“You said she’s dead. Is she?”
“Yes, that was true. Like I said several years ago.” Gladys waved her hands toward the front door. “Now go before . . .” The older woman swallowed hard.
“Was Belle married?”
Her teeth gnawed her lower lip. Moisture on her forehead glistened in the light of the foyer. “Yes. To Duke Littleton. He has a big spread a few miles outside of town. He owns half of Silverwood. You don’t mess with him. He has a mean streak.”
“Does he own the police chief?” Daniel leaned back against the front door with his legs and arms crossed.
Gladys flitted a glance toward Daniel then returned her attention to Wyatt. “I need protection. If Chief Jeffers knew you were here tonight, I would be in a lot of trouble. He and Officer Gilmore were not pleased with me today.”
“The police officer who was at the station when you and I talked?”
The older woman nodded.
“Why wasn’t Gilmore pleased?”
“I was told to mind my own business or else.”
“Or else what?”
“He didn’t have to say. Like I said, a couple of people have disappeared when they crossed the police chief. Of course, it was said they decided to move, but I don’t know if that’s the real truth, not with what has been happening lately.”
“Why hasn’t anyone come forward to complain? We deal with law enforcement corruption in Texas.”
“Eight months ago someone tried. His house was burned down with him in it. It was ruled an accident, an electrical short. But some of us have wondered.”
“Then why are you working for the police chief?” Wyatt pushed from the door.
“To find some kind of evidence I could take to the authorities that the police chief can’t refute.”
“What is Chief Jeffers doing illegally?” Daniel asked.
Gladys lifted her shoulder. “Don’t know for sure. But he is tight with Duke Littleton. What Duke wants, he gets. No one dares cross him.”
Wyatt thought about what little he knew about Bo Jeffers. There had been suspicion of using excessive force once a few years back.
“What’s Duke’s ranch called?” Wyatt moved to a window next to the front door.
“The HRH Ranch.”
“What’s that stand for?”
“Someone said once His Royal Highness, but I don’t know if that’s true.”
“I take it that Duke isn’t well liked around here.” Parting the blinds, Wyatt scanned the street.
“More like he is feared. His ranch is guarded by a small army.”
Wyatt peered at Daniel. “We need to get Gladys somewhere safe and see if we can get a warrant to search his place.”
“Not with the evidence we have.”
19
Frustration twisted Wyatt’s gut. He knew they didn’t have enough evidence, but instinct told him something was going on at that ranch. “Then we’ll need more evidence to prove our case. Gladys, pack a bag.”
“I’ll see what I can find out about Duke Littleton.” Daniel removed his cell from his pocket and made a call.
When Gladys came back into the room with a small duffle bag, Wyatt took it from her. “I want you to tell me how to get to HRH Ranch. I thought before we leave the area I’d drive by and get a look-see.”
“You aren’t going to stop, are you?” Her voice quavered.
“No, I don’t want them to know I’m interested.”
“Then I can show you an old back road that leads to a hill that overlooks the ranch. It’s not in great shape, but it might be a good place to check its layout.”
“The road isn’t on Littleton’s property?”
“It runs along his western border. You won’t see much at night, but it would be a nice spot to observe from tomorrow.”
Wyatt chuckled. “I like the way you think, Gladys.”
“I’ve been working for the police chief’s office for nearly thirty years. I’ve picked up a few pointers along the way. And I’ll tell you right now, young man, I haven’t liked the changes that have taken place in Silverwood and in the police chief the last eight years or so. About the time Duke Littleton came to town with all his money.”
“It’s people like you who can make a difference and make my job easier.”
After Daniel hung up and joined them, Gladys crossed to the front door. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything at the station earlier today, but Officer Gilmore was looking on. I should have done it before this. That man uses fear to control people.”
“Most predators do.” Wyatt stepped out onto the porch after Gladys and Daniel then made sure everything was locked up before going to his truck.
