by Dan Sears
The service lasts ninety minutes. Ophelia cries softly, and so do Mardi and Amelia. Napal’s face is drawn tight, and his eyes are red. Mesa’s face is like stone, and there is a pronounced grinding of his teeth. When he suddenly realizes he is grinding his teeth, he stops.
When the service ends, they all leave for the Cortez ranch. Family and friends arrive at the family ranch. Mesa wanders out to the corral where the horses are. His face is wet with tears, something no one will ever see again. His shoulders are slumped, and his fists are clenched.
Unknown to him, Mardi and Napal are watching from a distance. They slowly turn and walk away, not wanting to intrude.
Inside, the people are lively, remembering Sonia’s zest for life. Ophelia likes the light-heartedness of the crowd but wonders where Mesa has gone. Napal and Mardi explain what they have witnessed. Ophelia walks outside and stands next to the lonely figure lost in grief. He suddenly becomes aware that he is not alone, wipes away the tears, and regains his composure, apologizing for his weakness.
Ophelia says, “You don’t have anything to apologize for. She was my child, but she was more. She was my friend and companion, and she is still here with me in spirit. Daniel, keep her safe in your heart, and never forget what she meant to you.”
She walks away softly, leaving Dan to gather himself together. Then Mesa turns around and follows her inside.
Mesa knows he has to return and start searching for Carlos. He says good-bye to Sonia’s family when he arrives at the airport.
When Mesa arrives in Tucson at the airport on Sunday, Captain Johnson meets him.
“Sergeant, the Texas rangers contacted me about what happened in El Paso. Are you okay? How did the funeral go?”
Mesa says, “Yes, sir, I am okay. The funeral was done in a tasteful manner, and her family was great. She was a well-loved person. I hope, when it is my time to die, someone will weep for me.”
“Dan, take a few days off and go visit friends. Come back to work on Thursday. In the meantime, I will contact all the local police departments to see if they have anything on Carlos or Antonio. When you return, you have my permission to do what you do so well. This is not a suggestion; it is an order, sergeant.”
“Yes, sir. I will take a few days off, but when I return, someone will pay dearly for what happened to Sonia. Captain Johnson, I want that person dead, and I want to be the one to pull the trigger and watch him die.”
Captain Johnson is watching Ranger Mesa as he speaks. He is aware that Mesa’s actions are classic Mesa, said without any outward emotions with the exception of obvious anger. Johnson is worried about Mesa and wonders what he will do.
Captain Johnson turns on the TV to channel 23; KBOT news is broadcasting.
“Good evening, I am Eric Sandoval of the editorial department of KBOT. I want to talk to you about something I believe to be a blot on the law enforcement officers of Arizona. I am talking about one of the Arizona Rangers, a Sergeant Daniel Mesa of the Santa Cruz rangers. It seems that another person has died because of Sergeant Mesa’s actions. My sources tell me that Sonia Perdenales, a close friend of Mesa’s, was kidnapped and murdered because of him. Granted, Sergeant Mesa did not pull the trigger. But because of his reputation and actions, people are afraid of him, and they take actions that often times result in the death or injury of innocent people. It is time a dinosaur such as Ranger Mesa becomes extinct. It is time he enters into the twenty-first century or disappears. The number of shootings he has been involved in is amazing. It is doubtful he remembers. A check of the records says he has killed or shot fifteen people in the last ten years. Sergeant Mesa, it is time for you to go away. Maybe it is time for the rangers to go away. This is Eric Sandoval for channel twenty-three news and good night.”
Captain Johnson’s fist crashes on the desk, and the walls rattle.
The phone rings, and he answers, “Captain Johnson here.”
“Sam, did you see the new editorial about Dan Mesa? That son-of-bitch Sandoval needs to have his goobers caught in a vice and squeezed until he passes out from the pain. I guess under the circumstances the less said and done about it the better. We will let the governor’s office handle everything. Where is Sergeant Mesa?”
