Page 7 of Ranger Bravery

Hopefully, Derek and his deputies would find proof, one way or another.

FIVE

Fifteen minutes later, Jackson pulled up to the Jensen house at the end of a cul-de-sac. Light poured from the windows on the first floor. The grass was overgrown, and the bushes needed a trim, but the blue shutters had been recently painted. A bicycle lay discarded next to the front stoop.

Moxie, who’d been calmly lying in the back seat, rose to his feet and gave an excited bark.

“Someone’s happy to be home.” Piper popped out of the vehicle before Jackson could circle the vehicle to open her door. She released Moxie and he ran to the front stoop, tongue hanging out.

Jackson would swear the dog was smiling. His own lips lifted in a grin.

“Come inside.” Piper closed the rear door of the SUV. She’d been quiet for most of the car ride, but now seemed to get a second wind. Or maybe, like Moxie, she was relieved to be home. “I made lasagna for dinner, and I’m sure there’s leftovers.”

His stomach growled at the mention of food. Jackson had skipped lunch and breakfast. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“You aren’t. Grandma Mary will be perturbed if I don’t invite you in. Don’t sentence me to a lecture.” Her lips twisted into a teasing grin. “Besides, the only thing open at this hour is Mo’s Diner on the highway. I wouldn’t wish that food on my worst enemy.”

He laughed. Mo’s was a dingy watering hole with greasy food that always made Jackson’s stomach hurt. Piper’s lasagna sounded much better. She’d always been an excellent cook, a side effect of practically raising herself. Besides, it might be better to hang out a bit at her house. It would give Derek time to search the woods and update Jackson. It was highly risky to come after a law enforcement officer, but Elena’s murder had been brutal.

Jackson wouldn’t take chances. “Dinner would be great. Thanks, Piper.”

She led him inside the house. It had an open floor plan with a large living room and dining area. Music and singing came from the kitchen. Moxie ran ahead, his tail disappearing around the corner. An excited squeal followed. A little girl, if Jackson had to guess.

“I’m finally home,” Piper called out. “And I’ve brought a guest.”

Mary appeared, holding a dish towel in one hand. Her once dark hair had surrendered to the soft silver of age and lines creased her skin, deeper along the edges of her eyes and mouth. Everything about her was soft. From the pastel color of her blouse to the delicate knot holding the apron around her waist. Warmth mingled with worry as she took in Piper’s disheveled appearance.

She rushed to give her surrogate daughter a hug. “I’m glad you’re home safe and sound.” She pulled back. “I’ve been praying on and off since Derek called to say there’d been an incident in the nature preserve. Are you okay?”

“I’m desperate for a shower and some food, but otherwise, I’m fine.” Piper lifted her lips in a smile. “Don’t worry, Grandma Mary.”

“Not gonna happen, baby. It’s part of the job description.” Mary laughed lightly, as some of the tension drained from her shoulders. She glanced at Jackson, seeming to register his presence for the first time. His eyes widened as a broad smile creased her cheeks. “Well, now, Jackson Barker. It’s been far too long since you’ve darkened our doorstep.”

He removed his cowboy hat. “It’s good to see you, ma’am. Sorry for dropping in unexpectedly.”

“Nonsense. You’re always welcome.” She gave him a motherly hug and then backed away to stare him in the face. “My word, you’re the spitting image of your granddaddy. It’s uncanny.” Her broad mouth split into a grin. “Did I ever tell you he was the most eligible bachelor in Rock Fort? But he only had eyes for Bessie. From the moment those two sat together in English class, it was love at first sight.”

“That’s exactly what Grandad used to say.” Jackson had fond memories of his grandmother. She’d passed when he was in middle school and his grandfather was never the same.

“Jackson is a Texas Ranger now.” Piper toed off her dirty tennis shoes. “He’s helping on the case. I promised him some lasagna.”

“Well, there’s plenty left?—”

“Aunt Piper!” A shout came from across the room. A little girl with pigtails and an impish grin appeared. She tackled Piper with an enthusiastic hug.

Piper’s smile widened and she hugged the little girl with abandon before tickling her. Peals of laughter poured out. The obvious joy brought a smile to Jackson’s face. He couldn’t remember a time he’d ever seen Piper so content. So happy. After the scare they’d had in the woods, it was a welcome respite.

“Emma Grace, how many times do I have to tell you not to shout in the house?” Ava limped into the room. Her blonde hair, the same shade as Piper’s, was pulled back into a low ponytail, but unlike her younger sister’s curly locks, Ava’s was pin straight. She had dark brown eyes and high cheekbones. A brace placed over her soft cotton yoga pants stretched from her right ankle to upper thigh.

The worry lines creasing her forehead eased as she greeted her baby sister. “Hi, Piper.” Her brows lifted at the sight of Jackson, but if she was surprised by his presence, she was too polite to say so. “Jackson, it’s been a long time. You’re looking well.”

“Thank you. Piper told me about your accident. I’m glad you’re recovering.”

“This little munchkin is Emma.” Piper wriggled her fingers, causing another peal of laughter. Then she gestured to the lanky boy standing close to Ava as if worried she might fall. “And this is Finn. Kiddos, I’d like you to meet Texas Ranger Jackson Barker.”

Finn stepped forward to shake Jackson’s hand. The youngster resembled his mother with large dark eyes and blonde hair. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

Jackson nodded, pleased by the boy’s manners. “You too.”

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