by Rita Herron
“Joey is with us. Now tell us what you want.”
He flipped the phone to speakerphone, and Leland’s voice resonated over the line. “I’ll release Jim McKinney in exchange for my freedom. I want you to drop all charges against me in the fake kidnapping/murder plan.”
Cole exchanged furtive looks with Zane and Sloan.
“As Texas Rangers, we’re required to enforce the law,” Zane said. “We don’t make deals with criminals, Mr. Hendricks.”
The door creaked open and a crazed-looking Leland pushed Jim McKinney out onto the porch. He forced him to kneel and pressed a gun to the back of his head.
“Dad, let Mr. McKinney go,” Joey shouted.
“He slept with Lou Anne. He started all of this years ago!”
Leland sounded distraught, as if he’d walked off a ledge. Joey started to go to him, but Cole held her back. “Wait. He’s not rational, Joey.”
Cole and Sloan followed Zane’s cue and wove through the edges of the woods surrounding the house. Sloan to the right, Cole to the left.
“Convince them to drop the charges, Joey,” Leland yelled. “You have power, Joey, you work for the governor.”
“Why would Governor Grange agree to drop the charges?” Zane asked.
“Just get him here. He’ll do it,” Leland barked.
Cole had nearly reached the side of the house, and he hid in the bushes, waiting for Sloan to surface. Through the brush, he spotted his father on his knees. He thought Jim would be scared, but he squared his shoulders, seemingly calm and resigned. Maybe he figured he deserved to die after the way he’d betrayed his wife and Cole’s mother. And if he’d slept with Donna, if Justin was Jim’s son, he had another son. Maybe he figured it was time he paid the price for that sin as well.
Cole’s finger traced over the edge of his badge, then his hand moved to his pocket where he’d stored the one he’d found in the woods. The one he thought belonged to Jim.
Once upon a time his father had worn the badge proudly, too. Until he’d disgraced himself and his family. Still, he hadn’t murdered the Wallace women.
Cole had thought he didn’t care if the man lived or died. But faced with this dire situation, he realized he didn’t want his father’s punishment to be death.
He wanted to know the man who’d once worn that shield, to know if he still existed beneath the haggard surface. And although he’d been a poor excuse for a father, he deserved to have his professional name restored.
Sloan emerged from the brush across from him while Cole mentally formulated a diversion, but Joey suddenly shouted, then descended the hill, walking toward the house.
Leland yelled for her to stop, then stood and waved his gun in the air. Cole’s blood ran cold. Dear God. Surely Leland wouldn’t shoot his own daughter.
JOEY DARTED DOWN the hill, determined to stop Leland from hurting Jim McKinney.
“Let him go, Dad. Mr. McKinney had nothing to do with Lou Anne or Sarah’s murder or the kidnapping.”
“That may be true, but he humiliated me by having an affair with Lou Anne. He started the ruin of everything.”
Joey was only inches from the porch now. She recognized the resignation in Jim’s face. His wife was in a bad mental state, his sons’ lives affected by his actions. And he had suffered for his wrongdoings. But he didn’t deserve to die.
“I don’t want to go to jail,” Leland screeched. “Especially now I know your brother is alive. That Donna tricked me all these years.”
“You never cared about Justin.” Joey’s voice caught. “I always wondered how you could plan to have him kidnapped. How you could use your own son to claim that insurance money.”
“I was desperate then,” Leland wailed. Sweat beaded and rolled down his face as he ranted and waved the gun in a wide arc.
“But you found out he wasn’t your son,” Joey said. “I understand now, Dad.” She held up her hand, inching closer. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sloan on one side, Cole on the other.
Cole. Heavens, she loved him.
She pushed her own pain aside. Her family might never be whole again, but Cole deserved a chance to know the father he’d never had.
“Let Jim go,” Joey said in a placating tone. “Please, Dad, it’s time for the violence to end.”
“I can’t go to jail,” Leland said in a panic. “I can’t be shut away like some damn animal, Joey. You have to make the cops see that I didn’t carry out that plan so they can’t arrest me.”
