Daughter of Texas by Terri Reed

anxious to catch the villain. Trevor slipped in behind Ben and took a seat. Ben stood and braced his hands on the back of an empty leather chair.
    At the head of the table stood Texas Ranger Senior Captain Doug Parker, dressed in tan slacks, a navy sport coat over a white button-down and a white hat. In his late sixties, Parker made an imposing figure at six-one with a bony frame that barely contained the energy emanating from him.
    The lines in his craggy face were as harsh as his sharp green eyes as he assessed the nine men and one woman in front of him from beneath the brim of his hat. He smoothed a finger over his handlebar mustache. “It’s a sad, sad day,” he said.
    Nods of agreement went around the room.
    â€œBut we carry on. The Rangers have always carried on,” Parker said in a solemn tone. “There’s work to be done. First I need to appoint a new captain to Company D.”
    The sound of the Rangers shifting in their seats filled Ben’s ears. He kept his gaze trained on Parker, though he could feel the speculative glances shooting his way.
    Ben cleared his throat. “We need to find our captain’s murderer before any decisions are made.”
    Parker’s eyes narrowed. “Without a leader the team will falter.”
    â€œI agree,” Trevor interjected, his voice vibrating with anticipation. He stood. “As the senior lieutenant, I’m more than willing to step into the captain’s role.”
    Parker never shifted his gaze from Ben. “Duly noted, Donovan. However, Lieutenant Fritz will be promoted to Captain of Company D.”
    The senior’s words hit Ben like a fist to the solar plexus. He and Greg had talked about the day when Ben would be promoted, but it was always in the context of when Greg retired.
    â€œWhat? How can you do this?” sputtered Trevor.
    Parker pinned Trevor with his glittering eyes. “If you have a problem with the situation, we can discuss it in private.” Turning his sharp gaze back to Ben, he said, “So, Fritz, do you accept the position?”
    Ben’s heart pounded. He wanted the promotion, but not like this. Greg should be the one handing off the leadership baton. But Greg was gone and Ben needed to face that fact. His gut crunched.
    He glanced around the table, appreciating the encouraging looks of the Rangers of Company D. Slowly, he nodded, accepting the responsibility out of respect for his fallen captain.
    Parker nodded with satisfaction. “Good.” His expression turned grim. “Then I’ll leave you to find Pike’s murderer. Anything you need, Ben, don’t hesitate to ask. You have all of the resources of the State of Texasat your disposal.” Parker touched the brim of his hat and headed for the door.
    Ben hurried to catch up with him in the hall. “Captain Parker, I’d like to request to promote Daniel Riley to the rank of lieutenant.”
    Parker stopped and placed a hand on Ben’s shoulder. “I think that’s a fine idea. Fill out the necessary forms.”
    â€œThank you, sir.”
    Sadness crept into the older man’s eyes. “I’m sorry about Greg. I know you two were close.”
    â€œWe were, sir.” As close as father and son. Only their bond went deeper. Ben had trusted Greg with his life. And vice versa. If only Ben had arrived twenty minutes earlier….
    Parker squeezed Ben’s shoulder. “I have every confidence you’ll bring the murderer to justice. And until the fiend is apprehended, you are charged with keeping Corinna Pike safe.”
    â€œI will,” Ben assured him with rock solid determination strengthening his tone. “Believe me, I will.”
    Trevor stepped out into the hall. “Captain Parker, may I have a word?”
    Parker removed his hand from Ben’s shoulder, sighed and then nodded to the other Ranger. “Walk with me, Donovan.”
    Shooting Ben a withering glare, Trevor