by Carolina Mac
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
MISTY was sleeping late while Blaine spent Sunday morning on his computer concentrating on Leggatt’s bodyguard, Corey Lebovic. Thirty-six years old. His address was listed as Leggatt’s ranch. Single—never married. Ex-army. Two tours in Afghanistan. After his discharge, he’d been arrested several times for fighting in bars. He served six months in Travis County for assault, but that was the only time he’d been sentenced.
If Blaine’s information was correct, Lebovic lived on Leggatt’s ranch and could be trouble for Annie. She’d have to be careful of him.
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
ROSALIE SET the table in the dining room like she did every time Annie had company for dinner. Paul Leggatt was introduced to all Annie’s cowboys and they chatted amiably to him about his horses. Wayne was especially enthusiastic and keen to know more about the blood lines the Lazy L boasted about in their brochures.
After dinner while Paul smoked on the porch with Wayne and Bull, Annie locked herself in the master ensuite and texted Travis.
“I have Leggatt here for a couple more hours. Wait for dark and see what you can do at his ranch.”
“Okay, leaving at dusk. Let me know when he leaves.”
“Roger that.”
West of Austin.
AFTER SUNSET, Travis jumped in his truck and headed out to the Lazy L ranch. It would take him a good forty-five minutes to an hour to make the trip up to Austin, and then west and it would be almost full dark by then.
He parked down the sideline in a treed area and gauged how far he was from Leggatt’s house. Maybe half a mile. He could see a light, but it didn’t mean anybody was in the house. It could be a security light on a timer and he hoped to hell that’s what it was. If Lebovic or someone else was in the house, Travis would be out of luck.
The day hadn’t cooled down a single bit with the setting of the sun and Travis sweat right through his black t-shirt as he ran through a ten acre hayfield. As he neared the house, he wiped the sweat out of his eyes with the back of his forearm and zeroed in on where the light was coming from.
“Security light at the front door. That’s okay.” He ran around to the back of the house looking for a way in and spotted sliding glass doors. Kitchen or dining room. Ideal location but no good to him if there was a stick in the track.
He flattened himself to the back wall of the house as he inched along in case a motion sensor triggered an alarm. Almost at the door, he heard gunfire. Travis turned to look and couldn’t see anything. It was coming from a long way back on the ranch. If Leggatt’s guys were back there practicing their night shooting, they wouldn’t be anywhere near the house and he should be okay. He slipped on a pair of latex gloves and tried the door. It slid open and he was in and out in less than a minute. Job done.
He jogged back to his truck and texted Annie.
“Done.”
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
ANNIE HEARD her phone signal a text as she and Paul strolled down by the river. He had been preparing to leave and she coaxed him into a night walk by the water to give Travis more time. Frogs croaked, and the cicadas sang about the heat of the day.
“Your ranch is so beautiful and peaceful, Annie,” said Paul, “I could get used to it here.”
“I’m sure I could buy more acreage elsewhere, but why do I want it or need it? I don’t, and I have lots to keep me busy.”
Paul turned towards her and pulled her into an embrace. “I want to spend more time with you, Annie. You’re getting under my skin.”
“Maybe we can have dinner again this week. I’ll see what my calendar looks like.”
“I’ll return the favor and invite you to my ranch.”
“Thanks, Paul. I’d like that.”
They walked back to the house and Annie kissed him goodbye as he got into his truck.
“Thanks for a wonderful day, Annie. I can’t remember when I’ve been so relaxed. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
“It was fun, Paul. You’re good company.”
He jumped behind the wheel of his truck and lowered the window. “I want to be more than good company, and I know I have competition.”
“That will make it all the sweeter in the end, won’t it?”
He grinned. “It sure will.”
Annie watched his tail lights disappear down her long laneway and when he was gone, she sat in one of the wicker chairs on the porch and texted Tyler.
“Want to sleepover?”
“Is the coast clear?”
“I’m opening a Lone Star for you.”
“Fifteen minutes.”
“I love you, sugar pop.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Monday, June 8th.
The Blackmore Agency. Austin.
THE BLACKMORE CREW sat around the kitchen table at the morning meeting waiting for Blaine to shout out their orders for the day. He stared into his coffee mug and said nothing.
Lil sat at the end of the table with her yellow pad and her Sharpie waiting to make a list.
Finally, Farrell asked, “Are we working today, or not, bro?”
“We have three unsolved murders,” said Blaine. “I’m going to the autopsy at nine on the last victim, and all we’ll get from that, I’m guessing, is the same as the first two. Nothing.” He told them about the weird phone call.
“So, all you got from that call was Aunt Laura and overdue?” asked Luke.
“His phone was cutting out and I couldn’t hear,” said Blaine. “I was hoping he’d call again.”
“But Misty said a kid would call,” said Farrell, “and she got that message from the library book. I say we go back to the library, find out if all three victims were members and grill the hell out of the employees. It’s our only lead.”
“If all three were members of that branch,” said Blaine, “it’s a connection—even though it’s weak—really fuckin weak.”
“I spoke to the head lady about the book,” said Farrell, “last time I was there. I’ll go to her and have her set up interviews with every employee. Maybe they have rooms we can use.”
