Page 44 of Ranger Bravery

“We didn’t have to meet in a deserted parking lot for me to tell you that.”

“What evidence do you have that proves Wally is Elena’s killer?”

His gaze narrowed. “Are you seriously going to tell me you don’t know what’s going on with the investigation? I know you have contacts in the sheriff’s department that are feeding you information.”

“I need to hear it from you.”

“I can’t tell you that, Shawn.” Jackson was growing tired of the subterfuge. “This is an ongoing investigation and you’re a civilian. Two women are dead. If you have information that can help, then give it to me and let’s stop wasting time.”

Shawn’s leg jittered. The silence stretched out. Jackson let it.

Finally, Shawn sighed. “If you ever tell anyone this information came from me, I’ll deny it.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper. “There’s a cabin the Hutchinson brothers use from time to time. I learned about it during Wally’s last domestic violence case. The cabin and its location is covered under attorney-client privilege.” He met Jackson’s gaze. “I’m breaking dozens of ethical rules and putting my law license on the line by giving you this information, but I can’t let Elena’s murderer go free.”

He slapped the paper down on the console. “You’ll find the brothers hiding out there.”

Before Jackson could say a word, Shawn opened the car door and hopped out. He ran to his Mercedes and got in. Tires squealed as he pulled out of the parking lot. His taillights flashed and then disappeared into the night.

Piper popped her head up as Jackson turned on his overhead light. An address was scrawled on the paper. Jackson studied it before glancing up at the road. His stomach swirled with anxiety. It was too good to be true.

“A trap?” Piper asked, echoing his own suspicions.

“I don’t know.”

TWENTY-FOUR

Jackson pulled his SUV to the side of the road behind a large armored vehicle filled with SWAT. Aerial satellite images of the area had been combed over by the team. There was nothing between this road and the cabin. He killed the engine. The sound of crickets and forest nightlife resumed. It was four in the morning, and he should be exhausted, but adrenaline kept the tiredness away.

Daniel hopped out of the passenger side. Felicity, Grady, and Bennett poured from the back seats. Jackson popped the rear hatch so they could access the bulletproof vests and equipment that’d been loaded in preparation for the raid, but he didn’t get out of the vehicle himself. Instead, he called Piper.

She answered on the first ring. “I’m still mad I can’t be there.”

His lips curved into a smile. “It’s better you’re there to keep your family safe. Don’t tell him I said this, but Cole’s aim isn’t that great yet. He needs to spend more time in the shooting range.”

Weston’s wife, Avery, had an unexpected medical complication. She would be fine, but he had to return home to help care for her and his newborn daughter. Cole was more than capable of keeping Ava and the kids safe, but Jackson felt better knowing Piper was there too. He worried the team was walking into a trap. It was also possible this excursion, an hour away from Rock Fort, was a distraction designed to draw resources away, so Piper and her family were vulnerable to an attack.

Jackson had debated leaving her, but it was Piper who’d encouraged him to go. If Shawn’s information was correct, the threat against her could be eliminated within the hour.

“Be safe, Jackson. I love you.”

Those words never failed to make his heart skip a beat. “I love you too.”

He hung up. Guilt and indecision warred within him. Had he made a mistake leaving her behind? Jackson gave himself a mental shake. That was just irrational fear talking. Piper was at home, behind locked doors and an armed security system, with a Texas Ranger guarding her. She was safe.

He exited the vehicle. The thunderstorm had lightened to a drizzle. Grady handed him a bulletproof vest. “Piper okay?”

“She’s mad about being left behind, but otherwise, she’s fine.” Jackson slipped the vest on and secured it. “Have you spoken with Tara?”

“She’s praying for us as we speak.” Grady slapped him on the shoulder before grabbing a rifle. Jackson followed suit, and they joined the rest of the law enforcement officers.

Derek, also dressed in tactical gear, stood at the front. “The cabin is five miles to the north. We’ll split up as per the plan, surround the cabin, and then approach by foot. Each team takes a bomb detection dog with you. The perpetrators are considered armed and dangerous. Everyone use caution. Any questions?”

No one spoke.

Derek nodded. “Be safe and godspeed.”

Nerves jumping, Jackson and the rest of his team divided up by predesignated units. Then they all loaded into the back of several armored vehicles and drove roughly four miles to the cabin. At some point, the other vehicles split off. Everyone was approaching from different angles. The bomb detection dog assigned to them, Lisa, was a beautiful German shepherd. She led the way into the forest.

Jackson’s boots sank into the muddy ground. The scent of wet leaves and pine surrounded him. He pushed aside some tree branches with the length of his rifle. The brush was thick and difficult to navigate, leaving him with a claustrophobic feeling. His heart beat increased. Adrenaline and fear narrowed his vision. It took several deep breaths to clear it.

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