by Carolina Mac
Tyler raised a dark eyebrow. He was an introvert and always wary of meeting anyone he didn’t know.”
“Just come to my hotel. I’ll phone down and have them arrange a table for us in the restaurant at nine.”
“Nine gives us lots of time. We’ll see you then.”
“Who are we meeting, baby girl?”
“Catherine wants to have breakfast with us before she goes home.”
Tyler frowned. “Eggs with the Governor? Not my idea of a fun breakfast.”
Annie giggled. “You might have fun. Give her a chance.”
“Can I skip?”
Annie ran across the room and tickled him. “No, you can’t skip. All you have to do is eat and that’s something you’re good at it.”
“I’m going under protest.”
Annie kissed him and shoved her tongue into his mouth. “Protest that, cowboy.”
Coastal Backwater.
FARRELL turned off the highway and onto the dirt road that led to Big Dave’s boat rental. He parked beside the old frame house and glanced around before getting out of the truck. The place had an eerie deserted feel to it and it creeped him out.
Carlos and Travis piled out and let the dogs loose to run around.
Yellow crime scene tape still sealed the door of Tennessee’s rusty trailer and the mud boats were still tied to the dock. Why hadn’t the company in Houston come to get them? The larger boat with the motor was gone.
“One of the boats is missing,” hollered Farrell. “Either they took it, or somebody stole it.” Farrell tried the door of the rental shack and it was unlocked. Everything looked the same.
Travis followed Farrell inside and shook his head. “This whole enterprise needs to be burned down.”
“Whitey lived in a school bus back in the woods,” said Farrell. “Let’s check that out.” They followed the worn down path through the trees with the dogs running ahead and when they got to the clearing where the bus had been sitting, it was gone. “Somehow they got back here from Freer and took the bus. Goddammit anyway.”
“DPS should be able to spot a school bus with two guys in it,” said Carlos.
“Think they would try for the border again?” asked Travis.
Farrell shook his head. “They know the backwater. Bet they moved the bus farther back and took the jon boat to get around.”
“How we gonna track them?” asked Carlos.
“Umm…” Farrell took a moment to think. “Let’s go back to Dave’s house and let the dogs get the scent. Maybe he left clothes laying around. The guy is a slob besides being a fucking asshole killer.”
“He killed his wife and his best buddy, am I right?” asked Carlos. “I don’t know all the details of this case.”
“Tennessee was sneaking around with Dave’s wife,” said Farrell, “and Big Dave caught them. Made quite a mess in the trailer.”
“Can’t wait to meet him,” said Travis.
Farrell called the dogs and they jogged back to Dave’s house. The door wasn’t locked. Nothing inside that shouldn’t be taken to the dump.
“Look around for something the dogs can use and let them spend some time in the bedroom,” said Farrell. “I’ll call Lily and get the bulletin out on the bus.”
Lily answered on the first ring. “Hey, Farrell. How’s the swamp?”
“Hotter than hell and full of bugs, thanks.”
“What do you need?”
“Whitey Sweedo lived in a modified school bus. I need to know if it was plated and if not just get a BOLO out on it and say no tags. Put a do not approach, on it too. Those guys are armed and they’re killers.”
“He lived in a yellow school bus?”
“Yep.”
“I’ll do it right away, then I’m meeting Declan at the hospital to see what’s up with Misty.”
“Call and tell me,” said Farrell, “I’m worried about her and Blacky will be asking Annie where she is.”
Carlos came out of the house with a couple of filthy t-shirts in his hand. “Found these and they stink. Should be good for the dogs.”
“Bring them. We’ll start where the bus used to sit.”
Laredo.
AFTER A relaxing breakfast with Governor Campbell, Annie and Tyler escorted her to the hotel parking lot to see her off. Special Agent Roderick had parked the SUV just to the right of the main entrance, so Catherine wouldn’t have far to walk, and she was covering that short distance with her briefcase in her hand when the young girl Annie had seen at the hospital came running around the corner with a gun in her hand.
