

“Wouldn’tyoudeducethatwhatevertheywerelookingforwassmallenoughtofitinadrawer?”

shepersisted.

Henoddedslowly.“Goodthinking.”

“I’matrainedinvestigator,”shedrawled.

“Andthat’sallyouwantoutoflife,isit?”Brannonaskedcarelessly.“Togoonworkinginthe

criminaljusticesystemuntilyoucandrawyourpension?”

Shefrowned.“What’swrongwiththat?”

“Youusedtolovekids,”herecalledquietly.“Irememberwe’dgototheparkandfeedthe

pigeonssomedaysduringlunch.Parentswouldbringtheirchildrentoswingontheswings,and
you’dwatchandsmileandgodreamy.”

“Youhavetohavesextogetchildren,”Josettepointedout.

“That’sblunt.”

“It’stheonlylanguagethatworkswithyou,”shesaid.Sheglancedathimandfoldedherarms

overthebluejacketsheworewithawhiteblouseandpatternedrayonskirt.

“What’swrongwithsex?”

Josetteshivered.Everytimeshethoughtaboutit,shesawherselfasshewaswiththatboyso

longago,orwithBrannon.Thethingsshe’dletBrannondotoherwerestillshocking.And,evenin
memory,delicious.

“Iknowyourpeoplewerereligious,”hesaidgently.“ButI’llremindyouthatsexisabigpartof

life.It’sabeautifulexperiencebetweentwopeoplewhocareabouteachother.”

“Ifthey’remarried.”

Brannonshookhishead,laughingsoftly.“You’vegottobetheonlywomanIknowwhothinks

so.”

“Iwasneveronetofollowthecrowd,asyoukeepremindingme,”shesaididly,glancingoutthe

window.

“Ifyou’dhavethatminorsurgery,youcouldhavesexwithme,”hesaidoutrageously.

Josetteleanedbackagainsttheseatwithhereyesclosed.“Thenyou’dgoontoyournext

conquest.Youonlywantmebecauseyoucan’thaveme.”

Helaughed.“That’sreallyfunny.”

Sheturnedherheadtowardhim.“Why?”Brannonpulledontothelong,windinggraveledroad

thatledtoHolliman’shouseandlookedatherforalongmomentbeforeheaccelerated.“BecauseI
couldhavehadyouwheneverIlikedtwoyearsago,”herepliedquietly.

“Thatisa…!”

“Ifyou’regoingtosay‘lie,’saveyourselfthebreath,”heinterrupted.“Iwastheonewhopulled

backonthatlastdate,”heremindedherbluntly.“Youwerebeggingmenottostop.”

Josettegroundherteethtogether.“Don’t!”shegroaned.

“Whyareyousoashamed?”hepersisted.“Josette,weweretwogrownadults.Youmakeitsound

likeaperversionthatImadelovetoyou.”

Hereyesclosedinanguish.

“Youenjoyedme.Ienjoyedyou,too.I’veneverbeensohighonsuchinnocentloveplay,”he

addedgently.

“Innocent!”sheexclaimed,almostchokingontheword.

“Innocent,”Brannonemphasized.“Surelyyouknow…?”

Herfacewaslikestone.Shedidn’tmeethissearchinggaze,andshewasevenmoretensethan

before.

“Youdon’t,”herealized,scowling.“Whynot?”

“BecauseeveryoneinJacobsvilleknewthatIaccusedaboyofrapeandhewasacquittedbecause

theysaidIliedaboutit,”Josetterepliedtersely.“Nobodywouldcomenearmeafterthat.Ihada
reputation.EvenafterwemovedtoSanAntonio,therewasagirlwhohadfamilyinJacobsville.She
knewaboutitandtoldeveryone.”

“God!”Brannonexclaimed.“Ineverrealized…!”

“Ididn’tgotoparties,becausetheboyseithermadefunofmeormadeinsinuatingremarks,”

shesaidhuskily.“Ididn’tgotoasingleschoolfunctionrightupuntilgraduation.ThenwhenIwent
ontocollege,Ithoughtitwouldbeallright,buttherewerepeopletherewhoknewmefromhigh
school.”Josettesighedaudibly.“Untilyoustartedtakingmeout,Ihadn’thadasingledate.”

Hewasfloored.Nowondershe’dreactedsostrangelytohisardorthatnight.He’dliterally

sweptheroffherfeet,givenhernotimetobeshockedorhesitant.He’darousedherandproceededto
undressher.She’dbeeninsodeepthatsheneverprotestedatall.Andifithadn’tbeenforher
shockingcondition,heprobablywouldn’thavestoppedatall,headmittedprivately.He’dwantedher.

He’dbeenprepared.Therewouldhavebeennorealrisk.

Hishandsmoothedabsentlyoverthesteeringwheelandhefrowned,deepinthought.

“IthoughtGretchenwouldhavetoldyou,”Josettesaid,puzzledbyhissilence.

“Wedidn’ttalkaboutyouafterthatnight,”Brannonreplied.“Orbeforeit.”Hedrewinalong

breath.“It’sfartoolatetosayI’msorry.ButIam.Deeplysorry.”

“Youdidn’tknow,”shesaid.“Itwasamisunderstandingallaround.”Shepickedatthecuticle

aroundherthumb.“Brannon,wereyou…goingtostop?”sheasked.

“No.”

Herintakeofbreathwaslatentwithshock.

“I’msorry,”hesaid.“Thatwasmuchtooblunt.Butitwasthetruth,justthesame.Iwasinover

myhead,”heamended.“I’dwantedyouforalongtime.Wewerealonetogetherinmyapartment,and
youweresoresponsivethatIstoppedthinkingintermsofrightorwrong.Ihadn’tplannedtoseduce
you.ButIlostcontrol.Ineverhadbefore.”

“Oh.”

“AndIhadcompany,”headdedsolemnly.“Becauseyoulostcontrol,too,Josie.That’swhyyou

can’tfacewhathappened.Youwantedmesobadlythatyouweresobbingwithsheerdesire.You
beggedmenottostop,andIwassosickwithrealizationofwhatyouwereandwhatI’dcostyouthatI
couldn’tthinkpastgettingoutthedoor.”

Brannonstoppedatastopsignandturnedtofaceherfullyonthedesertedstretchofroad.“I

compoundedeveryerrorI’dalreadymadebynotexplainingwhyIleft.Itwasn’tonlybecauseIwas
ashamedofwhatI’ddonetoyou.ItwasbecauseIfeltcomfortablecomingontoyouinapurely
sexualway,withyourpast.Ishouldhavebeenhorsewhipped.”

“Butitwasn’tcompletelyyourfault,”shesaid.“I…”Josetteavertedhereyesandclutchedher

briefcasetightlyonherlap.“I…”

“Wantedme,”hesaidforher.“It’snotadirtyword.DesireisthewayGodperpetuatesthe

species.Itisn’tugly.”

“Itis.”Shechoked.“It’suglyanditmakeswomenactlikeprostitutes!”

“Prostitutesselltheirbodies,sweetheart,”hesaidgently.“It’snotthesamething.Notatall.”He

reachedoutandgraspedoneofherhandstightlyinhis.“Iwantedverybadlytomakelovetoyouthat
night.Notasaone-nightstand,oracasualaffair,either.”Brannonsmiledfaintly.“Itwashardforme
toleaveyou,eventogohomeatnight,”heconfessed.“Ifoundthedamnedestexcusestorunintoyou,
oncampus,intown.Ievenstartedgoingtochurch,sothatIcouldseeyouonSundays.”

Hereyeswidenedwithsurprise.

“Youdidn’tnotice,”hemused.“Yourfatherdid.Hewasstilluneasyabouthavingyougoout

withme,thinkingaboutyouthewayIdid.Butheseemedtorealizelaterthatitwasn’tjustphysical
withme.Orwithyou.”

Shehesitated.“Itwasn’t?”

Hisfingerstightenedaroundhers.“Josie,youhavesomewonderfulqualities,”hesaidsoftly.

“Youhaveaheartasbigasalloutdoors.You’regeneroustoafault.Youlovepeople,andtheyreact
toyoubecausetheycanseeitinthewayyoulookatthem,thewayyoutalktothem.You’rehonest,
youhatelies,younevershirkajobbecauseitmightbehardordangerous,andyou’rethebest
companyIeverhad.Ievenenjoyedgoingtotheparkwithyou,becauseIcouldwatchyouwatching
otherpeople.Andeventhen,itdidn’tdawnonmethatwhatIfeltwasmorethandesire.”

“Wasit?”sheaskedhuskily.

“Youknowthatalready,”hesaid.“Butyou’rehesitanttotrustme,becauseyou’vebeenletdown

sobadly.Youaccusemeoflivinginthepast,butsoareyou.Untilyoucanputawayallthat
resentmentandanger,thereisn’tanyhopeforanewrelationship.”

Sheshiftedrestlessly.Herarmwasuncomfortable,eveninitssling.“Whatsortofrelationship

couldwehave?”

Herubbedhisthumboverherpalm,sensitizingit.“Anysortyouwant,”hesaidopenly.“Iwant

tobeyourlover.Youknowthat.ButI’llsettleforwhateveryoufeelcomfortablegivingme,evenif
it’sonlyfriendship.”

Herdarkeyessoftenedonhisface,curiousandpuzzled.

“I’mnotputtinganypressureonyou,”headded.“ButI’dliketogettoknowyouagain.”

Josetteswallowed.“YouliveinSanAntonio.IliveinAustin.”

“YoucouldworkoutoftheD.A.’sofficehere,”Brannonpointedout.“Iknowtheyhave

vacancies.Notalotofpeoplearestandinginlineforinvestigators’jobshere.OrIcouldworkoutof
VictoriaandyoucouldgetajobwiththedistrictattorneyinJacobsCountyandworkoutof
Jacobsville.”

“Thatwouldbelikea…commitment.”

Henodded.“Yes.Acommitment.”

Josettesighed.“Whatwouldyouexpect?”

“Now,oreventually?”

“Now.”

Brannonsmiled.“Acompanionforthesymphonyandtheoperaandtheballet,”hesaid.“We

usedtoshareapassionforthosethings.”

Herfacebrightened.“Yes.Ienjoyedgoingoutwithyou.”

“Ienjoyedjustbeingwithyou.”Hebroughtherhandtohismouthandkissedithungrily,making

hertingleallover.“Iwon’ttrytoseduceyou,either,”hepromised.

“I’llhavetothinkaboutit,”Josettesaidafteraminute.Herheartwasracing.Herbodywas

explodingwithsensationandhope.

Hesawthatexpressioninhereyesandsmiled.“Takeallthetimeyoulike.”

BrannondroppedherhandandmovedbackontotheroadtowardHolliman’s.Itfeltlikeanew

beginning.Hehopedthatthistimehewouldn’tfoulthingsup.

ChapterTwelve

r.Hollimanwaswaitingforthemontheramshacklefrontporchwhentheydroveup.Hesmiledas

theyapproachedhim,untilhegotacloselookattheirfaces.

“Something’shappened,hasn’tit?”heaskeduncertainly,andhisexpressiontautened.

“Yes.I’msorrytohavetotellyouthatyoursister ’sbeenkilled,”Brannonsaidstraightout.

“Beenkilled?”Theoldmanjuststoodandstaredatthemforaminute.“Killed?How?”

“Shot,”Brannonsaid,withoutgoingintodetails.“Wedon’tknowwhodidit.Herapartmentwas

ransacked,soweknowtheperpetratorwaslookingforsomething.Twoitemswereremoved,butwe
don’tknowiftheyfoundwhattheywerelookingfororhopedtofinditintheitems.Weassumethatit
wassomethingofDaleJennings’sthattheythoughtshehad.We’reinvestigating.”

Mr.Hollimansatdowninhischairontheporch,heavily.“I’llhavetomakearrangements…”He

lookedup.“Issheatthehospital?”

“Yes.Themedicalexaminerwillhavetodoanautopsy,andevidencewillgotothestatecrime

labforanalysis.Whentheautopsyisfinished,they’llmakearrangementstoreleasehertoafuneral
home.YoucancallAliceJonesatthemedicalexaminer ’soffice.She’lltellyouwhatyouneedto
know.”

“I’lldothat,andgetintouchwiththefuneralhome,”hesaid,liftinghishead.“Twofuneralsin

lessthanaweekisalittlemorethanIbargainedfor.”Hesighed.“Thatmakesmethelastofmy
family,”hemurmuredsadly.“Theverylastone…”

“Isthereanythingwecando?”Josetteasked,interruptinghimgently.

“Yes.”Theoldman’swateryeyesglittered.“Youcangethermurdererforme,”hesaidcoldly.

“Youcanmakesurehe’spunished.Becausetentoonewhoeverkilledheralsokilledmynephew!”

BrannondroppedJosetteoffattheD.A.’soffice.Shepausedintheopendoorwiththeengine

runningandlookedbackathim.

“I’vebeenthinking,”shesaid,explaininghersilenceonthewayback.“WhatifJenningshada

safe-depositbox?”

Henoddedslowly.“That’spossible.I’lllookintoit.Callyoulater.”

“Okay.”

“Onemorelittlething,”Brannonaddedsoftly.

Hereyebrowsliftedandshesmiled.“Yes?”

Heleanedtowardher.“Ifyoufeelsick,ordizzy,getsomeonetodriveyoubacktomyapartment

andphoneme.Idon’twantyououtofthatofficealone,foranyreason.We’restillshortonehitman.”

York,hemeant.Josettestaredathimwithanoddlittlesmile.Hewasveryprotective.She

shouldn’tlikethat.Butshedid.“Okay.”

Hesmiledbackather.“Anddon’tgoadventuring.”

Shemovedherwoundedarmgingerly.“Toosoonforthat.Seeyou.”

Sheclosedthedoorandwatchedhimdriveawaybeforeshewentinsidetoreporttheirprogress.

ShewasintroducedtoGrier,whoinvitedherintohisoffice.

CashGrierwasthirty-eight,tallandlean-faced,withblackeyesandlong,blackhairthathewore

inaponytail.HeworejeansandablackT-shirtunderanunconstructeddenimjacket,andblackboots.
JosettewasquietlyamusedatthethoughtofhimasasortofreversedTexasRanger.Unlikehis
colleagues,hedidn’tlikeawhitehatandconventionalhaircuts.Hewascertainlynothinglikethe
conservativedetectiveJosettehadpictured.Grierhadperfectwhiteteeth,whichhedisplayedonly
brieflywhentheywereintroduced,andamannerthatwastothepointandprofessional.Hewasthe
computerexpert,andwithintwominutesJosettewouldhaveputhimonaparwithPhilDouglasin
SimonHart’soffice.Grierknewhisjob.

“SandraGatesisresponsibleforgettingJenningstransferredtoastateprison,andontoawork

detail,”hesaidatonce.“I’vetrackeddowneveryconnectionshe’smadeinthepastthreemonths,
includingforaysintoheraccountatthebank,”headded.“Shegetspaidaflatfeeforhersoftware,
mid-fourfigures.Butshe’sgotfiftygrandinhersavingsaccount,anditwasalldepositedatonce,the
dayJenningswaskilled.”

“Bingo!”Josettesaid,smiling.“Canyouproveit?”

“Ican,”hesaid.“Andinfact,I’veputtogetherenoughevidenceforawarrant.There’sjustone

smallhitch.”

“Whichis?”

“Sheflewthecoop,”Griersaid,leaningbackinhischair,hisblackeyesunderheavydark

browssteadyandimpatient.“Shewenttothebankanddrewouthermoney,gotacabtotheairport
andwenttoArgentina.YourguyPhilDouglastrackedherthere.Butwecan’textraditeherfrom
there.”

“Atleastweknowthatshe’sinvolvedinallthis,”Josettesaid.

“Yes,butitdoesn’thelpusfindherconnectiontoJennings’smurder,ortoJakeMarsh.Shehad

nocomputercontactwithanyoneexceptJennings,inprison,andwiththeothercomputersshebroke
intotomakethosechangesinJennings’srecord.Shehadaclearfieldthere,becausetheprisonwhere
hewasstayinghadjusthadasystemscrashandsomeprisonersgotlostinthecracks.”

“Thatexplainsalot.”

“Itdoesn’thelpmyconvictionrecord,”Griersaidcurtly.“I’dliketoflydowntoArgentina,slip

abagoverherheadandbringherbackforquestioning.”

“AsktheD.A.foraplaneticket,”shesuggestedlightly.

“Idid.”Helookedabsolutelydisgusted.“Sheaskedthebudgetchief.HesaidIcouldstand

outsidewithatincupandasignuntilIcollectedthefare.”

Josettelaughed.“Okay,thatavenue’scutoff,”sheadded.“ButwestillhaveJennings’stietoJake

Marsh,andthehitman,York.Well,wehadYork.Heescapedfromthehospital.”

“Yeah,Iheardaboutthat,”hecommented,crossinghislonglegs.“Sloppypolicework.”

“Nofair.Theofficerguardingthedoorwasknockedout,”sheexplained.“Hehasaconcussion.

Nobodyexpectsamanwithagunshotwoundtobewalkingaround.”

“Iwould,”Griermused,notingherwoundedarminitssling.“Doesn’tseemtohaveslowedyou

downmuch.”

“Pointtaken.Thethingis,he’soutandwedon’tknowwhohistargetis.Wedon’tthinkhekilled

Mrs.Jennings,though.Theneighbordescribedthemanaswearingwing-tipdressshoes,andwe
knowthatMarshfavorsthem.”

“Yes,andtwo-thousand-dollarsuits,”headded.Hegotup,grabbinghisservicerevolveroutof

hisdeskdrawer.Griercheckedit,madesurethesafetywasonandstuckitinitsholsterathislean
waist.Heworehisdetective’sshieldinfrontonhisbelt,shenoted.“Ihaveacontactwho’sinthelocal
mob.Heusuallyknowswhat’sgoingdownintheunderworld.I’llgoseehim.”

“CanIgoalong?”

Hescowled.“Why?”

“I’mclosertotheJenningscasethanyouare,”Josettesaidsimply.“Icanthinkofquestionsto

askthatyoumightnot.”

Helookedabsolutelyperplexed,andtherewasanoddglintinhisdarkeyes.

“I’mnotgoingtostorminandstartflashingmycredentials,”shepersisted.“I’lljustbean

appendage.YoucantellhimI’macolleague.”

Hegaveheracuriousappraisal.“Brannonknowyou’regoingwithme?”

Josetteglaredathim.“IdonotreporteverymovementImaketoBrannon,”shesaidfirmly.

“Anyway,hewon’tmind.”

Grierponderedthatwithnarrowedeyes.“Brannonhasapeculiarwaywithhimaboutwomen,”

hepersisted.“I’veheardhimspeakofyou.He’sterritorialandhehasatemperalmostasbadasmine.
Idon’ttrespass.”

“Yes,butthen,youprobablydon’thavetopickupwoundedwomenatthehospitaltogetthemto

gotoyourapartmentwithyou,”sherepliedpertly.

“Idon’ttakewomentomyapartment,”hereturned,andhedidn’tsmile.

Sheclearedherthroat.WhatBrannonhadsaidaboutthisguyhavingabadgesewntohis

underwearwasbeginningtomakesense.“It’sabusinessmatter.I’mworkingwiththeD.A.’soffice,
justlikeyou.There’snothingpersonalaboutit.Now,shallwego?”

Griershruggedandstoodasidetolethergofirst.

Hedroveanunmarkedpatrolcar.Josetteglancedatthehubcaps,shookherheadandgotinside.

Heslidinbesideher,notedthatshehadherseatbeltonandfixedhisinplacebeforehestarted

thecar.“Somethingfunny?”heasked.

“Unmarkedpolicecars,”shesaid.“Theyallhavethosesameroundplainhubcapsthatregular

policecarshave.It’sadeadgiveaway.”

Griermadearoughsoundandignoredheruntilhepulledupatalocalbilliardsparlor.She

grinned,buthedidn’tnotice.

Thereweretwomenaroundabigpooltable,whilethreeotherssatatanearbytableplaying

cards.

“Hello,Bartlett,”Griergreetedtheelderofthetwomen,andtheshortest.Heshookhandswith

him.“How’sitgoing?”

“Notbad,Grier.”Heglancedatthewomanbesidethedetective.“Cripplingwomenthesedays?”

“Ididn’tshoother,”Grierreturneddrolly.

Bartlettchuckled.Hehadaraspyvoice,thekindthatcomesaftercountlessyearsofsmoking.He

coughedandwentbacktohisgame.Hecalledtheshot,andmadeit.

“Niceshot,”Josettemused.

Helookedathercuriously.“Youplay?”

“Alittle,”shesaidwithasmile.“Ilearnedfromagirlincollege.”

“Idon’tguessyouplaymuchnow,”hesaid,indicatingherarm.

“OnlyifIcouldholdthecuestickwithmytoes,”sheagreed.

Hechuckled.“She’sokay,”hetoldGrier.Hesetuphisnextshot.“Whatyouwant,Grier?”

“Awordinprivate.”

“Sure.”

HeputthecuestickdownandmovedoutintothedesertedcafeterianextdoorwithJosetteand

Grier.

“IsthereanywordonthestreetaboutMarshbeinginvolvedinahit?”

Thesmallerman’seyebrowslifted.“How’dyouknowaboutthat?”

“Nevermind.Whatdoyouknow?”

“Well,whatIhearisthatMarshhadhiredthisguyheknowstoputawayablackmailerforhim.

Thenhefindsoutthedeadguydidn’thavethestuffonhim,theblackmailstuff.Sonowhe’sgoing
nutstryingtofinditandzappinganybodywhogetsintheway.”

“Youknowifhe’sfoundityet?”

“Naw,butIdoubtit,”thelittlemandrawled.“Theysayhe’sgothivesworryingthathe’sgoing

upforJennings’smurder.Notthathedidit,”headded.

