Lone Star Standoff

by Margaret Daley

  Out in the hall, one of the deputies followed them down the stairs to the first floor. At the rear door, the same two guards were posted as in the morning. She knew Bill, but the other was a new deputy to the courthouse. She could imagine the sheriff’s resources were stretched, especially after the bomb threat yesterday.

  “Have a good weekend, Judge Madison.” Deputy Lockhart held the door open to her.

  “Thanks, Bill. I hope you do, too.”

  “The trial will be over soon, and everything will get back to normal.”

  She smiled. “I’ve forgotten what normal means. See you Monday.”

  When she climbed into Sean’s SUV, Aubrey collapsed back against the seat and closed her eyes, exhausted from intently watching over her courtroom and following the trial as it unfolded. And they still had to drive to Galveston and fly to Amarillo. At least her kids were excited because they got to fly on an airplane for the first time. She exhaled a long breath.

  “Once the trial is over, Sammy and Camy will come back home.” Sean sent her a grin as he pulled out of the parking lot into traffic.

  Aubrey thought back to everything that had happened the past week. There were so many questions she couldn’t answer. “Have you considered this might not have anything to do with the trial? Yes, the tactics so far have delayed the trial some, but more and more I think something else is going on.”

  “Yes, I have, but the bomb threat had to have been the cartel and something to do with Villa. I’m just not sure exactly why yet. If someone was just coming after you, why would he plant a bomb, and not even near your courtroom? It was left at the other end of the courthouse. The amount of explosives wouldn’t have taken down the whole building. It would have mostly damaged a third of the first floor and possibly a small part of the second floor.” He drove into her garage.

  The sound of the garage door coming down used to make her feel safe, but with the shooting this morning, she realized this wasn’t a safe haven anymore. “How is Cal?”

  “He’ll recover. His gunshot wound was a through and through. It didn’t damage any vital organs.”

  “Good. I’ve been praying for him all day. Did the police figure out where the shot came from?”

  “The trajectory is from a tree in the backyard of your neighbor behind you.”

  “The Richardsons’ place?”

  Sean nodded. “They’re on a cruise out of Galveston and have been gone all week. From their next-door neighbor, the police discovered they won a trip recently.”

  “So this had been planned?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Someone used their place to surveil my home?”

  “The neighbor had a key to their house. Sergeant Daniels got permission from the owners to go in and look around an hour ago. He called to let me know that there’s evidence someone had been in there.”

  Aubrey shivered and hugged her arms across her chest. “And we—my kids—went out in the backyard. If we hadn’t already arranged to take them away, I would have now.” She opened the passenger door. “Let’s get the kids and Mama and get them to a safer place.”

  As she started to leave, Sean clasped her hand. “You’ll be at a safe house, too. Only myself and a couple of Texas Rangers will know its location. No one else. You’ll need to pack as though you’re staying in Amarillo. And bring those code books for us to use.”

  His touch reminded her she wasn’t alone in trying to figure out what was going on. When he slipped his hand away, she missed the connection. She exited the SUV, shaking her head slightly. Not too long ago her life had been so different. Now she was fighting to keep her family safe, do her duty as a judge and stay alive, all while attracted to a man who had the same job that had led to her husband’s murder. Maybe with Camy, Sammy and Mama protected, Aubrey could sort through all the feelings emerging after mourning Samuel’s death.

  When she entered the house, the kitchen was empty. She’d expected her kids to be there the second they heard the garage door go up. They usually were. She glanced at Sean.

  As though he could read her thoughts, Sean said, “They’re probably excited and trying to help with the packing. I’d better help them. I’m already packed.”

  Aubrey and Sean mounted the stairs then strolled toward the children’s bedrooms. When she peeked into Camy’s room, she saw her daughter on the floor, trying to decide which toys to take with her. Aubrey crossed to Sammy’s and chuckled at the sight of her son sitting on a suitcase, trying to zip the overstuffed bag.

