Night Vipers

by Carolina Mac

  Austin.

  CRUISING through areas of the city with strong gang presences, Farrell was surprised how peaceful the night seemed. He was about to call it and head back to the Agency when he heard a scream and saw a woman running down the sidewalk with two punks chasing her.

  He waved to Blacky on his right flank and veered towards the gangers. Blacky ran his Sportster up onto the sidewalk and ran the punks down while Farrell sped up and cut them off. Annie and Mickey caught up and boxed the kids in. With the storefronts on the inside and nowhere to run the gangers dropped their knives and put their hands in the air.

  “What you cop assholes doing on our turf on your fuckin bikes?”

  “Busting your ass, that’s what,” said Farrell. He snapped cuffs on one while Blacky grabbed hold of the other one.

  “Super’s out here at night on his Harley? Y’all are fuckin us over. That ain’t legal.”

  Farrell laughed. “Sure, it is.” He pointed at the doorway of the nail salon behind them. “Sit down there until I get y’all a free ride to the lockup.”

  2:00 a.m.

  The Blackmore Agency. Austin.

  AFTER the ride, Blaine invited Annie and Mickey in for a beer. “How did you like it, Mick?” asked Blaine.

  “I liked catching those punks,” he said. “Would have been more fun to rough them up a bit like they were going to do to that girl.”

  Farrell smiled. “You coming to the Chief’s office tomorrow to get sworn in?”

  “Riding with y’all is a lot of fun. I’m thinking on it, but I’m not a hundred percent.”

  “Sleep on it,” said Blaine. “If you’re not sure, take your time. You can join up later.”

  “Those other two joining tomorrow?” Mickey tipped up his Lone Star and chugged it.

  “Yep,” said Farrell. “I was set to take only one, but I like them both, and Carlos thought they were about equal in skills.”

  “Don’t matter,” said Blaine. “Both of them have skills and they can always work the regular shift if you find you have too many guys.”

  8:00 a.m.

  BLAINE had to admit he was a little groggy after only four hours sleep, but a glance at Farrell told him it wasn’t bothering his foster brother in the least. He was on a high, getting the squad up and running—his dream come true.

  Lexi barked and bounced in the foyer greeting the boys as Blaine sat with Lil at the kitchen table going over his schedule for the day. “I’m sure Congressman Flaherty’s autopsy will be moved to the head of the line this morning, then Jesse and I have lunch with Cat at noon. She’s going to fill us in on what the dude was working on politically.”

  “Something volatile enough to get him capped?” asked Lily. “Political hits aren’t that common, are they?”

  “Depends on the money involved,” said Blaine. “Money, revenge, jealousy—take your pick.”

  “Could be from some other area of his life,” said Jesse. “We have to narrow it down.” He turned to Luke and Fletcher as they came into the kitchen. “Door to door interviews for you guys this morning. I’ll brief y’all in the office.”

  The three of them left and Cody and Billy took their spots at the table. “Farrell is giving you two a shot at the squad,” said Blaine. “Three month probation, then we’ll go from there. Take a coffee and go with Lil to her office and when y’all are done with the paperwork, Farrell and Carlos will take you to Ranger Headquarters, introduce you to the Chief and get y’all deputized. Mickey-Jeeter might be here by then if he’s made up his mind.”

  Billy jumped up and offered his hand across the table to Farrell and then to Blaine. “Appreciate the opportunity. Never wanted a job so bad in my whole life.”

  Cody did the same. “Same for me. I’m so keen for this I couldn’t sleep last night.”

  “I didn’t,” said Blaine. “We took the bikes out for a trial run and caught ourselves a couple of punks.” He pointed a pen at Carlos. “You take care of the paperwork on those two gangers while Farrell is with the Chief at DPS.”

  “Copy that, boss.”

  Cody and Billy followed Lily down the hall and Lexi tore into the front hall barking and growling.

  “Get that, Farrell. That’s the guy we didn’t finish interviewing yesterday. Take him to Jesse in my office.”

  A minute later Farrell returned. “Ain’t him, bro. It’s Mickey-Jeeter.”

  Blaine smiled. “Aces. Get him a coffee and take him to Lil.”