“Whodid?York?”Grierasked.

“Thatwouldbemybet,”theoldermanreplied.“York’sbeeninthegameforseveralyears.He

maylooklikeakid,buthe’ddoanythingforadime.Marshhireshimforthereallydirtyjobs.”

GriergaveBartlettthedescriptionhehadofthemanwho’dgoneintoMrs.Jennings’sapartment

andkilledher.

“NotYork,”heagreed.“Butthatwouldn’tbeMarsh’sstyle,either.Hedon’ttortureoldladies.”

“Therewasawomanwithhim,inafancyhatandveil.”

“Marshhasamistress.I’veneverseenher.Theysayshe’smarriedtosomerichguythatMarsh

knows.Wordisthatshe’sreadytoleavethehusbandbecauseofsomethingthat’sgoingtohappento
him.”

“Somethingconnectedwithblackmail?”Grierwondered.

Bartlettsmiled.“Nowwhatdoyouthink?You’rethedetective,aren’tyou?”

Onthewaybacktotheoffice,Josettewasquiet.ThepresenceofthewomaninMrs.Jennings’s

apartmentwasdisturbing,sincenooneseemedtocreditJakeMarshwithstoopingsolowasto

tortureoldwomen.So—whatifthewomanhaddonethetorturing?

Thatmadethesituationevenmoredisturbing—andmorecomplicated.Arichwoman,married

toarichman,whohadaconnectiontoDaleJennings,whohadevidenceofsomesortofwrongdoing.
Inthemiddle,JakeMarsh—thelocalmobkingpin—andahitman,andtworecentmurdervictims
connectedtoitall.

“Someone,”Josettesaidaloud,“istakingextremeriskstogettheirhandsonapieceof

blackmail.”

“SomeoneconnectedtoMarshandJennings,”Grieradded.

“Thatwomanyourcontactmentioned,Marsh’smistress,”shebegan.“Whatifshetorturedold

Mrs.Jennings,tryingtomakehertellwhatsheknew?”

“I’veseenitdone.”

“Somewomenareworsethansomemen,”shesaid.

Hishardfacegotevenharder.“I’lldrinktothat.”

Josettehadafeelingthathewasspeakingfrompersonalexperience,buthewasacolleague,not

aconfidant,soshedidn’tpress.

“Howdowefindoutwhosheis?”

“That’sthebigquestion.”

HepulledupinthecourthouseparkinglotjustintimetofindBrannongettingoutofhisblack

SUV.HestoodwithhishandsonhishipsandglaredasGriergotoutwithJosette.

“Wherethehellhaveyoubeen?”BrannondemandedofJosetteinatonethatwouldhavekindled

afireunderwetwood.

GriergaveheranI-told-you-solookandwalkedawaywithnothingmorethananodtothe

TexasRanger.

“I’vebeenoutwithGriertalkingtooneofhiscontacts,”shesaidcalmly.Shedidn’tfeelcalm.

Hewasglaringatherwithsilveryeyesthatglitteredlikemetalshards.

“Youcantellmeonthewaytogetsomethingtoeat.I’mhungry.”

“Listen,Brannon…”shebegan.

“Aren’tyouhungry?”

“No.”Herstomachgrowledloudlyjustasshesaidit.“Yes,”sheamended.

“Wecaneatandtalkatthesametime.”

“Okay.”

Itwaseasiertoagreethanargue,andJosettedid,afterall,havetotellhimwhatshe’dlearned.

Notthatshewantedtospendalotoftimewithhiminhispresentmood.Brannonwasreally
intimidatingwhenhedidn’tsmile.

Hepulledintoanice-lookingbuildingwhereplentyofcarswerealreadyparked,eventhoughit

wasn’tnoon.

“Doyoueatherealot?”sheasked.

“Allofusdo,”hereplied.“Theyalwayshavefreshfish,whateverseasonitis.”

Heledherinsideandtheywaiteduntilawaitresscametoseatthem.Josetteaskedforseparate

checks.Thensheorderedthefishplatterandcoffee.Brannonorderedthesame,substitutingicedtea
forcoffee.

“Okay,”hesaid.“Whatdidyoufindout?”

Shetoldhim,elaboratingaboutSandraGates’sflightfromprosecutionandaddingherown

suspicionsaboutthepartthemysteriouswomanofJakeMarsh’shadplayedinMrs.Jennings’sdeath.

“That’salotofgeneralizations,”heremarked.

“Iknow,”shesighed.“Ifweknewwhothewomanwas…”

“Didn’tGrier ’scontactknowanythingabouther?”Brannonaskedfartoocasually.

Shetookthequestionatfacevalue.“Onlythatshewasrich.”

“Didheaskyoutogowithhim?”hepersistedoveraforkfuloffish.“Grierknowssome

dangerouspeople.Itisn’tsafetotagalongwithhim.”

“Whynot?Grierisn’tscaredofthem.”

“That’sbecausehe’smoredangerousthantheyare.”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Youdon’tknow

anythingabouthim,doyou?”

“He’stheresidentcomputerexpert,”Josettesaid,nibblingonherfood.

Helaughed.Hefinishedhisfishandfries,andpushedtheplateaside,wipinghismouthwiththe

napkinandsippingicedteabeforeheansweredher.

“Andyou’renotgoingtotellmewhythat’sfunny,areyou?”

Brannonleanedbackandstaredatherwithfaintamusement.“Doeshefityourideaofa

computerexpert?”

ShethoughtofPhilDouglasinherofficeandcomparedhimwithGrier.“Well,no,”Josette

confessed.

Hissilvereyesnarrowed.“Justdon’tgettooattachedtohim,”hesaidbluntly.

Hereyebrowsarched.“Andwhynot?”

Brannonleanedforwardabruptly,sothathisfacewasinchesfromhers.“Becauseyou’remine,”

hesaidflatly.

WhileJosettewastryingtothinkofasnappy,maturereply,hegotup,grabbedthecheck,and

stoodasidetoletheroutwhileshewasstillfumblinginherpurseforthetip.

Shebarelymanagedtogetitonthetableunderhersaucerbeforeshewasledtothecheckout

counter.Andbeforeshecouldargueaboutit,he’dpaidthatbill,too.

“Youhavetostopfeedingme,”shemutteredasheledheroutsidetothetruckanddrewher

aroundtothepassengerside.

“Ican’t.You’retoothin.”Hepausedatthedoor.Theparkinglotwasdeserted.Hemoved

deliberatelysothathewasstandingclosetoher,botharmsonthecaboftheSUVbehindher.

“Brannon,”sheprotested,butshesoundedbreathlessasherhandswenttohisshirt.

Hesearchedhereyesforsolongthatherheartbegantoflutterinherchest.Sheknewhecould

seeherraggedbreathingandthehotflushshefeltonhercheeks.Butshehadnowayofresistinghim.

Helookeddownathersoftmouthhungrily.“Allright,”hesaidhuskily.“We’lldoityourway.

Flowers.Candy.Ticketstothesymphonyconcerts.”

“Wh-what?”shestammered.

Hebentandbrushedhishard,warmmouthagainsthersoftone.“Ilovekissingyou,Josie,”he

whispered.“Ialwaysdid.”

Itwashardtoresistamanwithhisskill,moreover,onewhocouldbesotenderandteasing.Her

handsspreadonhischest,feelingthehardmuscleunderneath.Hereyesclosed.

“We’regoingtogetarrestedforlewdbehavior,”Josettemoaned.

“Kissingisn’tagainstthelaw,”hegroundoutagainstherpartinglips.

Brannonlevereddownagainsther,hismouthdemanding,hisbodyhardandinsistentwhereit

flattenedagainstherhips.Hegroanedsoftly,andhisheavybrowsdrewtogetherinsweetanguish.

Josette’seyesopenedjustbrieflyandshesawhisexpression,andknewthathewasn’tpretending

tobeaffectedbyher.Hereallydidlovekissingher.Andthatwasn’tall.Shefeltablatant,insistent
pressureagainstherbelly.

“Marc,”shewhispered,drawingbackabreath.“There’sacarpullingin.”

Hiseyeslookedblank.Glazed.Heblinkedanddrewinaforcedbreath.Thenhisheadliftedand

heglancedattheincomingcar ’ssingleoccupant.Slowlythedrawntensionofardorlefthisleanface
andhesmiledquizzically.

Josettewasstillreeling.Frombehindher,ontheothersideoftheSUV,cameanamuseddeep

drawl.

“Shesaidyouwouldn’tmindifshewentalongwithme.Ha!”

ItwasGrier ’svoice,andhewasalreadywalkingtowardtherestaurantbeforeeitherofthem

couldsayaword.

“Oh,Brannon,”shemoaned,pullingbackfromhimwithwideeyes,aswollenmouthanda

bubbleoflaughteronherlips.

“Didyoutellhimthat?”heaskedsoftly.

Josettesighed.“Yes,Iactuallydid.Butyoudomind,”sheaddedwithsuddenrealization.

Brannonfingeredhersofthair.“I’vebeeninlawenforcementalmosthalfmylife,yetGrierhas

donethingsIneverdreamedof.”Heshrugged.“Hehateswomen,buttheyfollowhimlikeachicken
followsarattlesnake,withpurefascination.”

Why…hewasjealous!Whyhadn’tsheseenthatbefore?

Heglaredather.“I’mnotjealous,”hesaid,readingherexpression.“Ijustdon’tthinkit’ssafe

foryoutogoplaceswithGrier.”

Shestudiedhim,fromhiswavyblond-streakedlightbrownhairtohissilvereyes,tohis

handsomelean,tannedface,tohischiseledmouthandshelaughedbreathlessly.

“Ialwaysthoughtyouknewhowgood-lookingyouwere,”Josettesaidshyly.“Butyoudon’t

thinkofyourselfthatway,doyou?”

Heshiftedasifuncomfortable.“Looksdon’tmeanmuch.”

Shesmiled.“You’dbesexyandattractiveifyouhadabignoseandearslikejughandles,”she

said.

Oneeyebrowarched.“WouldI?”

Thatfainthintofmasculineinsecuritymadehermelt.Didhereallyneedtobereassuredthatshe

foundhimattractive?Impulsivelyshereachedupwithherarmsanddrewhismouthdowntohers.She
kissedhimsoftly,feelingthedelightofitalloverheryieldedbody.Brannonseemedsurprisedatthe
move,buthekissedherbacktenderly.

“Youronlyrealproblemisthattemper,”Josettewhispered.“YoumakeGrierlooklikea

pacifist.”

Hechuckled,notatallinsulted.“I’llcalmdowninafewyears.”

“Areyousureaboutthat?”

“Theysaykidstaketheroughedgesoffaman.”

“Kids?”Shesearchedhiseyes,perplexed,butfoundnothingthere.“Doyouhavemanyrough

edges?”

Hepursedhislipsandlookeddeliberatelyatherstomach.“We’llhavetotalkaboutthatoneof

thesedays.Andaboutkids.Meanwhile,howaboutasymphonyconcert?There’soneSaturdaynight.”

Josettehesitated.“We’rehereonamurderinvestigation.”

“Good.Wecaninvestigatetheconductorandthefirstchairviolinist,”herepliedeasily.“They’ll

makedandysuspects.I’llevenfileareport,after.”

“Brannon!”shesaid,exasperated.

“Detectivesgetanoccasionalnightoff.Saturdayisgoingtobeours.”Hekissedheronelast

timebeforeheopenedthepassengerdoor.Ashehelpedherclimbup,henoticedseveralteenagersin
avanparkedneartherestaurant.TheywerewatchingthecoupleattheblackSUVwithwideeyesand
bigsmiles.ThesmilesgotbiggerwhenBrannonwalkedaroundtothedriver ’ssideandtheysawthe
cream-coloredStetson,bootsandrevolver,andtheTexasRangerbadgeonhisshirt.

Brannonalmostblushedashestartedthevehicle.

Josette,whohadbeenwatchingthebyplay,laughedsoftlytoherself.Butsheblushed,too.

Heglancedatherasshefastenedherseatbelt.“Youstillblush.Imaginethat,atyourage.”

“Oh,yeah?Well,youwereblushing,too,Brannon!”

“Ineverblush,”hesaidcurtly.

Astheypassedtheteenagers,oneofthegirlsletoutalong,enthusiasticwolfwhistleatBrannon.

HecouldhearJosette’ssoftlaughter,buthewasn’tgoingtolookathimselfinthemirror.He

wasnotblushing.

“Whataboutthesafe-depositbox?”JosetteaskedwhentheywerebackinfrontoftheD.A.’s

office.

“Deadend.Icheckedeverybankintownthatdidn’trequireacourtorder,andI’llgobackand

checktheonesthatdid.Butsofar,nobodyhasarecordofDaleJenningsrentingone.”

Shethoughtaboutthat,hesitatingaboutgettingoutofthevehicle.“Suppose,”shebegan,“just

supposeitwasinthewoman’sname.”

“Itmightbe,”Brannonsaid.“Butwe’renoclosertofindinghername.Apparentlyitwasn’t

SandraGates.”

“I’llbetGriercanfindoutwhoshewas,”shesaidwithoutthinking.“Heseemstoknowhisway

aroundtheunderworld.”

“Thenlethimdohisownlegwork.Imeanit,Josie,”hesaidshortly,andhiseyeswere

threatening.“I’mnothavingyouatriskforanycase,nomatterhowimportant.”

“Whatdoyouknowaboutthemanthatyou’renottellingme?”shedemanded.

“ThingsIcan’trepeat,”hesaidharshly.

“Things?”

Brannonhesitatedandbitoffahardsigh.“Classifiedthings,Josie,”hesaidfinally.

Hereyebrowsshotup.Thatcouldmeananything.

“Just…takemywordforitandhumorme,couldyou?”heasked,exasperated,scowlingather.

“Listen,havingyougetshotwashardenoughonmynerves.Idon’twanttoriskyoutwice.”

Thelinesinherfacesmoothedoutmagically.“Youdon’t?”sheaskedabsently,becausehereyes

werelockedintohis.Shetingledalloverwiththedelightofhisconcern.

Brannontouchedawispofblondhairthathadescapedherbraidedhairdo.Helooked

exasperated.“Josie,howwouldyoufeelifI’dbeenshot?”

Herinvoluntaryexclamationwastelling.Itwasasifallthemaskshadbeentornoffandshewas

facinghimwithherwholeheartinhereyes.

Hisleanhandframedhercheekandhisthumbrubbedsoftlyoverhermouth.“Atleastyoustill

feelsomethingforme,”hesaidhuskily.

Shestartedtoprotest,butthatthumbwasbackacrossherlipsagain.

“Don’tdisillusionme,”hewhispered,leaningtowardher.Hislipspartedjustastheytouched

her.Brannonhadtoforcehimselfnottodragoutthewarm,tenderkiss.Heliftedhishead.Ashedid,
helookedstraightintoGrier ’sdarkeyesthroughtheopenpassengerwindow.

“Shesaidyouwouldn’tmindifItookheralong,”Grierrepeated,deadpan.

“Imind,”Brannonsaidflatly,hissilvereyesthreatening,possessive.

Grierpursedhiswide,thinlipsandjustforaninstant,therewasaglimmerinhisdarkeyes.

“Lightenup,Brannon.I’mjustacomputerexpertnow.”

“AndPutinusedtobejustacop!”

Grierburstoutlaughingbeforeheturnedandwalkedbackintothebuilding,bothhandsstuckin

hisjeanspockets.

Hermindwaswhirling.“Putin?”

Hegaveheraspeakinglook.

Russia.Thepremier.AformercolonelintheKGB.“Oh.Putin!VladimirPutin!”sheexclaimed.

“Right.”

“Nevermind.Getoutandgotowork,butnotwithGrier.Imeanit.”

“I’mnotawaitress.”

Heblinked.“Excuseme?”

“Idon’ttakeorders,”shesaidwithagrin,andgotoutoftheSUV.

Heleanedtowardtheopendoor,whereshewassilhouetted.“Iwantkids.”

Shegapedathim.“So?”

“SotakecareofyourselfanddowhatIasked.”Brannonreachedoverandpulledthedoorshut

beforeJosettecouldaskhimtoexplainthatoutrageousstatement.

ChapterThirteen

henJosettefinishedgoingthroughlocalfiles,lookingupinformationaboutJakeMarshand

talkingtopoliceofficersanddetectiveswhohadinterrogatedhim,shewassurprisedtofindBrannon
waitingoutsidetheD.A.’soffice.

Heleanedacrossandopenedthepassengerdoor.“Climbin,”heinvited.“I’lldriveyoutoyour

hotel.”

Itwaslikeoldtimes,whenhepickedherupafterherlastcollegeclass,oratthelibraryon

Saturdayswhenshewasresearchingprojectpapers.Itwarmedherhearttoseethathewasstilljustas
thoughtful.

Sheclimbedinbesidehimwithadelighted,unguardedsmile.“Thanks!But,whyareyouhere?”

Hegaveheralongstare.Hesighedandshrugged.“IthoughtGriermightoffertodriveyou

back,”heconfessedreluctantly.

Shechuckledsoftlyatthatinvoluntaryevidenceofjealousy.“HewentoutwhenIgotbackfrom

lunchandhasn’treturned,”shesaidsmugly.“Ihaven’tevenspokentohim.”

Hesmiled.“Good.”Hestartedthevehicleandcarefullypulledoutintothestreamoftraffic.

“I’vebeenlookingupinformationaboutJakeMarsh,”shesaidashedrove.“Oneofthe

patrolmenremembersquestioninghimaboutDaleJennings,aboutthetimeoftheGarnermurder
trial.MarshsaidthatJenningswasasortofcourierforhim,deliveredmessagesandthatsortof
thing,buttheycuthimloosewhenhestartedhangingaroundBibWebb’shouse.”

Brannonfrowned.“Hedidn’thangaroundBib’s.HeworkedforHenryGarner.”

“I’mjusttellingyouwhathesaid,”shereplied.“It’sinthereporttheofficermadeafterthe

interview.”

“IfBib’sgoingtobebackintownthisweekend,I’llgoseehimandaskhimaboutit.”

“Goodidea.”

“DidJenningseveraskyououtbeforeyouwenttotheWebbs’partywithhim?”

Josetteglancedathimwarily,becausethiswassensitiveterritory.“No.Iusedtoseehimatthe

cornercoffeeshopallthetime.BibWebb’swifewastakingsomesortofclassoncampusthatyear.I

evensawherthere.Itwasn’texactlyahoodlumhangout,ifyougetmymeaning.”

Hewassuddenlyalert.“Silviahadcoffeethere?”

“Notoften,”sherecalled.“Isawherthereonceortwice.Shewassittingallbyherself.”

Thatwasdisturbing.Hedidn’trememberBibevermentioningthatSilviawastakingacollege

class.Sinceshedidn’thaveahighschooleducation,itseemedabitfar-fetched.“Didshetalkto
anyone?”

“Ididn’treallynotice,”sherecalledhonestly.“Iwasusuallyinahurry,onmywaytoclassorthe

libraryoralab,orevenhome.Igotmycoffeetogo,mostly.OnceinawhileI’ddrinkitthere.Iliked
thosehomemadesconestheysold.DaleJenningslikedthem,too,andwestartedtalking.Justcasually.
IwassurprisedwhenheaskedmetotheWebbs’party.Wedidn’treallyknoweachotherthatwell.”

Brannondidn’tenjoyrememberingwhyshe’dgonewiththemantotheWebbs’sparty.“Didhe

hitonyou?”hepersisted.

“Notatall,”shesaid,smilingfaintly.“Itwasn’teverthatsortofrelationship.Helikedme,buthe

wasn’tevenattractedtome.Hejustneededadatethatnight,hesaid.”

Brannonfrowned.ItdisturbedhimthatJenningsmighthavehadulteriormotivesforthatdate.

HadhebeenplanningtomurderGarnerandwantedtouseJosetteasanalibi?Orhadhehaddarker
motives?

“You’rewonderingwhyheaskedme,aren’tyou?”shemurmured.“I’vebeenwonderingmyself.

Especiallysince,oncewegotthere,hewasneverwithme.”

Hescowled.“WhereweretheWebbs?”

“Bibwasdancingwithhispersonalassistant—youremember,thatshylittlebrunette.Shewas

reallynervousanduncomfortable.Iexpectthat’swhyhepaidspecialattentiontoher.Iremember
Silviacomingbackinsideandfindingthemtogetherandmakingaterriblescene.”

“Becky,”hemurmuredabsently.“BeckyWilson.She’sonhiscampaignstaffforthesenate,too.

She’sdevotedtohim.Infact,Ithinkshe’ddoanythingshortofmurdertoprotecthim.”

“Igotthatimpression,too.ButIlikedher,”sherecalled.

Hegaveherapointedglance.“HowdidyoulikeSilvia?”

Josettegrimaced.“Ididn’t.Andconsideringtherestoftheguestlist,Ifeltasoutofplaceasstale

bread,”sheconfessed.“IrecognizedpeopleI’donlyeverseenonthenewsoratpoliticalrallies.Dale
saidshe’daskedhimtoinviteme,butsheignoredmecompletelyuntilIhadtwocupsofthatspiked
punchandstartedwobbling.Thensheinsistedontakingmehome.Shewascoldsober,too.”She
smiledimpishly.“Herhusbandwasn’t.Everytimehelookedherway,hetookanothercupofpunch.
HeevengaveBeckyone,butshehadtheforesighttosmellitandputitdown,untouched.”

Hewastryingtoremembersomething;somethingimportant.Itwasthere,hejustcouldn’tgrasp

it.

Whilehewastryingto,hiscarphonerang.HepushedthespeakerbuttonandJones’svoicecame

clearlyoverit.

“Brannon,it’sAliceJonesatthemedicalexaminer ’soffice.I’vegotyourcauseofdeath.”