Looking wild-eyed and possibly high, she waved the gun at Catherine and screamed in a high-pitched voice, “You’re the one who’s ruining Texas. Charlie had a plan to make everything right and he was almost there. It’s all your fault and I’m gonna make you pay, you red-haired bitch.”
The girl raised the Glock and Annie had plenty of time to pull her Beretta out of her waistband and shoot the gun out of the girl’s hand. An easy shot from close range. The gun flew before the girl could fire it and she dropped to the pavement screaming and clutching her bleeding arm.
Gene ran to the girl and kicked the Glock out of her reach. He called the police while Agent Roderick hustled the Governor into the back of the SUV and guarded the door.
First response was swift. Eight minutes and they swarmed the hotel parking area. Gene Wyman had control of the scene and sent an officer from Laredo PD to the hospital with the girl.
Annie gave up her gun to the first officer on the scene and recounted her actions for her statement. Annie’s version of what had happened was verified by two federal agents and the Governor. Tyler gave his statement and it was almost word for word the same as Annie’s. He’d been standing next to her when it all went down.
After the officer took the Governor’s statement and moved on to Special Agent Roderick, Catherine thanked Annie for saving her life. “It all happened so fast,” said Catherine, “and you were so accurate with your shot, it was unbelievable.”
Annie smiled. “I practice.”
“I can see where Blaine and Farrell got their skills,” said the Governor. I’m glad they’re on my team.”
Austin.
LILY met Declan O’Connor at Doctor Kaplan’s office in the neurological unit of the hospital.
“Please have a seat,” said the doctor. “Miss LeJeune has recovered from her setback—to a degree—but there are still issues.”
“What issues are those?” asked Declan. “Would they be manageable at home?”
“I think so if you were with her, Mr. O’Connor. You are an expert in your field, after all, and have cared for a good many brain injury patients. You know what to expect and how to react.”
“Will she be on medication?” asked Declan.
“I’ve started her on a couple of low doses—preventative measures—but better safe than sorry.”
“I’ll monitor her carefully,” said Declan. “Is she ready to go home today?”
“She is, but with Ranger Blackmore being so seriously injured, and Miss LeJeune so emotionally connected to him, I’m worried she might sink into a deeper depression. She’s very withdrawn.”
“We’ll take good care of her,” said Declan.
JESSE sat in Chief Calhoun’s office drinking coffee and discussing the events from the day before. “Did the ATF make a big score on our tips?”
“According to my sources,” said the Chief, “it will take days to cataloged the two loads that they seized. The storage unit was about double what was in Frost’s hunting cabin.”
“Are they sending us flowers or bottles of wine or anything,” asked Jesse with a smirk.
“Haven’t seen anything yet. You boys going to try a couple more on the list?”
Jesse nodded. “Only thing worrying me is if the word is out and the fuckers are already moving the stashes.”
“If that was the case, they should have moved the goods when we took Leggatt down.”
“You’d
think,” said Jesse. “They are a pretty cocky bunch.”
“You need more backup,” said the Chief. “Luke was shook up yesterday from the shooting. He shouldn’t be working today.” The Chief smiled. “He ain’t Farrell.”
Laredo.
ANNIE sat with Blaine after the breakfast shooting was cleared up and didn’t mention a word of it to him even though he was a little more alert than the day before. Worrying about the Governor’s safety would not help his recovery. And there was little he could do from his bed in the ICU.
“You seem more with it today, sugar. Your eyes are clearer.”
“So many drugs, Mom. I can’t keep awake.”
“That’s what your doctor wants. You have to rest to heal.”
“Where’s Misty? Was she already here? I can’t remember.”
“Umm… she wasn’t feeling well yesterday, and Lil took her home.”
Blaine’s eyes widened. “All the way to Austin?”
“The doctor who examined her downstairs thought it was best if Doctor Kaplan examined her.”
“Okay, something big happened if you took her to the ER. Tell me. I can take it.”