Blaine nodded. “I don’t know how many people work there, but it may take a couple days to work through all of them. Don’t matter. We have to get something. Everybody work on interviews for today and we’ll talk it through.”
Travis held up a hand. “Can I have somebody for surveillance, boss? I’m still on that other thing, but we’re set up. Need the unit too.”
“Yep, you take Luke, and I hope you get something.”
Ranger Headquarters. Austin.
BLAINE arrived at the morgue as Doctor Mort Simon began the autopsy on Sandra Beckman, the third victim in the ‘maybe murders.’
Mort glanced up as Blaine walked through the door and said, “I wasn’t sure you were going to show up.”
“Don’t know why I’m here,” said Blaine, “Grasping at straws, I guess. We have nothing on these three. Zip.”
“Frustrating,” said the doctor. “You want to investigate but there isn’t even a tiny thread.”
“Maybe this lady will tell us something that the other two didn’t,” said Blaine.
Mort grinned as he made the cut. “Let’s see what she says.”
Central Library. Downtown Austin.
FARRELL drove to the central library branch with Carlos and Fletcher. He parked and as they walked to the entrance, Farrell said, “Nice and friendly. No pressure at first. If you feel you might have something, we’ll take that person to headquarters for formal questioning.”
“Got it,” said Carlos.
“I’ll clear it first with the head woman and see where we can set up,” said Farrell. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Read a book until I’m ready.”
On the second floor of the huge library building, Farrell knocked on Laura Schell’s door. She invited him in with a smile on her face and offered him a chair.
“You were here once before, weren’t you?” she asked. “I’ve
forgotten your name.”
“Ranger Farrell Donovan, ma’am.”
“What can I do for you, Ranger Donovan?”
“First thing I need to find out is if these three people were all members of this library.” He pushed a slip of paper across the desk to her and she seemed to stiffen as she read the names.
“Umm… Luanne Brock would be the one to ask. She’s in charge of member services. You’ll find her on the main floor near the front entrance.”
“Thanks,” said Farrell. “As soon as I verify that these three people used this library, I’ll need a room or an office to interview all of your employees.”
Laura peered over her glasses, her eyes wide. “You’re going to interview all of my people? You can’t do that. You’ll disturb the library routine and people won’t like it.”
Farrell stood up. “Like it or not ma’am. We are going to do it. If you don’t supply a room for us to do it here, we’ll take each employee to headquarters and do it there. Your choice.”
“Oh, my. This is terrible.” Laura put her hand over her heart. “Let me think about it.”
“I’ll speak to Miss Brock, then I’ll be back,” said Farrell. “I’d be pleased if you had a place for my men by then.”
“There are more of you?” Laura lost all her color. “How many men are with you?”
“Two more. Three of us,” said Farrell. “Three rooms or offices would be ideal, if you have them. How many employees work here at one time?”
“Let me see. About fifteen or sixteen, I think.”
“Uh huh.” Farrell opened the door. “I’ll be back.”
Ranger Headquarters. Austin.
AFTER the autopsy, Blaine was no further ahead, other than confirming in his mind that the COD was the same—unknown—but he still felt in his gut that the killer was not the same. Did Aunt Laura make the boy kill the first two against his will and he ran away? If that’s what happened, then either Aunt Laura killed the crippled woman, or she recruited someone to take the boy’s place. The poison was the same—unidentifiable—but the third killer was not the same. Blaine was sure of it.
I hope Farrell gets something from the library.
Before leaving headquarters, Blaine stuck his head in Chief Calhoun’s office to say good morning.
“Anything from the third victim?” asked the Chief.
Blaine shook his head. “No. Nothing. The boys are all at the library interviewing the staff. It’s the only lead we have.”
“Library?” the Chief pursed his lips.
I forgot to tell the Chief about Misty.
“What’s the motive?”
“We have no motive. No nothing.”
The Chief changed the subject. “Heard a rumor that Jesse ignored my warning and talked to Heather Bunch in her cell.”
“Yeah, he did, and Farrell had to drive him home. Bad move on Jesse’s part. Set him back.”
“He’s a bulldog,” said the Chief. “You can’t tell him a damn thing to get him off the scent.” Then he smiled. “Makes him a damned good cop.”
Central Library. Downtown Austin.
FARRELL found the desk marked ‘Membership’ on the main floor and placed his creds in front of Miss Luanne Brock. A stunning blonde with brown eyes and pink pouty lips that were an identical match for her pink blouse. “Morning, Miss. I need you to look at these names and tell me if these three people all belonged to this library, if you don’t mind.”
“Why are the police here in the library?”
“We’re conducting an investigation, Miss, and I’m not at liberty to give you any details.”
Miss Brock smiled. “That’s what they say on TV. You’re messing with me, right?”
“Nope. I’m not. Please look at the names and see if all three are members.”
“Okay.” She tapped a few keys on her keyboard and looked each one up. “Yes, all three people had library cards from this branch, Ranger. Should I call you, Ranger?”
“Sure,” Farrell grinned at her. “Thanks for the info.”