  Farrell wore a wide grin. “I’m all over that, boss.”

  9:30 a.m.

  Ranger Headquarters. Austin.

  FARRELL tapped on the door of Chief Calhoun’s office with Cody, Billy and Mickey-Jeeter standing behind him.

  “I’m a bit nervous meeting the Chief of the Texas Rangers,” said Cody. “Seen him on TV a few times and he seemed like a pretty tough guy.”

  Farrell grinned. “Yep, he’s tough and he’s smart and he’s our best ally. He supports the Agency and he’s on our side, so don’t ever forget that if you mess up.”

  “I won’t.” He repeated it, “The Chief is on our side.”

  WHILE the new recruits were being introduced to the Chief and being sworn in, Blaine met Jesse downstairs in the morgue. The pathologist on duty was about to make the cut on Congressman Flaherty when Blaine entered the room he hated, shivered and found a stool to sit on.

  “Death would have been swift with a hole that big in the artery,” said the doctor. “I don’t think this gentleman suffered long.”

  Jesse nodded as the doc inserted the knife. Blaine turned his head and tried to keep his apple cinnamon muffin down.

  11:00 a.m.

  Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

  FARRELL took his new deputies back to Coulter-Ross to work on their shooting skills. Annie felt they weren’t ready to begin shooting accurately from a speeding bike, and if they weren’t accurate backing up others in the group, someone could die.

  They all crowded into the kitchen and she had snacks laid out on the granite island. “I figured we’d have a sandwich and a coffee, then I’ll work you harder than you’ve ever been worked on a range.”

  “Appreciate the food, ma’am,” said Cody. “I was a mite nervous about meeting the Chief and the swearing in and I skipped breakfast just in case.”

  Annie smiled. “But it went well? Calhoun’s a nice man.”

  “It went fantastic,” Billy was on a high. “I’m a Deputy and I’m gonna bust a lot of bad asses.”

  Annie slipped her arm around Mickey-Jeeter. “How about you, sugar pop? You okay?”

  He nodded and didn’t say anything.

  12:15 p.m.

  Downtown Austin.

  BLAINE and Jesse found the Governor at her favorite table in the Capital Grille and she already had a glass of white wine in front of her.

  “I ordered a Lone Star for Jesse and a Corona for you, sweetie.”

  “Thanks,” said Blaine. “Autopsies are hell on my gut, and they make my throat dry.”

  Catherine made a face. “Was it Dan?”

  Jesse nodded. “What do you know about anything Flaherty was working on before he died? Was it something volatile?”

  “A lot of people thought the weed bill would pass even though support seemed weak in the Senate,” said Catherine, “but I can’t see Dan getting killed over a bill.”

  “Any rivalries you knew about?” asked Blaine.

  “Dan was a hard worker. Hardly ever missed a day. No rumors about him not getting along with others—not that I heard.”

  “A really young wife,” said Blaine. “Second marriage?”

  “Uh huh. He’s been married to Isabel for two or three years and they seemed happy. I didn’t know them socially.”

  “What happened to wife number one?” asked Jesse.

  “Cancer, I think. Dan was devastated. Two grown children.”

  “We should talk to the children,” said Jesse. He made a note.

  “I’ll check into his finances,” said
Blaine. “See if he was in debt or having problems money-wise.”

  “Are you sure it wasn’t a robbery?” asked Catherine.

  “We asked that question and the wife said she didn’t think anything was taken,” said Jesse.

  “I’m sure I heard him talking to a couple of the other men about his collection. That’s why I thought he might have discovered a robber.”

  “What did he collect?” asked Blaine.

  “I forget.” Catherine took another sip of her wine.

  The server came and took their food order and as soon as she was gone, Blaine called Sue’s cell.

  “Blaine?”

  “Hi, Sue, are you at the Flaherty house?”

  “Uh huh. We’ll be here for a couple of days at least.”

  “No problem. I’m having lunch with Catherine and she mentioned that the Congressman had a collection. She thought it might have been a motive for robbery.”

  “A collection of what?”

  “Don’t know. I’ll phone the wife.”