“Nothing major, but she did pass out and tip off her chair for no reason. I think the doc in Emerg couldn’t find a reason and that’s why he sent her to Austin.”
“Makes sense. Can I get an update?”
“Dec and Lily are working on that, and as soon as Dec calls me, I’ll tell you, sweetheart. I’m not keeping anything from you.”
“Don’t ever do that, Mom. I need to know what’s going on with Misty. Always.”
Coastal Backwater.
THE BOYS changed into waterproof boots, sprayed each other down with insect repellent and filled backpacks with what they might need for the day—water, snacks, first aid supplies and dog biscuits. Farrell brought a Garmin, so they could find their way through the maze of channels. Getting lost was a strong possibility.
Red and Bluebelle spent fifteen minutes at the site where the bus had been sitting before Red alerted and was ready to go. Bluebelle followed and the boys had to jog to keep up.
Four hours of running behind the dogs led them to the end of land. They came to a point where there was no where to go but back the way they came.
“They didn’t come this way with the bus,” said Travis. “Impossible.”
“Let’s go back,” said Farrell. “We’ll have to look from a boat and find where they are.”
“Maybe we need one of those swamp boats and a guide,” said Carlos.
“Huh,” said Farrell. “There are miles of channels. This could take weeks.”
Austin.
MISTY struggled with the porch steps when Declan and Lily brought her back to the Agency. Declan helped her with each step and steadied her, sensing her balance was off.
Carm held the door open, tears streaming down her face. Hoodoo pushed past Carm to get to Misty and almost knocked her over.
Misty knelt down on the porch and hugged her dog. “I missed you so much.” She buried her face in Hoodoo’s fur and cried.
Once Misty had made it all the way into the foyer, Lil brought in the luggage from Laredo. It had been in the trunk of her Mustang. “I’m going home to get a few things done, but if y’all need me, call. I’ll be home all weekend.”
“Thanks, Lil,” said Declan. “Once we’re settled in, I think we’ll be okay.” He pointed to the sofa in the front parlor and Misty sat down with Hoodoo sticking close to her leg. “Relax there, young lady, and I’ll get you some tea.”
Misty smiled. “I can get it, Declan. A lot of fuss over a little fainting spell.”
Casey sat down close to Misty. “I can fetch what you need, my queen. I missed you so much.”
Misty giggled. “You are my slave.” She put an arm around Casey and hugged him.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Sunday, June 28th.
Giddings.
JESSE showered and dressed intending to have the whole day to himself. It had been a hell week and he needed a day of relaxation with his daughter. He strapped her into her high chair at the breakfast table and poured himself a glass of orange juice.
Maybe Jamie will come for Sunday dinner.
Charity pointed to Ty’s empty chair like she’d done each morning since he’d gone to Laredo. “Ty.”
“Let’s call Ty and see when he’s coming home?”
Tyler picked up on the first ring. “Jesse, everything okay with Charity?”
“She’s missing you. When are you coming home?”
“Tonight. Blacky is moving into a regular room this morning and transferring to Saint Michael’s by ambulance tomorrow.”
“That’s great news. I’ll be able to see him by tomorrow night.” Jesse ended the call and brought his brothers up to date.
“Excellent,” said Brian. “They wouldn’t be transferring him if he wasn’t strong enough for the trip. He’s making progress. I’d like to have a look at the wound and see how he’s healing.”
“Do you have buds at Saint Mike’s?” asked Paul.
“Sure do,” said Brian. “Somebody will let me have a peek at him.”
“Ty’s coming home tonight, little girl,” said Jesse. He brushed her dark curls back from her face.
“Ty, mine,” said Charity and picked up a piece of her biscuit.
Austin.
STILL SHAKY and upset from the attempt on her life the day before, Catherine had slept poorly. She was up at six looking for coffee and the chef didn’t have it ready. While she waited in the dining room she jotted down thoughts for the statement she was planning to make. Another thing on her mind was a thank-you gift for Annie. What do you get someone who saves your life? Blaine would know.
