by Dan Sears
She looks at him and tears fill her eyes.
“Dan, be careful. I have a bad feeling about this one. You will be shot, so wear your vest. I have a premonition, so humor me and do as I request, okay?”
“Honey, I wear it most of the time, but for now, I will wear it all the time. I must leave now.”
Mesa packs his duffle and walks to the door. He turns, kisses Janie and says good-bye and drives away.
The drive back to Nogales is uneventful. When Mesa arrives in Nogales at his ranch, he steps from the truck and notices that his dog is nowhere to be seen. He gets back into the truck, drives down the road, and stops. He walks quietly back and stands in the shadows. He notices movement next to the horse barn, and he moves in. He throws a rock and hits the figure. The man turns, and Mesa clobbers him hard. The man drops hard to the ground. Mesa moves like a ghost in the night and attacks without warning. A second man turns to run, but he runs straight into Mesa, who hits the man in his kidneys with a punch and kicks the man’s knees. He falls, and Mesa is on him like a vulture. He handcuffs the fellow’s left hand to his right ankle.
He searches the ranch for others but finds the tracks of only two vehicles and nothing else. Yet there is something else. There is an aroma that lingers at the corners of his mind. It is something he has smelled before but where?
He calls the rangers and they arrive with the local police. The two assassins are taken away and the forensics team arrives and does an inch-by-inch search of Mesa’s ranch. Alvina Venable is in charge of forensics, and she doesn’t miss much. A cigar stub is collected. A cast is made of footprints and another of tire markings. The tire has strange markings and should be easy to trace. Alvina walks toward Captain Johnson.
“Captain Johnson, these guys were playing for keeps. They dropped a bag, and inside I found this.” She opens the bag and produces plastic explosives, the military type. “Those guys are pros, and they planned to kill the sergeant and not leave a trace.”
Mesa says, “Sir, give me five minutes with them, and I promise you they will tell you everything you want to know.”
“Sergeant, you know I can’t and won’t do it. This has to be done by the book, because I don’t want some smart lawyer to get them off on a technicality. I want them to pay for their transgressions.”
“You are right, captain, but I just get tired of these characters getting away with their dastardly deeds.”
“Come along, sergeant, and let Alvina do her thing. If there is any evidence to be found, she will find it.”
“Sergeant, how did you know something was wrong when you drove up?”
Mesa smiles and says, “The dog was missing. If he had been alive, he would have greeted me with barking. So I took it as a warning and drove away.”
“Dan, this is the strangest case I have ever worked on. We have ghosts appearing and disappearing. To top it all, we have a second case involving female bank robbers, and they all are replicas of famous movie stars. It has to be a full moon, because there are lunatics everywhere I turn.”
The crime scene is secured, and the CSI team is combing the area with the hope of find more evidence.
In a house in the hills northwest of Tucson, Armanti Sandoval is figuring out his next move.
“There has to be a way of tricking Mesa into meeting me some place. I don’t want a fist fight with him. I am not so sure I will win. He has proven to be quite handy with his fists and with most weapons. This will require simple sniper tactics.”
Sandoval is aware of Mesa’s feelings for Alana Osborne and her mother and decides to use that to his advantage. The idea is to trick them into bringing Mesa out into the open. Maybe he can follow them to dinner and there attack. Christmas is only a few days away. The idea is to finish up everything before the New Year. It makes for messy bookkeeping to carry it over to the next year.
In another part of Tucson, Colonel Grant is meeting his ex-wife at the airport. As she steps through the entrance, Joan sees Joe standing there looking like a huge cuddly bear. He has a smile on his face, but she can see the apprehension in his eyes. She walks toward him and gives him a hug. She looks into his eyes and says, “Joe I was afraid that you’d change your mind and not be here after the way I acted years ago.”
He smiles and says, “I was afraid you’d change your mind and not come. I prayed last night and asked God to guide you and me back together. I haven’t done much praying over the years, but I think it will become a big part my life from now on. I promised him I’d start serving him better than I have been.”