“Okay,Jones,”hesaid,pausingforatrafficlight.

“Mrs.Jenningswaskilledbyseverebluntforcetraumatothebackofthehead.There’sanodd

indentationintheskull…”

“Oval?”heaskedatonce.“Likeablackjackmighthavemade?”

Therewasapause.“Cometothinkofit…”

“Jones,checkbackintherecordsfortheautopsyresultsonHenryGarner,June,twoyearsago.

Youmayfindamatchinthatoddindentation.”

“G-a-r-n-e-r?”Shespelleditout.

“That’sit.Andletmeknowwhatyoufind,wouldyou?”

“Willdo.Butdon’tgetusedtomecallingyoulikethis,Brannon,”sheaddedinahuskytone.

“You’renotbad-looking,andyouhavethatsexyTexasRangerbadgeandbeltbuckle,butyouhaveto
rememberthatIhavehunkymoviestarsstandinginlinejusttohearthesoundofmysultryvoice…
Hello?Hello?”

Brannonhadalreadyhittheswitchandwaslaughinghimselfsick.

“ThereisonlyoneAliceJones,”Josettemused.“ImisstalkingtohersinceImovedtoAustin.”

Heglancedatherwhimsically.“I’llmentionyouinmywillifyoucangethertomovethere,

too.”

Shechuckled.“Sorry.I’vegotaPhilDouglasinmyownoffice.Idon’tneedanAliceJonesin

theAustinmedicalexaminer ’sofficetodrivemeevenbattier.”

Hiseyeswentbacktotraffic.“Youseemtofitinwellwiththedistrictattorney’sstaffhere.”

Josettenodded.“Icanfitinmostplaces.Andthey’reagreatbunchoffolkstoworkwith.But,I

likeAustin.”

“Why?”hepersisted.“BecauseI’mnotthere?”

Herhandsgrippedherbriefcase.“Youhaven’tbeenherefortwoyears,either,Brannon,”she

remindedhim.

“YouknowwhyIleft,”hereplied.Hissilvereyesglancedinherdirectionandhisdeepvoice

droppedsoftly.“Whenyoufeelreallyreckless,youmightaskwhyIcameback.”

“Notmybusiness,”shesaidfirmly.Shewasn’tgoingtoopenthatcanofworms.

UnexpectedlyBrannonturnedoffthehighwayontothepavedserviceroadthatledtohis

apartmentbuildingthroughabackstreet,hisexpressiontautanduncompromising.

“Iwanttogohome,”Josetteprotested.

“Iwanttotalk.”

“Usethephone.”

Heignoredthat.Hepulledintohisusualparkingspotintheundergroundgarageandcutoffthe

engine,turningtoher.

“Aren’tyoutired,justalittle,ofrunningfromthepast?”heaskedseriously.

Hemadeheruncomfortablewiththatlevelstare,eventhoughshecouldn’tseeitclearlyunder

thewidebrimofhisStetsoninthedarkenedgarage.

“I’monlyheretohelpsolveamurder,”shesaid.“Afterward,I’llgobacktoAustin,tomyown

life…”

“You’llgohometoalonelyapartmentwithonlythetelevisionforcompany,”heinterrupted.

“You’lleatTVdinnersortakeout.You’llspendyoureveningsworkingthroughcomputerfilesof
information,andduringthedayyou’lltalktootherpeopleinlawenforcementanditwillbebusiness.
Justbusiness.Whenyougotobed,maybeyou’lldream,butyou’llstillbealone.Whatsortoflifeis
that?”

“Yoursort,”shethrewbackcurtly.

Hisfacetautenedandthenrelaxed.Hisshouldersmoved.“Touché.”

“You’rehappyenough,”Josettepointedout.

“Doyoureallythinkso?”hereplied.“Iliveformyjob.It’sallI’velivedforduringthepast

fourteenyears,withminorencountersthatwouldn’tevenqualifyasromance.Exceptforthebrief
timeIspentwithyoutwoyearsago,”heemphasized,“I’velivedlikeahermit.”

Herheartjumped.Shecouldn’tmanageareply.

“Andyou’restillavirgin,”hesaiddoggedly.“Why?”

Sheopenedhermouth,butshecouldn’tgetanywordstocomeout.

“Don’tbothertrottingoutthattiredoldstorythatyouhaveprinciples,”Brannonsaidbeforeshe

couldspeak.“Youwantme.Youwantedmethen,andyouwantmenow.”

“Weallhavetheseannoyinglittleweaknessesthatwecan’tquiteovercome,”sheshotbackwith

ruffledpride.

Heliftedaneyebrowandlethisgazedroptohermouth.“Whytrytoovercomeit?”

“Idon’twanttohaveanaffairwithyou.”

Heshrugged.“I’mnotmuchonaffairs,myself.”

“Thatmakesitevenworse,Brannon,”shesaidicily.“I’mevenlessinthemarketforaone-night

stand.”

“Idon’tdothose,either.”

Josettefrowned.Shestaredathimevenly.Shecouldn’tquitegraspwhathewassaying.

Brannonsighed.“Youdon’thaveaproblemwithabstinenceyourself,butitdoesn’toccurtoyou

thatanyoneelsemighthavethesameideals—especiallyaman.Isn’tthatalittlesexistinitself?”

Sheliftedbotheyebrows.“Iwillneverbelievethatyou’reavirgin,Brannon,”shedrawled.

“I’mnot,”herepliedsolemnly.“ButI’mnotpromiscuous,either.And,asImentionedalready,

forthepasttwoyearsIhaven’ttouchedawoman.”

Herworriedeyessearchedhishard,leanface,lookingforanswers.

“Why?”sheblurtedout.

“Whyhaven’tyouendedupinsomeotherman’sbed?”hethrewthewordsrightbackather.“I

don’twantanyoneelse.”Brannonpausedandhiseyesnarrowed.“Andneitherdoyou,whetherornot
you’rewillingtoadmitittome.”

Herbodyclenchedattheinsinuation.Itmightbetrue,but,then,shedidn’thavetogoaround

admittingthingslikethattotheonemanintheworldwho’dbeennothingbutanendlessheadacheto
her.Conceitwasacharacter-destroyingviceinaman.Besides,he’dbeinsufferableifsheadmitted
thatshewantedonlyhim.

“Whydidyoubringmehere?”Josetteasked,avoidingananswer.

Hepursedhislipsandhiseyesbegantotwinkle.“Becauseinadditiontomeatloaf,Icanmake

chickenandbroccolicrepes,”hesaidunexpectedly.

Itwasthelastreplysheexpected.“Excuseme?”

“YoualwayswantedtogotothesameFrenchrestaurantwhenweweredating,”heremindedher,

“becauseyoulovedthosecrepes.Therestaurant’sgoneoutofbusiness,butIfoundthechefandgot
himtoteachmehowtomakethecrepes.”

“Why?”sheexclaimed.

Hislipspursed.“Alittleflattery,alittleexquisitecuisine,alittleclassictenorsaxmusic…”He

leanedtowardherwithasuggestivesmile.“Alittleminorsurgery…?”

Sheflushedandwhackedhimwithanewsletter.

Brannonsighed.“Ah,well,there’salwaystomorrow.”HegotoutoftheSUVandwentaroundto

openthedoorforher.“Youcanleavethosefilesinhere,”hesaid,puttingherbriefcaseinthe
floorboard.“I’mnottalkingbusinessovermycrepes.”

Heeasedherhandintohisandhelditallthewayuptheelevator.Whenheopenedthedoortohis

apartmentandpulledherinside,henudgedherbodyupagainstthecloseddoorandproppedhislean
handsoneithersideofherhead.Helookeddownintohereyesforalongtime,watchingthetelltale
signsofherattractionastheybrokethroughherreserve.

“Nice,”hemurmured.“Aftertwoyears,youstillstarttremblingwhenIcomeclose,likethis.”

Heleaneddown,sothathispowerfulbodywastouchinghersfrombreasttothigh.Hefeltherintake
ofbreathonhislips.“Icanfeelyourheartbeatingagainstmychest,”hemurmured,andhiships
beganaslow,sensuousrevolutionagainstherown.Hestiffenedwiththearousalthatwas
instantaneous.

“Marc!”sheexclaimed,embarrassed.

Histeethnibbledatherupperlipandhiseyesclosedsothathecouldenjoythetasteofher.“Mint

andcoffee,”hebreathed,nudgingherlipsapart.“Youalwaystastedofcoffeeandsmelledofroses.”
Heleveredevencloser.Hisownheartwasracingnow,andonelonglegeasedbetweenbothofhers.
Shedidn’tevenprotestthistime.

Hernailsbitintohischesthelplesslyashermouthfollowedtheopen,teasingpressureofhis

hardlips.

“Hell,don’tplay.Touch!”BrannonguidedherfingerstothesnapsthatheldhiscreamyWestern-

styleshirttogether.

Josettedidn’tneedpromptingafterthat.Herfingersrippeditopentotheshinysilverandgold

metalofhisbeltbucklewiththeTexasRangerslogoembossedonit.Herhandsfoundthick,rough
hairoverthewarm,dampmusclesofhischestandburrowedintoitevenashermouthpushedupat
histotemptitintolonger,deepercontact.

Hesmiledashekissedherwithslowenjoyment.“GriermaybesomethingwithaK-Bar,”he

whisperedintoheryieldedlips,“butI’minaclassallbymyselfwithyou.Openyourmouthalittle
more,Josie….”

Hislegbegantomoveseductivelybetweenhersandmadehertremble.Shekissedhimback

helplessly,withatinylittlemoanofpurepleasureasherarmsreachedupandaroundhisneck.

“Wait…justaminute…”Hishandswerebusyandallatonce,shefeltcoolaironbareskin.But

shewastoofargonetocare.Brannonlookeddownatbaresilkybreastswithhard,duskylittlenubs.
Hishandssmoothedoverthemandshemoanedagain.“Yes,”hebreathed,drawingheragainsthis

barechest.“OhGod,yes…!”

“It’sbeen…solong,”shewhimperedashekissedher.

Hepulledherupevencloser,groaningagainsthersoft,tremulousmouth.“Yes,”hewhispered

huskily.“Toolong!Comecloser,baby.Come…closer…closer!”

Hishandswenttoherroundedhipsandjerkedherroughly,hungrilyagainstthevisibleevidence

ofhisdesire.Ashockofpleasureshotthroughhispowerfulbodylikefireandhegroanedharshly.

Josettefelttearsstinghereyesasherhandsmovedhelplesslyintohisthickblond-streaked

brownhair,dislodginghishatasshetorehermouthfromhisandpulledhisheaddowntoherbreasts.
Shearchedbackward,whispering,pleading.

Hecouldn’tresisther.Hismouthopenedoverahardnippleandbegantosuckleherinahot,

tempestuoussilencethatwasliketheflashbeforeathunderclap.Shecriedoutsoftlyasherbody
throbbedwithhunger.Ithadbeentwoyearssincehe’dhandledherlikethis,sinceshe’dlaininhis
armsallbutnudeonhissofaandbeggedhimnottostop.

Brannonliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwide,hungryeyes.“Ihadyourclothesoff,”hesaid

harshly.“Doyouremember?Istrippedyououtofyourclothesandyoufoughtmineoutoftheway.I
wasoveryou,mymouthonyourmouth,mylegsbetweenyours…”Hismouthgroundhardagainst
hers.“Andyoucriedout.Icouldbarelybreathebythen.Iwasshaking,Iwanteditsomuch.ButI
couldn’tget…insideyou!Forafewseconds,Ididn’tevenrealizewhy.Notuntilyoustartedsobbing
andbeggingmetostop.Itwaslikehavingabucketoficethrownonme.”

Josettemoanedandhidherfaceagainsthischest.Hereyesclosedasshe,too,relivedthe

memory.

“YouturnedeveryshadeofredwhenIpulledawayandlookedatyou,”herecalledhuskily.“I

knewthen,withoutaword,thatyou’dneverbeenwithaman.IwassoashamedthatIcouldn’teven
speak.”

“Butyoudid,”sheremindedhimpainfully.“Yousaid…plenty!”

“Josie,Ireallyhopeyou’veseenatleastoneX-ratedmoviebynow,sothatyoubeginto

understandwhyIwasupset!”

Shewasblushing,sheknewshewas,butshecouldn’tmeethiseyes.“Well,Ido,sortof,”she

stammered.

Brannonlaughedgruffly.Hishandsmovedinherhair,removinghairpins,untilthewealthofthe

goldenmassfellaroundhershoulders.“No,youdon’t,”hemurmureddryly.“ButIremembertoo
wellhowitfelttowanttorepeatit.Sothisisasfarasitgoes.Fornow.”

Allatonce,Brannonmovedawayfromherjerkily,hishandshardonherwaistasheheldherat

afaintdistanceanddraggedairintohislungs,afainttremorinhisbodyashefoughtthedemonsof
hisownheadlonghunger.

“I’msorryaboutthat,”headdedhuskily,andhesmiled.“Ididn’tmeantogetinovermyheadso

fast.”

Theapologywasunexpected,likehisnonexistentrestrainttowardher.Slowlyitbegantodawn

onhernumbedsensesthathewasn’tplaying.Apparentlyhewasn’texaggeratinghislengthof
abstinence,either,becausehewasvisiblyshaken.

Hisveryvulnerabilitymadehercuriousandchasedawayherownembarrassmentather

abandoninhisarms.Josettestaredathimwithquizzicalaffection,alittleshy,evennow.

Hesawthat,andhelikedit.Shewassocapableinherjobthatsheseemedimperviousto

temptation.Shewasn’t.Ifhewasaslaveofhispassion,sowasshe.Herelaxed.

“Irealizethatyoumustfeellikethemaincourse.ButIactuallymeantitwhenIpromisedyou

crepes,”hesaiddryly.

“That’sokay,”shereplied,andsmiledgently.

Thesmilemadehischestswell.Hereyeswereluminous,soft,fullofsecrets.Helookeddownat

herbarebreasts,makingamealofthemuntilshelaughedalittlenervouslyandstarteddoingup
fastenings.Hedidthesame,butwithouttheleastsignofanger.

Brannonglancedatherruefully.Hermouthwasswollenfromthehardpressureofhislips.She

lookeddisheveledandoffbalance.Shealsolookedhappy.Hesmiled,too.Perhaps,hethought.
Perhaps…

Brannondidcookcrepes,andJosettemadeasaladtogowiththem,andaneggcustardfor

dessert.Shewaswalkingaroundinherstockings,heinhissocks.HehadonjeansandablackT-shirt,
andshewasinhersuitslacksandascoop-neckbeigeblousewithherlonghairloosedownherback.
Theyworkedinquietharmonyasifthey’dlivedtogetherandworkedinthekitchentogetherforever.

Shesavoredeverybiteoftheunexpectedtreat,surprisedathisproficiency.He’dactuallymade

thecrepesfromscratch,notfromamix.

“You’reimpressed,”hemusedwithagrin.“Icantell.”

“I’mveryimpressed,”shereplied,finishingthelastbiteofhercrepeandeyeingthelastbiteof

hiswithhelplessenvy.

Brannonchuckled,forkingthatlastbitandofferingitatherlips.“Noneedtothankme,”he

murmured.“Flatteryisquiteadequate.”

“Theyreallyaredelicious,”Josetteadmittedsheepishly,andwithasmile.

“Andjustthink,ifwelivedtogether,Icouldmakeyoucrepesallthetime.”

Shepausedwithhercoffeecuphalfwaytoherlipsandstaredathim,uneasyanduncertain.

Brannonwasn’tsmiling.Hispaleeyesglitteredastheystabbedintoherswithdeterminationand

somethingelse,somethingevendeeper.

Thesuddenjanglingofthetelephonewasmorethanenoughtoshatterthetensionbetweenthem.

Hegotup,muttering,toanswerit.

“Hello?”hesaidshortly.Hehesitatedashelistenedtowhoeverwasontheotherendoftheline.

HeglancedtowardJosetteandfrowned.“Whynow?Can’titwaituntilinthemorning?”heasked
impatiently.

Therewasanotherhesitation.Heletoutalongbreath.“Okay,”hereplied.“Ifit’sthatimportant.

Sure.Twentyminutes.”

Hehungup,staringatthetelephoneblanklyforafewsecondsbeforehefacedJosette.“Bib,”he

saidslowly.“He’sattheirSanAntonioplace.Hewantsmetocomeover.Someenterprisingreporter
hasanewangleontheGarnercaseandseemstoknowthereasonbehindthemurders.Thereporter
approachedBeckywithhistheoryandnowBib’sscaredtodeath.”

“Whatdoeshewantyoutodo,arrestthereporter?”sheasked.

“Hewantstoaskadvice.Andconsideringthenatureofthestory,Ithinkyou’dbettercome

along.”

“Why?”

“Becausethereportersaysthatsomeoneinthelocalunderworldhasfoundadamagingpieceof

evidenceagainsthimandisplanningtoblackmailhimwithit.”

Hereyeslitup.“Atlast!Theevidenceandmaybeeventheculprithimself!”

“Abreak,atleast,ifwe’relucky.Comeon.”

HedrovethemquicklytothespaciousestatewhereBibWebblivedwhenhewasn’tinthestate

capitol.Josettethought,notforthefirsttime,whatanempirehe’dinheritedwhenHenryGarnerwas
murdered.

Thereweretwocarsinthedrivewaythatwounduptothefrontdoor.OnewasasmallgrayVW

Beetle,theotherwasastatelylate-modeldarkLincoln.

“Ishiswifehere?”Josetteaskedcuriously,indicatingtheVW.

“SilviadrivesaFerrari,”heremarkedidly,notingthelittleGerman-madecar.“That’sBecky’s

car.”

“Anotherscandalinthemaking?”shemused.

“Ithinkyou’regoingtofindthatBib’stiredoflivingalie,”hesaidenigmatically.“Ascandal

overBeckyistheleastofhisworriesrightnow.”

“You’renotthinkingthathewasmixedupinGarner ’sdeathatthislatedate?”

“Notachance,”herepliedwithconviction.

“Aren’tyougoingtotellmewhywe’rehere?”shepersisted.

“I’llletBibdothat.”

Hecutofftheengineandcamearoundtoopenherdoorforher.

“Youhavenicemanners,Brannon,”Josetteremarkedwithasmile.

“Mymotherwasasticklerforthem.Justlikeyours,”headdedgently.

Hetookherhandinhisandpulledheralongtothefrontdoor.Whenherangthebell,BibWebb

himselfopenedthedoor.Hewasholdingacanofdietcolaandhelookedworntothebone.Hisjacket
andtiewereoff,andthetopbuttonsofhisshirtwereundone.Hishairwasruffled,asifhe’dbeen
runninganervoushandthroughit.Thereweredarkcirclesthesizeofappleslicesunderhiseyes.He
lookedmiserable.

“Comeonin,”hedrawled.HemanagedasmileforJosette.“Niceofyoutocome,MissLangley,

underthecircumstances.”

“Niceofyounottomind,Mr.Webb,”sherepliedpleasantly.

BeckyWilsonwasstandingnervouslyinthecenterofthelivingroom,lookinguneasy.Shewas

wearingalong,patterneddressthatcametoherankles.Ithadaneatwhitecollarandlongsleeves.
Herdarkhairwasinabun,andsheworeglasses.ShewastheexactoppositeofSilviaWebb,right
downtohernondescriptflatshoes.

“YouknowBecky,”Bibsaid,smilingather.

“Yes.Goodtoseeyou,”Brannonreplied.

“He’sgoingtoberuined,absolutelyruined,”Beckyblurtedout.“Whatarewegoingtodo?”

Bibheldupahand.“Don’tthrowinthetowelyet,”hetoldherwithafaintsmile.“First,we

exploretheoptionswe’vegot.”

“Whatoptions,forheaven’ssake?”shemoaned.

“Therearealwaysoptions,”Bibtoldhergently.“Sitdown,Becky.”

Shedroppedintoanarmchair,butleanedforwardasifshecouldn’tbeartorelax.

Bibsatdownonthesofa.Brannonsatnexttohim,motioningJosettebesidehim.

“Whatdoesthereporterhave,exactly?”Brannonasked,cuttingtothechase.

“HehasaswornstatementfromanacquaintanceofJakeMarsh’s,whosaysheoverheardMarsh

talkingaboutaledgerthatwouldproveItookkickbacksfrommobaffiliatestorigthevoteand
blackmailmyopponentintoquittingtheracewhenIbecamelieutenantgovernoralittleovertwo
yearsago,”Webbsaidgruffly.“TheacquaintancesaysthatMarshdoesn’thavetheledger,buthe
knowswhodoes.”

“Aledger.Ofcourse!”Brannonsaid,glancingatJosette,wholookedequallysurprised.Itwould

certainlyfitthefewfactstheyhadsofar,includingtheapparentsizeofthemissingevidence.Brannon
frowned.“Isittrue?”heasked,concerned.“Didyoutakekickbacks?”

Biblookedathimwryly.“You’veknownmeforyears.AmIthesortofmanwhowouldpayfor

votes?”

Brannononlylaughed.“Ofcoursenot.”

“ButIfiredamanwhowasworkingonmyelectionstaffwhotriedtodothatverything,”Bib

continued.“Thatwastheweekbeforetheparty,twoyearsago.ThemanwasafriendofJakeMarsh,
andanacquaintanceofDaleJennings.ButIknewnothingaboutanyledger.IdidknowthatDale
JenningsfoughtwithHenryGarneraboutanitemHenrysaidwasmissingfromhissafe,theday
beforeHenrywaskilled.Infact,HenryandIarguedoverhiskeepingJenningsaround.Henrywanted
himcloseuntilhecouldmakehimgivetheledgerback.Iwassurethemanwasuptosomething,and
Isaidso.”Heshookhishead.“I’dgiveanythingtotakebackthatargument,evenifitwasn’tabad
one.”

