Page 91 of The Texas Murders

I shoot him in the throat before he can fire.

He teeters, clutching his neck as blood dribbles down into the pool. Then his body tumbles over. I lunge out of the way, and he hits the pool in an explosion of water. A plume of crimson spreads from the body as it bobs to the surface.

I grab the edge of the pool and haul myself out.

I move toward the stairs, my boots sloshing water. I almost run up the steps to the balcony toward the house, but I spot a door, tucked away under the stairs, and I remember that the woman said Mr. Z took Marta to the basement.

I kick the door open and race down a set of stairs, taking three at a time. There’s another doorway at the bottom. I hesitate, readying my gun, listening. I make out some kind ofthud.

I raise my foot to kick the door open.

Garrison Zebo—recognizable from his bleached hair and leather-tanned skin—is slumped on the floor atop Marta Rivera.

Neither appears to be conscious.

I throw Zebo off of her. His eyes are open—he’s awake—but he’s as flaccid as a noodle.

“Marta!” I shout, checking her pulse and listening for breath.

I find a faint beat in the artery in her neck. Her eyes flitter open. Then she bolts upright, taking a gasping breath, looking around in terror.

“It’s okay,” I say. “I’m a Texas Ranger.”

She throws her arms around me, and I hold her trembling body. Through the open door, I hear sirens, close and getting closer.

“You’re safe.”

CHAPTER 83

AVA PULLS HER SUV up in front of Isabella Luna’s small brick house. She has showered, scrubbed off the soot and the smell of smoke, and changed into a fresh uniform. Her hair has been washed and stretches down her back in a damp braid. She takes a deep breath, knowing the importance of this interview.

Ava approaches the front door of Isabella’s house as her phone beeps with an incoming text. She stops, midway up the walk, and checks the message.

It’s from Rory.

Marta is safe.

Ava closes her eyes and breathes a big sigh of relief. Then another text comes in.

Zebo arrested.

She feels a jolt of satisfaction. Then a third text comes and robs her of her good feelings.

Carlos is injured. On his way to hospital.

If you pray, say one for him.

Ava looks up from the phone, blinking back tears. Thunderclouds are overtaking the sky as the sun sets, creating a feeling as ominous as this news. She starts to text Rory back, but Isabella opens the front door.

“Ava?” she says. “I saw you pull up.”

“Hi,” Ava says. “Is now a good time?”

“It’s as good a time as any, I guess.”

Just then, another text pops in from Rory.

Let me know what happens with your interview. Call me. No matter how late.

---