“It’s a damn shame about your son, but I still have to do my job. I just got off the phone with the DA who’s going to prosecute Leroy’s case. You overstepped your bounds at the jail. Though I’ve taken you off the case, I haven’t suspended you. As for now, you’re on vacation. I suggest you get some counseling with the department psychiatrist.”
He knew the captain was cutting him slack by not suspending him, but he’d never felt so helpless in his life. “Yes, sir. Have you put Kit in charge?”
“Kit’s too close to you. I’ve put Ranger Rodriguez on it. He’ll be objective.”
Vic groaned.
“I’m a father and can only imagine how I would feel and react if my son or daughter had been kidnapped. But there are still consequences to pay. After some therapy you can report for duty. I need you back on the force ASAP. I want you to call the psychiatric unit today and set up some appointments with the doctor you used before.”
TJ meant Dr. Marshall, the psychiatrist who’d helped Vic deal with his grief after the tornado struck.
“We need you, Vic. You’re one of our best and that’s not lip service. We’re all sending up prayers that your son will be returned to you soon.”
Vic knew that. “Thanks, TJ.”
Rodriguez was a good Ranger, but his instincts weren’t quick like Vic’s closest buddies. TJ’s choice to head up this case was made on purpose because like Kit, he knew that Vic’s other friends, Cy and Luckey, were too close to Vic to be objective. Vic got it, but he didn’t like it.
After saying goodbye he left for home. It was ten o’clock in the morning. Jeremy should be at school and Vic should be on the job chasing down leads. How in the hell was he going to make it? But a nagging voice inside said Because Jeremy needs you.
Vic needed his son more.
Letting out a tortured sigh, he parked in the driveway and climbed out of the car. Claire stood waiting for him at the front door. She had a way of making everyone feel good.
“Hi, Claire. How would you like to go for a horseback ride?”
She blinked. “Right now?”
“Right now. I’ll change into my cowboy boots. The horses need exercise. It’s time you and I had a talk.”
That sounded ominous to Claire. “I’ll put on my boots,” she said, wondering what he had to say.
They walked out to the barn together. He brought their equipment out of the tack room so they could saddle and bridle their horses. Vic put a lead on Comet. Once they were mounted, they left the barn. Comet walked by Midnight’s side with Claire and Marshmallow on the other.
For a little while they rode around the five acres in silence. Vic was deep in thought. When they’d gone the full distance, he dismounted near the fencing and let the horses graze. Claire followed suit, troubled by the lines of grief carved in his rugged features. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
He walked over to the fence and leaned back against it. “A little bit of everything. First off, Kit told me you’re feeling guilty for the part you’ve played in Jeremy’s disappearance. You did nothing wrong. Neither did anyone else. Some evil men planned this kidnapping with expert precision.”
“I realize that.”
“Today I lost my cool at the jail and came close to strangling Leroy Bennett.”
“That’s all I’ve been able to think about doing,” she admitted.
“Well, I went too far when I grabbed him by the shoulders. Leroy’s attorney was there and witnessed my actions. Kit saw it, too, and stopped me before I did something terrible. I was supposed to interrogate Leroy, nothing else. Because I crossed the line, I’ve been told to take a vacation from work while I get counseling.” His black eyes glittered. “Does that alarm you?”
“No.”
“It should.”
“I may not be Jeremy’s mother, but my grief is so real that I can’t honestly say what I’d do if I had the chance to get that custodian alone. I’d slap him so hard he’d cry out for mercy.” Her voice shook.
A sad smile broke out on Vic’s face. “In my case, the captain feels someone else needs to head up this investigation while I get therapy.”
Her spirits sank lower. “I’m so sorry, Vic. Is Kit going to be in charge?”
“No. He’s putting another Ranger named Rodriguez in charge, and my hands are tied. I’m afraid that none of the four Sons of the Forty will be dealing with this case any longer. It’s the right thing to do. Today my judgment went to hell when that criminal was sitting in front of me. It would probably go to hell again were I to be in charge any longer.”
“That’s because your son is missing and you’re too close to the situation. I couldn’t be objective, either.”