  Sammy looked up, his forehead crinkled. “The ball doesn’t fit.”

  Behind her, Sean chuckled. “I’ve got an idea.” He moved past Aubrey and approached her son. “You can carry the soccer ball.”

  Sammy peered up, his lower lip stuck out. “Abuela said I could only bring what fit in here. I need to practice.”

  Sean glanced back at her. “Go pack. I’ll take care of this.”

  Aubrey hurried to her bedroom. Her mother already had a piece of large luggage on her bed, open and ready for her to fill.

  For fifteen minutes she rushed from the closet to the dresser to the suitcase. When she finished packing, she heaved the bag off the bed and rolled it into the corridor. Before she forgot, she needed to get those books on code writing. Something important had to be in the notebook if Samuel had gone to all the trouble to protect it. She wished he had shared with her more about what was happening. But in the months leading up to his death, her husband had shut himself off from her.

  She picked up her suitcase and carried it to her office. After choosing two books on the subject of codes, she took her luggage to the kitchen then started for the staircase to help her children. Her mother stood at the top with Camy next to her. Aubrey hurried up the steps to assist them.

  Twenty minutes later, everyone was seated in the SUV with the bags in the back. Sean turned around to face the back seat. “Now let’s go over this one more time. Camy and Sammy, sit on the floor and stay there until I say you can get up. Your mama is doing the same up in front. Your grandma will lie on the back seat. As soon as we’re out of town, you’ll be able to sit on the seat. Remember, only when I tell you. We’re on a secret mission, and I don’t want anyone to know we’re leaving. Okay?”

  Everyone said yes. Sammy was the only one grinning.

  Sean faced forward while Aubrey squeezed herself between the dashboard and the seat. The garage door rose, and he backed out.

  Aubrey prayed this worked. The police officers would guard an empty house until her family was at the safe place in Amarillo. Only a few law enforcement officers knew the whole plan. A couple of Texas Rangers were watching for any car following Sean’s and relaying the information to him.

  Lord, we need Your protection. Please keep my family safe.

  * * *

  Sean exited the plane in Amarillo and assessed his surroundings as he moved toward two SUVs. His sister and her husband climbed out of the lead vehicle.

  He hurried his pace. “Claire, Thomas, it’s so good to see y’all.” He hugged his sister then shook hands with his brother-in-law.

  Claire looked at the plane. “Where are the judge and her family?”

  “I wanted to check that everything was safe before they got off.” Sean turned his attention to the second SUV. Two Texas Rangers left their vehicle. He knew both of them. “I’ll go back and bring them here.”

  When he returned to the plane, their luggage was being removed from the back. He paused in the entrance and took another survey of the area. There was little activity at the airport in the middle of the night. He hoped it stayed that way. He wanted to slip into Amarillo unnoticed by anyone except his sister, her husband and the Texas Rangers. The fewer people who knew their whereabouts, the safer they would be.

  “Are y’all ready to leave?” Sean stood at the front.

  Camy, who had fallen asleep on th
e ride, yawned and stretched. Sammy hopped out of his chair and rushed toward Sean. To the four-year-old boy, this was a big adventure. On the plane, he’d stared out the window even though it was dark.

  Sean stopped the boy by putting a hand on his shoulder before he flew by Sean and left the plane. “Whoa. We’re all going to leave together. Stay right there.”

  Sammy tried to do what Sean said. The boy’s feet stayed in place, but he leaned to the left and tried to peek out of the opening. When everyone was ready to go, Sean took Sammy’s hand and escorted him off the airplane.

  Sean introduced everyone to each other. Camy hid behind Aubrey, while Sammy stood right in front of Sean. He was glad he and Aubrey would be staying a day to help the kids feel comfortable.

  After the luggage was loaded in the back of the second SUV, Thomas drove away from the airport with the two Texas Rangers following. “I think y’all will love the place where you’re staying. It has an indoor pool.”