“Joseph, you think we can make it this time? Can we find a place for us to meet and be husband and wife?”
“Honey, I looked at my life and decided that compromising will be a big part of my life with you. There were times before when I should have been more in tune with you, and I wasn’t. That changes as of now, and that is a promise. Remember some months ago when I told you about one of my rangers, a Sergeant Mesa? I’ve seen what he has gone through with the loss of his lady friend, and I don’t ever want to experience what he is facing.”
“Joe, is he the one who has been in the news so much of late? The bureau has a file on him. He is something of a folk hero, but no one knows much about him. He doesn’t give interviews. He has a friend in DC, an Agent Ortiz, who is worried about him. I’ve known Scott Ortiz for a few years, and he is a darn good agent. He asked me to keep tabs on him. I will leave that to you, my darling.”
They gather her bags and depart the airport. Joe Grant is happier than he has been in many years. He silently gives thanks to God for bringing them back together.
They arrive at Joe’s house, and the children are there to greet her, as they are all aware that their parents are back together. Peter, the oldest, hugs his mom and gives his dad a big bear hug. Gilda and Patrice, the twins, just smile and tears roll down their cheeks. They notice that, for the first time in their lives, their father is crying, but crying happy tears.
It is said even God smiles when families pray together. Joseph Grant falls on his knees and thanks God for his goodness and his many blessings. Grant remembers Sergeant Dan Mesa and wishes he could pass some of his happiness on to him.
In Yuma, Matilda receives a phone call telling her to meet her daughter in Tucson at the hospital. Alana and Sergeant Mesa receive the same call. All three speed toward Tucson.
Dan Mesa is suspicious of the call and puts on his vest; he remembers Janie’s warning. He adds his 9-mm pistol to his arsenal. He arrives at the hospital to find both Matilda and Alana there waiting. Just as he steps out of his truck, someone opens fire and hits Matilda and Alana. Dan Mesa locates the shooter and opens fire. He sees the shooter go down. He stands up, knowing he is going to be hit. He feels the impact of the bullet, but thanks to the vest, he is unharmed.
The sound of sirens is everywhere, but Mesa is steadily shooting and moving. He finds the shooter, Armanti Sandoval. He is almost shot to pieces. He is still alive when Mesa arrives.
“You are Dan Mesa,” he says, struggling to speak. “They told me you were tough. I should have listened. Carlos should pay for the trouble . . .” He dies before finishing what he started to say.
Mesa rushes back to Matilda and Alana. They are being taken inside the hospital to the emergency room. He rushes to the emergency room only to be stopped by a nurse.
“Ranger, you can’t go in there now.”
“Look, lady, two of my friends are in there, and I am going in with or without your approval. Now get the hell out of the way!”
The nurse sees something in his eyes that frightens her, and she immediately backs away. Mesa rushes in and sees blood everywhere.
“How are they?” he asks.
No one says anything. He moves forward like a crouching tiger ready to pounce on someone. His voice suddenly changes, and each word sounds like thunder.
The attending physician suddenly becomes aware that the man is about ready to attack him.
“Ranger, they are in serious condition. Now, please let us try to save them. I promise as soon as we stabilize them and find out their injuries and how serious, we will let you know. You have my word on that.”
“I will hold you to that.”
Mesa turns and walks out. He uses his phone to call Major McMasters.
“Hello, this is Sergeant Dan Mesa of the Santa Cruz detachment. May I speak to the major?”
“Sergeant Mesa, this is Ranger Aliente. I will see if the major is in.”
“Sergeant, what can I do for you?” McMasters asks.
“Sir, Lieutenant Osborne and her mother have been shot, and they are in the hospital here in Tucson. They are in serious condition, and I don’t know if they will pull through. I don’t know what happened. I received a call that said I should rush to the hospital, and when I arrived and saw them, suddenly shooting started. They were hit. I saw the shooter and took him out. It was Armanti Sandoval.”
“Okay, Dan, I will be arriving by helicopter shortly. Have you notified Captain Johnson yet?”
“No, sir, I haven’t. You are the first one I have called. I will call him now.”