“It’s so hard without him.” Tears cascaded down her face and she swiped angrily at them with a linen napkin. Royce had caused all of this. Turned their lives into a pit of hell and she was glad he was dead.
Who killed him?
It didn’t matter as long as the threat was gone, but it would be interesting to know who had done the deed. She shrugged and kept on with her notes.
One of the kitchen staff entered the dining room and placed the coffee tray on the buffet. “Shall I pour you a cup, ma’am?”
“Yes, please. Sorry I’m up so early. I couldn’t sleep.”
“No problem. Chef has your favorite muffins in the oven and I’ll bring them to you in a few minutes.”
“Thank you so much, Beth, I need the coffee badly.”
After a muffin and a third cup of coffee, Catherine checked to see if it was a decent hour and called Mary Polito. The young columnist was so much more talented than her own speech writer. Blaine had been advocating a replacement and Catherine hadn’t had time to put Mrs. Warburton on it. She’d do it tomorrow.
“Governor Campbell?” Mary answered sleepily on the second ring.
“Am I calling too early, dear? I’m sorry. I’m home from Laredo and I need to say something—kind of an ensemble explanation of all that’s happened—and I wondered if you’d mind helping me?”
“Of course not. What time should I come over?”
“Would ten be too early? I’m making a page of notes to get us started, and I can offer you breakfast.”
“That sounds nice. Ten is fine. I’ll see you then.”
“Thank God for Mary,” said the Governor out loud.
Seadrift.
AFTER BREAKFAST with Travis and Carlos at the diner, Farrell parked in front of the local outfitters—the only one in town. The frame store was small but packed with rods, reels, outdoor clothing and all manner of camping gear.
The bearded guy behind the counter wore a Duck Dynasty cap and chewed on a toothpick as he talked to the customer ahead of Farrell.
“Help, y’all?” he said after he rang the customer through.
“Hope so,” said Farrell. I need to hire a boat for the backwater and a guide that knows where he’s going. Know anybody like that?”
“Do so.” He hollered over his shoulder, “Izzy, you’re up.”
A short lady about Annie’s age—mid thirties—with freckles and long red braids came out of the back room chewing on a piece of bacon. “Can’t a person finish their breakfast?”
“Not when customers need you, babe.”
Izzy glanced at Farrell. “You need my services?”
“If you have a boat and know the backwater, I do.” Farrell placed his creds on the counter.
Duck raised an eyebrow under his hat. “Rangers?”
“We’re searching for two fugitives.”
The Duck Dynasty guy nodded as he clued in. “I got it. Y’all think Whitey and Big Dave went way back?”
“I do.”
“I’ve known those guys for years,” said Duck Dynasty, “and I’m not sure if I want my wife helping you kill ‘em.”
“Hey,” said Farrell, “Big Dave murdered his wife and Tennessee Taylor. Shot them both in the face with a fuckin sawed-off. That little fact gives me all the reason I need to shoot the fucker in the head.”
“You have to prove it. That’s the law.”
“What? You think he didn’t do it?”
“He might have if Tanya, the meth head, was cheating on him, but he should get a trial.”
“You a lawyer?”
“No, but I watch TV.”
“Good for you.” Farrell shoved his creds back in his pocket. “You loaning me your wife or not?”
“She’s expensive,” said Duck.
“How much?”
“Umm… hundred a day plus gas for the boat.”
“We’ll take her,” said Farrell.
Duck turned to his wife and barked, “Go get ready, Iz.”
Laredo.
ANNIE AND TYLER were shown into Blaine’s new hospital room on the fourth floor at the beginning of visiting hours.
His bed was propped up slightly and there was an empty coffee cup on his nightstand. He managed a smile when they came in. “Hey, my Mom is here. Hi, Ty, have you been here the whole time with Mom?”
“Uh huh. Keeping her out of trouble,” said Ty.
“That’s a full time job,” said Blaine, “and I should know.”
