Abducted: Reconnaissance Team (Texas Rangers: Special Ops Book 1) (15 page)

Ben took two steps back. Liz yanked her attention onto Masters as his hand closed around the gun that had fallen onto the carpet.

“Snap out of it, Will,” Braxton ordered.

Masters stilled, his eyes on Ben, who glared at him.

“Take it easy, Hunter,” Braxton said.

Masters dabbed the back of his hand against his bleeding nose, looked at the blood, then shifted his gaze up to Ben. “You're going to jail, Hunter.”  

“You pulled your gun,” Liz said.

His head snapped in her direction. “Self-defense.” 

“See if that story flies with your boss.” Ben turned his attention to Agent Braxton. “If you're smart, you'll get your stories straight. Ms. Monahan is a credible witness.” He shoved Liz toward the door and backed out of the room.

In the hallway, Ben whirled and grasped her arm. “Come on.” 

Seconds later, they jumped into his truck and he backed out of the driveway. He slammed the transmission into drive and stomped on the accelerator. Tires squealed and the truck shot forward. He didn't stop for the stop sign at the end of the block, but made a right turn as he grabbed his cell phone from the cubby hole in the dash.

Liz sat silent as he spoke with his captain. The conversation was short and sweet.

No one knew Liz’s identity, not the two Rangers assigned to protect her or the cops in Las Cruces, and only Ben and Medina knew about the plan to relocate her to the safe house in Las Cruces. Yet Ben wanted to keep driving until they reached Canada, where Sanchez would never find them.

“Where are you going?” Liz's question broke into his thoughts.

He kept his attention on the road. “How about Canada?” 

From the corner of his eye, he saw her shift, then felt her hand on his arm. Her gentle squeeze startled him and the warmth that seeped from her fingers through the fabric of his sleeve heated his blood in a way he'd never experienced.

“Pull over at the nearest parking lot.” 

Ben jerked his gaze onto her. Evening shadow hid her face.

She laughed. “Don’t tell me you think I have a make-out session in mind.”

“One can hope,” he ventured.

She squeezed his arm again and he wanted to take her into his arms so badly it hurt. Fact was,
he
needed comforting. He also needed to hear her whisper his name…then cry out when he brought her to climax.

Her hand left his arm.

“There's a station up ahead,” she said.

Ben slowed and pulled into the lot, then parked the truck in the corner spot. He turned off the engine and faced her.

She released a breath. “You were right. They're nothing like you.” 

“I wish I'd been wrong.” 

“Are you in much trouble?” 

“Masters is the one who pulled a gun on me.” 

Liz nodded. “Your captain wasn't happy.” 

“No, but he knows I won't lie to him. He'll get it worked out. Until then, he wants us to stay out of trouble.” 

“Does this mean you're not returning to Mexico?” she asked.

“Unless you're willing to live in Canada, we have to get him, Liz.” 

Liz laughed quietly. “Stay out of trouble, you say?” 

“It's probably best we don’t return to the ranch just yet. I don't want a confrontation if the Feds decide to show up there. I'll call my father and let him know there’s a possibility they might show up, then get us a motel. I can pay with cash, keep us below the radar.” She opened her mouth to reply, but he cut her off. “Don't worry, I'll sleep on the floor.” Ben reached to turn on the ignition.

She shook her head. “That's not what I was going to say.” 

He froze, his fingers gripping the keys. Was she going to suggest he sleep in the bed…with her? “What were you going to say?” 

She glanced at her watch. “Nine o’clock. Not too late. I have a phone call to make.” 

“Liz, you can't—” 

“Trust me.” She pulled her phone, a pen, and a business card from her purse, then tapped the phone screen.

A loud dial tone sounded. She smiled and Ben thought he'd lose himself in that smile. A voice answered the call.

“Hello. May I speak with the senator, please? Tell him it's Liz Monahan.” 

Ben frowned, but she only nodded. A moment later, she said, “Hello, Senator. How are you?” A beat of silence, then, “Yes, it has been some time. I'm sorry to interrupt. I know you have guests.” She laughed. “Yes, word does get around, but that's to be expected when Iron Horse is the guest of honor.” 

Iron Horse? Had he heard right? The Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M two years in a row?