“Sir, Sergeant Mesa is taking a few days of well-deserved leave on my orders. He fought it, but he knew I was not joking, so he reluctantly took leave. When he returns, I plan to turn him loose and let him do what he does best.”
“Sam, it seems as if he really can’t get a break. This state and country owe him a lot, but we don’t realize it. Let me know when he returns. Take care, Sam; it could be worse.”
In Douglas, Arizona, Carlos and Antonio are discussing their future and trying to stay ahead of the law.
“Carlos, maybe we should consider leaving Arizona and moving to Texas, or New Mexico, or maybe even Colorado? There we can hide out for a long time. It would be nice to just get away from this life for a while,” Antonio says.
Carlos is far ahead of Antonio.
“You know something? You are right,” he says. “I will sell my sedan and buy a pickup truck. I want a Dodge with a camper and four-wheel drive. I think a used truck will bring less attention.”
“Boss, we should probably change our appearances. I will grow my hair longer and grow a moustache. You should grow a beard and a moustache.”
They arrive at a dealership, and Carlos trades his ‘99 Lincoln town car for a ‘98 Dodge extended cab truck with a camper thrown in.
“Antonio,” he says, “I have always wanted to buy a truck and drive across the country, but living in the city didn’t allow for such. Now is the time to branch out and try new things. So let us go forward and seek new adventures.”
“Boss, that ranger is not going to stop hunting us. He is hell on wheels when he gets angry. I know we have a contract on him, but we haven’t heard anything from anyone, so he is still alive. I believe I could take him out myself. I don’t think he is all that tough. People are always talking about him and how tough he is. I believe I can take him.”
“Antonio, you are a fool. I should just let him kill you, but since you are the only friend I have right now, I will have to protect you. Together, we may be able to take him, but alone, neither one of us is capable. I know Ranger Mesa well. He took Jose, and he was tougher than either one of us. Dan Mesa is angry now, and he is extremely dangerous. He never allows his feelings to overrule his thinking, and a thinking man is dangerous. You and I are responsible for that woman’s death, and he knows it. He plans to kill both of us; that is something I am sure of. Why in the hell did you have to do something so stupid as kidnap his girlfriend?”
“Boss, I thought that was what you wanted. I figured if we had her we could have made a deal for Ranson.”
“Antonio, you don’t make deals with the likes of Daniel Mesa. He would have shot you. The plain truth is you and I have a serious problem by the name of Ranger Dan Mesa. I hope the contract is carried out, because I am not going to jail, even if I have to kill myself.”
In the maroon Dodge truck four-by-four with extended cab and camper that Carlos purchased. They proceed toward San Antonio. Carlos knows that he can get help in San Antonio to take Ranger Mesa out of this life.
In Yuma, Alana is watching the news when Matilda walks in. She sees the affect the news broadcast has on Alana, and she walks over and shuts off the TV.
“Honey, that newscast isn’t worth watching. He is a blooming idiot, and anyone who pays attention to what he has to say has a serious judgment problem. Eric Sandoval made his name in the industry off the pain and suffering of others. He is the type of news reporter who would stick a microphone in your face right after you lost your husband in an auto accident. He feeds off others’ misery, and he take things out of context and changes them to fit his latest crusade. He is on a mission to discredit the rangers just because they a
re there. He wants to discredit Dan Mesa, because Dan is a target and because Ranger Mesa is something he can never be. Dan Mesa is an honest-to-God man, and he stands for something.”
“Mom, it really gets my temper up when someone attacks Dan for no reason. He deserves better. I remember how I treated him, and it still bothers me. Sandoval advocates doing away with the rangers. I feel like going over to the TV station and punching him in his face. But that would only give him something more to talk about and cause a lawsuit for the rangers.”
“Alana, when this is over, what do you plan to do about Dan? He will never be the same again. I know his type; he will always blame himself for her death. Wherever he is at this moment, he is in torment. I can sense it. He reminds me of your father. Those two men are replicas of each other. It’s almost like he is a reincarnation of your father.” Matilda turns and walks away, remembering her husband and her feelings for Dan Mesa. He belongs to Alana.
