The Texas Ranger's Nanny

by Rebecca Winters

  Vic knew his friend was speaking the truth, but his agony over what had happened to his son had affected his ability to control himself. If he’d had time alone in there with that creep, there’d be nothing left of Leroy. This was a living nightmare.

  “Are you ready?” Kit murmured.

  No. He’d never be ready while Jeremy was out there suffering, but this was one time when he needed to follow someone else’s counsel. There was no one he trusted more than Kit.

  After taking a deep breath, he followed him down the hall to the door that led to the lounge.

  Claire saw him immediately and hurried over to him. The worry lines on her lovely face reminded him he wasn’t the only one in pain over Jeremy’s disappearance. “I wish I had any new information, Claire. For now all we can do is go home. Kit’s going to call me after he’s questioned the other two prisoners brought in with Leroy. We’re investigating several leads I’ll tell you about after we get back to the house.”

  They left the jail and he walked her to her car. “Drive safely. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

  “Is there anything I can do for you? Any shopping?” Her heart was in her eyes.

  “If there is, I can’t think of what.”

  “Then I’ll see you at home.”

  He watched her drive away before he strode over to his car and got in. He put his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes for a minute. Never in his life had he come close to feeling like he did when he put his hands on Leroy. For a few seconds he’d lost complete awareness of his surroundings. If it hadn’t been for Kit watching his back, he’d have beaten that lowlife to a pulp before realizing what he’d done.

  Temporary insanity. That’s what the defense called momentary madness. Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought he could be capable of forgetting the oath he’d taken to uphold the law. He ached for his son. But he’d compounded that ache by trying to take vengeance into his own hands. No jury, no trial. He’d been the executioner while his prisoner couldn’t fight back.

  What he’d done would never bring his son home. It would take him a long time to forgive himself for what had almost happened. He heard a horn honk and sat forward. It was Kit, waving to him before he drove off.

  Humbled by the other Ranger’s friendship during the darkest time of Vic’s despair, he started the engine and left for home. As he pulled into the driveway, his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID. It was TJ.

  Vic dreaded the phone conversation they were about to have, but he had to answer it.

  He clicked On. “TJ?”

  “It’s a damn shame about your son, but I still have to do my job. I just got off the phone with the DA who’s going to prosecute Leroy’s case. You overstepped your bounds at the jail. Though I’ve taken you off the case, I haven’t suspended you. As for now, you’re on vacation. I suggest you get some counseling with the department psychiatrist.”

  He knew the captain was cutting him slack by not suspending him, but he’d never felt so helpless in his life. “Yes, sir. Have you put Kit in charge?”

  “Kit’s too close to you. I’ve put Ranger Rodriguez on it. He’ll be objective.”

  Vic groaned.

  “I’m a father and can only imagine how I would feel and react if my son or daughter had been kidnapped. But there are still consequences to pay. After some therapy you can report for duty. I need you back on the force ASAP. I want you to call the psychiatric unit today and set up some appointments with the doctor you used before.”

  TJ meant Dr. Marshall, the psychiatrist who’d helped Vic deal with his grief after the tornado struck.

  “We need you, Vic. You’re one of our best and that’s not lip service. We’re all sending up prayers that your son will be returned to you soon.”

  Vic knew that. “Thanks, TJ.”

  Rodriguez was a good Ranger, but his instincts weren’t quick like Vic’s closest buddies. TJ’s choice to head up this case was made on purpose because like Kit, he knew that Vic’s other friends, Cy and Luckey, were too close to Vic to be objective. Vic got it, but he didn’t like it.

  After saying goodbye he left for home. It was ten o’clock in the morning. Jeremy should be at school and Vic should be on the job chasing down leads. How in the hell was he going to make it? But a nagging voice inside said Because Jeremy needs you.

  Vic needed his son more.

  Letting out a tortured sigh, he parked in the driveway and climbed out of the car. Claire stood waiting for him at the front door. She had a way of making everyone feel good.

  “Hi, Claire. How would you like to go for a horseback ride?”

  She blinked. “Right now?”

  “Right now. I’ll change into my cowboy boots. The horses need exercise. It’s time you and I had a talk.”

  That sounded ominous to Claire. “I’ll put on my boots,” she said, wondering what he had to say.

  They walked out to the barn together. He brought their equipment out of the tack room so they could saddle and bridle their horses. Vic put a lead on Comet. Once they were mounted, they left the barn. Comet walked by Midnight’s side with Claire and Marshmallow on the other.

  For a little while they rode around the five acres in silence. Vic was deep in thought. When they’d gone the full distance, he dismounted near the fencing and let the horses graze. Claire followed suit, troubled by the lines of grief carved in his rugged features. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

  He walked over to the fence and leaned back against it. “A little bit of everything. First off, Kit told me you’re feeling guilty for the part you’ve played in Jeremy’s disappearance. You did nothing wrong. Neither did anyone else. Some evil men planned this kidnapping with expert precision.”

  “I realize that.”

  “Today I lost my cool at the jail and came close to strangling Leroy Bennett.”