Before Wyatt climbed behind the steering wheel, he scanned the area. Nothing seemed out of place, but the stakes were high. He had to be extra cautious. If the person behind this ring took Kate, then he would do anything to stop Wyatt and the task force discovering the truth. A lot of money was involved. Human and sexual trafficking was big business.
Wyatt followed Gladys’s directions over the rough dirt road to the overlook and parked his truck so no one from the ranch could see it. “You stay in here. Daniel and I will check it out.”
She nodded, then hunkered down in the backseat.
Wyatt retrieved a pair of night vision binoculars from his equipment box. He and Daniel crawled up to the rise that gave them a view of the ranch below. As he swept the area below him, Wyatt noted the main house, barn, stable, and a couple of outbuildings—one with armed guards around it. The police chief’s vehicle sat in front of Littleton’s mansion, along with the same car Maddie had described as Tyler’s and another small sports car. “Other than men with weapons patrolling near a building in the back, everything seems normal for a ranch.”
“So what’s in that building that Littleton’s guarding?”
“Good question. We’ll ask him when we see him.” He passed the binoculars to Daniel. “I see the police chief has returned to Silverwood earlier than his wife expected.”
“Wonder what Jeffers and Littleton are talking about?”
King needed to know what was going on. He picked up his phone and called Carrie, slipping into his Jack Reagan persona. On the fifth ring, she answered, breathless.
“Is something wrong, darlin’?” King asked, cradling the receiver between his face and shoulder.
“No, I was in the other room and had to hurry to get the phone. I thought . . .”
“Thought what?”
“Oh, nothing. I didn’t expect to hear from you again this evening.”
“I’m sitting in my hotel room getting lonely. I was hoping I could pick you up and go for some coffee. Maybe the Cattleman’s Bar and Grill. I love their apple pie. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. What do you say?” He lowered his voice to a husky drawl. “I need to see you, darlin’.”
A long pause then Carrie said, “Well—tonight isn’t a good time. Things are happening here and I shouldn’t leave.”
“What’s wrong? Is everything okay?” He made sure just the right amount of concern sounded in his voice.
“Wyatt told Maddie and I to stay put. My granddaughter did something foolish today.”
“But why should you have to stay put? I didn’t want to tell you this, but I have to go back to Austin tomorrow. I have to deal with some business right away, and I don’t know when I can come back to Dallas. I don’t want to leave without seeing you.”
“Just a minute,” Carrie said to him, and then she must have turned away from the phone because her voice was muffled and sounded far away. All he heard was Carrie say “a friend” and murmurs of male voices in the background. A minute later, she came back on. “Sorry. Wyatt has some colleagues over here. This isn’t a good time. I need to be here for Maddie.”
“You’re worrying me. You sound frazzled.”
“Let’s just say this hasn’t been a good day. My granddaughter did something stupid and my son is beside himself. He’s rallying the
troops to take care of a situation that’s quickly developing. I wish I could tell you more, but I’ve mainly been in the back with Maddie. Please call me tomorrow. Maybe things will be better by then.”
“Very well. Good night.” He waited until she hung up before he slammed down his receiver. The urge to throw the phone across the room inundated him.
“We’ve got trouble.” King peered at the police chief sitting in a chair in front of King’s desk. “Send Officer Gilmore to pick up Gladys. We can’t afford to rely on fear anymore. We need to tie up loose ends and move this operation. Now.”
Sheridan’s daughter was lucky today. She could have become a statistic if she had met that guy at the mall.
After Maddie overheard the Texas Ranger in her dining room, she shut her door and crumpled against it, surrendering to the trembling, to the tears. Tyler was going to kidnap her? Why?
No, he cares for me. He might be mad because I didn’t show up, but he’d get over that and call me.
But as much as she wanted to believe that, the conversation of the Ranger and the other police officers only underscored her naiveté. Hadn’t her dad warned her enough? Not to be so trusting. So gullible. So impulsive.