“We’vemanagedtoputthatmuchtogether,”Brannonsaid.“DidyouknowthatDaleJennings’s

motherwaskilled?”

Biblookedhorrified.“Thepoorwoman.”

“Shewascheatedoutofherlife’ssavings,evictedfromherhome,herpossessionswereburned

andthenshewastorturedtodeathforsomeinformationherkillerthoughtshehad.”

Bibputhisheadinhishands.“DearGod!”

“AmanandwomanwereseengoingintoMrs.Jennings’sapartmentthedaybeforeherbodywas

found,”Josetteaddedquietly.“We’vetentativelyidentifiedthemanasJakeMarsh.We’vealso
identifiedthecontractkillerwhoshotDaleJennings,andthecomputerexpertwhomanipulatedfiles
togetJenningstransferredtoFloresvilleandoutonaworkdetail.”

Bib’sfacecameupatonce.“Who’sthekiller?”

“AmannamedYork,”Brannonsaid.“We’recertainhe’sgothisnextvictimtargeted.Ishotitout

withhimandJosiegothit.Wehadhimincustody,butheescaped.Wedon’tknowwhohe’llbegoing
afternext.”

Bibclaspedhishandsoverhisknees,worried.“Marshdoesn’tlikelooseends.Anybodywho

knowsaboutthatledgerisindanger.”Hetoyedwithhisweddingring.HeglancedatBeckyand
winced.“Thatputsyouonthefiringlinewithme,”hetoldheruneasily.“AndSilviaaswell,”he

added,butcarelessly.

“SpeakingofSilvia,whereisshe?”Brannonasked.

“Onanothershoppingexpedition,”hesaid,andtookasipofhisdrink.“She’sbuyinganew

wardrobesothatshecandressthepartofasenator ’swife.”Hechuckledhollowly.“ItoldherIwas
satisfiedbeinglieutenantgovernor,butwhentheincumbentsenatorannouncedhisretirementhalfway
throughhistermofoffice,sheinsistedthatIrunforit.Hell,I’veonlybeeninthestatehousefortwo
years.Idon’twanttogotoWashington,”headded,staringatBeckybroodingly.“Now,itlooksasifI
maynotevenbeabletokeepthejobI’vegot.”

“Thereporterpromisedhewouldn’tprintthestoryyet,notuntilhecouldconfirmit,”Becky

saidheavily.“Atleasthedidcometomefirst.Hecouldhavegoneaheadandprintedhissuspicions.
He’snotabadman,andhedoesn’twanttomakeareputationforhimselfbydestroyinglives.
Besides,”sheaddedwithasmileassheglancedtowardBrannon,“helikesBib.”

“Nobodywilllikemeifsuchastorygetsinprint,”Bibsaidheavily.“AndIcankissthesenate

seatgoodbye.Funnything,”headded,withalonglookatBecky,“thesenateseatwasSil’sidea,not
mine.Shewantsthefeelingofpoweritgiveshertobrushelbowswithjusttherightpeopleandwear
clothesexpensiveenoughtomaketheotherwomenjealous.”Heshookhishead.“Ijustwantoutof
politicsaftermytermaslieutenantgovernorisover.Iwanttoexperimentwithnewagricultural
machinesandtinkerwithimprovementsforthem.That’sallIeverreallywanted.”Heglancedat
Brannon.“ButIdon’twanttogooutunderacloudofsuspicion.Ihaven’ttakenkickbacks.Iwantyou
tohelpmeproveit,whetherornotthereporterprintswhathe’sgot.”

“That’satallorder,Bib,”Brannonsaidhonestly.

“Somehoworother,it’salltiedtoDaleJennings’smurder,”Bibtoldhim.“AndIcan’thelp

thinkingthatJakeMarshisuptohisearsinallofit,somehow.”

“Ididhavethatmuchfiguredout,”Brannonreplied.HeglancedatJosette.“We’vebeenputting

inalotofovertimeonthiscase.We’remakingprogress.Ifwecouldjustfindthewoman…”

Beckyopenedhermouthtospeak,andBiblookedup,silencingher.

Josettefrownedasshenoticedasmallornatebowlofcandyonthecoffeetable.Shegotupand

movedclosertolookatit.

“Oh,thosearejustmints,”Bibsaideasily.“Helpyourself.Ican’tstandthem.Beckyordersthem

fromasweetsfirminFrance.”

JosettecaughtherbreathandlookedstraightatBrannon.Theybothmadetheconnectionatthe

sametime.Expensivemints,Mrs.Jenningshadsaid.Thewomanwhowastryingtogetthatledger
fromDalelikedexpensivemints…!

Brannonstaredatherevenlyandshookhishead.Shegotthemessage.Shepickeduponeofthe

mintsandopenedthefancypackage,stickingitinhermouth.SheglancedatBeckyWilson,whowas
staringatBibwithherheartinhereyes.Beckywasn’tblond.Butshecouldhavebeenwearinga

wig…

“Delicious,”Josettesaid,smiling.“Thanks.”

“Theyare,aren’tthey?”Beckymurmured.Shewasstilllookingatherboss.Shedrewinashaky

breath.“Whodoyouthinkthekillerisafter,Mr.Brannon?”Beckyaskedworriedly.“Youdon’tthink
hemeanstokillBib?”

“Thatwouldprobablydefeatthewholepurpose,”Brannonreplied.“Thinkaboutit.Thatledger

musthaveinformationthatcouldputthekillerinprison,orhewouldn’tbewillingtogotosuch
lengthstoobtainit,eventouseinablackmailscheme.I’dbewillingtobetgoodmoneythatitwould
exonerateBibevenwhileitcondemnedsomeoneelse.Andthat’swhythekillerissodesperatetoget
it.”

“It’sprobablysomeoneonmyownstaff,”Bibguessedmiserably.“ButwhodoIknowwho’s

desperateenoughtogetmixedupinmurdertokeepthesecret?”

Brannonhadagoodidea.Buthecouldn’tsayaword.Notyet.

“We’llkeepyouposted.Meanwhile,”hetoldBecky,“stringthatreporteralong.Trytokeephim

quiet,justlongenough.”

“Butwhere’stheledger?”Bibaskedworriedly.“Who’sgotit?Andwhat’sinit?”

“That’swhatwestillhavetofindout,”Brannonsaid.“Butwewill.Ipromiseyou,wewill.”

Bibgottohisfeet,smilingsadly.“Youalwayssupportedme,”hesaid.“Evenwhentheywere

tryingtomakemeintoamurdereratDaleJennings’strial.YouneverbelievedthatImightbe
involved.”

“Iknowyou,”Brannonsaidsimply.

Bibextendedhishand.“AndIknowyou,”hereplied.“You’rethebestfriendIeverhad.Ithink

I’mgoingtoneedonemorethaneverbeforethisisover.”

“I’mnotdesertingyou,”Brannonsaid,grinning.

“NeitheramI,”Beckysaidfirmly.“AndIdon’tcareifMrs.Webblikesitornot.Sheshouldbe

hereinsteadofonanothershoppingtrip.She’sneverhere!She’sneverinAustin,either!”

“Becky,don’t,”Bibpleadedgently.“WebothknowthatSilviadoesn’tcarewhathappenstome.

Sheonlycaresaboutthewealthandprestige.”

“Shedoesn’tcareaboutanybody,exceptherself,”Beckymuttered.“Youshouldhavehada

housefulofkids…”

“I’dlovethat,”Bibmused,andhesmiledatBeckyinawaythatmadeherflushandaverther

face.

“We’dbettergo,”Josettesaidquickly,sparingBecky’sblushes.

“Yes.Takeiteasy.Anddon’tsignanything,”BrannonadvisedBib.

“Ihavealawdegree,”Bibremindedhim.

“Iknow.Butitdoesn’thurttoadvisepeople—evenlawyers.”

Bibnodded.“Youbecareful,too,”headdedashesawthemtothedoor.“Twopeoplearealready

dead—threeifyoucountHenry.Whoever ’sdoingthiswon’thesitateoveranothercoupleofpeopleif
theygetinhisway.”

“Iknowthat,”Brannonsaid.Hesmiledsecretively.“Infact,I’mcountingonit.I’llbeintouch.”

Hehesitated.“Oneotherthing.DidSilviaevermentiontakingcollegecourses?”

Biblaughedheavily.“Silvia?MyGod,shebarelygottoninthgrade,andtherewasnowayshe’d

eventalkaboutcontinuinghereducation.Itwouldtakeawayfromhertimeshopping!”

ChapterFourteen

osoonerwereBrannonandJosetteintheSUVthansheturnedtohimexcitedly,fumblingherseat

beltinplace.

“Silviadidn’tgobacktoschool.Sowhywassheatthatcoffeeshop,andoncampus?”

“I’dliketoknowtheanswertothat,too,”Brannonsaid.

“Andwhataboutthoseexpensivemintsonthecoffeetable?”shesaid,flashingthewrapperthat

she’dpocketed.“Mrs.Jenningssaidthatherson’sgirlfriendlovedexpensivemints,andthatsheknew
abouttheevidence!Beckyordersthosemintsandyousaidyourselfthatshewoulddoanythingto
protectBibWebb…!”

“Anythingshortofmurder,”heretorted,meetinghereyesintheoverheadlightasherevvedthe

engine.“Andshe’snotblond.”

“Shecouldhavewornawig,”shepersisted.

“Josie,canyoureallyseeBeckyholdingalightedcigarettetoanoldwoman’sarms?”heasked.

Shehesitated.“It’shardtoimagineherdoingsomethinglikethat,”shehadtoadmit.“Butit’s

obvioushowshefeelsaboutBibWebb.Andhowhefeelsabouther,”sheadded.“Peopleinlovedo
irrationalthings.”

Hesighed.“She’slovedhimforyears.SheandSilviahavenevergottenalong.Infact,Silvia’s

triedrepeatedlytogetherfired,butBibwon’thaveit.That’sanothersourceoffrictionbetweenthem.
Silvia’sambitious.Beckyisn’t.”

“Beckywantschildren,”Josettemurmured,rememberingthepainandhungerintheother

woman’seyeswhenshe’dlookedatBib.

“SodoesBib.Silviacan’thavekids.Shetookabadfallyearsago.Shesaiditmadeherbarren.”

Shepursedherlips.“Doyouthinkitdid?”

Hechuckled.“Idon’tthinkagunshotwouldfazeher.She’shardasnailsandmanipulative.

Whatevershewants,shegets.”

“MaybeSylviawasatthatcoffeeshopforapurpose.DoesshecheatonBib?”sheasked.

HeglancedherwayashepulledoutoftheWebbs’drivewayontothehighway.“Idon’tknow.

Maybe.”

“TheyhadaphotoofJakeMarshinthefileattheD.A.’soffice,”shemurmured,thinkingaloud.

“He’sveryattractive,dresseswell,apparentlyhasexquisitemannersforamanonthewrongsideof
thelaw.Andtheysayhe’sbeginningtogetrich,fromalltheinterestsheinvestsin.Whatif,”she
continued,“theabsentMrs.Webbhasanaffectionherhusbandisn’tawareof?”

Brannonscowled.He’dneverconsideredthatangleseriously,becauseofSilvia’sloveofher

socialstatus.“Shevaluesherpositioninlifeaboveeverythingelse.Wouldsheriskallshe’sgotfora
flingwithanotherman?EspeciallyamanlikeMarsh?”

“Dangerattractssomewomenlikehoneyattractsflies.”

Hegaveherawickedglance.“Doesit?Let’stestthattheory.Howaboutanicegameof

billiards?”

“Oh,no,”shegroaned.“Notbacktotheunderworldagain!”

“YouwenttherewithGrier,”hepointedout.“Whycan’tyougowithme?I’mjustasmeanashe

is,andIcancoaxpeopletotalktome,too.”

“IlikeyoubetterthanIlikehim,”shesaidabsently.

“Why?”

Josettemethissearchingeyes.“Hecan’tcook.”

Heburstoutlaughing.

Thebilliardparlor,despitethehour,wasfull.Ifitclosed,itclosedverylate.Theyfoundthe

diminutiveMr.Bartlettbentoverabilliardtable,makingatrickyshot.Hefinishedit,grinnedand
lookedup,rightatBrannon.

Heputthecuestickdownandheldupbothhands.“IneversaidawordagainsttheTexas

Rangers,”hesaidemphatically.“AndIhadnothing,absolutelynothing,todowiththatattemptedhit
andrunonJuddDunnlastmonth.Idon’tknowwhodid,either!”

JosieglancedatBrannonandwassurprisedathisdemeanor.Hewasalternatelyteasingand

mockingaroundher,buthere,amongthelocalunderworldelement,helookeddownright
intimidating.Hedidn’tsmileashemovedclosertoBartlett.

“Idon’tknow.Iswear,Brannon!”thelittlemanrepeatedquickly.

“Ineversaidyoudid,”Brannonreplied,buthekeptcoming.“Let’stakealittlewalk.”

“NotuntilyouswearinfrontofwitnessesthatI’mgoingtobeabletowalk,afterward!I’ve

heardstoriesaboutyou.I’mnottakinganychances.”

Josiewasintrigued.She’dhavetoasksomeoneaboutthosestories,later.

“You’llbeabletowalk,”Brannonassuredtheman.“NoTexasRangerwouldeveractlikea

streettoughwithanywitness.Wehaveatraditiontomaintain.”

“Okaythen.”

“Whataboutthisgame?”aheavysetmancomplained.

“We’llstartoverwhenI’mdone”hewastold.

BrannonandJosiefollowedtheinformantoutintothedimlylitbackalley.

“Whatdoyouwant,Brannon?”themanaskeduneasily.

“IwanttoknowaboutJakeMarsh’splaymate.”

Therewasaharsh,indrawnbreath.“Listen,Grierwasdownhereafewdaysago,askingmethe

samequestion…”

“Andgotzilchforhispains,”Brannonfinishedforhim.Hemovedrelentlesslyclosertothe

smallerman,hiseyesglittering,unblinking.Hestoppedanarm’slengthfromthelittlemanand
lookeddownathim.“Butyou’regoingtotellmewhatIwanttoknow.Youdon’twanttogetmixed
upinamurder.That’snotyourstyle.”

“No,”theothermansaidafteraminute.“Itisn’t.I’mnotgoingtotakeafallforMarsh,Idon’t

carewhatthreatshemakes.Buthe’sgotsomethingonme…”

“Itwon’tdohimanygoodifhe’sinprison.Now,talk,”Brannoninterrupted.

“Allright.”Theothermanletoutalongbreath.“He’sgotsomerichwomaninhispocket,”he

said.“Hesayshe’smadesurethatshehastohelphimgethishandsonthatmissingledger.She’sgot
asmuchtoloseashedoesifthatlittlepackageofdynamiteshowsupinthehandsoflaw
enforcement.More,even.Hesaidshewouldn’tberichmuchlongerifthatinformationgotintothe
wronghands.”

“Haveyouseenher?”Brannonaskedcurtly.

“Yeah.I’veseenher.She’sashowhorse,Icantellyouthat.SheandMarshbothdresslike

fashionplates.”

BrannonglancedatJosette,whowasfrowningcuriously.Thatdidn’tsoundlikeBecky.Onthe

otherhand,maybetheblondcomputerexpertSandraGateshadahiddenwardrobe,andshereallywas
blond.Andtherewasthatexpensiveminttheyfoundinhertrailer…

“DoesMarshstaketheblond?”Brannonasked.

“Idon’tknowstuffthatintimate,”hesaid.“AllIcantellyouisthatshe’sashardasheis.From

whatIhear,shewastheonewhotorturedtheoldladytheykilled.”

Thatwaschillingstuff.Josetterememberedthetoughlittleblondhacker,inhercheaptrailer.A

womanwho’dthinknothingofbreakingthelawtohelpfreeaconvictedmurderermightnotstopat
torture.ButSandraGateswasinArgentinaandcouldn’tbeextradited.

“HaveyoueverheardofawomannamedSandraGates?”Josetteinterjected.

“Gates?Yeah.Shecandoanythingwithacomputer.Marshuseshersometimesforinvestigative

work,whenhewantstogetsomethingonsomebody.She’stoughasnails.”Thelittlemanlooked
worried.“Listen,Brannon,youaren’tgoingtotellMarshItalked,areyou?Becausehe’dsendYork
afterme…”

Anotherpieceinthepuzzle.That,andtheexpensivemintinGates’strailer,begantofit.Atough

woman,he’dalsosaid.

“Idon’tselloutinformants.Onemorequestionandwe’rethrough,”Brannontoldhim.“How

wasDaleJenningsconnectedtoMarshandtheblonde?”

Thelittlemanstoppedtolightacigarettewithhandsthatshook,blewoutapuffofsmokeand

chuckled.“That’sthebestpart.Jenningswashavinganaffairwithher.Marshfoundoutandhadsome
picturesmadethattheydidn’tknowabout.Marshsaidshewentwhiteasasheetwhentheytoldher.
Seemsherhusbandwantsadivorceandshewon’tgivehimone.”Hechuckledagain.“Ifthose
picturesgotout,she’dhavetogivehimone,wouldn’tshe?”

Josette’seyebrowsarched.IfthosephotoswereofSandraGates,didshehaveasecrethusband?

OrBeckyWilson?Nowthepuzzlestartedtofallapartagain.

“Okay,”Brannontoldthesmallermanafteraminute.“That’sallIwanted.Thanks,Bartlett.I

won’tforgetthis.”

“IfMarshfindsout…!”

Brannon’sfistshotoutsofastthatJosetteneversawituntilBartlett’sheadrockedbackandhe

washoldinghisjawandgrimacing.Shegaspedoutloud,butthelittlemanonlygrinned.

“Youcanshowthattotheguysinside,”Brannonsaidpleasantly,andsmiledashenoddedtoward

thecloseddoorofthebilliardparlor,“andtellthemthatIwasquestioningyouaboutDunn’sclose
call.”

Bartlettlaughedthroughthepain.“Thanks,Brannon.You’reallright.”Hepaused.“Justbythe

by,whodidtrytorunDunndown?Doyouknow?”

“No,Idon’tknow.ButJuddsayshedoes,sadlyfortheperpetrator,”headdedwithachuckle.

“Thanks.”

“Noproblem.”Hesmiled,butitwasashakysortofsmile.HewalkedpastBrannongingerly,

andwentquicklybackintothebilliardparlor.

“SandraGates,”Josettesaidassoonasthedoorclosedbehindthesmallman.“She’sblond,she

doesn’thesitatetodoillegalthings,therewasanexpensivemintinhertrailer,sheknowsMarshand

shewasprobablyDale’smysteriousgirlfriend.ShecouldhavebeenblackmailedbyMarshtohelp
himgettheevidence.Itallfits!”

“Itseemsto,”heagreed.“Butifshe’sgotahusband,he’swellhidden,andshedoesn’tlivelikea

richwife.There’ssomethingelsenotquiteright.”

“What?”

Brannonshovedhishandsintohispockets.“Idon’tknow,”hesaidirritably.“Ican’tgetitin

focus.”Heglancedatherandsmiled.“I’mtired.Soareyou.”Hehesitated.“Don’ttakethisthewrong
way,butI’mgoingtotakeyoubacktoyourhotelinsteadofmyapartment.We’llbothhaveagood
night’ssleep,andtheninthemorning,we’lltrytoputitalltogether.”

“Spoilsport.”

Hegaveheralonglook.“Tortureissupposedtobeagainstthelaw,”heremindedherwitha

wickedgrin.

Josettehesitated.

“I’llbringyourthingsbythehoteltomorrow.Ifyouneedme,I’mascloseasthephone,”he

continuedwhenshewastryingtothinkofawaytotellhimsomethinghedidn’tknowyet.

Itprobablywasagoodideatoletthingscooldown,shedecidedfinally.Foradayorso,anyway.

“Okay,”sheagreed.Shegavehimamischievouslook.“Ifyou’rethroughthrowingpunchesatpeople
forthenight.”

HehelpedherintotheSUVanddroveherbacktothehotel.“Ijustnoticedsomething.You’renot

wearingtheslingtonight,”henoted.

Josetteflexedherarm.“Thewoundisn’tallthatbad.Ihatethesling.Itgetsinmyway.”

“Ifyouseeanyredness,orfeelanyheatinit…”

“Ihaveagoodbrain,”shepointedout.

Hejustlookedather.

“I’llkeepaneyeonit,”shesaidwithresignation.“Thanksforthecrepes.”

“You’rewelcome.Ilikethemmyself.”Brannontuggedatthenapeofherneck.“Comehereand

kissmegood-night,”hemurmuredinadeep,softtonethatmadehertingleallover.

Shelaughedwithdeliciousanticipationassheleanedtowardhim.“Wantmetoreadyouastory,

too?”shewhispered.

Hesmiledashebenttohermouth.“Sure.HowaboutaniceAgathaChristiemurdermystery?”

“We’vegotamurderofourowntosolve.Thatwouldberedundant.”

Brannondrewhermouthunderhisandkissedhersoftly,nibblingonherupperlipuntilitparted

onahuskylittlesigh.

“Ithinkthisisgoingtobehabit-forming,”hemurmured.

“Doyou?”

Hedrewhercloser,wrappingherupinhisarms.“AreyousureyouwanttogobacktoAustin?”

hepersisted,andkissedherinsistently.

Herwholebodywentupinflamesfromthedevouringpressureofhiswarm,hardmouth.She

reacheduptoholdhimwhileshereturnedthekisswithmoreenthusiasmthanexpertise.Hedidn’t
seemtomind.

Hislipsslidacrosshersmoothcheektoherear.“SanAntoniohasalottooffer,”hewhispered.