Ranger Bonefacio Hernandez has put on a beard and moustache and is following Ranger Mesa. He knows where Mesa is headed. He is going to Sierra Vista.
“Captain, this in Hernandez,” he says when he calls to report. “I am following Dan, and he is going to Sierra Vista. What is in Sierra Vista?”
“It isn’t what. It is who is in Sierra Vista, and the who is an old friend of his who helped him find his life when his wife left him. I will tell you about it later. Stay on him, but don’t let him see you.”
Dan Mesa arrives in Sierra Vista and parks in front of the Chardon Blieu. He notices a beige Lexus with Maryland tags and two men changing the tire. They don’t fit with the locals. Something in the back of his mind sounds a warning. He walks over to them.
“Gentlemen, I know why you are here. Believe me, you aren’t men enough for one, and you aren’t smart enough for the other. Take some free advice and go back to Maryland or Washington and tell Vermenti you aren’t up to it. If I see you again, I will shoot first and ask questions later. Do you understand what I am saying to you?”
The younger man makes a move toward Ranger Mesa and immediately regrets it. He is suddenly staring down the barrel of the biggest pistol he has ever seen, a 44 magnum. He starts to sweat and his mouth is extremely dry.
Dan turns to the older gentleman and politely says, “Sir, if this man is your friend, I suggest you have a long talk with him about life and death. It would be a shame to shorten his life at his young age. Please pay attention to what I have told you. May you have a blessed day.”
Mesa turns and walks away.
Unknown to Mesa, Ranger Bonefacio Hernandez has witnessed the entire incident and passes it on to Captain Johnson.
The older would be assassin looks toward the younger one and says, “Lorenzo, you have a lot to learn about people. That man is dangerous. Had I been him, I would have killed you. The only reason he didn’t kill you was because he wears a badge. I saw something in his eyes, and believe me when I tell you do not be fooled by his politeness. He was only inches away from killing you. Next time, he will kill you and make no mistake about it.”
“Johnnie, you are too old and too careful. I will kill him next time. Watch and see.”
Johnnie “the Butcher” Martin, short for Johnnie Martinelli, looks at Lorenzo Balducci and shakes his head in a sad way.
“Good evening, sir, are you here for dinner and do you want smoking or nonsmoking?”
“Yes, one for dinner and in the nonsmoking area, please.”
Charley takes note of the man, who seems to be in his early forties and is physically fit and not handsome but has a presence that speaks of courage and a hint of sadness in his eyes.
“Ma’am, is Ms. Olivetti working this evening?” he asks. “If she is, will you please tell her that an old friend would like to see her?”
“Who shall I say is asking for her?”
“Just tell her Daniel Mesa is asking for her. Thank you, Ma’am.”
Charley walks away hurriedly and tells the waitress to go to the stranger’s table.
The waitress approaches, saying, “What would you like to drink, sir?”
“I would like a glass of iced tea, please, with lemon, and a glass of White Zinfandel for my guest, who will be here shortly.”
Dan’s mind returns to Sonia. Sonia, I wish I had been there for you. This shouldn’t have happened to you. I promise you they will pay for what was done to you. I shall have to live with this for the rest of my life. I will get everyone who was a part this. I will make them pay!
In the meantime, Charley knocks on Janie’s office door.
“Come in, Charley. You look worried. What’s wrong?”
“Ms. Olivetti, there is a rather handsome black man wearing western gear and a badge asking for you. He looks familiar, but yet I don’t know him. What shall I do?”
“Charley, he is an Arizona ranger named Dan Mesa and a very, very dear friend. He is the one I let get away. Where is he seated?” she asks. “Oh, I bet I can tell you. He is seated so he has a complete view of the room with his back to the wall, right?”
“Yes, but how do you know that?”
“I know Ranger Daniel Mesa better than most. He is one in a million, and I mean exactly that. Show me where he is sitting.”