He hadn’t carried it out because Rosa had beaten him to it. And now she’d suffer for her actions.
“You can arrange for me to be pardoned,” Leland pleaded as he raised the gun toward her. “You work for Governor Grange. Arrange it for me, Joey.”
Joey swallowed back her fear. “Let Jim go and I’ll call him.”
Leland aimed the gun at the back of Jim’s head and shoved him down the steps. “Call him first.”
Sloan inched from the bushes to reveal his location. “Leland, let my father go. Then we’ll talk.”
Leland’s crazed look terrified Joey.
“You don’t want to hurt Jim,” Sloan said. “Not for an affair that happened sixteen years ago.”
“Or does this have to do with Justin’s father?” Cole asked.
Leland spun sideways. “You bastard. How can you protect this man here? He never cared about you.”
“Just like you didn’t care about Justin,” Joey said sharply, dragging his gaze back to her.
He waved the gun back and forth between her and Cole, his hand shaking.
“But I’m your daughter, Dad. You won’t shoot me, will you?” She took another step closer, and he jerked the gun toward Cole.
“I’ll shoot him unless you call the governor right now! He’ll give me a pardon.”
“Why would he do that?” Cole asked.
“Because he’s Justin’s father,” Leland yelled bitterly.
Shock registered on Cole’s and Sloan’s faces. Then Cole glanced at her with a question in his eyes, and she realized that he’d thought Jim might be Justin’s father. Neither had trusted the other enough to tell the truth.
“But he’s no better than Jim,” Leland yelled. “He didn’t want to break up his happy marriage or ruin his career. So he let Donna pawn the kid off as mine.”
Joey’s chest constricted as more emotions pummeled her. How would Justin cope with this knowledge?
“Call him!” Leland bellowed.
Joey reached for her cell phone at the same moment Cole pounced toward Leland. Leland swung the gun sideways, and Joey lurched forward to stop Leland. She reached for the gun, but Jim McKinney slammed his hand into Leland’s arm and sent the weapon flying into the dirt.
She hit the ground, while Cole grabbed Leland and hauled his arms behind him. Seconds later, he snapped handcuffs on her father, and Zane and Sloan rushed forward.
Tears rushed to her eyes at the sight of the Rangers arresting her father. Cole darted toward her, but she shook her head to warn him not to. She needed time to deal with the pain and shock. Time to regroup. Time to figure out how she’d break the news to her newfound brother.
And she still had to talk to the governor.
She glanced at Cole again. She loved him. But men couldn’t be trusted. They cheated and lied and used you, then walked away.
So far, Cole hadn’t cheated on her. And she didn’t know if he’d ever lied. But he would walk away. She knew that in her heart.
And she’d have to let him.
Chapter Sixteen
Cole drove Joey back to the courthouse in silence. Zane had taken custody of Leland and Jim rode with Sloan. The investigation was officially over.
And he was worried sick about Joey. She looked withdrawn, pale and obviously didn’t want to talk. Having to snap those handcuffs on her father had been hell.
But at least he hadn’t had to shoot Leland.
He’d been prepared to, though. If he’d harmed one hair on Joey’s head…
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His gut clenched as he parked, and he spotted the media circus on the lawn in front of the courthouse. Harold Dennison stood in front of the camera like a peacock strutting his feathers, and an official car that obviously belonged to the governor was parked in front. Oh, boy, the dog do was about to hit the fan.
“Joey, I’m sorry.” He caught her hand as he parked.
“You did what you had to do, Cole.” Her voice sounded flat, but Cole realized that she kept a tight rein on her emotions and didn’t expect attention or sympathy.
All the more reason he wanted to hold her. She never asked for anything, but he instinctively sensed she needed comfort. Needed him.
Which made him feel even worse. He wished she’d yell at him. Hit him. Scream at him for hauling her father into jail. But this quiet acceptance was killing him.