“Asymphony,aballet,anoperacompany…”

Josettetouchedhismouthwithlight,caressingfingertips.Shedidn’tknowhowtoanswerhim,

whattosay,whattothink.He’dbeenactivelyhostilebackinAustin,butherehewascookingher
crepesandkissingherwithsuchtenderness.Justthethoughtofnothavinghiminherlifeafterthis
casewasdepressing.Hereyesmirroredhertroubledthoughts.

Brannonmadeasounddeepinhisthroatandkissedheragain.Thistimesheclungtohimasif

hewasgoingtohisdeath.Shewhimperedasthekissgrewmoreinsistent,moreardent.Shefelthis
handbetweenthem,unfasteningbuttonsagain.Andthenitwasthere,there,insideherblouse,against
herbareskin.Shesobbedashetouchedherwithslow,hungrypossession,thepalmofhisbighand
warmagainstthehard,sensitivenipple…

Thesoundofacarapproachingmadehimlifthishead.Helookeddazed.Hispaleeyeswentto

hishandinsideherblouseandhisteethgroundtogetherashewithdrewitandrebuttonedthebuttons.

“Oh,damn!”shesaid,andsoplaintivelythathelaughed.

“It’sjustaswell,”Brannonsaidwithresignation.“Underthecircumstances.”

Sheswallowed.“Actually…well,youcould…comeupstairswithme,”shemanagedina

strangledtone.

“Anddowhat,Josie?”heaskedinatormentedvoice.“It’snotpossible…”

“Ihadittwoyearsago,”sheblurtedout.

Hefrowned.“Youhadwhattwoyearsago?”

Sheclearedherthroatandlookedathischest.Hisheartbeat,quickandhard,wasvisibleagainst

hisshirt.Shepressedhernervoushandsintothewarmfabric.“That…minorsurgery,”sheconfessed.

Hewasverystill,andmorethanalittlearoused.Hismindwasn’tworking.Hejuststaredather,

tryingtoregainhiscomposure.

“Two…yearsago?”hewhispered.

Shenodded.Herfingerstracedaroundthestaronhispocket.“Ithought…youleftbecauseI…

couldn’t,”shesaidinastrangledtone.“SoIhadtheprocedure.”Hereyesclosedinpain.“Butyou
didn’tcomeback.Youdidn’tcall,youdidn’twrite…IevenwenttotheWebbs’partybecauseIthought
you’dbethere,andIcouldtellyou…”Hervoicetrailedoff.

“Oh,baby,”Brannonwhisperedhuskily.Hepulledhercloseandheldhertight,tight,against

him.“Baby,I’msosorry!Iwastooashamedtocomeback.”

“Ashamed?”sheaskedblankly.

Hisbig,leanhandsspreadtenderlyoverherbackashisfacepressedintoherwarmthroat.

“WhenIknewwhatyouwere,howinnocentyouwere…Iwantedtocomeback.Butyoulookedatme
inthecourtroomatJennings’strialwithpurehatredinyoureyes.Afterthat…”Hesighed.“Ijustgot
outoftownandtriedtoforgeteverything.”

“IwasyoungandhelplesswhenIwasfifteen,”shesaidgently.“I’mnotnow.Youdidn’tknow

thetruth,Marc.Youdidn’tknow.It’sallright.Ididn’tblameyouhalfasmuchasyou’veblamed
yourself.You’rejusthuman.”

Hisarmscontracteduntiltheembracewasalmostpainful.“Ishouldneverhaveleftyou,”he

breathed,searchingforhermouth.“Neverinthislife…!”

Josettesmiledunderthehard,roughcrushofhislips,feelingthelackofcontrol,thepassionthat

heusuallykeptundersuchstrictcontrol.Hewantedhersobadlythathecouldn’tevencontainit.That
wasflattering,thathonestdesire.Perhapsitwasn’twhatshereallywanted,butlivingalonely,sadlife
withouthimseemedworse.

Whenhestoppedtobreathe,herlipsslidtohisear.“Youcancomeupwithme,”shewhispered,

givingintohimwithoutastruggle.Aftertheirpassionateinterludeinhisapartment,shewasonfire
forhim.

Brannondidn’tanswerher.Hishandsmadealeisurelytripupanddownherspineandhe

savoredthesoftfeelofherbodyagainsthim,thefaintscentofrosesthatclungtohersmoothskin.

“No,”hesaidfinally.

Josettehadn’texpectedthatanswer.Shefrowned.“Whynot?”

“BecauseI’mnotwillingtoreducewhatIfeelforyoutothirtyminutesinabed.”

Herheartlifted.She’dbeensocertainthathe’dtakeheruponit,thathe’djumpatthechanceto

beintimatewithher.

Shedrewback,tryingtoseehisface.

Hecaughtoneofthesmallhandsonhisshirtandliftedit,palm-first,tohislips.“Andyou’renot

willingtodothat,either,”hesaidwithconviction,staringherdown.“Josie,ifseductionwasallI’d

hadinmind,Iwouldn’thaveneededtolearnhowtomakemeatloafandcrepes,”hepointedoutwith
awrysmile.Hekissedherpalmagain.“You’llneverknowhowIfeltwhenIsawyouinthehall
outsideSimon’sofficeinAustin.PretendingthatIwasindifferentwasthehardestthingI’veever
done.”

“Ithoughtyouhatedme!”shewhispered.

“Ihatedmyself.Insomeways,Istilldo.”Hekissedhereyelidsclosedandhistongueransoftly

overherlonglashes.“It’sbeentorturehavingyouinthesameofficewithGrier.”

“Butwhy?”

“You’rethesortofwomanhe’sdrawnto.”Hiseyesslidoverherdelicatefeatures.“Youhavea

qualityoftendernessthat’sveryrare.”

Shetouchedhishardmouth.“Sodoyou,”shewhispered.

Brannondrewinalong,heavybreath,andhisleanfingerstouchedthesmallbandagethat

remainedonherwoundedarm.“I’vegottodoabetterjoboflookingafteryou.”

Shesmiled.“Icanlookaftermyself,usually.Butifyouwanttotakecareofme,Igettotakecare

ofyou,too.”

Theexpressionmadehisbreathcatch.Hestudiedherhungrily.Hethoughtofherinhislife,of

wakinguptohereverymorning,ofcarryinghertobedwithhimeverynight.Hethoughtofheron
theranch,helpinghimwithroutinechores,ridingwithhim,helpingfeedtheoccasionalstraycalf.
He’dhavesomeoneofhisveryown,tosharethegoodandbadtimeswith;someonetotalkto,
someonetocomforthim;someonetocomfort.Andinadditiontoallthat,he’dhaveherinhisbed…It
madehimache.

“Deepthoughts?”Josettemurmured,tracinghisthickeyebrows.

“Verydeep.”Hefrowned.“Whereareyourglasses?”

Shegrinned.“Icanseeyou.”

“Me,butnobodyelse,”hesaidquietly.“Wearthem.Youcan’tlookoutforwhatyoucan’tsee.

Anddon’tbothertryingtoconvincemeyou’vegotcontactsin,”headdedwhenshestartedtospeak.
“Youhaven’t.”

Josettesighed.“Okay.I’llwearthem.Ijustdon’tlikethewayIlook.”

“Ido.Glassesmakeyourbig,darkeyeslookevenbigger,”hesaidsoftly,smiling.“Andsexier,

ifyouwantthetruth.”

“I’llrushrightouttomorrowandbuythreenewpairs,”shepromised.

Brannontracedhernose,watchingherwithanoddsenseofcontentment.“Lockyourdoor.”

“Why?Areyouplanningtokickitdownandravishme?”sheteased.

“Don’tgivemeanyideas,”hecautioned.“I’mstillaroused.”

Herfull,swollenlipspursed.“Well,well,”shewhispered,andstartedmovingcloser.

Hishandsstoppedher.“TheSUVwouldbounce,”hesaiddeadpan.“Peoplewouldnotice.The

policewouldcome.They’dprobablysendGrier.Youhavenoideawhathe’scapableof,andletme
justmentiontelevisioncamerasandatleastonelocalbroadcastnewsreporterwho’sterrifiedofhim
andwoulddowhateverheasked…”

Josetteburstoutlaughingandgaveup.“Allright,Iquit.You’rejustbrutallyvivid,aren’tyou?”

“I’maTexasRanger,”hepointedout.“Seethis?”heindicatedthesilverstarinitscircle.“Vivid

descriptionispartofthejob.”

Shewrinkledhernoseathim.“Igetthemessage,loudandclear.”

Brannonkissedheronelasttime.“Makesureyoustaylockeduptight.”

“Iwill,”shereplied,openingthedoor.“ButI’dliketoknowyou’relockeduptight,too.”She

glancedbackworriedly.“Thosemenwhojumpedyou,”shebegan.“Whatiftheycomeback?”

“Seethis?”heasked,hishandonthebuttofhisColt.45.

Shethrewupherhands.“Becareful,anyway.”Shepointedatherheart.“Seethis?”shetossed

backathim.“Ifanythinghappenstoyou,itstopsbeating.”

Hesmiledtenderly.“IthinkIknewthatalready,butit’snicetoknowforsure.I’llavoidbullets.

Goodnight,sweetheart,”headdedsoftly.

Herheartjumped.“Goodnight,Marc,”shereplied,equallysoftlyandblewhimakissbefore

shewentintothebuilding.Eventhen,shestoodatthedoorandwatchedhimdriveaway.Hewatched
heruntilheturnedintothestreet.Afterthat,goingupstairswasagony.

Butshewasnosoonerinherroomthanthephonerang.Shepickeditup.

“MissLangley?”

“Yes?”

“It’sHolliman,”theoldmansaid.“Ibeenthinkingaboutwhatyousaid,aboutthatsomethingor

otherthatmynephewhad.Imayhaveanidea.CouldyouandtheRangercomeouthereinthe
morning?Norush.I’djustliketothrowacoupleofideasyourway,andnotoverthetelephone.It’s
makingsomeoddnoiseslately.”

“Certainly.We’llseeyouinthemorning,”shesaidandhungup.Oddnoises,huh?Shewouldn’t

haveputitpastMarshoroneofhiscroniestobugoldmanHolliman’stelephone.

Finally,shethought,theyweregettingenoughbreakstosolvethecase.Whoeverwas

responsibleforMrs.Jennings’sdeathcouldlookforwardtoalongjailsentence,withnohopeof
beingconvenientlytransferredtoalow-securityfacility.

ShehopedBrannonwouldbeaspleasedasshewaswhenshetoldhimwhatwasgoingonthe

nextday.

Shesleptfitfully,excitedaboutthehopefulnewdayandasolutiontothecase.

Butifshe’dhopedtosleeplate,shewasdoomedtodisappointment.Thephonerangat5:00a.m.

“Hello?”shemurmuredsleepily.

“SanAntoniodistrictattorney’soffice,”adeep,masculinevoicereplied.“Weneedtoknowyour

schedulefortoday.”

Josettesatup,instantlyalert.“Why?”sheaskedatonce.

Therewasaslightpause.“Wedon’twanttoduplicateefforts.Wethinkwe’vegotabreakinthe

Jenningscase.”

Shealmost,almost,spilledherguts.Buttherewassomethingthatdidn’tringtrueaboutthecall.

Foronething,shedidn’trecognizethevoice,andshe’dlearnedtorecognizemostoftheminthe
localofficebynow.Foranother,theywouldn’tneedtoknowherschedule.Theydidn’tworkthatway.

“Well,”shesaid,yawningdeliberately,“firstI’mgoingtosleepuntileight-thirty,andthen

Brannonwantsmetopickupawitnessandgethertogothroughsomemugshotsatyouroffice.”

Therewasanotherpause.“Why?”

“Oh,wethinkwe’vegotsomethingonthelocalmobboss,”shedrawled,wishingshecouldsee

themanontheotherend.“I’lltellyouallaboutitwhenIgetthere.”

Thelinewentdead.

SheimmediatelyphonedBrannon.

“It’sfiveo’clockinthemorning!”heexclaimedwhenhepickedupthereceiver,withouteven

askingwhoitwas.“Sohelpme,Grier,ifthisisyou,I’lluseyoufortargetpractice!”

“Itisn’tGrier,”shemurmuredsoftly.“Hi.”

Therewasanindrawnbreath.“Josie?”Itsoundedasifhesatupabruptly.“Whatisit?Areyou

allright?”

Thatconcernmadeherfeelwarminside.“I’mfine,”shesaid.“Ijusthadaveryinterestingcall

fromsomeonepretendingtobeinthedistrictattorney’soffice.Theywantedtoknowmyschedulefor
theday.I’mjustguessing,mindyou,butIthinkwe’resteppingonsomesensitivetoes.Wouldn’t
surprisemeifwewereactuallyfollowed.”

“Hmm,”hemurmured.“Wouldn’tsurpriseme,either.Wanttocomeoutandplayfollowthe

leader?”

Shechuckled.“I’dloveto,ifyoufeedmefirst.I’mstarving,andIwantcoffee.”

Shecouldhearthesmileinhisvoice.“Samehere.There’sanicelittledoughnutshopnearmy

apartment,andnowisecracks!”headdedbeforeshecouldrisetothebait.“I’llrunoverthereandpick
youup.Tenminutes.”

Brannonhungupbeforeshecouldtellhimthatshecouldn’tpossiblygetdressedinlessthan

twenty.Butshemadeitinten,anyway.

Hispaleeyesapprovedofherpeach-coloredsuitandcream-coloredblouse,especiallysinceher

hairwasloosearoundhershoulders.Itwasalosingbattletokeephairpins,sincehepocketedhers.

“Sexy,”heremarkedwithpursedlipsasheclimbedintotheSUVbesideher.“I’mgladwe’renot

havingbreakfastwithGrier.”

“Irunintothatalot,”Josettesaidinmockseriousness,nodding.

“Intowhat?”

“Oh,menwhocovetmysuits,”sheremarkedwithawickedglance.“Butcanyoureallypicture

Grierinthisshadeofpink?”Shespreadherarms.

Heburstoutlaughing.“I’vemissedyou.”

“Good.”

Heglancedather.“You’renotgoingbacktoAustinwhenwesolvethiscase,”hetoldherflatly.

Hereyebrowsarched.“Ihaveajobthere.”

“Youcangetajobhere,”Brannonsaideasily.“Wecansharecookingandcleaningandlaundry.

Ontheweekends,wecanseemovies,ifit’samonthwithfiveweeks.”Hesighed.“Sometimesmoney
getstight,especiallywithwinterheatingbills.”Hegaveheraslowgrin.“Ofcourse,wecansave
moneyonheatbysleepingtogether.”

ChapterFifteen

“S

leepwithyou?”Hervoicesoundedodd.

“Oh,itwouldbestrictlyplatonic,”hesaidcarelessly.“Youcanwearagownandrobe,andI’ll

wearthickpajamas.I’llnevertouchyouatall.Wecanlivetogetherandbegoodfriends.”Hesmiled
slowly.“I’llgiveyoumywordasaGirlScout.”

Josettewaslookingathimasifshefearedforhissanity,untilthatlastremark,whenheglanced

herwaywithpositivelywickedsilvereyes.

Sheburstoutlaughing.

“Don’tthinkthat’sgoingtobemylastwordonthesubject,”headded.“Butyou’llhavetogo

throughmetogetbacktoAustin.EvenifIhavetocarryyouawayonmyhorseandkeepyou
prisonerattheranchuntilyouagree.”

Shestartedtoargue,whentheradiowentoff,andhehadtopausetoanswerit.Thentheystopped

forbreakfast.Butbarelytenminutesintoit,BrannongotacallonhishandheldunitthatHollimanhad
justphonedtheRangerofficetomakesureBrannonandJosiewerecomingtoseehim,andtellthem
itwasurgent.Theyleftinthemiddleofsecondcupsofcoffee.

TheymadeittooldmanHolliman’spropertyinlessthantwentyminutes,buttheyweren’t

followed.Brannonmadeamazeofturnsandsuddenstops,whichproducednostealthycompanion
vehiclesofanykind.

“That’sreallyodd,”hemurmuredastheypulledupinfrontofHolliman’sricketyhouse.“They

havetobewatchingus,butIdon’tseetheleastsignofatail.”HepulledouthisColt,checkedit
carefullyandreholsteredit.HeglancedatJosie.“Whenwegetout,walkjustbesidemeandhead
straightforthefrontdoor.Ican’truleoutanambush.Thesearedesperatepeople.”

“Okay,”shesaid,withnoargument.TheonethingsheknewforcertainwasthatBrannonwould

keephisnerve,whateverhappened.She’dseenhiminactionbefore.Therewasacertaincomfortin
knowingthathewasquiteathomehandlingdeadlyforce,evenifitgaveherfearsforhisownsafety.

Theymovedquicklytothehouse,andHollimanmetthemonthefrontsteps.Helookedasifhe

hadn’tsleptawinkandhewasclutchingtheshotgunhe’dpresentedthefirsttimeJosieandBrannon
hadvisitedhim.

Helookedaroundstealthilyandmotionedtheminside.They’dbarelyclearedthedoorwaywhen

heclosedandlockedthedoorbehindthemandleanedbackagainstitwiththeairofamanwho’djust
escapeddeath.

“Ididn’twanttohavetotellanybody,”hesaidmiserably.“Ihopeditwouldalljustgoaway,that

they’dforgetaboutwhatDalehad.Theyaren’tgoingto,arethey?”heaskedBrannonheavily.

“No,”Brannonrepliedtersely.“Toomanypeoplehavealreadydiedprotectingit.Ifyouknow

whatitis,youhavetotellus.Orverylikely,”headdedevenly,“you’llbenext.”

“Ineverthoughtthey’ddosuchthingstomysister,”hesaid,shakinghishead.“Iwasinlaw

enforcementforalmosttwenty-fiveyears.Inever,never,knewanybody,nomatterhowbad,totorture
ahelplessoldwoman.”Hiseyesclosedandheshivered.HeopenedthemagainandgaveBrannona
miserableglance.“Shouldhavetoldyouinthebeginning.Iwastryingtoprotectmysisterfrom
somethingevenworsethanwhatshe’dalreadysuffered.Iwaswrong.”Hetookadeepbreath.“Dale
hadaledger,”hesaid,watchingtheirfaces.“Youknewalready,didn’tyou?”heaskedsuddenly.

“Weknewthatitwasaledger,”Josettesaid.“Butwedon’tknowexactlywhat’sinit.”

“Proof,”theoldmantoldthem,“thatsomeoneinthelieutenantgovernor ’scampaign

managementpaidJakeMarshtodelivervotesinhiselectiontotheseat.FromwhatDalesaid,they
alsohadsomethingonWebb’swifethatwasgoodforalotofblackmailmoney.Oneoftheentriesin
thatledger,Dalesaid,wasforalmostamilliondollars.”

Brannoncaughthisbreath.“SilviaWebb,”hesaid,glancingatJosie.“Sothatwastheblackmail

connection!”

“NowIdon’tknowwhattheyhadonher,”theoldmantoldhim.“Theledgeronlyhadpayoffs

madetoMarsh,infairlylargeamounts,andtoatleasttwoprofessionalelectionpeoplewho
producedamisinformationcampaignthatcostWebb’sadversarytheelection.Itseemstheydugupan
oldscandalinhisfamilyandthreatenedtorevealitinthepress.Sinceitinvolvedhismotherdirectly,
hewithdrewatthelastminuteandWebbwontheelectionbydefault.Theledgerhasconcreteevidence
ofit.”

“ThemanWebbfired,”Josiesaid,thinkingaloud.

“Yes,butbeforeBibknewwhatthemanhadactuallydone,”Brannonsaid.Helookedbackat

Holliman.“Youshouldhavetoldusthisbefore.”

“MaybeIshould,”headmitted.“ButIstilldon’tknowwheretheledgeris,”headdedsolemnly.

“Daledidtellmewhatwasinit,butnotwhathedidwithit.Itriedtogethimtogototheauthorities,
buthewouldn’t.Evenafterhewasarrestedandtried,hewouldn’t.Hesaidthatledgerwashis
insurancepolicy,thatitwouldtakecareofhimandhismotherwellintooldage.Hedidn’tevenmind
goingtoprisonforit,hesaid,becauseheknewpeoplewhocouldgethimoutinacoupleofyears.”
Hegrimaced.“Guesstheydid,butnotinthewayheexpected.”

“DidhementionSandraGatesorBeckyWilson?”Josieasked.

Heshookhishead.“HeonlytalkedaboutthatMrs.Webb,andhelookedfunnywhenhetalked

abouther.”

“Funny,how?”Brannonpersisted.

“Idon’tknow.Reverentalmost.Asifshemeantalotto—!”

ThewindownearBrannonshatteredjustasaloudpopbroketheoldman’ssentenceneatlyin

half.

Cursing,Brannonhadhispistoloutinasplitsecond,jerkedJosieawayfromthewindowand

Hollimanawayfromthedoor.“Getdown!”hesaidsharply.

Hecrouchedbythewindowandmovedthefadedcurtainenoughtoallowhimtopeerout.He

didn’tseeasoul.

“IcanstillhitwhatIaimat,”Hollimansaid.“Wheredoyouwantme?”

“Watchingthatdoor,”Brannontoldhim.Hegavetheoldmanalevelstare.“Don’tletthemtake

Josie.”

“Theywon’t,”theoldmanpromisedhim.

“Whereareyougoing?”Josiegaspedwhenhestartedoutoftheroom.

“Aroundback.Staydown.”

Brannonwentaroundthecornerofthehousestealthily,hispistolheldsecurelyinbothhands.He

stoppedandclosedhiseyes,listening…listening.

Ofallthethingslawenforcementhadtaughthim,stealthwasthemostimportant.Heknewthat

hecouldtrusthishearing,especiallyinanareaasquietasthis,removedfromtrafficandstreetnoise.

Heheardtherhythmiccrunchofleavesnearby,followedbyaloudsnap.Whoeverwaswalking

outtheredidn’tknowwoodcraft.Intheforest,thefirstthingthatgaveawayahumanpresencewasa
rhythmicvibration.Forestanimalsnevermovedthatway,evenlargeones.