  “That’s all I’ve been able to think about doing,” she admitted.

  “Well, I went too far when I grabbed him by the shoulders. Leroy’s attorney was there and witnessed my actions. Kit saw it, too, and stopped me before I did something terrible. I was supposed to interrogate Leroy, nothing else. Because I crossed the line, I’ve been told to take a vacation from work while I get counseling.” His black eyes glittered. “Does that alarm you?”

  “No.”

  “It should.”

  “I may not be Jeremy’s mother, but my grief is so real that I can’t honestly say what I’d do if I had the chance to get that custodian alone. I’d slap him so hard he’d cry out for mercy.” Her voice shook.

  A sad smile broke out on Vic’s face. “In my case, the captain feels someone else needs to head up this investigation while I get therapy.”

  Her spirits sank lower. “I’m so sorry, Vic. Is Kit going to be in charge?”

  “No. He’s putting another Ranger named Rodriguez in charge, and my hands are tied. I’m afraid that none of the four Sons of the Forty will be dealing with this case any longer. It’s the right thing to do. Today my judgment went to hell when that criminal was sitting in front of me. It would probably go to hell again were I to be in charge any longer.”

  “That’s because your son is missing and you’re too close to the situation. I couldn’t be objective, either.”

  “Which leads me to the next topic I wanted to discuss with you. Have you had any responses since your last two interviews?”

  “I have. Actually, they both want me to come in for another interview. But I can’t think about that right now. Like you, my judgment is totally impaired. How can I make smart decisions about my future when every minute I’m waiting for the phone to ring with the news that Jeremy has been found? This is no way for either of us to live, Vic. So I have an idea.”

  He moved away from the fence and put his hands on his hips in a
way that was all male. When he did that, she couldn’t help but feast her eyes on him. “What’s that?”

  “Since you’re on vacation, what’s to stop you and me from looking for leads on our own time? While Ranger Rodriguez conducts an official investigation, we can do our own thing behind the scenes and work around your therapy sessions. You have creative genius. That’s what Kit tells me, and I’ve seen it for myself. So why don’t we follow some of your hunches and see what we can come up with undercover, so to speak? Otherwise I’ll go crazy, too.”

  “It’s no wonder Jeremy loves you so much. He says you’re more fun than any of his friends.”

  “That’s high praise.” She laughed sadly.

  “It is. The only trouble with your suggestion is we won’t be playing for fun. What we do could be very dangerous.”

  “More dangerous than what has happened to Jeremy?” she challenged. “We’ve got to find him, Vic, and I know you couldn’t possibly let this case go. Jeremy needs us.” She moved closer to him. “Will you think about it?”

  “Claire—Damn it. Your tears get to me every time.”

  “So do yours,” she whispered. “Call that psychiatrist and set up your therapy schedule. We’ll plan each day according to your appointment and then follow a different lead until your son comes home. No one has to know what we’re doing. We’ll fly under the radar.”

  “You watch too many Law and Order shows.”

  “I’ve learned a few things, but there’s no better teacher than you. Jeremy idolizes the ground you walk on.”

  He smoothed a tendril of hair away from her eyes. “Today I came home feeling like I was dying. But your idea has given me some new energy. You’re good for me, Claire.” He pressed a brief kiss to her mouth. The first he’d ever given her. “My greatest fear is that I won’t be good for you. If anything happened to you because of me...”

  “Nothing’s going to happen to either one of us.” Her whole body tingled from the kiss he’d just given her. She knew he was seeking comfort and didn’t look at it in any other way. “Let’s get back to the house. While you call to arrange your therapy sessions, I’ll fix us lunch and we’ll plan our strategy. After we’ve eaten, we’ll get started.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  They mounted their horses. This time she grabbed Comet’s lead and he walked next to her and Marshmallow. Vic took off in a gallop to give his horse a workout. Then he galloped back and walked with them the rest of the way to the barn.

  While he took care of the horses and fed them, she went in the house. After washing her hands, she made tuna fish sandwiches, a Malone family favorite. She added a bowl of potato chips and some sodas. He made the call to set up his therapy appointments, then sat down at the kitchen table with her to eat.

  She pushed the bowl in front of him. “What’s the verdict?”

  “I’m going to see Dr. Marshall every weekday starting tomorrow. He’s aware of why the captain has given me vacation time. Fortunately for me, he’s willing to accommodate me so I won’t lose too much time before getting back to work. I’m supposed to report to him in the mornings at nine. The sessions are usually an hour.”

  “Do you know this doctor?”

  “Yes. He gave me counseling after the tornado happened. That was such a black period—I try to block it from my mind. But I swear this experience is worse. Jeremy is so young with his whole life ahead of him...”

  “Children and animals,” she murmured. “They’re so helpless.” She finished her sandwich. “I’m glad you’ll be seeing someone who knows your history.”

  “He’s a good man.”

  “Vic? What’s the first thing you would do if you were still in charge?”

  “I’d drive to Buda and talk to someone in the bar.” Claire recognized that with his razor-sharp brain, he’d already known what his next move would be. “It’s only a half hour drive from here. I want to find out if anyone there knew Leroy. Was he a regular? What was the draw when he could have gone anywhere else?”

