Page 35 of Ranger Bravery

She could trust these men with her family. They’d do everything to keep them safe.

The doorbell pealed. Jackson, along with the other rangers, rose immediately.

Piper’s phone beeped with a text. She glanced at the screen. “Stand down, gentlemen. It’s the sheriff.” She strolled from the kitchen and crossed to the front door, but before opening it, confirmed Derek was standing on the porch. He looked terrible. His uniform was wrinkled and there were circles dark enough to count as bruises under his eyes.

She wasn’t the only one who hadn’t gotten any sleep.

“Derek, come in.” She instantly recognized the stiffness in his posture and the concern written on his features. Her pulse picked up. “What is it? Has there been another murder?”

“No, but we need to have the task force meeting here. I think there’s a leak in my department.” He gestured to the television. “Turn on the news.”

NINETEEN

Jackson adjusted the volume on the television as a news reporter came on. She was in the parking lot of the nature preserve, close to where Gerdie’s body had been found.

“This is the second woman found murdered in a week.” The reporter’s expression was appropriately somber, but there was a gleam of excitement in her eyes, as though she was about to reveal a giant secret. “Both victims were beaten and shot, indicating we’re looking at the same killer. Sheriff Derek Martinez has been slow to provide updates. Sources have linked these two murders to an attack from ten years ago. A young woman was beaten and nearly shot in her home.”

She glanced down at the notes in her hand. “The victim in that earlier attack has been identified as Detective Piper Jensen. She now works for the Rock Fort Sheriff’s Department.”

Piper inhaled sharply. She sat on the arm of the couch. Spots of color appeared in her cheeks, and although she said nothing, Jackson knew she was deeply upset. Ten years ago, after the assault, she’d been bombarded with questions and comments from townsfolk. Some had been genuine and kind, others nosy and bordering victim shaming. For someone who shied away from attention, both were emotionally and mentally exhausting.

“If this is true,” the reporter continued, “then it’s concerning that our sheriff is refusing to answer questions. Do we have a serial killer on the loose in Rock Fort? I intended to ask at the press conference scheduled for noon today.”

The shot flipped back to the anchors in the studio, and a different story followed. Jackson flipped off the television and nearly threw the remote down on the coffee table. “That news story has Paul Kingston’s dirty fingerprints all over it.”

Derek nodded. “I’ve long suspected he was being fed information from my department. Since I took over as sheriff last year, I’ve done my best to plug the leaks. Clearly, I haven’t been successful.”

Ava wrapped an arm around her sister’s shoulders in silent comfort. Weston and Cole sat on the couch. Both looked furious. Footsteps upstairs punctuated the kids’ movements. Finn and Emma were playing in their rooms.

Derek focused on Ava and Piper. “I’m so sorry.”

Piper waved off his apology. “This isn’t your fault.”

Ava nodded in agreement and offered him a smile. “We’ve been the subject of town gossip more than once and survived.” She squeezed Piper’s shoulders. “I should go upstairs and talk to Emma and Finn. Some people will shamefully ask them questions. I don’t want them to be surprised.”

Derek winced. He removed his cowboy hat and ran his hands through the mussed strands, making them stand on end. “Ava…”

“Don’t you dare start beating yourself up, Derek. None of this is your fault.” She limped across the room and briefly touched his arm with her hand. “I’ll take care of the kids. You keep my sister safe and catch this killer.”

The doorbell rang. Jackson strolled across the living room to answer it.

Grandma Mary breezed inside the moment the door opened, enveloping him in a hug. “I saw the news story. How are my girls?”

“Hanging in there. But they’re upset.”

She nodded and then patted his cheek. “You also look upset.” She gave him another motherly hug. “When things are bleak, it can be hard to rely on your faith, but keep praying. God is listening. He will ease the burdens in your heart and find some way to bring goodness from these tragedies.”

“Thank you, Grandma Mary. I needed to hear that.”

“Of course, child.” She released him. “You’re a good man, Jackson Barker. Always have been. Piper became tough out of necessity, but no one was made to walk this earth alone. It might take her some time, but she’ll figure that out.” Her gaze drifted to Ava and Derek. “So will Ava.”

He sighed. “I hope you’re right.”

Jackson was about to close the front door when he spotted several members of the ranger team heading up the walkway. Felicity and Daniel were accompanied by Luke Tatum, Grady West, and Bennett Knox. Trailing the group was Lieutenant Vikki Rodriguez, the commander of Company A, and Bennett’s wife, Emilia. Emilia worked for the state police as a criminal profiler.

All of them greeted Jackson with a hug or a handshake. Grady paused and lifted the bakery box in his hands. “We brought treats. I also wanted to let you know Tara sent out messages in the prayer group.”

Tara was Grady’s wife and often initiated the group’s social events. All the rangers’ wives, girlfriends, and fiancées were close thanks to Tara’s leadership. Jackson often wondered how she made time for it all with her busy medical practice and two young children, but she always seemed happy to organize the get-togethers.

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