Therewasalsoanoticeablescent,likeperfume.Awoman’sperfume.Smellwassomethingelse

thatpeopleunfamiliarwithtrackingdidn’trealize.Scentcouldtravelamazingdistances,especially
whentherewasafavorablewind.

Brannonmovedbackthewayhe’dcomeandeasedslowlyintothebigbarnoutback,carefulto

disguisehisstepsandwalksoftly.HemovedbehindbalesofhaythatHollimanprobablykeptforthe
singlemilkcowinthebarn.

Thecow,sadly,noticedhimandmooed,hopingforfeed.

Therewererunningfootsteps.Thescentoftheperfumecamecloser.Secondslater,SilviaWebb

ranheadlongintothebarnwithapearl-handledpistolinherblack-glovedhands.Shewaswearing
blackslacks,along-sleeveblacksilkshirtandherblondhairwasenclosedinablackcap.Someone

whodidn’tknowherprobablywouldn’thaverecognizedher.ButBrannonknewherperfume,andher
build.

“Comeoutofthere!”sheraged,lookingaroundwiththepistolleveled.“Comeoutrightnow!”

Brannonreholsteredhispistolandpickedupaclodofdirtthatwasclingingtooneofthebales

ofhay.Hewaited,countingslowlytotwenty.

Then,suddenly,hethrewthedirtclodtothesideofwhereSilviawasstanding,withforce.She

whirledwhensheheardithit,andBrannonmadeadiveforher.Sheneverstoodachance.He’d
playedfootballincollegeandthetacklewasoneofhisbestskills.

Shewentdownheavilyandthepistolflewfromherhandsasthebreathwentoutofherinaloud

rush.Brannonrolledandscoopeditup,gettingtohisfeetwithlazygrace.BythetimeSilviahadher
breathback,Brannonhadtheautomaticweaponleveledatherchest.

Shegasped.Ithadhappenedsofastthatshedidn’thaveaprayer.Shescrambledtoherfeet,still

breathingheavily.

Brannonstaredather,hissilvereyesglittering.“You.Allthetime,itwasyou.Didyoukill

Garner,ordidyougetJenningstodothedirtyworkforyou?”

Sheblinked.“Whateverareyoutalkingabout?”sheaskedhaughtily.

“Giveitup,Silvia,”hesaidcoldly.“Youcan’ttalkyourwayoutofthis.”

“Myfingerprintsaren’tonthatgun,”shesaidwithanequallycoldsmile.“Youcan’tprovea

thing!”

“IcanifIgetmyhandsonthepackageJenningslefthere,”heassuredherwithnarroweyesand

amockingsmile.

Shewentverystill.“Whatmakesyouthinkit’shere?”

“Whyelsewouldyoubearoundifnottoretrieveit?”hecountered.

Shehesitated.Shepulledoffthecapandshookherhead.Shesmiledhesitantly.“Now,Marc,”she

begansoftly.“Rememberme?We’rebothonthesameside,onBib’sside.Youwouldn’twantyour
bestfriendtogotoprison?”

“Hewon’t,”hesaidwithconviction.

“Iftheygetthatledgerhewill,”shepersisted.Shemovedastepcloser.“Listen,nobodyhasto

know.I’lljustgetitandleave.Youcansaythatitcan’tbefound.Nobodywillknowbetter!”

“I’llknowbetter,”hetoldhercoldly.

“ItwillmakeBiblooklikeacriminaloftheworstsort,”shesaidemphatically.“He’lllosehis

job.He’llservetime!”

“Bibfiredthemanthatyouhiredtoshootdownhisopponentinthelieutenantgovernor ’srace,

Silvia,”hesaidcalmly.“Iknowhisname.I’llfindhim.He’lltalk,withtherightincentive.”

Thatwasaneventualityshehadn’tbeenpreparedfor.Herlipsparted.Shelookedbriefly

uncertain.Thenshestraightened.“Well,sowhatifhedoes?Bibwillbetheonewhosuffers,notme!”

“AtleasttwoeyewitnessessawyougointoMrs.Jennings’sapartmentwithJakeMarsh,”hesaid,

playinghistrumpcard.

Hermouthflewopen.“No!Theycan’tidentifyme!Iwaswearingahatandaveil…!”

“Wereyou?”

Herfistsclenchedatherside.Shelookedmurderous.“I’llhaveyoukilled,too!”shescreamedat

him.Hereyeswereglassy,wild.“I’llhaveyouandthatLangleywomankilled,andthatstupidold
manaswell!You’llalldie!I’llmakeJaketieyouupandthenI’lluseaknifeonyou.Iknowhowto
useaknife.Iwatchedmyfathercutoffmybrother ’shandwithahatchetwhenIwaslittle.Mybrother
wasbad.Myfathersaidhe’dcutmyhandoff,too,ifIdidn’tdowhathesaid.”Hereyesglistenedwith
madness.

Brannontookaharshbreath.Hedidn’twanttohearthis.GodAlmighty,afterwhatSilviahad

done,hecouldn’timaginefeelingsorryforher!

“Hetaughtmethatpainmakesyoustrong,”Sylviasaid,aloneinherownmind.Shelaughed.

“Heshowedmehowtouseaknife.Ilearnedtoenjoyit…HesaidIwaslikehim,Iwasstrong,not
weakandpitifullikemybrother.HesaidIwasprettyandmenwoulddoanythingforme.Weusedto
gototown,andI’dluremeninand…”Sheglancedathim.“Ikilledhim,youknow.Ikilledmyfather.
I’dalreadytoldBibIwaspregnant,sohe’dmarryme.HeworkedforoldGarner,andGarnerhad
millions.Myfathersaidwe’dallberich,buthewasgreedy,soIpushedhimheadfirstintotheold
well.Theydidn’tfindhimforseveraldays.Isaidhewenttovisitmycousin.Whentheyfoundhim,I
criedandcried,andeverybodyfeltsorryforme.NobodythoughtIdidit.”

Shelaughed.“Hewouldhavebeenproud,wouldn’the,Marc?Hetaughtme.”Sheblinked.“Bib

doesn’tknowwhereIam.ItoldhimIwasshopping.Healwaysbelievesme.”Shefrowned.“Jake
thinksIdon’tknowwhatI’mdoing,butIdo.IkilledoldmanGarnerbecauseheknewDalehadtaken
thatledger.IhithimwiththeblackjackandthenlaiditinDale’scar.DaleandIwerehavinganaffair,
soIhadtogetridofhim,orBibmighthavewantedtodivorceme.ButDaledidn’tmindgoingto
prisonifhegotpaidoff,soIsneakedmoneyoutofBib’saccount,tokeepDalequiet.Ididn’tknow
aboutthephotographs,”sheaddedwithalookofbridledfury.“Thenhegotreallygreedyandstarted
makingallsortsofthreatsaboutpublishingwhathehadonmeandBib.IhadSandragethim
transferredandontoaworkdetail,thenIbribedpeopletolethimescape.Hepromisedhe’dbringthe
ledgerandsomepictureshe’dhadtakenofhimandmetogether…”Sheshookherhead.“SoIhadto
killhim,toprotectmyself.Butthejokewasonme,becausetheledgerhe’dbroughtwasblankand
therewereonlytwophotosandnonegatives.

“Ihadtofindtheledger,youknow.Thatoldwomanwouldn’ttalk,nomatterwhatIdidtoher.

Jakehadgoneintothebedroomtolookforthatledger.Hesawherandhehitme.Heneverhitme
before.Hesaidhewasn’tgoingtogetinanydeeper,andhemadethatYorkmangoaway,too.He

hiredYorktokillDale,butIdidn’tneedanybodytodothingsforme.Icandomyowndirtywork,
likemyfatherdid.That’swhyItoldhimI’ddooldmanHolliman.Ididn’tneedYorktofindthat
ledger.I’mgoingtofindit.It’shere.Itmustbehere!”

Shewasstark-staringmad,Brannonthoughtincredulously.Itwasamazingthatnobodyhadever

noticedandgottenhelpforher,beforeshesnapped.

Hemovedclosertoher,awareoffootstepscomingcloser.Hetookthecuffsoffhisbeltand

linkedherhandsbehindher.Shedidn’tevenstrugglewhenhesnappedthemonherwrists.

“Oh,thankGod!”JosiesaidfromthedoorwaywhenshesawthatMarcwasallright.Sheblinked

athiscaptive.“Silvia?!”sheexclaimed,stunned.

Theblondeturned,glaringather.“I’mthewifeofthelieutenantgovernor,”shesaidhaughtily.

“NoonecallsmebymyfirstnameunlessIgivethempermission.”

BrannongaveJosiealong,meaningfulstare.

“Ofcourse,Mrs.Webb,”Josiesaid,humoringher.ShefrownedatBrannon.Hewaslooking

aroundthebarnwithcuriousintensity.

“Theledger,”hemurmured.Helookedathisprisoner.“Silvia,isitinhere?Doyouknow?”

“Dalewouldn’ttellme,”Sylviasaidvacantly.“Iwenttobedwithhimandhestillwouldn’t.Then

Dalehadaprivatedetectivefollowusandtakepictures,”sheadded.“Ididn’tknowuntilheshowed
themtome.Hesaidhe’dgivethemtothepressifIdidn’tgethimthemoneyhewanted.Thathe’dturn
theledgerovertothepolice.Itwouldallhavebeenover,don’tyousee?”sheaskedearnestly.“Bib
wouldhavelosthisjobandIwouldn’thavebeenspecialanymore.Wehavetoprotectourfamily
name.Mygrandmotheralwayssaidso.Sheusedtocryallthetimeaftermybrotherdied.Daddy
killedhim,too,youknow.Hehithimtoohard.Hewassorry,butwehadtomakesurenobodyknew.
Sowethrewhiminwiththehorses.Wesaidhewascarelessandgottrampled.”Shesmiledat
Brannon.“Iliketoridehorses.DaleandIusedtocomeuphereandridewhentheoldmanwas
visitingDale’smother.Hehadthisspecialsaddle,handmade.”Shefrowned.“Iwon’tgettogotothe
governor ’sballthisyear,”shesaidsuddenly,herfacefalling.

BrannonandJosiewereexchanginggazes.Brannonturned.Thesaddlebags.OldmanHolliman

hadmentionedthem.Hesparedanabsentthoughtforwheretheoldmanwas,buthewastoointenton
thosesaddlebagstoconcentrate.

Helookedagainstthewall,wherethesaddleswerekept.Therewereonlytwo.Onewasoldand

staineddarkfromuse.Aneweronewithfancytoolingandblackenedsilveraccessorieshadadouble
saddlebag,alsohandmade.

Onahunch,Brannonpulledthesaddlebagsdownandopenedthefirstone.Itwasempty.Itwas

probablyafutilehope,hethoughtasheunbuckledthesecondone.

Thenhefeltit.Athickpackage,thesizeofalegalfile,encasedinplastic.Hebroughtitout.

Therewasamanilaenvelopeinsideafirmlyclosedflatplasticbag.

HeglancedatJosie.

Shemovedtojoinhimasheunzippedtheplasticbagandpulledouttheenvelope.WhileJosie

heldthebagheopenedtheenvelope.Insidewereembarrassingcolorphotographs,veryexplicit,of
DaleJenningsandSilviaWebb.Brannonquicklyslippedthembackintotheenvelopeandpulledouta
smallledger.Tuckedinsidewerereceiptsandatleasttwohandwrittennotes,onewithJakeMarsh’s
signature.Therewerefourcheckstubs,withSilviaWebb’ssignatureonthem.Andthere,inblack,
waseverytransactionmadebyMarsh’sassociatewho’dusedblackmailintheelectiontogetBib
Webb’sopponenttodropoutoftherace,completewithnamesandaddressesanddatesandamounts.
Itwasdynamite.Itwasevidencethatcouldsendpeopletoprison.

“Bibwon’tlikeit,”Silviasaidwithavacantsmile.“He’lllosehisjob.”

“Idon’tthinkso,”Brannonsaidcoldly.

“Jakethinkshewill.Don’tyou,darling?”Silviasaidsuddenly,lookingatthewideentranceto

thebarn.

“Yes,Ido.Thanksforfindingtheevidenceforme,Brannon”cameaslow,darkvoicefromthe

doorway.

BrannonandJosieturnedtofindahandsomemaninhislatethirtiesholdinganautomatic

weapon.

“Let’shaveit,”hetoldBrannon,holdingoutaglovedhand.“Now.”

Brannonletitfalltothegroundandbothhandswenttohissides.“Youcomegetit,”Brannon

replied.

“I’vegotthegun,Brannon!”Marshsaid.

Brannondidn’tlookatJosie,buthespoketoher.“Moveaway,Josie.Now!”

Josiewasn’tinclinedtoargue,eventhoughshewasafraidforhim.ShemovedbesideSilvia,her

eyeswidewithfearwhenshesawBrannon’sposturealterjustslightly.SurelytoGod,hewasn’t
goingtotrytooutdrawamanwithacocked,leveledautomaticpistol…!

Brannonwaswatchingtheotherman.Heknew,asJosiedidn’t,thatMarshwouldpullthetrigger.

Themanhadtoomuchtolosetoleavewitnesses.LikeSilvia,hewouldn’thesitateatgunningdown
anyonewhothreatenedhisfreedom.Thiswasgoingtobealast-ditchstand,anditwasacertifiedlong
shotthathecoulddrawandfirebeforeMarshpulledthattrigger.Buthewasadeptwithhispistol,and
hewasn’tafraidofbullets.Itwastheonlychancehewaslikelytoget,andhewasn’twastingit.

SuddenlyHollimanyelled,surprisingJakeMarsh.Theoldmanhadsnuckintothebarn.Hehad

hisshotgun.

Brannondrewhispistol.Andwithsuchdeadlyspeed,andaccuracy,thatMarshcrumpledand

wentdownbeforeheevencouldsqueezethetriggerofhisowngun.TheoldmanhadgiventheTexas
Rangerasplitsecondedge.Inthesilencethatfollowed,Josie’sgaspwasaudible.

BrannonwentstraighttowardMarshwithoutlookinganywhereelseexceptathisfallen

adversary,unflinching,unyielding,withoutasecond’shesitation.HebentoverandjerkedupMarsh’s
pistolwhileMarshwasholdinghisthighandtryingtostopthebloodflowingfromit.

“Howdidyou…dothat?”Marshchoked,stilldisbelievingwhathe’dseen.

“Iholdtherecordforthequick-drawinsouthernTexas,”Brannontoldthegroaningman

calmly.“I’veneverbeenbeatenincompetition.”Hegavetheothermanacoldstare.“Goodthing,
underthecircumstances.”

“YoushotJake,”Silviasaidcalmly.Hereyesseemedtobeglazed.“IshotDale,youknow.He

wasblackmailingmewiththosephotos,butjustacoupleofweeksagohecalledmeandsaidhewas
willingtogivethemback,andtheledger,ifI’dgethimsomemoneyrightawaysohecouldhelphis
mother.”

“Oh,God,willyoustoptalkingandgetanambulance?”Marshgroaned.

Brannonreachedintohispocketforhisflipphoneandmadethecall.ThenhenoticedHolliman

watchingSylviawithfuryinhiseyes.

TheoldmanmovedtowhereSilviawasstandingandheliftedhisshotgun.“Bythetimetheyget

here,they’llneedtwoambulances!”Hisvoicequiveredwithemotion.

“Don’tmakemeshootyou,”BrannontoldHolliman,droppinghishandtothebuttofhispistol

forthesecondtimeinlessthanfiveminutes.Hecrouchedslightly,andhissilvereyesglittered.

Hollimanhesitated,butonlyforasecond.HeglaredatBrannon,butheloweredthebarrelofthe

shotgunwitharesignedsigh.“Allright,butitwastempting.”HeeyedBrannon.“Don’theremind
youofarattlesnakeabouttostrike?”heaskednobodyinparticular.HollimanlookeddownatMarsh
andupatSilvia,whowassmilingandjuststaringintospace.“What’sthematterwithher?”heasked.

“She’scrazy,that’swhat’s…wrongwithher,”Marshgroaned.“I’msorryIevermether!”

“That’snowaytotalkabouttheloveofyourlife,”Silviasaidwithasigh.“AndafterallI’ve

doneforyou,too.”

“You’vegotmeshotandI’llprobablygotoprison,thankstoyou!”

“Losingalotofblood,ain’the?”Hollimansaidwithnoparticularemotion.

“Looksthatway,”Brannonsaidcarelessly.

“Oneofyoucouldputatourniquetonhim,forGod’ssake,”Josiesaidirritably,glaringatthem

asshebentbesideMarsh.“Ineedastickandahandkerchief.”

“You’vegotclass,lady,”Marshbitoff.

“Don’tyoutouchhim,”Silviaburstoutwildly.“Hebelongstome!”

“Ijustwentbackonthemarket,”Marshsaid,wincingasJosieusedtwohandkerchiefsthat

Brannontiedtogetherforher,andaballpointpen,tomakeatourniquetaroundhisupperthigh.She
tightenedituntilthebleedingslowed.

“Iwouldn’tdomuchofthat,MissLangley,”Hollimansaid.

Sheglancedup.“Whynot?”

“Hemightlive,”hesaidcoldly,glaringatthedownedman.

Brannonchuckled.“Ifhedies,you’llmisshistrial,”hepointedout.“Andit’sgoingtobea

humdinger.”

“Hadn’tthoughtofthat.”Hollimanbrightened.“Inthatcase,I’llgophone911again,justto

makesure…oh.Theretheycome.”

Thesirenswerebarelyaudiblewhentheambulanceroaredupintheyard,alongwithaBexar

Countysheriff’scar.Odd,Josiethought,becauseFloresvillewasjustovertheborderofBexar
CountyintoWilsonCounty.

AyoungdeputygotoutandcameintothebarnbehindtheEMTswhowentimmediatelytowork

onMarsh.JosieandBrannonrecognizedhimasthedeputythey’dseenatMrs.Jennings’sapartment
afterherdeath.

“Hi,Brannon,”hecalled.“Sheriff’sdepartmentoverhereinWilsonisswamped,soI

volunteeredtotakethecallforthem.Interagencycooperation,”headdedwithagrin.“What’sgoing
on?”

“Officer,arrestthosepeople,”Silviasaidfirmly.“Iamthewifeofthelieutenantgovernor.

Thesepeople—”sheindicatedBrannonandJosie“—havemypropertyandIwantyoutotakeitaway
fromthemrightnow!”

Thedeputyglancedtowardthetallmanwiththesilverstaronhispocketandthepistolonhis

hip.HenoticedtheautomaticweaponstuckinBrannon’sbeltandJakeMarsh’swound.Hepursedhis
lips.

“Beenshootingitoutagain,huh,Brannon?”hemused.

“Howdidyouknowthat?”Josiewantedtoknow.

“Oh,wegetatleastoneidiotayearwhothinkshecanfirebeforeBrannoncandrawthathog-

leggedcannonhewears,”hemurmured.“Nicetoworkinthesamecityasareallivewalkinglegend,
sir.IhopetobejustlikeyouwhenIgrowup.”

Brannonburstoutlaughing,becausethedeputyhadtobethirtyifhewasaday.“Don’tget

ambitious.I’mnotresigningsoyoucangetmyjob.”

“Sawrightthroughme,”thedeputyreplied,shakinghishead.“There’saboutahundred

applicantsforeveryRangerjobthatopensup,andonlyaboutahundredandsevenworkingRangers

inthewholestateofTexas.”Hesighedaudibly.“Oh,well,Icanspendmylifeworkingasadeputy,I
reckon.Greathours,wonderfulcompany—”heglancedatMarshandgrimaced“—andnicebenefits
ifIlivetocollectany.”HeglancedatSilvia.“Wantmetotakethisladyinforyou?”

“Yes,thanks.I’llcomealongrightbehindyouwiththeevidence.”Hehelduptheplasticbag.

“You’reabouttoseeanevilempirefallonaledger,”headded,glancingdownatthewoundedman,
whowasbeingloadedontoagurney.“JakeMarsh,formermobchief,andveryelusivejustlately.
He’lllookgoodinstripedpants.”

“Iwon’t…gotoprison!”Marshraged.

“NorwillI,”Silviasaidhaughtily.

“Comealong,lady.Youcantellittothejudge,”thedeputysaid.

“I’llhaveyouprosecuted!”sheshrieked.

“I’llwearmybestdress,too,”headdedasheledhertohispatrolcarandputhercarefullyinthe

backseat.

Brannonlaughedgrimly.Josiewasabouttosaysomething,buthestoppedher.“Wedon’twant

tostunthisemotionalgrowth,”hecautioned.“He’llfindoutwhosheissoonenough.”

Josieslidherhandintohisandheldontight.“I’mgladyou’reokay,”shesaidhuskily.“Ithought

youweregoingtocommitsuicideforafewsecondsthere.”Shewasstillshiveringalittlewith
reaction,evennow.

Heslidanarmaroundher.“Youcan’tkillaTexasRangerunlessyouputastakethroughhis

heart.”

“That’svampires,sweetheart,”sheremindedhim.

Hiseyebrowswentup.“You’rekidding!”

“Willsomebodygetmethehell…outofhere?”JakeMarshgroaned.

“Makesurehegoesstraighttotheprisonwardwhenyougethimtothemedicalcenter,”

Brannontoldtheambulancemenfirmly.“I’llradioaheadandhaveamanwaitingattheemergency
roomdoor.”

TheambulanceEMTs,bothveryyoung,nodded.“He’snotinanyconditiontocausemuch

trouble,”oneofthemsaidwithagrin.

“Ifhetriesto,pointhimtowardFloresvilleandshovehimoutthebackdoor,”Brannontold

them.

Marshgroanedlouder.