“Dan, I will call him. You just hold tight where you are and keep an eye on them.”
The phone rings at Ranger Headquarters in Nogales and Bonefacio Hernandez answers saying, “Ranger Station.”
“Yes, I’m Major McMasters from Yuma. May I speak to Captain Johnson please.”
“Yes, sir, I will get him for you.”
“Captain, Major McMasters in on the phone, and he is a little upset.”
“Okay, Bonnie, I will take it. Captain Johnson picks up the phone and says, “Yes, major, what can I do for you?”
“Sam, Alana and her mother have been shot. They are in the hospital in Tucson, and Sergeant Mesa is there. Sam, he doesn’t believe they will make it through the night. Sandoval did the shooting, and Mesa killed him. I don’t know if he was injured or not. He never said. I am flying down by helicopter, and I will see you there.”
Sam Johnson feels gut-wrenching anger. Bonnie sees him, and what he sees scares the daylights out of him. Captain Johnson’s face is like beige stone, and his eyes are as dark as the pits of Hell. The captain takes down his .44 Magnum and straps it on.
“Bonnie, Lieutenant Osborne and her mother have been shot, and they are in the hospital in Tucson. Sergeant Mesa is there also. I don’t know if he has been shot or injured. Please call the colonel and tell him. I am on my way to Tucson. Call my wife and tell her.”
“Yes, sir. What should I tell the guys?”
“Just tell them what I told you and that, as soon as I get more information, I will call.”
With those last words, Sam Johnson leaves for Tucson.
Meanwhile back in Tucson, the police are everywhere asking questions. Sergeant Dan Mesa has written a statement explaining what happened, and he isn’t any too pleased. He is trying to control his anger and finding it extremely hard to do.
Sergeant Sheila Burke arrives and takes over. She walks over to Mesa.
“Dan, how is the lieutenant and her mother?”
“Hello, Sheila. They are still in the emergency room. The doctor on call said he would tell me something as soon as he could.”
Sergeant Burke notices that Mesa is covered in blood and suggests he go wash some of it off.
Mesa becomes aware of his situation and complies. He returns with the blood removed from his face and hand, but he could not do much with his shirt. There is a bullet burn on his neck and another on his arm, but he isn’t really aware of them.
Sheila returns with a nurse and says, “Dan, you have been wounded. Let the nurse take a look you.”
Mesa turns around, and what Sergeant Burke sees scares her; there isn’t anything human about the man she is facing. His face and entire demeanor are those of a dangerous animal.
“Dan, you have been wounded. Let the nurse have a look,” she says again.
Mesa relaxes and never says a word. It has been two hours since the shooting, and he hasn’t sat down yet. As the nurse is working on him, Major McMasters walks in.
Mesa attempts to stand, but the major says, “No, Dan, you stay seated. Are you badly injured?”
The nurse answers, “No, his injures are not life-threatening, but they are of concern, because the bullet burn on his neck barely missed an artery. The one on his arm came close to an artery too. I have disinfected the wound, and these bandages will protect them and allow them to heal. Ranger, you are a lucky man.”
Major McMasters has the look of a worried man.
“Nurse, could you please check on the condition of Lieutenant Osborne and her mother?”
The nurse leaves and goes to the emergency room.
“Doctor, how are those two patients who were shot? The younger one is an Arizona ranger, and the older lady is her mother.”
Doctor Burke is the on-scene doctor. He looks at the nurse and shakes his head.
“The ranger’s mother didn’t make it, and it is doubtful if the ranger will make it, although she is fighting for her life.”
“What should I tell the rangers?”
“Nurse, that is my job. I will have to bear the sad news.”
Dr. Burke arrives in the waiting room to find it filled with rangers, the police, the FBI, and news reporters. He calls the major and Captain Johnson to one side.