“Come now, Senator, surely you don't think that a woman can't know about football?” Liz said.

He replied, but Ben couldn’t discern the words.

Liz laughed again. “I can see why you're so well suited for politics. I'm calling for a special reason. This is forward, but I'm in town, and I’m wondering if you can accommodate two more guests for the evening? I'm with a friend—” 

The voice cut in and surprise appeared on her face. “So you've seen the news. Yes, he’s the friend.” She halted and listened intently for another moment, then said, “Of course, I hadn't thought of that. I'm relieved we've only made the local news.” She paused, then, “Yes, sir, you've hit the nail on the head, but I don't want to put your other guests in an uncomfortable position. The idea is to keep a low profile.” 

He replied.

Her brows rose. “I'm thankful you said that and not me, Senator. I would be accused of sexism.” The man's laughter sounded through the phone, and Liz said. “I can't thank you enough. Can I get your address?”  

In the light of the streetlight, Ben glimpsed Sheila Antonio’s name on the card as Liz flipped it over. Warning bells sounded in his head.

Liz jotted down the address, then said, “We're on our way.” 

She tapped the screen to end the call and looked at him.

“What did you just do?” he asked.

“I got us a place to lay low.” 

“What has Sheila Antonio got to do with this?”

Liz frowned.

He added, “Isn’t that her business card?” 

Her expression cleared. “Oh yes. As it happens, she knows the senator, who’s a longtime friend of our family.” 

“It sounds like you and Sheila got chummy.” 

Liz regarded him and he realized his mistake.

“I see,” she said slowly. “She knows you—Ben Hunter. That explains a lot. You and she have a history.” 

“Professional history,” he answered a little too quickly.

Liz raised her brows. “She was draped over you as if she owned you.” 

“Doesn’t mean she does—or ever did. I told you, Sheila isn’t my type, so forget about her. Now, as for the senator, I think it's best—” 

“I’ve known Senator Pierson since I was twelve. If he assures me that there's no place safer in El Paso short of the police station, then he’s right.” 

Ben stared. “Ross the Boss Pierson?” 

She smiled. “I thought you might like him. Now we'd better get going.” 

“Hold on,” Ben said. “He saw the video on the news. Ross the Boss might be able to keep quiet, but what about his guests? You mentioned Iron Horse.” 

“He's one of the guests from their ’76 championship team.” She ticked off on her fingers, “Ross the quarterback, Iron Horse the running back, Legs Lipinski, the tight end, and the whole front line. The senator says they've been at the mansion the better part of the day, so probably haven't seen the news, and they're likely not interested in the local news anyway—his words, not mine. Had the video aired in ESPN, he said we might be in trouble.” 

Ben laughed. “He's probably right about that.” 

“Are you an Aggie fan?” Liz asked.

“What Texan isn't?” he said. She dazzled him with a smile and Ben was struck with a thought. “I could easily have gotten us a hotel. Why go to the trouble of wrangling an invitation from the senator?” 

“A hotel clerk could recognize one of us,” she replied.

“I have a few friends,” he said.

She shrugged. “We need a break and I thought you might enjoy meeting Iron Horse.” 

“If it were any other time—” 

“It isn't any other time,” she interrupted. “And you're looking a gift horse in the mouth, Mr. Hunter.”  

Ben held her gaze for a moment, then turned and started the truck. “You'd better be careful, Ms. Monahan.” 

“Why?” 

He shifted the truck into reverse, backed out, then shifted into drive. “Because you're starting to like me.” 

Half an hour later, Ben and Liz entered the senator's home.

“Senator Pierson,” she said, “meet Adam Billings.” 

The senator extended his hand and they shook.

“Good to meet you, Senator. I'm a real fan.” 

The senator released his hand and winked at Liz. “A little flattery goes a long way. I ought to know.” 

“We appreciate your hospitality,” Liz said. “It's been a long twenty-four hours.” 

The senator's expression sobered. “So I gathered.” He shifted his attention to Ben. “The reports don't say why you two were running the border, but I assume you're law enforcement?” 

Ben nodded.

He slapped Ben on the back. “Are you an Aggie fan, son?” 

“I am.” 

“Good, then come meet Iron Horse and Legs.” 