  “I haven’t seen anything like that,” said Sue, “but there could be a safe I haven’t come across yet.”

  “Right a wall safe or something secure,” said Blaine. “Let me find out what I can and call you back.”

  “It would help a lot if I knew what I was looking for,” said Sue.

  Blaine glanced across the table at Jesse, “Did you write down the wife’s cell or did I?”

  Jesse smiled. “She wrote it down and I think she gave it to you.”

  Blaine stood up and fumbled through the pockets of his snug black jeans. “These are the same pants I had on yesterday.” He pulled a crumpled piece of paper out of the front pocket. “Got it.” He was calling Mrs. Flaherty when the food came, and the call went to message. “She’s not answering. I’ll try again later. I’m starving and I have to eat.”

  3:00 p.m.

  Coulter-Ross Ranch. La Grange.

  ANNIE called a break in the handgun training. A cold wind had come up and boys were fighting against it. “Let’s warm up inside with a coffee, then we’ll work on rifles for a couple hours before we call it. Y’all might need to rest for two or three hours before we take the bikes out tonight.”

  Billy smiled. “You are working us hard, Annie. But it feels good. I’ve made a lot of progress in two days.”

  “Uh huh, I think you have improved and so has Cody.”

  “We haven’t seen you shoot, ma’am.”

  “Nothing to see,” said Annie. “Just one hole in the middle of the target.”

  Cody gave a chuckle. “Every time?”

  Annie shrugged.

  “Every goddam time,” snarled Mickey. “Standing still, running, or on horseback. Don’t matter.” He turned his head and wouldn’t look at Cody or Billy.

  “Horseback?”

  11: p.m.

  Grady’s Pub. Austin.

  FARRELL met Annie and the new recruits at Grady’s Irish Pub in a seedier part of the city. He directed his crew to one of the bigger booths near the back of the dingy bar. The worn out tape of Irish jigs played loudly in the background, grating on Farrell’s nerves he’d heard it so often.

  “This place don’t look too popular,” said Billy as he glanced around at the outdated décor, burned out lightbulbs and the empty tables.

  “Exactly right,” said Farrell. “That’s why it’s perfect for our purposes. My snitches ain’t afraid to come here because the dump is almost always close to empty, and they don’t want to be seen talking to cops.” He ordered two pitchers of draft from Mike, the proprietor and the only server.

  The busier the pub got the grumpier Mike became. Well into his sixties and a bit on the lazy side, too many customers caused Mike too much work.

  Mickey-Jeeter sat close to Annie on the same side of the booth. He hadn’t been off the ranch and out socially for over five years and it showed in his demeanor.

  Kamps showed up a while later and glared at the number of people with Farrell. He walked right by the crowded table and sat in the next booth by himself.

  Farrell moved over and joined him.

  “What the hell, Dead-Eye? This ain’t a fuckin party.”

  “Nope, it ain’t,” said Farrell. “Just this one time introducing you to the night squad I’m starting up, so they know you and don’t roust your illegal ass out of your alley.”

  “Oh,” said Kamps with a sneer. “I need a beer before I talk to any more fuckin cops. One cop is my limit.”

  Annie slipped an arm around Mickey-Jeeter’s waist and strolled him over to the booth where Kamps was. She sat down beside Farrell and Mick squeezed in beside her.

  Kamps stared across the table at her and didn’t say anything for a couple of minutes. “Jesus Christ, you are a gorgeous woman, and you are fuckin real. Never thought I’d be sitting across from the legend. Not in this lifetime.” He smiled and flashed his gold incisor.

  “You might see more of me for a while,” said Annie. “I’m riding with the Night Vipers for the next week or so.”

  “No fuckin way,” said Kamps. “You ride a Harley?”

  Annie nodded and turned to Mickey. “This is Mickey. He’s on the night squad with Farrell and the boys in the next booth.”

  “Hey, Mick.” Kamps hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “Yeah, I seen a couple more I don’t know sitting over there with Carlos.”

  “Billy and Cody,” said Farrell. “You don’t have to like them. They ain’t here to be friends or nothing. I just want them to know what you look like, so they don’t kill your ass. Roy’s either.”