Ittooktherestofthedaytowriteupthereport,turnintheevidenceandtalktotheassistant

districtattorneywhowasgoingtobehandlingthecase.Griersatinwiththesmallgroupinthe
meetingroom.

“Ifthatisn’tthedamnedeststoryI’veeverheard,”Griersaid,justshakinghishead.“We’vebeen

afterMarshforyearswithnosuccesswhatsoever.TheFBIhasbeenafterhimforyears.Thestate
attorneygeneral’sbeenafterhimforyears.Andyoutwojustwaltzinandputhimaway!”

“Wegotlucky,”Brannonsaideasily.

“Whataboutthehitman,York?”Josieaskedworriedly.“He’sstillontheloose,isn’the?”

GrierglancedattheyoungBexarCountysheriff’sdeputywho’dbeenoutattheHollimanplace.

HewasnowoccupyingachairintheofficewithBrannonandtheothers,sincehe’dbeeninvolvedin
thearrest.

Thedeputyleanedbackinhischairwithawickedgrin.“NoneedtoworryaboutYork,”he

murmured.“Iwasdrivingdownthe410Loop,mindingmyownbusiness,whenthisbeat-upoldcar
wentbymelikeIwasbackingup.Eventhoughitwasmylunchhour,Ichaseditdownandstoppedit.
Andloandbehold,therewasYorkhimselfwithadirtybandageonhisbulletwound.”Hepursedhis
lipsandsmiled.“He’ssittingdownatthecountyjailevenaswespeak.AndifMarshsingslikeI
expecthimto,we’llhaveYorkjustwherewewanthim.”

“Buthedidn’tkillanybody,”Josiepointedout.“SilviakilledGarnerandJennings.”

“Yes,butMarshhiredYorktokillamanandtotrytorundownJuddDunntwomonthsago

whenhestartedinvestigatingthemurdersthatMarshwassuspectedin.”Hegrinnedslowly.“Dunnhas
workeddayandnighttogetenoughevidencetoputhimawayforgood.He’stheonewhotoldme
aboutthemakeandmodelofYork’scar.I’vebeenlookingforitforthepastweek.Yorkisjustgoing
toloveprison,”headdedwithasigh.“Andthemenontheinsidewillcertainlyloveayoung,sweet-
facedhandsomeyoungfellowlikehim,don’tyouthink?”

Brannondecidedthathewouldn’tanswerthat,buthegrinnedback.

ChapterSixteen

heworstpartoftheordealwashavingtotellBibWebbwhatthey’dfound,andwhathiswifehad

done.BrannontookJosiewithhim,buthephonedBeckyWilsonbeforeheleftSanAntonioandhad
hercomeaswell.

Biblookedasifhe’dbeenshot.Hewalkedoutontothepationeartheswimmingpoolandstood,

withhishandsinhispockets,juststaringintospace.

“Letmehaveaminutewithhimfirst,”BrannontoldBecky,whowasobviouslyachingtogoto

themanonthepatio.

“Allright.”BeckysatbackdownwithasighandsmiledshylyatJosie.“Won’tyouhaveamint?”

sheoffered,andthenlookedsurprisedwhenJosielaughed.Thosemintshadhelpedsolveamurder.

BibheardBrannoncomeupbesidehimandgrimaced.“Therearenonesoblind…”hequoted.

Heglancedathisbestfriend.“Didyoususpecther?”

“No”cametheflatreply.“Mymoneywasonthecomputerhacker.Thenwefoundoutthat

Marsh’snew‘friend’wasmarried,andshelikedexpensivemints.”

Bibtookhislefthandoutofhispocketandstudiedhisweddingband.“I’vebeenabachelorsince

Silviawasaboutseventeen,”hemurmured.“Shelikedsexatfirst,butIwasn’troughenoughtosuit
her,orrecklessenough.Shestartedhaving‘friends.’Istarteddrinking.Itwasn’tmuchofalife.But
peoplegetcomfortablewalkinginfamiliarruts,andtheyjustkeepwalkingoutofhabit.”

“Thistrialisgoingtobeverymessy,”Brannonsaidafteraminute.“Iwouldn’tbetfivecentson

yourchancesforthesenateseatwhenit’sover,andthat’sGod’struth.”

“Idon’tcare.”Bibturnedtohim.“Itdoesn’tmatterifIlosethelieutenantgovernor ’sspot.Ihave

acompanyIlove,goodemployees,andwe’rebranchingoutintoexperimentalprojectsthatwill
benefitmillionsofhungrypeopleinthirdworldcountriesifwecanperfectthem.What’sthat
comparedtoapoliticaljob?”

“Thatsoundslikeyou.”

Bibsmiled.“Thatisme.Allthis—”hewavedhishandattheopulentlivingroominside,withits

importedcrystalandfabric“—isSilvia.”Heshrugged.“There’snobodyIwanttogetevenwith.
ExceptmaybeMarsh.”

“Marshwillservetime,nomatterhowmanygoodlawyershecanafford.Sadly,sowillSilvia,if

theydon’tfindherinsane.Andtheymight,”headdedquietly.“Youhavetobepreparedforthat.She
madeaprettyshockingconfessionaboutherpast.IhavetotellwhatIheard.”

“Whatdidsheconfess?”Bibasked,aghast.

“There’stimeforthatlater,”hesaid.Noreasonhecouldn’tgivethemanafewmorehoursof

peacebeforethemediaexplodedintohislife.

Bibworriedhishairagain.“Well,I’llphoneourattorneyandseeifhecandoanythingfor

Silvia.Maybehecangetapsychiatricprofileandhaveherdeclaredinsane.Therehavebeensignsfor
alongtime.I’vebeenindenial,andpretendedIdidn’tseethem.But,”headdedonaheavysigh,“it’s
nousepretendinganymore.”

“I’lldowhateverIcantohelp.”

Bibsmiledathim.“Iknowthat.Iappreciateit.You’retheonlyfriendIeverhadwhowaswilling

tobelieveIwasn’tguiltyofanysortofgraft.”

“Iknowyou,”Brannonpointedout.“AndIdon’tdesertmyfriends.Ever.LetBeckycomeout

andtalktoyou.She’llsaveyoufromthemedia.”

“Yes,shewill,”hesaidcalmly,andwithasmile.“I’mgoingtomarryher,whenallthisisfinally

over.”

“Thatdoesn’tcomeasasurprise.She’llbegoodforyou,too.”

BrannonwentbackinandspokebrieflytoBeckybeforehesentherouttoBib.

“Whatdowedonow?”JosieaskedBrannon,becauseshefeltadrift.

Hepursedhislipsandsmiledslowly.“Wehavesupper,ofcourse.Thenwestartmakingplans.”

Shewonderedaboutthatlastremark,butshekeptittoherselfuntilthey’dhadanice,quiet

supperandtheyweresittinginhisSUVintheparkinglotofherhotel.

“ThatlookedlikeGrier ’scar,”heremarkedashecutofftheengine.“Whywouldhebehere?”

“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tseenhimtoday.”Shestudiedhimopenly.“Yousaidearlierthatwe’d

makeplans.Whatsortofplans?”

Brannonsmiledandtouchedhermouthgently.“Youhadsurgeryjustforme.Ithinkthat

deservesareward.”

Herfacebegantoredden.“Ifyoumeanwe’llgotobedtogether…”

Hegrinned.“Why,youshamelesshussy,”heteased.“Seethis?”Hepointedatthestaronhis

chest.“Itookavowofchastity.Idon’tmessaroundwithwomen,”headdedhaughtily.

“Oh,everybodywhoknowsyouwouldbelievethat,I’msure,”Josettesaidwithawrylook.

“Idon’tmessaroundwithwomenwhoaren’tnamedJosette,”hequalifiedlazily.“Furthermore,I

expecttobeanexemplaryhusbandandfather.”

Shejustlookedathim.Hereyeswerewide,steadyanduncertain.

Thesmilefaded.Hetookherhandinhisandliftedtheknucklessoftlytohismouth.“Iloveyou,”

hesaidquietly.“Ineverstopped.I’mtiredoftryingtolivewithoutyou.”

Shestillstared,mesmerized.

“I’minadangerousprofession,butIwon’ttakeunnecessarychances.Icanworkoutofthe

Victoriaofficeandcommute.We’llhavetheranchandbothoursalaries,andweknowthebestand
worstofeachother.We’llmakeit.Iknowwewill.”

Josettedrewinalong,slowbreath,searchinghispaleeyes.“It’srathersudden,”shebegan.

“Iknowthat.Iwasn’tsuggestingthatwejumpintobedtogethertonightandgetmarriedinthe

morning,”hesaid.Helookedverysomber.“Iwantyoutoresignyourjobandspendthreeweekswith
meattheranch.”Heheldupahand.“Mywranglerandhiswifestilllivein.We’llhavebuilt-in
chaperones.YoucantalktoourlocaldistrictattorneyinJacobsvilleaboutajob,Iexpecthe’dbe
happytohavethehelp.I’llgettransferreddowntotheVictoriaoffice.I’vealreadychecked,and
there’samanwhowantstobeclosertohisparentsinSanAntonio.Heismorethanwillingtotrade
jobs.”

Shejustshookherhead.“You’vegiventhisalotofthought,”shesaid.

“I’vedonenothingelsesinceyoucametoSanAntoniotoworkonthiscase.”Brannonsearched

hereyes.“Itallhingesonwhetherornotyoucanforgivemeforthepast.Iknowit’salottoask.I’ve
mademistakes.Badmistakes.”

Shereachedupandtouchedhisfirmmouth.“Webothdid.Ishouldhavebeenwillingtotalkto

youwhenyoucalledmelaterthatlastnightweweretogether.Ishouldhavecalledyoubackand
explainedwhatIfelt.Afterthetrial,Ishouldhaveatleasttriedtotalktoyou.”

“Thatworksbothways,”hesaidcurtly.“Ididn’tevengiveyouachance.Ijustlefttown.”

“ButnowIknowwhyyouleft,”shesaid.Shesmiledashislipspursedagainstherfingertips.

“I’vebeenlostwithoutyou,”shebegan,andgotchokedup.

Hisarmsreachedforher.Heheldherbruisinglycloseandkissedhersofiercelythatithurt.

Afterafewseconds,hismouthslidagainstherneckandheheldherevencloser,afainttremorinthe
powerfularmsholdingher.

“Marc!”sheexclaimed,shockedbythewayhereactedtohersoftconfession.

Hisfingersbitintoherback.“I…hatedmyself,”Brannonwhisperedhoarsely.“Icouldn’tlive

withhurtingyou.”Hisbreathsighedoutharshlyatherear.“OhGod,Iloveyou—loveyouwithallI

am,allIeverwillbe!Whentheylaymedowninthedark,thelastwordIwhisperwillbeyour
name…!”

Josettekissedhimhungrily,stoppingthewords,stoppingthepain.Sheheldonforallshewas

worth,tellinghimwithherlipsthatshewouldneverleavehim,neverstoplovinghim.Tearspoured
fromhereyes,hotandwetonhercheeks,andstillshecouldn’tletgo.

Neitherofthemnoticedthatthewindowshadallfoggedupasemotionsflaredbetweenthem.At

least,notuntiltherewasafirm,andveryinsistent,knockonthedriver ’swindow.

Brannon,halfdazed,letJosettemovediscreetlyoutofhisarmsbeforeheloweredthewindow.

Grierwasleaningdownwithatheatricaldisgustedlookonhisface.“IneverthoughtI’dseethe

daythataTexasRangerwouldgetcaughtmakingoutinaparkedcarinfrontofareallynicehotel.”

“Well,whereelsecouldwego?”Brannondemanded,fierce-eyed.“Ican’ttakeherbacktomy

apartmentandwecan’tgouptoherhotelroom,forobviousreasons!Wejustgotengaged!”

Grier ’seyeswidened.“Youdid?”

Brannonsatverystill.“Now,listenhere…”

“Engaged.”Griernodded.Hegrinned.Hechuckled.Heturnedaroundandstartedwalkingaway.

“You’renotinvited!Ifyoushowupatthewedding,you’dbetterbewearingbodyarmoranda

raidjacket!”Brannonyelledathisretreatingback.

Grierjustkeptwalking.

Withagroan,BrannonpoweredthewindowbackupandturnedtoJosette.

“Whatwasthatallabout?”sheasked.

Hestudiedher.Shelookeddeliciouswithherhairloosearoundhershouldersandhermouth

softlyswollenfromhiskisses,andherblousehalfundone.Hecouldn’tstopsmilingatthepictureshe
made.

“Hmm?”hemurmuredabsently.

“Marc,whatwasthatallabout?”sheinsisted.

“Grierhasthis,uh,reputationforgoingtoweddings,”heimpartedslowly.

“Reputation?”

Heclearedhisthroat.“Well,don’tworry,becauseheisn’tdoingittoours.Honest.Ipromise.”

“Okay.”Sheopenedherarms,justtoseewhatwouldhappen.

Hewentintothemwithouthesitation,andbegantokissheragain.Grierandhisreputationwere

thelastthingonhismindintheturbulentminutesthatfollowed.And,justincase,helockedthe
doors….

Severalweekslater,JosettewasstandingwithMarcinasmall,butbeautifullittlechurchin

Jacobsville,Texas,havingalreadysignedalegaldocumentandtakenvowsthatmadeherMrs.Josette
AnneLangleyBrannon.

Sheworeasimplewhitepeasantdresswithhighheelsandahastilyimprovisedveilthathad

beenalacemantilla.Amazingly,Brannonhadevenfoundtwouniquegoldweddingbandsthatfitat
thejewelryshop.Shelookedatthemanshe’djustmarriedwithherwholeheartinhereyes.

“Thatwasalovelyceremony,”Josettetoldtheministerandhiswife,who’dactedaswitnesses

alongwiththeirdaughter.

“Itwasourpleasure,”theministertoldher,shakinghandswithbothofthem.“Areyousureyou

didn’twantsomethinggrander?You’rebothknowninJacobsville.Yourmotherwasbaptizedhere,”
heremindedBrannon.

“Yes,butmysisterisnowaqueen,”Brannonremindedhim.“AndIdidn’twantamediafrenzy.”

Theministerclearedhisthroat.“Ofcourse.Ofcourse.Well,congratulations!Andwe’llhopeto

seeyoubothhereoneSunday,ifyou’dliketovisit.”

Josettelookedupatherhusband.“Yes,”shesaidforbothofthem.“Ithinkwewould.”

Heheldherhandallthewaybacktotheranch.They’dspentawonderfulthreeweeksbeing

engagedwhiletheywenthorsebackridingandvisitingfriends,andgenerallygettingtoknoweach
otheralloveragain.Theyfoundsomuchincommonthatgettingmarriedseemedthemostnatural
thingintheworld.Theyevenagreedonpolitics.Theoneplacetheydrewthelinewasatsleeping
together.AnditwasMarcwhoinsistedonthatcondition.Theyweregoingtohaveaconventional
weddingnight,heinformedher.Hegrinnedatherblushandaddedthathewasgoingtomakeher
verygladthatshe’dwaitedforhim.Whichproducedanotherblush.

Heglancedatherwhilehedroveandgrinnedathershyscrutiny.Theyweregoingtospenda

weekhoneymooningatMarc’sranch,justthetwoofthem.Thehousekeeperandwranglerhadtheir
ownlittlecottagenow,thatMarchadprovidedtheyearbefore,sothenewlywedshadthehouseto
themselves.

Orsotheythought.Thentheyarrivedattheranch.Therewasacrowdwaitingforthem.

Marcgroanedoutloud.“Oh,no.No!Grier,I’lltieyoutoahorseandsendyouthroughacactus

thicket!”heswore.

Besidehim,Josiechuckled.“Sothat’swhatyoumeant,aboutGriernotcomingtothewedding.”

“HedidthistoBudHandley,”hesaidirritably,“andhiswifeactuallyshotathim!”Hiseyes

narrowed.“Toobadshemissed…!”

“Now,now.”Shesoothedhim.“I’msurethey’llgoawaysoon.Theyjustwanttocongratulate

us.”

“That’swhatyouthink,”hemuttered,slowingdown.“Sohelpme,ifIseeonedamned

camera…!”

“There’sGrierontheporch!Andisn’tthatJuddDunn?”sheaskedsuddenly,staringatatall,

leandark-hairedmaninjeans,wearingaTexasRangerstaronhisshirtpocket.Hewasdanglinga
whitehatinonehand,withabigbootedfootproppedagainstoneofthecolumnsontheranchhouse’s
frontporch.“Butwhoarethosemenandwomenwiththem?”sheadded,notingseveralotherassorted
uniformsandbadges.

“TexasRangers,localpolice,sheriff’sdepartment,acoupleofDEAguys,atleasttwolocal

formermercenaries,”hesaidthroughhisteeth.“Fromthelookofthings,mostofthewholedamned
force!”

“They’reheretowelcomeyoubacktothecommunity,”sheexclaimedhappily.“Howsweet!”

Sweet.Sure.HewasrememberingthatdamnedsmileofGrier ’s.Andwasn’tthatguystandingby

himselfCurtisRussellwiththeFBI?Hegroanedaloud.

Asflatteredashewaswiththeoverwhelmingwelcome,Brannonwouldhavepreferredacard.A

letter.Aphonecall.Anythingexceptacrowdoflawenforcementpeopleonhisfrontporch,onhis
weddingnight!

“Benice,”shechided.“Theymeanwell.”

Helookedatherasifshe’djustburstoutingreenfeathers.

“We’llofferthemcoffeeandcakeandthey’llleave,”shesaidreasonably.

“Whywilltheyleave?”

Shegrinnedandwiggledhereyebrows.“Well,wedon’thaveany,dowe?”

“They’lloffertogoandgetsome!”heraged.

Sheshrugged.“Thenwe’lljustlockthedoorsbeforetheygetback.”

Heburstoutlaughing.“Honey,you’reatreasure.”

“Imarriedone,too.”Shemovedascloseastheseatbeltallowedandlaidherheadonhis

shoulder.“Marc,didyouremembertocallGretchen?”

“Iphonedherfromthechurchonmycellphone,whileyouweretidyingupintheladies’room,”

hesaid.“Shewasn’tin,butherpersonalsecretarywillrelaythemessage.”

“Thatremindsme.I’mrelatedtoaheadofstatenow!”

Shesighed.“IfeelasifIshouldstandupandsaluteorsomething.”

“Speakingofthingsthatstandupandsalute…”hemutteredashepulledtheSUVtoastopin

frontofthebevyofgrinningpeople.

“Congratulations!”JuddDunndrawled,andmovedasidetouncoverahugecooler.Heopenedit,

displayingtwomagnumsofthebestchampagne.

“Don’tforgetthefood,”anotherRangerremindedhim.

“Ihaven’tforgottenathing.”Juddopenedanothercooler,displayingchilledshrimponaplatter

withaninteriorbowlofcocktailsauce.

“Myfavoritefoodinthewholeworld!”Josieexclaimed.“Yousweetguys!”

“Andgals.”Abrunettepoppedout,stickingherheadfrombehindoneofthereallytallvisitors.

Fourotherfemaleheadsjoinedit,allgrinning.

“Andgals!”Josieaddedonachuckle.“Thankssomuch!”

“Ididn’tknowyoulikedshrimpcocktail,”Brannonsaid,surprised.

“Youshouldreadherrésuméattheattorneygeneral’soffice,”thebrunettesaid.“Likewedid.

ShealsolikesFrenchcrepesandmeatloaf.”

“Yes,Iknow.Icancookthose,”Brannonmurmured.

TheRangersexchangedwickedgrins.

BrannontookoffhishatandwhackedJuddDunnwithit.“Thanksforthechampagne.Nowgo

away!”

“Marc!”Josiegasped,outraged.

HegaveherapointedglareandhitJuddagainwiththehat.

“Stopthat,”Griersaidinhisbestlawenforcementvoice.Hemovedinfrontoftheotherlaw

enforcementpeople,holdingasheetofpaperinhishand.“Ladyandgentleman,”heread,witha
deadpanglanceatBrannon.“We,yourfriendsinlawenforcement,wishyouallthebestinyour
marriedlife.Ifyouareeverintroubleandneedhelp,rememberthatweareonlyasfarawayasyour
phone.”

“MyphoneisinSanAntonio,”Brannonsaidpleasantly.Heextendedalongarmandpointed.

“It’sthatway.”

“Ihavesixmorepagestoread,”Grierannouncedbelligerently.

“Ihaveashotguninmyden,”Brannonreplied.

Everybodylaughed.

“Allright,Grier,you’vedoneyourbit.Nowwe’releaving.Weplannedto,anyway,”Juddtold

Brannonwithachuckle.“Comeonguysandgals,we’vegotbadmentocatch!”

Theyallformedalinetoshakehandsandoffercongratulations.Josettedidn’trecognizethe

names,butsheknewshe’dlearnthemovertime.Shewastouchedbythecrowd’sfriendliness,and
astonishedatGrier ’s.

Theydroveaway,carbycar,andJosetteturnedtoherhusbandwithsoft,lovingeyesafterthe

lastonehadbeenwavedoff.

“We’regoingtoliveinaveryniceplace.”

Henodded.Hestudiedhersoft,prettyface,surroundedbyacloudofblondhair.Hesmiled

gently.“Youmakeabeautifulbride,Mrs.Brannon.”

“Youmakeahandsomegroom.”

Hesighedandturnedtothecoolersofchampagneandshrimpcocktail.“Whichwouldyoulike

first?”heasked,studyingthem.

Sheclosedbothcoolersandtookhishandinhers.“Later,”shesaid,andliftedherwide,soft

eyestohis.

Itwasstilldaylight.Eventhoughthemasterbedroomwasdark,shewasalittleuneasywithhim.

Herearlymemoriesofintimacywerepainfulones,despiteherjoyinBrannon’stouch.