The senator led them to the largest den Ben had ever seen. A wet bar drew his attention to the left hand wall. Opposite were located an eighty-inch TV, a sound system and three leather sofas arranged in a semi-circle. What looked like highlights from the ’76 season played on the TV, but a 70’s disco song played on the sound system.

And Sheila Antonio… Ben stopped, as did Liz, as Sheila turned and saw them. A shadow flitted across her face and Ben said, “I see a friend, Senator. Will you excuse me?” 

“Certainly. I’ll take Liz and introduce her around.” 

Ben nodded and did his best not to hurry toward Sheila. When they met halfway across the room, he smiled and said, “Ms. Antonio, you probably don’t remember me, Adam Billings. We met the other night at a party.”

She smiled and extended a hand. He accepted, as she said, “Of course I remember. How are you, Mr. Billings?”

Ben knew he could count on her to go along with the ruse. When it came to men, she was a man-eater, but it was people like her who took the law seriously and kept El Paso one of the safest metropolitan cities in the US.

“Call me Adam,” he said.

She angled her head. “Adam.” They strolled nonchalantly out of earshot of the two men standing nearby.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” he whispered.

“Same here. I saw the news report. Does that relate to last night?” 

He nodded.

Sheila sipped the drink she held. “How does Ms. Fashion fit in?” 

“I can’t go into it. Just remember, as far as you know, I’m a model.” 

She took another sip of her drink. “So what are you doing here tonight?” 

“Laying low.” 

“Do you need anything?” 

“No, but thanks. I better get back to the senator.” 

She nodded and he left.

* * *

Being from Dallas, Liz was a Dallas Cowboys fan. But her commitment to the team didn’t extend past hanging out with friends for a game or two during the season. Sheila Antonio, on the other hand, knew all the players, the stats, even the plays. She seemed to know as much as the players.

Ben sat on the couch between her and one of the quarterbacks and a linebacker. He was clearly enjoying himself. Why not? He deserved a break. More than that, he needed a break. No one could run on adrenaline without eventually crashing—and making a mistake. Sheila Antonio seemed to put him at ease. He’d told Liz that he and Sheila had a professional history. Sheila took every opportunity to stay close to him. Ben didn’t seem to mind.

He caught her looking at him and flashed a dazzling smile. Liz smiled back, but the pleasure didn’t reach her heart. She glimpsed concern in his expression, but Sheila said something to him, and he returned his attention to her. He smiled and Liz realized that was the same smile he’d just given her. Anger flashed, then died as quickly as it came. He was young, attractive, and unattached. He could smile at as many women as he wanted. But the admonition didn’t halt the memory of their afternoon interlude.

The weight of his muscular body lying atop hers had felt better than she liked to admit. Better than it should have been. When he’d kissed her—she broke off the thought. Dwelling on those memories could—would—lead to trouble.

Ben reached into his pocket, drew out his phone, and glanced at the display. He said something to Sheila and Liz tensed when he rose. His gaze caught hers and he gave a reassuring smile as he passed. He left the room and her anxiety ratcheted up. The call had to be from his captain. She couldn’t just sit there and wait to find out what was going on. She rose, but knew she couldn’t follow him. It would be too conspicuous and he wouldn’t appreciate the intrusion.

Liz meandered to the large window and gazed at the hills beyond the city. Behind her, the men argued over a play. She crossed to the food table. The senator had put out a spread worthy of a king. She and Ben had already eaten, but she needed something to do. Liz took a small plate and selected a couple of cookies. She turned and couldn’t help a glance at the door Ben had exited. The men in the room cheered. Some jumped to their feet and pumped their fists. Liz turned her attention to the big screen, but glanced at the door a moment later. What was taking so long?

“I'm sure he'll return shortly.” 

Liz turned toward Sheila Antonio.

“He’s always like this,” Sheila said.

Liz bit into a cookie and lifted a questioning brow.

“Secretive.” 

“It’s the nature of his business,” Liz said.

“True, but he thrives on it.” 

He did.

“You have reason for concern,” Sheila said.

That was also true, but she hated Sheila pointing it out. What she hated worse was that she cared. The door opened and Ben entered. Liz noticed the curiosity in Sheila’s gaze and for an instant thought she would act upon that curiosity.