Dan sees her coming and breaks out in a sweat. He rises as she approaches.
“Hello, Janie,” he says, “it is good to see you again. I . . . I . . . well, what I mean is you are lovely.”
“Why, Daniel Mesa, I do believe you are blushing! You really are happy to see me, aren’t you?”
“Janie, I am always glad to see you. Every time I see you, you take my breath away. I guess I still have you under my skin. Please, have a seat. I ordered a glass of wine for you. If I remember correctly it is White Zinfandel?”
“Dan, I heard about Sonia, and I am so sorry. I heard she was a friend of yours. Have you caught those responsible for it?”
“No, I haven’t, but I will. I can promise you that. It seems that the culprits are Carlos Meana and Antonio Blackbear of Tucson. They kidnapped her and took her to a house and left her there. The house was struck by lightning, and she burned to death. They tied her to a chair, and she was gagged. Every time I think about it, I just want to kill them slowly and let them suffer as she did. I keep having these nightmares . . . I can hear her screaming my name. I should have been there.”
Janie is watching his face and sees the pain and hurt he is going through. Before she knows it, she is crying softly.
Mesa regains his composure and looks up to see her tears. He immediately apologizes.
“Janie, I am sorry for bothering you with this. I told you I would be back to spend some time with you after I finished that Jackson affair. I didn’t think it would be under these circumstances. Captain Johnson told me—no, he ordered me—to take a few days off. I do believe he is worried about me.”
Mesa smiles a crooked half smile, and his face suddenly lights up for a second.
“Dan, why don’t you follow me home, and I will prepare a meal for you? It has been a long time since I cooked for a man.”
“Okay,” Dan says, “but I must warn you, there is a price on my head for five hundred thousand dollars. I met one of the assassins a few minutes ago. They were changing a tire across from the restaurant. I warned them that, the next time I see them, I will shoot first and ask questions later. Just in case they don’t hear well or understand English, maybe I should park my truck in your garage until I leave Sierra Vista.”
“Dan Mesa, how is it that you manage to stay in so much trouble?” Janie asks. “Well, I love you, and I will take you any way I can get you, so follow me.”
Janie lives in an exclusive section of Sierra Vista in the foothills in an old refurbished ranch house with stables and horses. It seems that her past profession paid high dividends. Dan Mesa, a friend from year
s back, has never mentioned her past profession. He just likes her as a friend, and there are unspoken feelings that he dare not go into. He parks his truck in back of the house in the barn under the Breezeway. They walk inside. Janie turns around and smiles at him.
“Dan, do you mind if I change into something more comfortable than this gown? Follow me upstairs, sir.”
Dan smiles to himself, remembering how she looks in a nightgown. He knows that, for a few minutes, he can just be Daniel Mesa, a man with a beautiful woman who loves him and demands nothing.
I guess I am a fortunate man who has some very good friends. Janie has always been there for me, but I have been there for her as well. Why can’t we settle down together? Mesa is contemplating these things when Janie walks in wearing a lavender gown that takes his breath away. He stands there with his hat in his hand, smiling like a kid in a candy store.
“Daniel Mesa, you look as if you are seeing me for the first time. What is wrong? Don’t you like me?” She smiles, knowing that she looks absolutely gorgeous.
“Janie, I just want to say . . . well, what I meant to say is . . .”
Suddenly, he finds himself in her arms, and her lips meet his. The whole world seems to be right for once in his life. A sea of warmth and contentment envelops them, and no one else matters for a while. Afterward, Mesa falls asleep and sleeps fretfully. He awakens to find that Janie is standing there watching him. He smiles.
“Janie, why can’t we fall in love get married and just enjoy being with each other? I have been in love with you since we first met, and that has been more years than either of us wants to remember.”
“Dan, I love you as well and always have. The problem is that I have been around the track a few times. There have been several men in my life, and you know that. Can you take me as I am and love me regardless of what I have been?”
