Retribution Road, Jon Coon [top business books of all time .txt] 📗

They began walking to the barn, and Jack stuck to Carol’s side like a puppy on a leash. Once inside, Carol found a set of curry brushes and set to work grooming Jack, who loved the attention.

“Did I ever tell you the story about when Jack saved my life?”

“Really? He saved you?”

“It was raining, and I was leading him out of the barn. I slipped on the wet cement and fell hard. Next thing I knew, I was lying on my back looking up at his hoof about a foot over my face. He froze. If that foot had come down, I’d have been dead for sure. But he never moved. I don’t think he even breathed. I rolled over and got up, and he nuzzled me to make sure I was okay before that foot came down. Anyone who thinks horses aren’t smart or that they don’t bond with us doesn’t know a thing about horses.”

“That’s a cool story. How long will he live?”

“Well-kept quarter horses frequently live to thirty-five or older. Older than most other breeds.”

“Are you going to take him home with us?”

“That’s always been my plan, if your granddad agrees. I’d love to have Jack in our family.”

“What about me? My horse, I mean.”

“It depends on what you want to do. Barrel racing would be a great way to start, and we could give that a shot this week if you want.”

Her phone chimed, and she handed the brush to Emily and stepped away from Diamond Jack. He looked over his shoulder at Emily, who began brushing with enthusiasm.

Carol laughed as she listened to Gabe describe Tom’s antics at the bar the night before. He discreetly left out the part about Tom taking the girl to his suite.

“Was the girl very attractive, in her early forties, with long dark hair and great boobs?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I didn’t pay that much attention.”

“And if I believe that, you’ll want to sell me mountains in Louisiana.” She laughed. “The woman is Maria. She’s been Dad’s girlfriend for at least ten years. When she enters a room, there’s not a man born who doesn’t pay attention.”

“Then last night . . .?”

“Was a little theater for whomever the cartel has watching you two. And trust me, someone will always be watching.”

“They landed yesterday and checked into the hotel,” Estevan reported. “Just like you instructed, Maria reeled him in like a shark on a blood bait. She’ll report back later this morning. The plane is a Bonanza in good shape. It will do for this job. They are booked on the charter boat later today. I’ve given Domino a head’s up. Anything else, patrón?”

“They’re fishing, but we will set the hook and reel them in. Soon the Texas Rangers will be working for us, like everyone else. Soon there will be one America again, and we will own it.”

Maria lay beside him, watching him sleep and thinking about the great times they had shared, both here in Mexico and at the Texas ranch. She measured the rise and fall of his muscular chest with each breath and saw the two, half-inch diameter scars from a raid in Laredo four years ago peeking out from beneath the sheet. Bullets he’d taken shielding her.

Tom had proposed, several times. She’d always said no. She loved him deeply, exclusively, but her job demanded what no woman should have to give, and the idea that when that happened she would be betraying their relationship was not something she was willing to accept. She knew the cost and he knew the rules. They were committed to each other and to taking down the Caldera cartel. Until they could walk away together, marriage, which required sexual exclusivity, was not an option.

She checked the clock on the nightstand: five thirty. The limo would be waiting. She slid carefully from beneath the sheets and dressed. She picked up the thousand dollars he’d left on the dresser, kissed him gently on the forehead, and ghosted out the door. Down the elevator and into the hall unseen, she walked out the employee door near the kitchen and stepped into the black Chrysler.

She handed the money to the driver and opened a thermos of steaming hot black coffee waiting for her in the mid-seat armrest.

“How was it?” the driver asked in Spanish.

“Like taking candy from a baby. He hasn’t a clue.”

“El Patrón is here, and he wants to talk to you. We’re going there now. Then I’ll take you home.”

Gabe watched Tom come down to breakfast a bit more subdued than his performance the previous night. Tom sat heavily in the chair and reached for the carafe of coffee.

“How was Maria?” Gabe asked with a smile.

Tom recoiled a bit and looked around for eavesdropping ears and peeping eyes. “Someone’s been talking, I see.”

“I recall something about ‘no secrets in this family.’” Gabe laughed.

“Fair enough. We’ve been together quite a while. I keep proposing, she keeps stalling. I get it, but I’m looking forward to her eventually saying yes.”

“Isn’t there a lot of risk for her, working undercover this way?”

“There is, and she’s the best we’ve got. She knows it, and she continues the work. It’s personal. The cartel killed her brother and his family. They were DEA in Mexico City. Gunned down in broad daylight. She came to us and wanted revenge. Retribution. She earned it. She got it several times over. We are both hoping this will be our last crusade. Take down El Patrón and hang up our spurs.”

“Looks to me like that’s a tall order.”

“It is, but the way I see it, we’re the only ones who can do it.”

“Why is that?”

“Because like Francis Augustus Hamer, we’re the only ones hardcore enough to make it happen.”

“Forgive me, who is he?”

“Was. He was the Ranger who set the ambush for Bonnie and Clyde in Louisiana, 1934. Some folks said it was a pure cold-blooded murder. But it was the only way they could put an