The Texas Ranger's Reward (Undercover Heroes)

by Winters, Rebecca

  “For example, the soil sample contained traces of mashed foliage typical of that area of forest. It also contained marijuana.”

  “Marijuana?” Travis’s eyebrows lifted as he stared at Jose in amazement.

  “No doubt it was clinging to the soles of someone’s shoes. The particular type is called Early Misty. It’s a short, bushy plant that flowers in eight weeks. The sample was pretty fresh. So were the cigarette butts you brought in last evening. They matched the others that were days old, and in some instances, a couple of months old.”

  “Were you able to identify the brand?”

  “Yes. That’s interesting, too. The tobacco is a type grown in Japan and shipped to Europe, where it’s made into cigarettes with the brand name Monte Carlo. These are the long, slim kind you find in cellophane bundles.”

  “I’ve heard of them. Thanks, Rudy. Couldn’t do this without you.” Travis clicked off. “Jose? What do you know about Monte Carlo cigarettes?”

  “They’re the strong-flavored variety and the cheapest on the world market. You can buy them online in the U.S., but they’re distributed and sold in Switzerland, Germany, Monaco, the Emirates and Colombia.”

  “We’re narrowing it down. These boys have to be illegals sent by some Colombian drug cartel to work here.”

  Jose nodded. “The traffickers come primarily from the Valle del Cauca region or from the Caribbean north coast. The latter operate more independently than the Cali mafia, but are very powerful. By working with counterparts in Mexico and the U.S., they’re responsible for most of the world’s cocaine production and wholesale distribution.”

  Travis leaned back in his chair. “I wasn’t in Utah three years ago, but I remember hearing Roman talk about a crop of marijuana plants with a street value of $60 million found growing on a mountain farther south in this state.”

  “You’re talking Boulder Mountain in Wayne County. It was headed by a Mexican cartel.”

  “Could be the Colombians have done the same thing around here in the back country. The man you saw come out of the garage could be one of that group. Then again, maybe there’s no connection.”

  “Maybe not,” Jose murmured, “but I’m planning to get a look at the left front tire on that camper, in case it made a trip to the cabin. That will give us the link you’re trying to find.”

  “Good. While you do that, I’ll be busy hiking in the mountains, looking for marijuana plants.”

  As Jose got up to leave, Travis called him back. “I have another question for you. While Melissa and I were getting our hamburgers, I noticed the guy with the buzz had a tattoo on the back of his neck.” Travis’s eyes narrowed. “Does a solid silver star with eight points mean anything to you?”

  Jose looked astonished, then shook his head in disbelief.

  Travis half laughed. “What?”

  “You just solved another piece of the puzzle. That star is in the middle of the Barranquilla flag, the northern port city of Colombia. It was carried by Simon Bolivar, signifying the eight provinces of the confederacy.”

  Again Travis’s mind was off and running. “The bunch of them could have come up through the Caribbean to Mexico. When they got across the Arizona border, they killed that couple for the camper and drove straight here.”

  “It’s more than a possibility.”

  “We don’t know how many illegals are involved in this operation, but it’s been well orchestrated up to now,” Travis theorized. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t have found a garage to keep the stolen vehicle hidden two days after that couple was killed. Roman needs to hear about this new development.”

  “While you talk to him, I’ll drive back up to Kamas and try to get a look at those camper tires. When I find something out, I’ll phone you. Oh, one more thing. I checked the bills with the water and electric company for this year and last. There was no abnormal usage of either utility.”

  “These men are being careful. It’s more evidence that this operation has been in the planning for a long time.”

  “Watch your back, Travis.”

  “Ditto.”

  After Jose left, Travis went back to their boss’s office and gave him the latest update. The news about the marijuana blew Roman away. They talked strategy before Travis went back to his office and called his resource at the database down at police headquarters. He wanted to know if any of those fingerprints were a match for wanted felons operating illegally in the country. The Feds would have a field day.

  Later, Mitch dropped into his office, and they decided to go to lunch. Travis told him about Melissa, and they talked shop. Before long it was time to pick up Casey. His son worried when Travis didn’t get to school right on time, but his anxiety level hadn’t been as high since he’d met Melissa.

  Casey was crazy about her. There were moments when he seemed to be as happy around her as he’d been when his mom was alive. And he wasn’t the only one....

  Time had something to do with the healing process, but Travis had to admit Melissa was playing a big part. Otherwise he wouldn’t find himself this eager to be with her again. For several days he’d been wondering what she would taste like. Before much more time went on, he would have to find out—or go mad with wanting.

  * * *

  MELISSA REVELED IN BEING able to paint for a whole day without fear. At three o’clock she put her things away and started dinner. Around four she drove down to the church parking lot to wait for Travis and Casey. Her heart thudded when she heard the phone ring. She clicked on and said hello.

  “Melissa?”

  “Casey, hi! Where are you?”

  “Dad says we’re just coming into Kamas.”