The next few minutes chaos shadowed every moment. Zane and Sloan and the deputies arrived, along with Sheriff Matheson who helped to part the crowd of locals on the lawn and spirit the necessary parties inside.
Joey paused by the media cameras, and handled herself with a professional detachment as she briefly summarized the situation, answered and fended off questions. Of course, she carefully omitted any comment about Justin’s paternity.
“What will happen to Rosa Ramirez and Leland Hendricks now?” Dennison asked.
Joey inhaled a deep breath. “Charges will be filed, court dates set. The town of Justice will finally have justice.” She turned the mike back over to Dennison who began to comb the crowd for comments, and Cole whisked her inside.
Donna and Anna greeted them with exasperated but relieved looks.
Zane rushed in and Anna hugged him. “I’m glad your father is safe. And now maybe my mother and sister can rest in peace.”
“And we can move on with our lives, finally,” Zane said.
Governor Grange stood by the window looking out, seemingly lost in thought as he studied the curious mob outside.
Joey cleared her throat, and Cole touched her arm. “Would you like some privacy?”
She arched a brow toward the governor, but he shook his head. “It’s going to be public record soon enough. Might as well get it over with.”
“You’re Justin’s father?” Joey asked calmly.
He nodded and sank onto a bench. “How long have you known?”
“Not long.” Joey glanced at Cole, then continued. “I saw your name in Lou Anne’s date book, then when I met Justin, I suspected it was true.”
“You had evidence you kept from us?” Zane asked.
“I just found it and didn’t know if it was important,” Joey argued.
Donna clasped her hands together, looking calmer than she had in ages, as if she was finally relieved to have everything in the open.
“You didn’t want your family to know about your affair,” Cole said, letting Joey off the hook. “You had to protect your political career.”
He nodded in confirmation. “My wife knows everything now,” he said. “I told her last night.”
Joey folded her arms across her chest. “How is Martha taking the news that you lied to her for years and that you have a child?”
He shrugged. “Surprisingly well. She said she’d suspected something years ago. And she…thinks I should contact the boy.” His gaze lifted to Joey’s, and Cole saw a tired man. “What do you think, Joey?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. Sometime. But Justin—Caleb—needs time. He’s just learned that he’s a part of our family.” A mirthless laugh escaped her. “As twisted as it is. He has a lot to contemplate right now. I’m not even sure he wants to see me, and I didn’t betray him.”
Governor Grange nodded in acceptance and ran a hand through his thinning gray hair. “Of course I’ll resign from office immediately.”
“You don’t have to do that, Clayton,” Donna said. “You’ve done wonderful things for the state. People will understand.”
He shifted and gave her an odd look. “You were always so rational under pressure, Donna. I admired that about you.”
She patted his shoulder. “You were meant for office. If I hadn’t known that was the best thing for you and the state, I wouldn’t have kept your secret so long.”
He flattened his hands on his knees. “Well, I suppose we’ll see what the people think. How they feel. In the end, it’ll be up to them.”
“Is that why you sent me here?” Joey asked. “You wanted me to keep tabs on the investigation because of Justin?”
“That was partly it. I wanted answers about his death,” the governor said. “But I also knew you’d do the right thing, Joey. You have integrity. I’m glad my son’s alive and has you for a sister.”
Zane appeared then with Jim in tow. The badge in Cole’s pocket stabbed at his conscience. It was time to return it.
Zane waved them into a small office. Jim shoved a hand through his hair, looking harried, but his eyes brightened as he looked up at Sloan and Zane. Then he gave Cole a smile. “You boys are all good Rangers,” he said. “I know I’ve let you down over the years, but I want you to know that I’m proud of all three of you. And I’m sorry I tore our family apart.”
Cole shifted on the balls of his feet, feeling like an outsider again. He didn’t belong here. Never would.
Still, he removed the badge from his pocket. “I found this in the woods that day I was searching for evidence.”
Zane frowned. “You withheld evidence.”
Sloan made a sound of surprise. “You knew it belonged to our father.”
Cole nodded. “I wanted to check it out first.”