  Sammy clapped. “I love to swim.”

  “You won’t go into the water without a life jacket on. You still have a lot to learn about swimming,” Aubrey immediately said.

  “How about you, Camy? Do you like swimming?” Sean asked, glad that they would be able to swim, which hopefully would keep the children from getting too antsy having to stay indoors the whole time.

  The little girl nodded.

  Half an hour later, they were settled into a large house. Sean wondered who owned the place, which sat on several acres outside Amarillo.

  Texas Ranger Pierce Claiborne came up behind him as Sean looked around. “The government seized this house about eight months ago from a human-trafficking group that was caught. The members are now in prison. For the time being, it’s being used as a safe house. The land around it is flat, so it’s easy to see if anyone is approaching. The security system is excellent. Frank and I will be watching over them. Between your sister and brother-in-law and us, we won’t let anything happen to them.”

  “Camy is shy, and Sammy is full of energy. He brought his soccer ball. He’ll want to practice.”

  Pierce laughed. “I can handle him. Remember, I have a six-year-old son.”

  “I’ve done my duty. I’ve warned you.”

  Pierce clapped Sean on the back. “My friend, I think you really care about these kids.”

  “Yes. They’re Samuel Madison’s kids. I remember going to a seminar, and he was there not long after the twins were born. I saw probably a hundred photos of them that weekend.” That was the first time he’d seen a picture of Aubrey. She was in a number of the photos.

  After running through the house, the children helped take their suitcases to the large bedroom they were sharing with twin beds. Camilla would be staying in the room next to theirs while his sister and her husband were across the hall. Pierce would stay at the house during the day while Frank would stand guard at night so there was always someone up.

  Sean went to the bedroom he was assigned, across from Aubrey, and set his luggage inside the door. Then he crossed the hall to Aubrey’s room.

  He paused in the entrance. “After the kids go to bed, I’d like to work on the notebook. You don’t have to. This week has been extremely difficult for you.”

  She twisted around and faced him. “I’m helping. The sooner we find out what’s going on, the sooner my children will be back with me in Port Bliss. I know this is the best way to keep them safe, but it’s going to be hard for me to walk away from them and my mama on Sunday morning.”

  He bridged the distance between them and clasped her hand. “I know. It wasn’t easy for me to leave my family here to take the position in Company D, but I needed to find out what happened to Jack when he’d disappeared. On my downtime I kept looking for him.”

  “That’s why I need to help you. We need to find justice for our loved ones.”

  The soft look in her eyes tempted him to move even closer. He wanted to take her into his embrace and kiss her. But he didn’t want to make things awkward between them. He released her hand and stepped back. “I’ll be downstairs in the kitchen. I’m putting on a pot of coffee. Do you need any help with Sammy and Camy?”

  “I know it’s late, but I’m going to take them swimming so they’ll sleep tonight. I’m glad you suggested I have them pack their bathing suits. I don’t think they’ll be long in the pool. I’ll join you after they go to bed.”

  “I’ll take the books you brought and start looking through them.”

  Aubrey withdrew two from her suitcase and gave them to him. “It’s been a while since I went through them.”

  “See you later.” Sean left before he did something like kiss her again. That wouldn’t be a good idea.

  He made his way to the kitchen, set the books and Samuel’s pad on the table, then rummaged through the cabinets until he found the coffee. After he put the pot on, he sat down and stared at the notebook. He hoped Aubrey could figure out what the symbols meant, because right now they looked like chicken scratches.

  He picked up the first book and started flipping through the pages, finding a code that was based on lines and dots. He started reading about it, but after a few sentences, the sound of laughter drifted to him. His attention kept being drawn to what was going on in the indoor pool room, not far from the kitchen. He rose and walked into the hallway that led to the pool.