  “Well, I’m right here watching for you.”

  “Okay. Don’t go away.”

  She laughed. “I promise I won’t.”

  A few minutes later they pulled in alongside her, and everyone, including Dexter, got into her Jeep. The hug Casey gave her was so natural, she was thrilled to the core. It was sheer delight to hear about his school day. She caught Travis’s warm glance. No ice, no shadows today. Her spirits soared.

  Once they reached the cabin, Travis disappeared outside, while Casey ran around examining everything. After he’d teased Dexter with more of Spike’s toys, he became Melissa’s shadow.

  She set up an easel for him and they painted out on the front porch. He chatted about some of the kids in his class at school. Robbie had asthma and had to carry around a spray. Cindy’s daddy had to move to California because her parents got a divorce. Melissa loved listening to it all, but when she heard Casey’s tummy growl, so loudly they both laughed and Dexter barked, she knew it was time for dinner.

  Travis came in as she was putting supper on the table. To Melissa it felt like they were a real family. She found it harder and harder not to fantasize about what was going on. While he washed his hands at the kitchen sink, her gaze took in his rock-hard physique. The play of muscle across his back and shoulders kept her attention riveted.

  When he suddenly turned toward the table, he caught her staring at him, and she felt herself blush to her eyebrows. Casey saved the moment. “Come on, Dad. We’re hungry.”

  “So am I.”

  After they’d tucked into their food, Travis glanced at her. “I did some hiking and made the rounds of the cabins in the area you identified for me. There was one with a detached garage near the main road, about a mile from town, but it was boarded up. Do you have any idea who it belongs to?”

 
“You must mean the Gledhills. They’re a retired couple from Reno, Nevada. They were willed that cabin by her father, but only come up here every other year. On the off year they like to boat on Lake Tahoe.”

  “That explains it,” Travis murmured. “This afternoon I was able to talk to most of the people in the other cabins. When I showed them my ID, they were very receptive and anxious to talk to me. However, their complaints had more to do with thefts of fishing gear and items of furniture taken mostly over the winter months.

  “I found it interesting that so far none of them have complained of intruders living there when the owners aren’t about. Yet that seems to be the particular problem of your cabin. My hunch is because it’s the highest one on this side of the ridge, out of sight.”

  “I’m sure that’s true. The very thing I love about this location is what makes it a natural target for evi—for bad people,” she corrected. Casey picked up on everything.

  His father’s eyes went an intense dark blue. “They won’t be doing it much longer. That’s a promise.” The almost primitive note in his voice convinced her he knew more than he’d told her. The Texas Ranger was on the hunt. Melissa’s hand trembled as she reached for her water glass.

  “If you two will excuse me,” Travis said next, “I have some work to do upstairs.”

  “Go ahead, Dad. We’ll make dessert.”

  Travis exchanged an amused glance with Melissa, then left the table.

  “Okay, Casey, let’s get busy.” She brought a dish from the counter. “These chocolate chips are melted. I’ll let you ice the brownies.”

  She scooped the chocolate onto the cold peppermint butter cream frosting, then handed him the spoon. “While the chocolate is hot, you spread it around lightly and quickly till the brownies are all covered. Try not to mix the two together too much, so it will stay layered.”

  “Like this?” He made big fast swirls.

  “That’s perfect.”

  He worked with concentration, biting his lower lip. “I’ve finished! Now can I lick the spoon and the pot?”

  Melissa chuckled before setting the brownies aside. While he went to town on the leftover chocolate, she cut a big brownie for Travis and put it on a plate. With a napkin in hand, she walked upstairs and found him in the hall, putting more film in the video camera. Melissa couldn’t help watching him.

  His jeans molded to his long, powerful legs. Her gaze traveled to a well-defined chest covered in a coffee-colored polo. In the dim light coming from downstairs, half of his chiseled features and rich chestnut hair were hidden in shadow. No superlative would do him justice. She only knew that when she looked at him, her senses came alive.

  “Do you need my help?” she asked.

  “I’m all through here, thanks.” He put the camera back in place at the top of the stairs.

  She moved closer. “Here’s a treat for your efforts.”

  When Travis turned to her, his eyes swept over her before he took the brownie and bit into it. After swallowing, he said, “You have to be kidding.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I thought you told me you needed a cook. This brownie is too good to be true.” He ate the rest in one swallow. “You could make your living selling these. Move over, Bauer Doughnuts. Dalton Brownies is the new company in town.”

  “Travis…” Warmth spread through her like the chocolate Casey was licking in the kitchen.

  “It’s true. The fajitas were wonderful, too. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do. I thought the same that first morning in your office. Like magic, you got Casey to give up his crutches long enough to walk around the room with you. You’re like the Pied Piper of Hamelin.”

  Outwardly, Melissa smiled, but inside she was sad because there was one thing she couldn’t do. She couldn’t change her appearance. The reminder of his wife would always be there whenever he looked at her. “Thanks for the compliment, but I’ll let you in on a secret. You don’t realize it yet, but you’ve seen my whole repertoire.”