A knock on her door startled her. Maddie gasped and scrambled to her feet as her grandmother opened the door and came in.
“Hon, I’m sorry you had to hear that.”
“Is it the truth, what he said?” Maddie backed up until her legs hit the bed and she sank onto it.
“Yes. They have analyzed some more security footage they just received from the mall and isolated the picture of the man who pushed Kate into the car. He looks just like the sketch drawn from your description of Tyler.”
“I’m the reason Kate has been kidnapped.” Tears flooded her eyes. An unbearable pain constricted her chest. “She was there to help me.”
Nana hurried to her and sat beside her. “You didn’t know that was going to happen.”
Wet tracks coursing down her cheeks, Maddie looked at her grandmother. “If I hadn’t been so stubborn, selfish, she would be okay. How in the world did I think someone like me could have attracted someone like Tyler?” She hit the side of her head. “Dumb. Dumb.”
Her grandmother grabbed her hands and held them. “You’re a beautiful young lady who can attract anyone she wants. It isn’t you, honey. It’s this Tyler. He’s a predator who knows what he has to do to lure girls like you to him.”
“I fell for everything he told me. I can’t believe it.”
Nana wound her arm around Maddie. “Let me tell you. I’ve done my fair share of falling for the wrong man. I’ve never been able to find someone to replace your granddaddy. I’ve spent so much time running around after every man who will look at me twice that I’ve neglected you and Wyatt. I’ve made a few mistakes in all of this.” She cradled Maddie to her. “I can’t change what’s happened, but I can learn from it. When I see your father, I have some apologizing to do.”
“Me, too.” Maddie swiped at the tears, but they kept falling. “Do you think he’ll find Kate?”
“All we can do right now is pray he can in time.”
“Will that be enough?”
“It’s in the Lord’s hands now. Our prayers will help.”
“We need to get out of here,” Kate said, pacing the perimeter of the Deprivation Room, using her hand to feel the wall as she walked.
“I’ve tried two times. There’s no way out.”
The defeat in Rose’s voice broke Kate’s heart. The girl had been through so much. She should be going to sleepovers with her friends and only worrying if she was going to pass the next algebra test. Not how to get out of a dungeon-like room. “How did you try?”
Rose explained both ways to Kate. As she listened to the teen talk, an idea came to Kate’s mind. “I have a hair clip. Can you use it to pick the lock?”
“He has cameras at all his doors that lead into this house. I don’t think it’s possible to get out of here.”
Kate moved toward the sound of Rose’s voice. She stretched out her arm until she encountered the girl. “It might not be, but we have to try. We’ll never know otherwise. If you get us out of this locked door, then I’ll find a way out. How about a window?”
“Bars on the ones downstairs.”
“Locked?”
“From the inside,” Rose gripped Kate’s arms. “We might be able to get out that way.” Excitement built in her voice. “The key has to be nearby because of the fire hazard. Aunt Belle insisted on that after what happened to my parents. If not, I can try picking the lock.”
“Then we’ll get out that way. See you know more than you realize from your years living here.” Kate reached up and removed her hair clips from each side. “Here, see if you can use these.”
For ten minutes, Rose worked on the lock. Kate stood behind her, praying over and over. Lord, anything is possible through You. Help us escape. Please.
Rose hit the door with her fist. “I can’t do it. I can’t—”
“Try one more time. We’re not alone in this.” Kate settled her hand on Rose’s shoulder, the teen’s body quivering, her skin clammy.
“But what if they come down to check before I can open it.”
“You’re such a capable young lady. Concentrate on what you need to do. Nothing else.”
Rose went to work again. Five minutes later the lock clicked, and she eased the door open. “It’s clear. At least down here.”
Again, Kate heard a defeated tone in Rose’s voice. Her uncle had really done a number on her. He had so much to pay for. “That’s a good start. We’ll make it.”
