The Maverick Read Online Free PDF Page B

the weather gorgeous? Marchand April are the very best times of the year in Texas. The wildflowers are blooming and the temperature is pleasant. By May many days will hit ninety degrees, and by August it’s hotter than Hades. I guess it’s a trade-off for not having to deal with snowplows.”
    “It doesn’t snow in Austin?”
    “Occasionally. I think we got about an inch in a brief snowfall four or five years ago. And sometimes we get ice, but it’s usually gone in a day or so and everybody is running around in flip-flops again.”
    “Tell me about where we’re going,” Griff said.
    “Well, first we’re going to Wimberley to the Burrells’ house. That’s Gabe and my cousin Belle Starr Outlaw Burrell. We’re meeting my sister and her fiancé Ben as well as my cousin Sam Bass Outlaw and his wife, Skye.”
    “She’s the veterinarian.”
    “Right. And she’s also Gabe’s sister. I think one of the Naconiche cousins and his wife will be there, or maybe two of them.”
    “Two of who?”
    “Two of the cousins. Three of the Outlaw brothers live in Naconiche, but they don’t usually come all at one time. There’s J.J., the sheriff, whose name is Jesse James Outlaw, Judge Frank James Outlaw and the homicide cop turned professor, Cole Younger Outlaw. And assorted wives and children will be there, depending on who shows up.”
    “I hope I can get them all sorted out.”
    Cass laughed as she hit the open road and floored it. The scarf that had been holding her ponytail went flying behind them, but she didn’t stop for it. “Sometimes I can’t keep them all straight. Hold the wheel for a minute.”
    “What the—” Griff grabbed the steering wheel while she caught her whipping hair in a rubber band.
    “Thanks.”
    “Do you get many tickets?” he asked.
    “For what?”
    “Speeding, reckless driving, that sort of thing.”
    She laughed. “Never. Don’t tell me you’re one of those nervous nellies.” No sooner were the words out her mouth than she saw red-and-blue flashing lights behind her.
    Griff merely lifted his eyebrows.
    Cursing her big mouth and her heavy foot, Cass pulled over. When she looked in her rearview mirror and got a glimpse of the state trooper exiting his car, she bit back a grin. When he walked up to her window, the grin broke loose. “Hey, Paul. Long time, no see.”
    His eyes widened, then his grin matched hers. “Cass? Sunny?”
    “The former. How are you doing these days?”
    “I’m doing fine, Cass. I see you’re still driving like a bat out of hell.”
    She shrugged. “I’m just so glad to be back in Texas, my old habits got the best of me. How are your mama and daddy?”
    “They’re doing fine. Daddy says he’s going to retire next year.” The trooper glanced over at Griff and touched the brim of his cowboy hat.
    “Paul, this is Griff Mitchell. Griff, Paul used to live down the street from us when we were growing up. Sunny and I used to babysit him.”
    Griff only nodded.
    “We’re on our way to Wimberley to celebrate my cousins’ anniversary,” Cass told Paul. “One of them is a Texas Ranger. You may know him. Sam Outlaw.”
    “Hell, yes, I know Sam. I didn’t know he was married. And I didn’t know he was your cousin.”
    She nodded. “He is. And Sunny’s engaged to another Ranger. Ben McKee.”
    “You don’t say. Don’t believe I’ve met him. Tell her hello for me. Listen, Cass, I’m going to give you a pass this time, but I’m going to follow along on your tail for a bit to keep you honest.”
    She gave him her most dazzling smile. “Thanks, Paul. I appreciate it.”
    When she pulled away, Griff said, “Do you know everybody in this part of Texas?”
    Cass laughed. “Seems that way sometimes. You have to remember the Austin I grew up in was more small town than big city. And folks I didn’t know from school or the neighborhood I knew from Chili Witches. Everybody in town ate there or worked there at one time or another.”
    She watched her