“What did these three people do?” she asked.
“They died,” said Farrell and went to find Fletch and Carlos.
West of Austin.
TRAVIS headed back to Leggatt country with Luke riding shotgun. Always good to have a partner on surveillance. Kept you from falling asleep while you waited for somebody to say something important. Sometimes they never did, and it was a fuckin waste of time. Maybe today would be different.
“I’m a bit confused,” said Luke. “We couldn’t go grab Leggatt and bring him in for questioning when he ordered the hit on Marshall, but now we’re allowed to have him under surveillance?”
“Whole different ballgame,” said Travis. “Ain’t the Agency that has him under surveillance. We’re on loan.”
“Who we on loan to?”
“That’s classified information,” said Travis. “Not shitting you, neither. Fucking classified.”
“Okay,” said Luke, “to me classified says federal—something way high up. A gun issue would be ATF’s business.”
“Way high up would cover it,” said Travis. “We’re working for the guy up in the clouds.”
“God?” asked Luke with a smirk on his face.
“Not him or the Pope, but the next guy down.”
Luck chuckled. “Okay, I’ll buy it.”
Travis parked in an unused laneway two ranches away from Leggatt’s spread, and he and Luke climbed into the back of the unit.
“Hope we don’t have to wait all day to hear something,” said Luke. “Sitting on your ass waiting can get boring pretty quick.”
“Open that little fridge down there and grab us a couple of Red Bull’s,” said Travis. “Keep us on our toes.”
Travis put his head set on and immediately took it off and put the sound on speaker. “We’re live.”
“Not trying to piss you off, boss, but now’s not the best time to be getting hot over a woman. Know what I’m sayin?”
“No, not the best, but it just happened and she’s amazing. I don’t know if I can pass up this chance.”
“But did it just happen?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ever ask yourself why she suddenly called you up and started talking about horses right after Cornish and Marshall were capped?”
“It crossed my mind, of course it did. But I think you’re worrying for nothing. She’s a billionaire with no interest in my money. Hell, she never took a nickel from Quantrall when he divorced her. She could buy and sell me five times in a week.”
“Okay, if you’re sure she’s not a threat, but don’t go getting your heart broke either. Hear me?”
Laughter.
“I hear you, Cory.”
Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.
ANNIE worked all morning in her office, and she hadn’t heard a word from Paul Leggatt. No way she would push him too hard, too fast. Patience was her strong suit.
Mid-afternoon she was in the kitchen making a casserole for dinner and he called.
“I wanted to thank you again for yesterday, Annie. So, relaxing to just kick back and spend time together.”
“I enjoyed it too, Paul.”
“Why don’t you come for dinner tomorrow night? I’ll barbeque a couple of steaks. Grilling is the only thing I’m good at. I don’t excel in the kitchen.”
“Sounds like a nice change,” said Annie. “I’m happy to accept. Can I bring anything to help you out?”
“How about dessert?”
“Sure. I’m happy to contribute. What’s your favorite kind of pie?”
“Umm… let me see. I love pie, but if I had to pick only one kind, I think I’d pick coconut cream.”
“That’s something we have in common,” said Annie. “My favorite too. I’ll make one in the morning.”
“Can’t wait to see you.”
Central Library. Downtown Austin.
ON HIS WAY from headquarters to the library, Blaine called Jesse. “You
feeling better today, partner?”
“Sure, Blacky, I’m fine. Just wasn’t ready for all those stairs at headquarters and Skylar got me worked up pretty good too. Bad move on my part,” he chuckled, “but not one of my worst.”
“Long as you’re okay. We’re at the library today and we’re talking to every employee. It’s all we’ve got.”
“If you get one for custodial, I’ll do the interrogation,” said Jesse. “Let me know if you get a hot one.”
“Hope to hell we do. We’re nowhere.”
Blaine parked beside Farrell’s truck in the library parking lot and trudged inside to see how the interviews were going. He stopped at reception and made an inquiry.
“I’m looking for my men, ma’am. They would be conducting interviews somewhere in the building. Can you tell me where they are?”
The red-headed receptionist leaned forward and said in a whisper. “The Texas Rangers are on the second floor. I’ve already been questioned, and it was so cool. Just like on TV.”
Blaine smiled. “Uh huh. You enjoyed it?”
“So much more fun than sitting here smiling at people when they come to get a book.”
“I bet,” said Blaine. “Thanks.” He took the stairs and saw Farrell open the door of one of the offices and let a young lady out.
“Hey, boss, we’re almost finished here.”
“I hope you got something,” said Blaine.
Farrell motioned him into the office and closed the door. “The only vibes I got were from the head woman herself. She’s freaked that we’re here doing this, and she wants us out of her library.”
“Oh, yeah? That’s interesting. Where does she hang out?”
“End of the hall—head librarian.”
“Let me see what I can stir up.”
Blaine strode down the carpeted hallway and stopped in front of the door marked ‘Head Librarian. Laura Schell.’
Laura. Aunt Laura? Worth a shot.
He knocked, and the woman opened the door and stood blocking him, not inviting him into her office. “Yes, can I help you, young man?”