  “I don’t think so.” He smiled. “Every time we’re together you do something that surprises me and delights my son.”

  “He delights me. I believe he’d make a great Texas Ranger. He notices everything. I know about every kid in his class—whose parents are getting divorced, whose grandma has cancer, whose daddy bashed in his mother’s car when he drove into the garage, who keeps snakes in their basement.”

  Travis’s shoulders shook with laughter.

  “He reminds me of someone else I’ve recently met,” she teased. “And you’re right. He does have your sweet tooth.”

  “You just said the magic word,” Travis murmured. “Let’s go downstairs. It’s so quiet down there, I need to check on him. But the real reason is because I have to have more of these brownies.” What would it be like if he ever kissed her and told her he had to have more kisses?

  When they entered the kitchen, Casey looked up. “Hi, Dad!” The smile on his handsome little face was wreathed in chocolate.

  Travis crossed to him. “It looks like you licked the platter clean.”

  “Huh? This is a pot.”

  Travis shot Melissa an amused glance. The old Mother Goose rhyme was wasted on his son, but she got the message and smiled. When he smiled back, she felt like she was floating.

  To hide her reaction, she wet a paper towel for Casey to use to wipe off his mouth. Travis stood at the table and downed two more brownies in quick succession.

  “Can I have a brownie now, Dad?”

  “A little one. You’ve got enough chocolate in you to keep you awake for a week.”

  “Huh?”

  “Your dad doesn’t want you to get a stomachache,” Melissa interjected. “I’ll wrap up the rest of the brownies so you can take them home.”

  “Thanks! Can we play Go Fish now?” She’d found a deck of cards in the game closet.

  “One round,” his father decreed. “After that we’ve got to get you home to bed.”

  Melissa cleaned up the rest of the dishes, then joined them. Casey made the most matches, and was proclaimed the winner in no time, before they turned out the lights and locked up. This evening had filled her with such contentment, it was scary.

  She put Casey in charge of the brownies as they walked out to the Jeep. While she drove, he sat in the back and chattered all the way down to the truck parked in town. When she pulled up next to it, Travis got out and put his son in the backseat. She hated it that their marvelous evening was over.

  After buckling him in, Travis came around to her side of the Jeep. She lowered the window. Their faces were only inches apart. It was madness, but she ached for him to kiss her. If he ever got the urge, would he pretend she was his wife? She couldn’t bear it if that were true.

  His eyes played over her features. “You made this evening more memorable for us than you know.” She felt his warm breath on her face. Only a little closer… “How do I thank you?”

  The blood pounded in her ears. “You’re already doing that by agreeing to track down the trespassers.”

  He let out a sigh. She thought maybe he didn’t like remembering he had a job to do. At least for a little while. “Speaking of your case, I was wondering if tomorrow you’d come hiking in the forest beyond the ridge with me. This evening didn’t give me nearly enough time to do all the necessary exploring. I’m aware you want to paint, but you grew up here and know the area better than most people.”

  Melissa needed to remem
ber the man wasn’t asking her out. He needed her help. Since she’d been the one to tell her father about Lufka’s, and spearhead this investigation in the first place, she wanted to do whatever she could for it to be solved.

  “Finding the culprits is more important than my painting. Besides, I got in a full day today. I told you I’d help all I can, and I meant it. What time do you want to leave in the morning?”

  “I’ll be by at eight-thirty, after I’ve dropped Casey off at school. In case you didn’t notice, he’s had a wonderful time with you today. Thank you for taking the time to paint with him and play games.” Travis’s eyes held a faraway look just then. “He’s been missing that.”

  Travis had been missing it, too, Melissa knew. She had a hard time swallowing. “The feeling’s mutual. Your son is precious. Do you want me to drive my Jeep tomorrow? If so, I’ll need to fill it with gas when I get down the canyon tonight.”

  “Since we’re going to a new area, I thought we’d take my truck. It shouldn’t be too much longer before I get a lead. Bring a backpack with the things you’ll want.”

  What Melissa wanted was right here, and she didn’t want to have to wait until tomorrow. “I’ll be ready.”

  It was all she could do to start down the canyon without breaking into tears for the no-win situation in which she found herself.

  Yes, she knew Travis was grateful for her help. The three of them got along well and they had a lot of fun, but she’d been playing house the whole time. When he caught the people invading the cabin, it would all be over, and she’d be headed for heartache.

  He followed her all the way to her town house, but that came as no surprise. Travis had had sound instincts to guard and protect. After Russ, she was lucky to meet a man like Travis and get to know him. He was living proof that some men were a breed apart. Valerie had been blessed to know his love.

  Melissa took a deep breath as she parked her car and got out. She noticed Travis was still out in front. He hadn’t pulled away yet. “You don’t need to watch while I go inside,” she called to him.