  “I’ve been wondering the same thing. When he joined the military, where was his home?”

  “The rap sheet listed his home as Austin.”

  “Buda’s considered to be on the outskirts of the metro area. Maybe he’s from there, Vic, or he has a relative there and that’s why he had a decal on his truck. People don’t put things like that on their cars or trucks unless it’s meaningful for them.”

  “Agreed.”

  “We could check local auto body shops to find out if his truck was ever worked on there. I was also wondering where he got his tattoos.”

  Vic nodded. “We’ll check out the local tattoo parlors.”

  “I’ve never been in one.”

  “It can be an illuminating experience.”

  She got up from the table. “I’ll hurry and clean up the kitchen so we can leave.”

  “I’ll help.”

  Claire eyed him for a moment. “Are you going to tell anyone what we’re doing?”

  “Not unless it becomes necessary. I suggest you don’t tell your family, either.”

  “I won’t. They’re worried sick over Jeremy as it is.”

  A shadow passed over his face. “I need to find a connection to the person who got Leroy released from prison early. But we’re going to have to do it the hard way because I can’t let anyone know I’m a Ranger.”

  “Maybe we’re private investigators working on a case for an insurance company. You’re Jim and I’m Elaine. We’ll wear sunglasses.”

  Low laughter escaped his throat. “When I hired you to work for me, I had no idea how amazing you are.”

  She looked away. “Not amazing, just desperate to find Jeremy.” Being his father, Vic knew all about that.

  They cleaned up together. “Thanks for fixing lunch. It hit the spot.”

  “I’m glad. Give me a second to find my sunglasses and I’ll meet you at the car.”

  “I’ll run off a picture of Leroy for both of us. If I crop them, no one will know it came from his prison mug shot. While I do that, I’ll tell the guys in the surveillance van they can leave until further notice because I’m on vacation.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re the Ranger,” she said. “The thought wouldn’t have occurred to me until after we reached Buda.”

  It wasn’t long before they were driving away from the house wearing their disguises. He turned to her and smiled. With his thick, black hair and handsome features, Claire thought Vic was much better looking than any movie star or celebrity. She smiled back, trying to quell the rapid pounding of her heart.

  They couldn’t see each other’s eyes. This was fun. In spite of the agonizing pain they were both suffering, it was fun to be doing something so important together.

  “I need you to be my navigator.” He reached in the glove compartment and handed her his iPad. “It’s charged. Let’s visit some tattoo places first. We don’t want to go to the bar until evening.”

  Claire was thrilled to be given something to do. She started looking up addresses. “There are thirty listings throughout Austin. Buda has two shops.”

  “That’ll make our job easy.”

  Buda was only fifteen miles south of downtown along the I-35 corridor. They found the first parlor using the GPS in his car. When they went inside, it reminded her of a beauty salon with the workers’ individual areas. Two guys were getting tattoos.

  “Hi!” An employee walked up to them. “Which one of you wants a tattoo?” He eyed Claire. “I can match a tattoo to the beautiful copper tint of your hair. It would look amazing.”

  “Thanks, but we’re not here to get tattoos. My name’s Elaine. This is Jim. We’re private investigators working for an insurance company and wonder if you’ve ever seen this man in your shop.” She pulled out the picture and showed it to h
im. “He has a green eye tattoo on the inside of his left wrist, and two snakes tattooed on his chest.”

  The guy shook his head. “Nope. I’ve done snakes and some eyes, but this dude isn’t familiar.”

  “Maybe the other employees would recognize him?” Vic suggested.

  “No. I run this shop and know everyone who comes in to get a tattoo.”

  “Okay, then. Thanks for your time,” Claire said.

  He flicked her another glance. “Sure I can’t give you one?”

  “Positive.” She smiled.

  Vic held the door open for her and they walked out to his car. When they got in, he eyed her speculatively. “You’re such a natural at this, it’s spooky. I guess you realize that guy was checking you out.”

  “Hey, honey—I’m a hard-boiled private eye, so I don’t mind as long as there’s no touching,” she teased.

  He burst into unexpected laughter. When it subsided he said, “Where’s the second shop? I want you to take the lead again. You’re a pro.”

  With that compliment she took a quick breath before giving him the next address. Vic had no idea how much she wanted to be of help.

  The next parlor was very modern and had a myriad of designs mounted on the walls. She saw a pink eye and a whole slew of snake tattoos. This time a woman covered in tattoos with ruby red hair approached them. Her gaze fastened on Vic. “Hi, I’m Zena and I run this shop. What can I do for you?”

  No question this was Vic’s turn.

  “Sorry to bother you. My name’s Jim. This is Elaine. We’re private investigators working on a case for an insurance company. Have you ever seen this man in your shop?” He pulled the picture of Leroy from the pocket of his sport shirt. “He has a green eye tattoo on his inside wrist and two snakes on his chest.”

  She studied the picture for a minute and shook her head. “Never seen him before.”

  “Do you think one of your employees might have worked on him?”