Kate followed Rose out into the dimly lit basement and up the stairs, only silence from above them. What time of day was it? Where was everyone? Why so quiet? Worry attacked Kate from every angle.
Trust in the Lord.
At the top of the steps, Kate paused and closed her eyes for a few seconds, imaging giving her worries to the Lord. The frantic beat of her heart eased. We’re not alone.
Inch by slow inch she pushed the door open, then she and Rose crept out into the hallway. Light washed over Kate. She blinked, adjusting her eyes to the brightness, and flattened herself against the wall. Her heart sped so fast the hall before her spun.
After checking the empty hallway, Rose gave her the okay sign, then started forward. Kate passed a shut door and pointed to it. Rose shook her head and gestured toward another closed one up ahead. Taking several more steps, the door behind Kate opened. With no place to hide, Kate along with Rose whirled around to face the threat.
Kate braced herself to fight. Rose grabbed her arm, tugged her back before the person stepped out into the corridor. The teen dropped Kate’s arm and continued her flight down the hall. But when Rose rounded the corner at the end, she plowed right into Jack Reagan. He clasped her, anger deepening the grooves on his face.
A few paces behind her, Kate froze for a few seconds when she glimpsed the man who had been dating Wyatt’s mother. What was he doing here? Was he rescuing them?
“Haven’t you learned your lesson, Rose?” Thunder descended over him, a storm brewing in his ice-cold eyes.
The smooth Casanova replaced by a cold-hearted killer? The need to protect Rose gave Kate clarity. She grasped a vase on a hall table, charged Jack Reagan, and smashed the porcelain into his head. “Run.”
Kate grabbed Rose and raced toward the front door. Behind Kate, Jack or whoever he was groaned then yelled for help. She didn’t dare look back. Her escape loomed before her.
Five feet.
Two.
Wyatt spied the front door to the house fling open. Two people flew out of the place—two females. Focusing his binoculars on the pair, he went rigid. Kate? It was too far away for him to see much detail on her face, but it was Kate. He was sure it was. Behind her was another woman—no, a girl— running toward the field near the main house.
Bolting to his feet, he started down the hill, saying to Daniel, “Get help. Kate’s i
n trouble.” Two men came out of the house, one holding a gun. “One of the guys is carrying a gun—all the more reason to move in now. I can’t wait for backup.”
Hurrying down the hill, Wyatt slowed enough to lock his binoculars on the men barreling down on the women. From the porch light, he could make out Chief Jeffers a few steps behind . . .
Jack Reagan?
With no thought other than to try and escape, Kate followed Rose who headed toward the darkness surrounding the large house and yard. In the blackness, they might be able to find a place to hide then get away.
Kate heard deep, angry voices shouting behind her. She kept running, not even glancing back because that would slow her down.
In the next instant, the sound of a gun firing filled the air.
The sight of the man his mother had been dating, who had sat at his dinner table, fueled Wyatt’s fury. He couldn’t give in to it or he wouldn’t be effective. He continued his plunge down the hill toward the women.
The sound of the gunshot froze Wyatt for a microsecond. When Kate went down, his heart plummeted, but he increased the speed of his descent.
No, God. Not again.
He released the binoculars and they dropped on the strap to his chest. Reaching for his weapon, he concentrated on each step. He couldn’t afford to falter. Each second counted. The pounding of his heart vied with the pounding of his footsteps.
Fire seared through Kate’s shoulder, but fear propelled her up and forward. Rose stopped, spun back, and grabbed hold of her to help her.
“I’m okay. Keep going.” Kate pulled away from Rose, the fence and field beyond only twenty feet away. “Hide, then get away. Get help.”
Finally, Kate glanced back and noticed one captor was close. The man called Jack. Another in a police uniform jogged three or four yards back from Jack. Her legs weighed her down, energy draining quickly. The metallic scent of her blood saturated the air she breathed, highlighting her weakened state. One step, then one more.
Saving Hope: Men of the Texas Rangers Book 1 Page 27