Christmas Justice (Carder Texas Connections #7)(51)

“You can catch whoever’s responsible and make them pay.” Hondo’s harsh voice came from around the corner. The big man looked devastated.

“Hondo.” Garrett stilled. “I’m so sorry about you and Lucy—”

The motel owner raised his hand. “You didn’t bring them here. They came after you. Lucy knows better than anyone that evil exists. Her ex-husband’s beatings damaged her brain and left her with a childlike innocence. Then a few months ago she was shot and nearly killed. She sees the truth now, though.” Hondo handed over another bag of cookies. “Give these to Molly. Lucy wants her to have them. She wouldn’t let herself sleep until I brought them out here.”

“Again, I’m so sorry.”

“Sheriff, you want to make it up to me? Take care of those men, then come back. Obviously Trouble needs a lawman who knows how to handle more than just old man Crowley’s drinking binges. We need good men around here, and that’s what you are. So get it done.”

Hondo disappeared back behind the screen door, then closed and locked it.

Garrett exhaled slowly, shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at Daniel. “I left everything I know about this case on a disk in the top drawer in the hotel room. If I don’t come back...use your best judgment.”

Daniel nodded.

“Strickland and Krauss are gone, but there are more coming.” Garrett pulled Strickland’s phone from the evidence bag. “Once I turn this on, sooner or later someone will track it, or the traitor at the other end will call.”

With a solemn nod, Daniel rubbed the back of his neck. “Then press the button and let’s get this damned thing over with.”

*

GARRETT DROVE THE TRUCK several hours from Trouble before he pulled off to the side of the road. He didn’t want anyone being led to Laurel.

He dozed, dreaming of lying next to Laurel and cuddling her warm body with his. Afternoon sunshine filtered into the pickup. The phone hadn’t revealed the blocked number, so his only choice had been to wait for the call. He’d signaled Daniel with a text, and CTC would triangulate the signal.

Just past twelve-thirty the phone rang.

“Derek Bradley, I assume?”

Garrett immediately texted Daniel: The tracking began.

“Strickland and Krauss are dead, I understand. That must feel good, Mr. Bradley, considering Strickland blew up your family right in front of you.”

“Not particularly. But then again, I don’t get off on killing people.”

“Should I even ask what you want, Mr. Bradley? Or should I call you Garrett?”

“A bargain. For the lives of Laurel McCallister and Molly Deerfield. They walk away. No one follows them and they’re left alone.”

More silence, and a prickle of unease rocked down Garrett’s spine.

“That could be possible. Ivy Deerfield was a better detective than you were, Garrett. She infiltrated my organization farther than I would have expected. She collected information I wish returned to me. Returned and destroyed.”

“I have her evidence.” Garrett waited for several moments. He had to keep the traitor on the phone.

“Your proposition has merit.”

Interesting. Whoever was on the other end of the phone felt vulnerable.

“I can come to you,” Garrett offered.

“It may very well be time we meet. Then you might begin to understand.”

Anticipation coursed through Garrett’s blood. He knew he was walking into a trap.

It didn’t matter.

“Tell your friends that their attempt to triangulate my location won’t work. Besides, you don’t have to guess where I’ll be, Sheriff. Come to James McCallister’s home. Alone. It’s a fitting spot for our...reunion. You have until midnight tonight to be here. Or I will finish my original plan and eliminate Laurel McCallister and her niece.”





Chapter Eleven

Laurel awakened without warmth next to her. She stretched her palm across the motel-room bed, but the sheets were cool to the touch. She didn’t have to call out to know Garrett was gone.

Keep him safe.

The silent prayer filtered through her mind. She tucked her legs up. Her skills hadn’t brought them the answer. Ivy’s investigation had done nothing but incriminate their father, just as he seemed to have done to Garrett. Which was probably why Ivy had thought about leaving the organization.

Garrett would never stop trying to prove his innocence and avenge his wife and daughter, though. And he wouldn’t stop now to protect her and Molly.

He was that kind of man. A hero, but the kind of man who could get himself killed in the name of justice.

There had to be something they were missing. That Ivy had missed.

Laurel sat up and rubbed her eyes. How long had she been out?

She slipped on her shoes and opened the door. Daniel stood near her room, his body watchful, his weapon at his side.

“Molly?”

“With Raven and Trouble next door. She’s fine.”

“I need to see her,” Laurel said.

“Sure thing.” Daniel took a scan around and met the gaze of a CTC operative at the other end of the motel. “Go on.”

Laurel rushed the five feet to the next room and opened the door.

“Aunt Laurel!” Molly grinned, gave Trouble a pat, grabbed her stuffed lion and raced over. “Trouble and me are bestest friends now. Can I have a dog like him? I’ll take good care of him and feed him and give him water, and take him for walks, and pick up his poop.” She wrinkled her nose. “If I have to. Miss Raven said you were resting. I’m glad you’re done. Where’s Sheriff Garrett?”