Travis Justice Read Online Free PDF Page B

complicated. You’ve never been the kind of guy to tilt at windmills. If you were, you’d have joined the Rangers years ago.”
    Zach ignored that remark and barreled on: “I put out some feelers, but I don’t trust most of the private labs. And they don’t have the latest databases to cross-reference, anyway. This needs a pro to handle it.” Zach took a deep breath. “I haven’t told Mom and Dad yet, but I’m due on an oil rig off the Gulf in three weeks so I have limited time to get the results.”
    Ross picked up the sample and held it to the light, eyeing the long black hair that even behind the thin plastic glowed with blue-black health in the sunshine coming through the casement windows. “If I do this, your father will not be happy with me.”
    â€œI know. But strictly speaking, this is personal. Dad knows how persuasive I can be.”
    Ross’s lips quirked wider this time. “Yes, so Yancy is always telling me. She likes you. So does Emm, though your lukewarm reaction to her matchmaking has put her off a bit.”
    â€œI like them too.”
    To Zach’s relief, Ross finally put the baggie inside his jacket pocket. “I’ll talk to a consulting forensic scientist I know. She’s the best. But she’s not cheap.”
    Zach pulled out his checkbook, but Ross waved him away.
    â€œI don’t know what she’ll charge, but she’ll bill you when she gives you the results. She’s based in Austin, so that part is easy, anyway. Her name is Abigail Doyle.”
    Zach whistled. “I’ve heard Dad speak of her, and how the conviction rates in district C skyrocketed after y’all engaged her services. Wasn’t she involved in that business down in Mexico with you and Emm?”
    â€œYes. I trust her implicitly.” Ross glanced at his watch and stood. “I have to get ready for a dinner party tonight. I hate this political BS, but your dad wanted me here to talk to the legislature reps, so I came. We’re asking for an increase in funding for the Ranger Reconnaissance Team. With these new Asian gangs muscling in on the drug trade all over central Texas, we need the additional funds. Most of our resources have been deployed near the border.”
    Zach nodded. “Yeah, I heard that. Hope you get it.”
    When they reached the lobby, Ross shook Zach’s hand. “I only have one request—two, actually.”
    â€œName them.”
    â€œPlease tell your dad you asked me to do this. That I agreed only because the case is no longer official business. I don’t need him any more pissed at me than he usually is over my ‘confounded propensity for not keeping him in the loop,’ ” Ross quoted.
    Zach grimaced but nodded.
    â€œAnd secondly, give some serious second thoughts to whether to take the oil rig job or apply with the Rangers. You’re perfect Ranger material, whether you realize it or not—”
    Zach was shaking his head before Ross even finished. “I don’t know why y’all keep saying that. I’m not going to be the butt of every daddy joke on the Internet, and I’m sick of having to toe the line on rules I didn’t write. Plus I’m getting soft staying in Austin—”
    â€œWe have a new position opening up at the state level. It’s security for state officials, including DPS execs and director-level Texas Rangers. Your special forces background makes you perfect for the job.”
    Zach frowned. “Why didn’t Dad tell me about it?”
    â€œBecause he wants you to make your own right choices.”
    â€œYeah, his.”
    Ross sighed at the bitterness in Zach’s tone. He’d opened his mouth to retort when his cell phone rang with an “Eyes of Texas” ring tone. “Sorry, official business.” He pulled two phones out of his pocket and put the iPhone back, holding the BlackBerry to his ear. He moved