“Gentlemen, Lieutenant Osborne is in critical condition, and her mother died on the operating table. If we can stop the bleeding, there is a possibility we can save Lieutenant Osborne. She was shot once in the back and once in the chest. Her mother took two shots in the back and both would have been fatal. She said, ‘Tell Dan good-bye and that it is just my time.’ Captain, I assume that Dan is Sergeant Mesa? I think you should come with me when I tell him. I saw how he was when they brought them in, and I would not want to get on his bad side.”
Major McMasters’s face is like a mask. He hasn’t said much. They walk over to Sergeant Mesa, who is still seated. He stands as they approach.
“Hello, major. Hello, captain. I am sorry this happened. They were shot because of me. How are Matilda and Alana?”
“Dan, this is Doctor Burke, whom you already know. Listen to what he has to say.”
“Ranger Mesa, Matilda died on the operating table. I couldn’t save her. She told me to tell you it wasn’t your fault. It was just her time. Alana is in critical condition, and I won’t lie to you. I honestly don’t know if I can save her, but we are trying like crazy. A few prayers wouldn’t hurt.”
Mesa’s whole world is spinning out of control, and all he can do is watch it fall apart. All eyes seem to be on him. Then suddenly the doors burst open, and a nurse rushes in.
“Doctor! Doctor! That lady is still alive. She is talking.”
“Nurse, what are you talking about?”
“Doctor, Mrs. Osborne is still alive and talking.”
It takes a few second for what has been said to register with those listening. Suddenly, it dawns on them what has taken place.
Sergeant Dan Mesa of the Arizona rangers does something few people have ever seen him do. He smiles. He really smiles, with teeth showing and everything.
Dr. Burke is so shocked he can barely talk.
“Nurse, let’s get back in there and save a women’s life.”
He rushes into the emergency room.
Major McMasters and Captain Johnson sit down and show signs of relief. Now the waiting begins as the police and the FBI continue to ask questions of everyone.
“Sergeant, I know this is a bad time to be asking questions, b
ut could you give us a quick and dirty idea of what happened?”
Mesa explains again what happened in a straight-to-the-point way.
Sergeant Burke looks at Mesa and smiles, saying, “Ranger, there must be an angel looking after you. You have escaped death so many times. Those news reporters who constantly belittle the rangers and the police should have been here to see how a servant of the people saves the lives of our citizens. They seem to only see the brutal side of us.”
Everyone is nodding his or her head in agreement. One person standing to the side taking notes asks, “Sergeant Burke, can I quote what you said in my article? I am Jim Landry of the Phoenix Herald. I agree with what you said, and I promise to write an article that is fair and honest. I won’t lie for you or against you.”
“Yes, Mr. Landry, you can quote me. But if you do misrepresent the truth of what I said, I will sue you and your paper, and I promise all of us standing here: I will win.”
“Sergeant, you have my word of honor on what I have said.”
The smile on Mesa’s face fades, and he returns to being Daniel Mesa. They wait some more. The FBI takes Mesa’s statement and the statements of some of the bystanders. Sandoval’s body has been removed, and the hazardous materials crew is cleaning up the blood and debris. There is still much work to be done.
The local TV stations are broadcasting the shooting at the Tucson Medical Center. The TV echoes, “This is Laura Denton of Channel 14 News. There has been a shooting at the Tucson Medical Center involving the Arizona rangers. Chuck Garrison is on the scene. Chuck, can you tell us what happened?”
“Laura, apparently two women—mother and daughter—were shot as they arrived at the medical center. The younger lady is a lieutenant in the rangers, and the older lady is her mother. Someone opened fire on them, hitting the mother in the back and the daughter in the chest and back as she tried to shield her mother. Ranger Dan Mesa was at the hospital, and he opened fire, killing the shooter. The shooter has been identified as Armanti Sandoval, the notorious assassin wanted in several countries, including the United States, for murder. He is—or I should say was—a paid assassin. The names of the two ladies are being withheld, pending further investigation. The ranger who shot Sandoval is Sergeant Dan Mesa, who has been in the news several times over the past year as you and our viewers are aware. We do not know if Ranger Mesa was injured or not, but he was covered in blood, possibly from rendering assistance to the two ladies. That is all we know at this point.”
