The Texas Ranger's Family (Lone Star Lawmen 3)

As she dressed Amy for play time, Natalie decided she would also take her laptop out to the patio table and pay bills. It would help fill her day.

When it was nearly time to go in for lunch, Natalie’s phone rang. It was a Colorado area code.

“Hello?”

“Mrs. Harris? This is John Farbes from Farbes and Lowell in Denver. We represent the estate of Gladys Park.”

“Oh, yes. Ranger Saunders told me you’d be calling.”

“Would it be possible for me to come to your home at noon tomorrow to speak with you about your daughter?”

“That would be fine.”

“He told you the reason?”

“He did, yes.”

“Good. I’ll see you soon, then.” The attorney confirmed Natalie’s address and suggested some of the documents she might want to have on hand for their meeting. “Thank you, Mrs. Harris.”

“Thank you.”

* * *

KEEP BUSY OR GO CRAZY.

Kit swung by the grocery store to do some shopping. Then he drove to his condo to put everything away. His sandwiches didn’t taste like Natalie’s. He drank half a quart of milk. Still not satisfied, he reached for the pack of chocolate-chip cookies. As he was opening it, his cell rang. The government number on the ID could mean several things.

“Ranger Saunders speaking.”

“This is Officer Walton at the jail. Juanita Morales’s arraignment before the judge is scheduled for three o’clock. She’s asked to speak to you first. Alone.”

Well, well, well. It sounded as if she was getting nervous. That was a good sign and worth his trouble to find out what she wanted before she headed to the courthouse.

A half hour later it was like déjà vu as he entered the interrogation room. He turned on his digital recorder.

Juanita didn’t display the attitude of the day before. Overnight she’d lost her confidence and looked pitiful in her shackles.

“You’re going to be taken before the judge within the hour. Say what you have to say.”

This time her eyes didn’t flash. They looked dull. “Did you mean what you said about cutting time off my sentence if I give you information?”

“That depends on how valuable it is.”

“Harold’s wife is in danger.”

Her statement burned like acid. “What makes you say that?”

“Alonzo and I were the ones who ransacked her house.”

“What were you looking for?”

“Four-hundred-thousand dollars and two guns. My brother was sure they were there, but we found nothing.”

That money has to be somewhere. “Tell me where he put the millions he helped Marcos embezzle from nine banks.”

“He lost most of it on bad investments and gambling.”

“Were you involved with Marcos?”