  When he entered, Sammy, with his lifejacket on, jumped off the side into the water, making a big splash. Sean laughed. Camy hesitated at the edge, but after Aubrey coaxed her to try, the little girl did. She popped up with the biggest smile on her face. He realized then that in a short time, he’d come to really care about the twins.

  “Sean, did you see me jump?” Sammy dog-paddled to the side nearest Sean.

  “Yes.”

  Sammy pointed to his life preserver. “I don’t want to wear this. Mama’s making me.”

  Sean neared the boy. “That’s because she loves you. Mamas know best.” He glanced at Aubrey, who stared at him with a smile on her face. The connection was palpable. He broke eye contact and bent down near Sammy. “Let me see you swim.”

  Sammy took off across the pool then came back. “See, I can.”

  “It’s a good start, but remember, you don’t have to worry about staying above the water because of the life preserver. This way you can relax and go anywhere in the pool, even the deep end.”

  The young boy glanced around. “It’s big.” He took off toward the other end of the pool.

  Sean sat in a chair and watched the two play while Aubrey exited the pool and threw a large beach towel around herself. After drying off, she slipped on a cover-up, then headed toward him.

  “Did you solve the code yet?” She took the seat next to Sean.

  “No. But I discovered I need your help.”

  “I’ve given the kids a warning. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes. Camy wanted to go now. Sammy didn’t, so that was my compromise.”

  Sean saw Sammy yawning. “You may be leaving sooner. He’s slowing down.”

  Not five minutes later, Aubrey’s son climbed out of the pool and sat on a lounge chair. Sean ended up carrying the boy upstairs while Aubrey held Camy. Walking down the hallway, he tried to wake up Sammy.

  “When he conks out, it’s really hard to wake him up. Camy is the opposite.” They entered the kids’ bedroom. “Put him on the bed. I’ll see to him after I take care of Camy. Thanks for bringing him upstairs.”

  He laid the child down, glad he wasn’t soaking wet, only damp. “See you downstairs.”

  Then Sean left, pausing at the exit and glancing back. This was what a family felt like. The feelings generated in him made him question his decision not to get too emotionally involved with others. He’d thought that was what made his job easier to perform, but he wasn’t so sure that was right anymore.

  * * *

  After a c
up of coffee, Aubrey felt sharper and ready to dig into her husband’s notebook. “Samuel loved the pigpen cipher example as a secret code, but he would use several different ways to determine the base of the code. That’s what we need to discover. Once we do, it will be a matter of translating the signs to letters.”

  “What made him interested in secret codes?”

  “It started when he was a child. Some of the ones he came up with were complex.”

  “You aren’t being very encouraging.”

  She grinned. “Think positive. I broke a couple of his hard ones. I know how he thought—when it came to codes, not logically, which would make it harder for a computer to break it right away.”

  “If we don’t, I’ll have to give it a try on Monday. I really don’t want anyone else to know about Samuel’s notepad. This may be our chance to find out what happened two years ago. I don’t want anything to interfere with that. The cartel is powerful, and we need to remember that at all times.”

  “Then let’s get down to it. I want answers, too.” For the first time in months, she thought she had a chance of discovering who killed Samuel. She took the other book and flipped through the pages until she found the section that discussed pigpen ciphers. “Here’s what I’m talking about.” She explained it was a substitution code with a symbol, not a letter or number. She drew a tic-tac-toe grid and placed letters in it. “There are a lot of ways you can do this to mix things up. I think we just have to find the right grid and order of letters.”

  “What were the ones he used? Let’s start there.”

  “There were three major ones I knew about. I’ll draw the guide for them, then we need to see if the substituted letters make sense.” Aubrey made a key for one and slid it to Sean, then she worked on the second and third sources for the code.

  Hours later, after her third cup of coffee when the symbols began to blur together, she stood and stretched, her muscles cramped. “It isn’t the three Samuel used a lot in the past. We’re going to have to think outside the box.”

  “Think outside what box?” Claire asked as she came into the kitchen.