“You mean you wanted to investigate me?” Jim said with quiet acceptance.
Cole met the man’s gaze head-on. “I didn’t know if you were innocent or guilty.”
“I told the truth,” Jim said. “I didn’t remember what happened that night. But I must have lost my badge when I was drunk, after I left Lou Anne.”
“We know you didn’t kill her,” Sloan said. “That’s what matters, Dad.”
“No.” Jim threw up a hand. “I made a mess of things years ago. I cheated on your mother and disgraced myself with the Rangers.” His expression turned grave as he slanted his gaze toward Cole. “But most of all, I let your brother down.”
A knot gathered in Cole’s throat.
“I kept up with you, though, Cole,” he said in a gruff tone. “All these years, I knew what you were doing. Where you were. And before your mother died—”
“She died still loving you,” Cole said bitterly. “I never understood that. Not when you didn’t return her love. Not when you didn’t even bother to attend her funeral or acknowledge that you had a third son.”
“You’re wrong about my feelings,” Jim said with more force. “I did love your mother, Cole. I…considered leaving Stella for her more than once. But I had my other two sons to think of.” He gestured toward Sloan and Zane. “I’m sorry, boys. Sorry for loving another woman. But Stella …she was weak. The love just dwindled after a while.”
“But you stayed with her,” Zane said.
“She needed me.” Jim faced Cole. “Your mother, Barb, was strong. I knew she’d be all right. Stella wouldn’t have survived. Besides…” He rubbed a hand down his leg. “I’d already screwed up by cheating, and losing my badge. If I could do one honorable thing, it would be to honor my wedding vows to my legal wife. And I was afraid if I divorced her, she might commit suicide.”
Cole had hated Jim McKinney for so long, that it was hard to let go of the bitterness. But he was a man now, not a boy, and he recognized the truth in his father’s words. Some semblance of admiration stirred that even though his father had strayed, he had stuck to his marriage commitment.
He handed the badge to his father and then shook his hand. It wasn’t a perfect start, wouldn’t compensate for the isolation and lost years, but it was a beginning.
At least they finally had justice.
Zane, then Sloan, shook Cole’s hand as well.
“Thanks for holding onto Dad’s badge,” Zane said.
“And for returning it,” Sloan said.
Cole nodded, feeling a bond being forged, as if they were finally welcoming him into their brotherhood.
But what about Joey—could she forgive him for his part in arresting her father?
And was there a possibility that she hadn’t just muttered that she loved him in the heat of their passion-frenzied lovemaking, but that she’d meant the sentiment? That they might really have something together?
JOEY EXITED the courthouse, her heart in her throat. Cole and his father and brothers were finally reconciling. Cole would have the family he deserved.
While her family still remained in shreds, totally dysfunctional. Maybe someday Justin would come around, and at least she and he could have a relationship.
Weary and still reeling from the fact that Governor Grange had fathered her brother, she walked toward the bar. A drink would help wash away the pain. Help her get her act together. Force her to prepare for saying goodbye to Cole.
The lunch crowd had filled the parking lot, and Joey was just about to go inside when the sound of a Harley ripping toward her jerked her attention away from the door. Her pulse clamored as Cole skidded toward her. His blue eyes skated over her from head to toe, then his gaze settled on her face.
Her heart capitulated as disappointment ballooned inside her chest. He was leaving town already. Going to ride away and she’d never see him again. Never have his lips on her. Feel his touch. Have him inside her.
Hell, it was better. Men were cheaters, liars and then they walked away.
Or in this case, sped away on a Hog.
“Hey, legs. Thought you might like a ride?”
Temptation thrummed through her. But why stall the inevitable? Better to make a clean break than draw out the pain. “Thanks, but I don’t want to hold you up.”
His brows shot up. “Hold me up?”
“You’re leaving town, aren’t you?”
He shrugged, and she remembered how it felt to rest her head on those broad shoulders. “Eventually.”
Unwanted tears collected in her suddenly dry throat. “I need a drink.”