Hedrewhertohimandsearchedherwide,worriedeyes.Hisfingersdrewlightlyacrossher

softmouth.“Amanwhoisamandoesn’ttearpetalsoffrosebuds,”hewhispered.“Doyouunderstand
me?”

Shesmiledslowly.“Yes.IthinkIdo.”

Hesmiledback.“I’vewaitedalong,longtimeforyou,Mrs.Brannon,”hesaidsoftly.“Ipromise

you,it’sgoingtobeworthit.Forbothofus.Nowstopworrying.We’reteenagersmakingoutina
big,squareparkedcar.Okay?”

Shehadn’tthoughtthatintimacycouldbefun.Hemadeitsoundmorelikeawickedadventure

thananordealofembarrassedfirsttimes.

Shelookedaroundattheroom.“Abig,squareparkedcar?”sheechoed.

“Withallthewindowsclosed,”hemurmuredashebrushedhislipsagainsthermouth.“We’re

goingtofogupthewindows.”

Sheremembereddoingthatinhisvehicleoutsideherhotel,andshechuckledasshemoved

closertohim.“Thatwasasmallspace.Thisisaverybigroom.”

“Mmm-hmm,”heagreedlazily.“Butwe’regoingtogeneratealotofheattogether.”

Ashespoke,hishandsmovedgentlyupanddownhersides,noteventouchingherintimately.

Hebegantokissher,verylightly,smilingashefeltherbodyrelaxintohis.

Foralongtime,allhedidwaskissher.Josettesighedasshefeltthenonthreateningbrushofhis

hardmouthonherlips.Itwaslikewhenthey’dfirststarteddating.Hewasgentleandslow,anditwas
likeexploringunknownterritoryalloveragain.

Butthistime,shewasn’tlockedupinbadmemoriesandafraidoftheunknown.Shelovedthis

manwithallherheart.Shewantedalifewithhim,childrenwithhim.

Brannonnibbledherupperlip.“Yousee?”hewhispered.“Slowandeasy,Josie.We’vegotall

thetimeintheworld.”

Shesighed.“Iwassonervous,”sheconfessed.

“SowasI.”

Josettedrewbackandmethistwinklingeyes.“You’renotanovice,”shepointedout.

“Withyou,Iam,”herepliedquietly.“Inthepast,itwasaneedIsatisfied,nothingmore.”He

searchedhereyes.“Withyou,it’sanactoflove.”

Herfacemirroredherfascination.Shetouchedhismouthwithherfingertips.“Ineverloved

anyoneelse,”shesaidslowly.“Itwas…alwaysyou.”

“Justasitwasalwaysyou,forme,”hereplied,bending.“Forthepasttwoyears,I’vegone

hungry.You’regoingtobethemostdeliciouslittlebanquetIeverputmymouthto.”

Josettesmiledathiswording.Thenhishandsdrewherintofullcontactwithhimandshefeltthe

suddenhardnessofhisdesireagainsther.Shehesitated,butonlyforafewseconds.Hismouth
brushedherlipsapartandoneleanhandwentslowlyunderherskirtandupagainstthesilkenskinof
herthighs.Hekissedhermoreinsistentlyashefoundherbeneaththetrifleoflacesheworeand
begantodiscoverherintimately.

Shegaspedandhistongueshotintohermouth.Shecouldn’tgetherbreath.He’donlytouched

herlikethatonce,alongtimeago.Butnowhewasn’thesitantorshockedatwhathefound,because
herbodywasnolongerafortifiedsanctuary.Itwasopentohistouch,tohisdesire,andshemoaned
jerkilyashefoundapressureandarhythmthatliftedherinanarchagainsthim.

Itwasevidentthatshe’dneverknownphysicalpleasure.Sheclungtohim,hernailsbitintohim,

andsheheldonasifshewereterrifiedthathemightstop.

“Easy,”hewhisperedasshetwistedagainsthim.“Thisisjustthebeginning.”

“Marc…!”Hervoicewastortured.Shewasblind,deaf,dumb.Allsheknewwasthedelighther

bodywasdiscovering.

Hereyesclosedsothatshecouldsavoritmorefully.Shewasfalling.Therewassomethingsoft

andcoolatherback.Thepleasurewasdarkandwickedand…shegaspedastheurgencyofit
increasedallatonce.

“You’remuchtoointense,”hewhisperedintohermouth,andsmiled.“Letmetaketheedgeoff

thathungerfirst.Thenwe’llstartagain.”

Josettedidn’tunderstand.Shestartedtospeakwhenajoltofpleasureliftedheroffthebed.Her

eyesflewopenandmethis,buttheyweresightless,blindwiththebuildingecstasythatmadeher
shiverwitheachbrushofhisfingers.

“No…oo!”shechokedout,frightened.

Hislipspressedtenderlytohereyes,closingthem,andhistouchbecameinsistent.“Iloveyou

morethanmylife,”hebreathed.“Letithappen.”

Secondslater,shewentoversomehot,pulsatingprecipiceandbegantoshudderrhythmically,

helplessly.Sheclungtohim,hermouthopenagainsthisshirtasshegaveherselftotheecstasyof
fulfillment.

Afterward,ofcourse,shecried.Itwasembarrassingandshocking,andheremotionswereso

scatteredthatshecouldn’ttellupfromdown.

Brannonlaughedtenderly,hislipsslowandgentleonherfaceeventhoughhispowerfulbody

hadafainttremor.“Andnowthatyouhaveatasteofwhatyoucanexpect,”hewhisperedwickedly,
“wecanlearntoshare.”

“Sh…share?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Hestrippedheroutofherdressandunderthingsandbenttoputhismouthhardagainsther

stomachbeforeitmovedupandbrushedslowlyoverhertautbreasts.“Ilovethewayyoutaste,”he
saidsoftly.“HoldingbackisthehardestthingI’veeverdone.Butithastobeperfect,thistime.
Absolutelyperfect.”

Brannonstoodupandbegantodivesthimselfofhisownclothes.Herglasseswereontheside

table,buthewascloseenoughthatshecouldseehim.Whenhegottotheblackboxershortshewore,
herheadturnedawayinfaintembarrassment.

“Noneofthat,”hesaidgently.“Lookatme,Josette.”

Josetteknewherfacewasscarletassheforcedhereyesbackup.Hewassoarousedthatitwas

impossiblenottoknowit.Hispowerfulbodyseemedpoisedonaknifeedgeashelookeddownat
her.

Amazingly,thesightofhimlikethatmadeherhungry.Shefeltherbodymoveofitsown

accord,andtheeyesthatmethisweremistywithdesire.

“Idon’t…understandwhat’shappeningtome,”shemanagedtosay,shivering.

Hesmiledslowly.“Youwill,”hesaid.Andheeaseddownbesideher.

ChapterSeventeen

nthetempestuousminutesthatfollowed,Josielearnedmoreaboutherownbodythanshe’dever

known.Hishandswereexpertastheybroughtherfromonepeakofpleasuretoanother,onlytolet
herdowngentlyatthelastminuteandstartalloveragain.

“You’rekillingme!”sheprotestedwildly,ashestoppedshortagainandrolledacrossthebed

withher,onelong,hard-muscledlegbetweenbothofhersashebenttoherbreastsagainandsuckled
her.

Hisfingersduginatthetopofherthighsandhechuckledagainstherbodyashedrewhishair-

roughenedlegagainsttheinsideofhersoftone.“That’stheidea,”hemurmured.

“What?”

Brannonnippedhershoulderbeforehismouthmovedbackupherchintotormentherswollen,

softmouth.“That’swhattheycallit.Thelittledeath.”

“Marc,”shegroanedashismouthbithardintohers.Herhandswereburiedinthedamp

thicknessofhiswavyhairandherbodywastrembling.Sowashis.Shewonderedathisstamina,
becauseitseemedalongtimesincehe’dundressedher.Hewasstillfiercelyaroused,butwhenshe
liftedtotempthim,heonlymovedawayagain.

Shefelthimtouchingherasthehungerbuilttoflashpoint.Shesteeledherselfforanother

suddenstop,butitdidn’thappen.Thistime,hesankintoher.Shefelthimwithawe,withwonder,as
herbodyprotestedjustfaintlythenewnessofinvasion.

Heliftedhisheadandlookedintoherwideeyes.Hisfacewasclenchedandshefelthimshiver

witheveryharddownwardmovementofhiships.Onlythendiditoccurtoherthathe’dreachedthe
limitofhisendurance.

“Helpme,”hewhisperedharshly.“Ican’tholditformuchlonger.”

“Idon’t…”shefalteredbreathlessly.

“Findthepositionyouneed,”hemurmuredagainsthermouth.“Shiftyourbodyagainstmine

untilyoufeelthepleasurebiteintoyou…there,sweetheart?”

“There!”shegasped,liftinghelplesslyinanarch.“Oh…yes…there!”

Hismouthopenedandbegantopenetratehers.Hefeltherbodydancewithhis,feltherarchup

tohim,pressherselfascloseasshecouldget.Shewasrigidwithit,hecouldfeelthepulsationinher
evenashefeltitbegininhimself.Hewashot,throbbing,swelling…

Hecriedoutinanagonyofrelease,hiswholebodyflungupintogloriousjoyandmind-killing

satisfaction.Hehopedshewasgoingwithhim,becausehelostitentirely.Heshudderedagainand
againandagain,groaninghernameasthewavesofpleasureknockedhimalmostunconscious.

Shefelthispleasureeventhroughtheviolentsatisfactionhegaveher.Sothiswaswhatitwasall

about,shethoughtdazedly,clingingtohimwithbruisingfingers.Hermouthopenedagainsthisbare
shoulderandsheshiveredwiththeintensityofit,thebeautyoffulfillment.Sheunderstoodatlastwhat
he’dmeantwhenhesaidhe’dgivenheratasteofsatisfactionjustastheybegan.Wordscouldn’tdo
justicetothesensationsthatwhippedthroughherslenderbody.Shekissedthetautmuscleofhis
shoulderhungrilyasshesankintothemattresswithafinal,agonizingshudderofecstasy.

Itwashardtobreathe.Shecouldn’tstopshaking.Herbodywassore,butgloriouslypleasured.

Shefeltthedampnessofmoistureclingingtoherskin,herhair.Herfingersbrushedlightlyagainst
hislong,leanbackandshefeltthesamemoisturethere.Shemoved,andfelthimdeepinthatsecret
placeandshelaughedsoftly.

“Foranervousbeginner,you’reaquickstudy,”hemurmuredintoherthroat.

Shelaughedoutloudandhuggedhimclose.“Oh,yourake,”shewhisperedlovingly,kissinghis

throat.“Youwonderful,wonderfulrake!”

Helaughed,too,exhaustedbutcompletelyrelaxedforthefirsttimeinyears.Herolledontohis

back,stillintimatelyjoinedtoher,andheldhergentlyonhisbody.“Twoyearsofstoicrepression.
MyGod,amIgladIwaited!”

“SoamI.”Shekissedhischest,thehairticklinghernosewhereherlipspressed.“Weforgot

something.”

Hisleanhandsmoothedherhairwithmagnificentunconcern.“What?”

Shepunchedhimintheribs.“Youknowwhat.”

Heonlysighed.“It’sinthedrawer.”

“Itdoesusalotofgoodinthere!”

Hismouthtraveledoverherchin.

“Iknowthat.”Hesighed.“Kidsaregreat.Iwouldn’tmindone,eventhissoon.Butweshoulduse

morerestraintnexttime.”

“Sure,”shemurmured.Thenshelaughed.Sheyawned.“I’msleepy.”

“SoamI.”

“Shouldn’twe…?”sheasked,movingslightly.

Hisleanarmcamearoundher.“Stayrightwhereyouare,”hewhispered.“Idon’twantyouany

fartherawaythanyouarerightthisminute.”

Shesmiledandsnuggledcloserwithasigh.“Thatgoesdoubleforme.Marc?”

“Hmm?”heaskedsleepily,hisvoicedeepandsoftatherear.

“Ilikebeingmarried.”

Shefeltthefaintrumbleoflaughterunderher.“SodoI.”

Itwasthelastthingsheheardforalongtime.

Thehoneymoonwasofficiallyoverinaweek,butpeoplearoundJacobsvillenoticedthatit

neverseemedtoend.YouneversawMarcunlessyousawJosie.SheworkedoutoftheD.A.’soffice,
andheworkedoutoftheVictoriaTexasRangerpost,butwhentheyweren’tonthejob,theywere
inseparable.

Afewmonthslater,JosiewassweepingoffthefrontporchearlyonaSaturdaymorningwhile

Marcwasgettingthemenassignedtotheday’sworkwhentwolong,blacklimousinesflying
diplomaticflagspulledupinthedustyfrontyard.

Josiewaswearingjeansandadustysweatshirt.Herhairwaslooseandstillalittletangled,she

hadnomakeupon,andshewaswearingancientmoccasinsandsockswithholesinthem.So,
naturally,thishadtobeGretchenSabonandherhusbandtheSheikh.Itwasnicetoknowthatshewas
goingtomakeasuitableimpressiononhernewrelation,theheadofstateofQawi.They’dwantedto
flytoQawiforthemeeting,buttheirjobshadmadeitdifficult.Andtherehadbeenanotherpower
struggleinQawithathadonlyjustbeenresolvedsuccessfully.NowtheSabonshadapparentlytaken
mattersintotheirownhandsanddecidedtojustshowupasasurprise.Josiegroanedandshookher
head.Herhairwasn’tevencombed!

Marccamestridingoutofthebarngrinningasthetallbodyguardherecognizedfrom

Gretchen’sweddinggotout,wavedandopenedthebackdoor.

“Hi,Bojo!”Marcgreetedthetallman,shakinghands.HeopenedhisarmsasGretchengotout,

lookingyoungandhappyandveryelegant,andwentrushingintothem.

“Hello,bigbrother!”Gretchenlaughed.“WecametowelcomeJosieintothefamily.You

rememberPhilippe.”

Herhusbandwasnowstandingbesideher,tallandhandsomeevenwithhisscarredface,and

beamingathiswife.HeshookhandswithMarc.

“Welcometothefraternity,”Philippemurmured.

“Imagineyou,gettingmarried,andtosomebodyasniceasJosie,”Gretchensaidwarmly.She

lookedupontotheporch.“Hi,Josie!”

Josieputdownthebroom,wipedherhandsonherjeansanddanceddownthesteps,feelingshy

andnervous.

“Iwearjeansandsweatshirtsaroundthepalace,”Gretchensaid,realizingatoncewhatthe

problemwas.“AndIneverwearmakeuparoundmyhusband,”sheaddedwithawickedglanceatthe
tall,smilingmanbesideher.

“Itisawasteoftime,”Philippedrawled.HeglancedatMarcandgrinned.“Asyouknow,I

presume.”

“Ido.”MarcpulledJosieclosetohisside.“Thisisyournewbrother-in-law,PhilippeSabon.

He’stherulingShiekhofQawi.”

“I’mveryhonored,”Josiebegan.

Philippetookherhandandraisedittohislipswithasmile.“Itisapleasuretomeetyou,

madame,”hesaid.“Wethoughtyoumightliketomeetyournephewaswell.”

HesaidsomethinginArabic,andawomaninahajibandanabaclimbedoutwithayoungman

ofabouttwoyearsofageheldtightinherarms.“Ourson,Rashid,”heintroduced,grinningatthe
child,whoreachedforhisfatherandwenteagerlyintohisarms.

“Seethat?”Gretchensaidwithasigh.Sheshookherhead.“Hisfirstwordwasda-da.Hecries

unlessPhilippereadshimastoryatbedtime.Whenhegetsup,herunstohisfather.”Shethrewupher
hands.“I’mjustawalkingincubatoraroundhere!”

“Liar.”Philippechuckled,grinningather.“Youareawalkingreformcommittee,”hecorrected.

“Ihaveonlymadeafewminorchanges,”shebegan.

Hesmiledandkissedhissononthecheek.“Canyoumakecoffee?”heaskedhisnewsister-in-

law.“Ithasbeenalongandverythirstytripoutherefromtheairport.”

“Imakeexcellentcoffee,”Josiesaid,laughing.“Iworkinthedistrictattorney’soffice.Welive

onit.”

“Yes,Iheardaboutyournewjob,”Gretchensaid,linkingarmswithher.“Iwanttotalktoyou

aboutsomelegalissues….”

“Oh,myGod,”Philippegroaned.

Marcpattedhimontheshoulder.“Now,now,I’msureit’sonlythingslikewaterpollutionand

globalwarming.”

“WereallyneedtodomoreaboutprisonreforminQawi,”GretchenwassayingassheandJosie

wentintothehouse.

PhilippeexchangedacomplicatedglancewithMarc.

“I’vegotsomeagedscotchwhiskeyinmyoffice,”Marcsaid.

“Yes.Andbigglasses,”cametheamusedreply.

“Uh,YourHighness…?”

Philippeturned.CurtisRussellwasstandingjustoutsidethelimousinealongsideanotherSecret

ServiceagentandtwoofPhilippe’spersonalbodyguards.

“Yes?”Philippeasked.

Russellclearedhisthroat.“Aboutthatmatterwediscussed?”

Philippesighed.“Complications,complications.”HeglancedatMarc.“Yourbureauchiefatthe

FBIiswillingtogiveRussellajobifyourecommendhim.”

Marclookedasifhe’dbeenaskedtoswallowasaltblock.

“Itseemsthathislastassignmentprovedunlucky,”Philippecontinued.

“HewasstickinghisnoseintoorganizedcrimethelasttimeIheardanythingabouthim,”Marc

pointedout.“InAustin,Ibelieve?”

Russellswallowedhard.“IwasonlyshowingthemhowgoodanagentI’dbe.AndIdidhelpthat

guyPhilDouglasgetsomeevidencethathelpedustrackdowntheGateswomanandbringherback
fortrial.”

“Yes,youdid.”Marchadtoagree.

“Sadly,”Philippeinterjected,“heidentifiedhimselfasanFBIagent.”

“You’reSecretService!”Marcexploded.

Russellgrimaced.“Well,yes,technically,sortof.”Hecoughed.“Iwasonvacationatthetime.I

didusedtoworkfortheFBI,forayearorso.”Hescowled.“Lookhere,I’dmakeagoodagent.With
allduerespect,I’mwastedonvisitingdignitaries!Icansolvecrimes.AllIneedisachance!”

PhilippeliftedaneyebrowatMarc,whoshrugged.

“Allright,”Marcsaid.“I’llputinawordforyou.Withonecondition,”headdedvery

deliberately.

“Anything!”Russellexclaimedwithdelight.

Marc’seyesnarrowed.“Thatyouworkinoneoftheotherforty-ninestatesoftheunion!”

Russellgavehimatightsalute.“Youbet.Yes,sir.Floridalooksgoodtome.Ilovebeaches.”He

grinned.

Marcthrewuphishandsandwentintothehouse.

Thatnight,afterthecompanywasnicelysettledintheguestbedroom,withguardsoutsidethe

door,MarcandJosielaycloseineachothers’armswhilemoonlightmadestripesacrossthequilted
coverlet.

“Christmasisnextmonth,”shemurmuredwithasmile,snugglingcloser.“Iwantalivetreethat

wecanplant.”

“Done.”

“Andsomenewdecorationsjustforus.”

“Youcanhavealltheropeandspursyouwant.”

Josettechuckled.“Andaspecialornament.”

“Hmm?”

“Youknow,oneofthosethathasournamesandthedatewemarried.”

“Thatsoundsnice.”

“Nextyearwecanaddnewones.”

Hewasdrowsy.“Newones.Mmm-hmm.”

“Likeonethatsays,Baby’sFirstChristmas.”

“FirstChristmas.Nice.Ilike…what?!”

Hesatstraightupinbedandgapedather.“DidyousaywhatIthoughtyousaid?”

Shegrinned.“Weneverdidopenthatdrawernexttothebed,”sheremindedhim.

Brannonwasn’tlisteningtoexplanations.Hisleanhandpressedsoftlyagainstherbellyandhe

lookedatherasifshe’djustsolvedthemysteryoflife.

“MyveryownminiatureTexasRanger,boyorgirl.”Hechuckledsoftly.“WhataChristmas

present!Lucky,luckyme,”hewhispered,andbenttokissherwithbreathlesstenderness.

Shesmiledunderhismouthandliftedherarmstobringhimdowntoher.“Oh,no,”she

whispered.“Luckyme!”

Outside,thewindwasup.Itwasautumnafterall,nippyandfrostyandcrisp.Butinsidethat

room,therewasawarmththatallthesnowinAlaskacouldn’thavechilled.Itwas,Josiethought,
goingtobethemostwonderfulChristmasoftheirlives.Anditwas.

ISBN:978-1-4268-4372-3

THETEXASRANGER

Allrightsreserved.Exceptforuseinanyreview,thereproductionorutilizationofthisworkinwholeorinpartinanyformbyany
electronic,mechanicalorothermeans,nowknownorhereafterinvented,includingxerography,photocopyingandrecording,orinany
informationstorageorretrievalsystem,isforbiddenwithoutthewrittenpermissionofthepublisher,HarlequinEnterprisesLimited,225
DuncanMillRoad,DonMills,OntarioM3B3K9,Canada.

Allcharactersinthisbookhavenoexistenceoutsidetheimaginationoftheauthorandhavenorelationwhatsoevertoanyonebearingthe
samenameornames.Theyarenotevendistantlyinspiredbyanyindividualknownorunknowntotheauthor,andallincidentsarepure
invention.

ThiseditionpublishedbyarrangementwithHarlequinBooksS.A.

®andTMaretrademarksofthepublisher.Trademarksindicatedwith®areregisteredintheUnitedStatesPatentandTrademarkOffice,
theCanadianTradeMarksOfficeandinothercountries.

www.HQNBooks.com

Document Outline

Cover
Copyright
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen

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