  “Damn nice of you, Dead-Eye.”

  “Where is Roy?” asked Farrell.

  “Y’all don’t see him do ya?” Kamps finished the pitcher and waved it in the air for a refill. “He’s working.”

  “Who’s pushing who for more territory?” asked Farrell. “I heard gunplay in the State Cemetery the other night.”

  “Oh, that’s the Metalynx and the Draga,” said Kamps. “Bunch of losers trying to control territory they both claiming. Thirteens will probably wipe them all out before they get it settled.”

  “Know the names of the leaders?” asked Farrell.

  “Don’t wanna know,” snarled Kamps. “Makes me a target.”

  “I can find out from the gang squad downtown,” said Farrell. He placed a twenty on the table in front of Kamps. “You hear anything interesting, let me know.”

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Thursday, January 12th.

  7:00 a.m.

  Quantrall Ranch. Giddings.

  JESSE came in from the barn and headed upstairs to shower. Since his health was slowly returning, he managed an hour at the barn in the mornings as long as there was no heavy lifting. He was happy to be back in the swing of things, and Paul and Tyler were glad for the extra help in the training ring.

  The bed was empty when he walked into the bedroom and the door to the ensuite was closed. He tried the knob and the door wasn’t locked. Marnie rarely locked it. He stuck his head in to see if she was in the shower. If she wasn’t, he would be.

  “What are you doing down there?” Jesse rushed over to her, surprised to see his wife down on her knees in front of the toilet. His heart thumped and he inhaled a couple of times.

  “I’m sick.”

  “I can see that,” said Jesse. “Do you want me to help you back to bed?”

  “I threw up and I’m a little bit weak.”

  Jesse helped her up and noticed how pale she was. “What happened? Did you eat something that didn’t agree with you?” He walked her back into the bedroom and tucked her into bed.

  “No. I don’t think it’s that and I don’t know if you’re ready, but I might be pregnant.”

  A smile spread across Jesse’s face. “Yeah? You think so?” He leaned down and hugged her. “I’m ready and Charity is definitely ready for a playmate. Should you make a doctor’s appointment?”

  “It might be too soon.”

  “Get a checkup anyway,” said Je
sse. “Promise me you’ll call today.”

  Marnie smiled. “I will.” She reached for his hand. “I’m glad you’re not upset.”

  “Not upset. I’m ready to add to our family. I love you, Marnie.” He hugged her tight. “I better hop in the shower. I have to drive to Austin.”

  Marnie didn’t let go of his hand and held him back. “You sure you’re okay with this? I was a little worried because I’ve been careful.”

  “I’m surprised, but I’m not unhappy. We want a family, sweetheart. If we’re starting now that’s great.”

  Jesse stepped out of the shower and was drying off when he heard Charity hollering from her room next door. “Marn, me up. Marn, me.” He wrapped a towel around himself, tiptoed past Marnie who’d gone back to sleep and went to get Charity out of her crib.

  Wow. We’re going to be busy with another baby.

  9:30 a.m.

  The Blackmore Agency. Austin.

  ADJUSTING to his new schedule, Farrell slept through the morning meeting and sat alone at the table in the alcove drinking black coffee while Carm fixed him a late breakfast.

  Blacky walked through the kitchen door dressed in a charcoal suit and fiddling with his black silk tie. “Cat is picking me up for the Congressman’s funeral. Jesse is meeting us there. He’s running late because Marnie is sick, and he has to dress Charity and make her breakfast.”

  “What’s wrong with Marnie?” asked Farrell.

  Blaine shrugged. “No idea.”

  “Soon as I’m mobile, I’m hitting the gang squad to get info on the two gangs Kamps told me were fighting.”

  Blaine nodded. “Call me later.” He turned on his way out the door and asked, “How was Mick?”

  “Not bad. He’s sticking close to Mom. Next week will tell the tale when she’s not with him.”

  “The other guys training at the ranch?”

  “No. Not at Coulter-Ross. Annie’s using that abandoned airstrip up near Lyons. She called Rafe and told him what she was doing if he wanted to keep an eye on them. I’ll drive out later and see if they’re making any progress. I want to get this show on the fuckin road.”