Page 46 of Texas Cold Case Murder

“I’m sorry you had to take him out, but I’m glad to hear we may learn something.” Taking bad guys down was part of the job description, but Jackson knew it was never easy. Not even when being forced to return fire in self-defense.

“Yeah, it’s not the first time.” Creed shrugged. “I just hope Owens doesn’t yank me off the case.”

Per Texas Rangers protocol, an officer-involved shooting required that officer to be placed on administrative leave. Jackson knew their captain had stretched the rules in the past. And since today was Saturday—well, technically Sunday as it was past midnight—he was sure the administrative leave wouldn’t start until Monday.

Maybe that was splitting hairs, but at this point he needed Creed’s help to keep Nina safe.

The goons had gotten way too close. First finding them at the rental house, then following them across the lake to continue the job.

The canoe they’d used to escape was gone. There was nothing left but the wooden paddles, floating on the surface. One was near the spot where the canoe had gone down. The other was drifting along the lakeshore.

“We need to get out of here,” Jackson said in a low voice. “I’m not sure the rental car is safe to use moving forward.”

“It’s still in the garage. I don’t think any of the guys outside saw it up close.” Creed pursed his lips. “Yet I don’t know how they identified the rental property. If they somehow discovered the name of the company Nina used to obtain the house and car, then yeah, we shouldn’t use the car.”

“How else?” Jackson battled a wave of frustration. “I think we need to start over. Get a different car and a different place to stay.”

“For now, a motel that only takes cash might be a better option,” Creed said. “At least for what’s left of the night.”

“Y’all need a ride?” The officer who’d given Nina the blanket crossed over to join them. “Looks like you need to change your clothes.”

They didn’t have a change of clothes, but Jackson didn’t mention it. “We could use a ride to the rental house where this all started.”

“Jump in.” The officer waved at his squad. “One of you can ride up front with me.”

“Are you sure about going back?” Nina grasped his arm. “I don’t think it’s safe.”

“There are still cops at the scene.” He glanced at Creed. “At least, I assume so.”

“There are,” Creed agreed. “They weren’t happy when I left to find you guys.”

“Okay.” Nina released his arm. “It’s just…”

“I understand.” He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, giving her a quick hug. “It’s been a rough couple of hours.”

“Yeah.” She shivered, but he didn’t think this time it was from the cold. He understood she was still scared to death these guys were going to pop out and finish them off.

A very real possibility, since they were no closer to figuring out who had hired them. Douglas Tillman? Someone associated with the Tillman Oil Company? Diego Sanchez?

Someone else?

“Here, Nina, take the front.” He held the squad car door open for her. “Officer Ripon, would you mind putting the heat on for her?”

“Don’t mind at all.” Ripon slid behind the wheel as he and Creed crawled into the back seat. The trip around the lake back to the rental house didn’t take long. There was a road that appeared to encircle the entire lake.

Which explained how the bad guys had gotten there so quickly. He was glad Creed had insisted on coming out to look for them, too.

Two squad cars were still in the driveway when Officer Ripon pulled in. They blocked the garage door, so getting the rental car out wouldn’t be happening anytime soon.

Jackson desperately wanted to get Nina far away from here, but the reality was that this place was probably safer than a motel with this many cops milling about.

Nina released the blanket as they headed inside. “Thanks for this.” She pushed it at Ripon.

“Anytime.” The officer’s expression was sympathetic.

“I’ll see if they have an ID on our perp yet.” Creed nodded to the side of the house where two officers were standing next to a figure lying on the ground.

“Good idea. We can use one of the laptops.” Jackson followed Nina inside, then stood in the front hallway, conscious of his clothes dripping water.