Pirate's Pleasure
By Lorrie
Disclaimer: The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, Washo Brother's Entertainment, etc, but the story is ours. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
Chapter 1 Murder on the High Seas
Walker sat back in his chair, a concerned look spreading across his face.
"What's up partner?" Trivette asked.
"Um? Oh, just thinking about the Pratt case."
"That's the two DB's found on that yacht in the Gulf off the coast of Houston, isn't it?"
Walker nodded. "Yes."
"Since when does a Houston case bother you this much?" Trivette continued to question.
Walker stood and faced Trivette. "Since I found out that the bodies belonged to a newlywed couple from Dallas. They were on their honeymoon. Come on, we need to check out a few things."
Walker grabbed his hat from its resting place and brought it to his head just as Gage and Sydney came bounding through the door. "I can almost taste a cup of coffee." Gage said, making a beeline for the coffee pot.
"No time for that." Walker said, staring at both of them. "You and Sydney need to come with us."
"What's going on? Where are we going?" Sydney asked as they all headed out the door.
Walker stopped briefly in the hallway. "I just got a phone call from one of my buddies in Houston. It seems that the Pratt case has origins here in Dallas."
"The Pratt case?" Gage asked quizzically.
Sydney hit his arm. "The couple that were found dead on that yacht in the Gulf yesterday." She rolled her eyes.
"Oh!" Gage exclaimed, his eyes opening both literally and figuratively. "What do you want us to do?"
"Trivette and I are going to Symtech Industries where Devon Pratt was employed and see what we can find out about him. You two need to find out everything you can about Michelle Evans Pratt. Start with her mother, Mrs. Gerald Evans. Here's the address." Walker handed Sydney a small piece of paper.
"Will do." Gage replied as he and Sydney headed towards the elevator.
As Walker started the RAM, Trivette turned to him. "So, what else do you know about this case? I mean, not too much has been released through the press, so you must know something."
"Bobby called this morning and filled me in on everything that they found on the yacht. It seems that the couple were tortured pretty extensively before they died."
"What's listed as the cause of death?" Trivette asked.
"I don't know yet. Bobby is supposed to overnight copies of all of the reports to me today. We'll review them in the morning, but he did send me a copy of Devon Pratt's cell phone records. It shows an incoming call from his boss, Jonathan Sharp, on the 10th."
"That was two days ago."
Walker nodded. "There's more. The coroner estimates that they've both been dead for four days, but the call lasted over twenty minutes."
"Well, let's go see who Jonathan Sharp spoke to on the 10th."
********
"So, where exactly do the Pratt's live?" Gage asked as Sydney drove towards the LBJ.
Sydney glanced at the address. "About a half hour or so away."
"Good." He pulled out a book from underneath the seat.
"What's that?"
He held the book up for her to read the title.
"Must really be some book. You hardly put it down last night."
"I know. I'm sorry. It's just this new author is really good. I usually don't like to read novels, but this one . . . I can't put this one down it's so good."
"What's it about?" Sydney asked, intrigued by what was holding Gage's attention this long that wasn't wearing a skirt.
"It's one of the best stories I've ever read. And it's based on the real life adventures of Jean Lafitte."
"Jean Lafitte? Wasn't he a pirate?"
Gage nodded. "Yes, he was a pirate." He noticed the look of disapproval on Sydney's face. "Oh come on Syd. Can't you see the adventurous side of their lives? They traveled wherever and whenever they chose, out on the open seas . . ."
"Looting and killing and raping and taunting." Sydney smirked.
"Syd! They weren't all like that! Most yes, but Jean Lafitte, was different. I mean, sure he looted and killed, but he was different." Gage paused. "You know, I remember hearing my dad tell stories about one of our ancestors who supposedly served aboard one of Lafitte's ships along side of he and his brother Pierre." He looked at Sydney to see if she was still listening. She was. "You know, Lafitte helped the American colonists during the Battle of New Orleans and he never fired on an American vessel."
Sydney shot him that look of contempt that usually cuts right through him. "Ok, Ok, so this Lafitte was a 'good' pirate." She started, stressing the word good. "I just don't understand why all of the sudden interest."
Gage closed the book. "I had a dream the other night. I . . . I never dream about my dad, but . . . the other night I did. I was five years old again and sitting on his knee listening to these grand tales of the sea that he used to tell. I guess when I woke up, I just needed to hear more to feel close to him again." He tried to explain.
Sydney bit her lower lip and then smiled at him as she reached for his hand. "Now, I understand." She continued to smile. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
Gage returned the smile and put his book down as Sydney turned onto the Evan's street.
"We're looking for 310." Sydney said as she glanced at the address Walker had given them.
"There it is." Gage replied as the house number came into view.
Sydney parked the car and she and Gage walked up the sidewalk towards the front door. Seconds after ringing the bell, they were greeted by a small framed gray haired woman. "Yes, may I help you?" She asked quietly.
"Mrs. Evans?" Sydney asked.
"Yes. I'm Carolyn Evans."
"I'm Ranger Cooke and this is my partner Ranger Gage. We're investigating the deaths of your daughter and son-in-law. Could we talk with you for a few minutes?"
Mrs. Evan's eyes suddenly filled with tears at the mention of her daughter.
"I'm so sorry." Sydney said, automatically placing her arm around the woman's shoulders and escorting her to the couch in the living room. Gage followed, closing the door behind them.
Mrs. Evans pulled a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just so hard to believe that she's gone." She wiped her nose and turned to Sydney. "You're investigating Michelle and Devon's murder?"
Gage nodded. "Yes ma'am."
Sydney then spoke. "What can you tell us about your daughter that might help us?"
Mrs. Evans shook her head. "I really don't know. Michelle was a wonderful girl and Devon seemed like a nice boy. We had only met him once before the wedding you know."
Sydney nodded. "How did he and Michelle meet?"
"At work. Michelle called me one night not long after they started dating and she was so excited. She told me that she had finally met Mr. Right." She smiled.
Sydney also smiled, stealing a quick glance upward at Gage.
"Had they been dating long?" Gage asked.
"No. That's one thing that concerned me a little. Michelle has never been one to jump head first into anything, but this relationship was different. She and Devon had been dating less than six months when he proposed last month." Mrs. Evans glanced upward at Gage. "Gracious, young man. Forgive me for my lack of manners! Please, have a seat!"
Gage smiled. "I'm fine."
"I insist!" Mrs. Evans said as she stood until Gage had taken a seat. While she was up, she retrieved a small photo album and handed it to Sydney as she returned to her seat. "These are a few pictures taken at the wedding." As Sydney began to flip through them, Mrs. Evans got a far away look in her eyes. "The photographer called yesterday and said that he had his pictures ready, but would hold them for us for a few weeks. I guess he didn't want to upset us with such recent pictures, such a thoughtful young man." Gage nodded as Mrs. Evans looked up at him.
Sydney paused at one of the photos. "Mrs. Evans, who is this man?" She asked, pointing to a relatively young man in the background of the photo. He wasn't dressed as the other wedding guests and seemed very out of place.
Mrs. Evans studied the picture for a few minutes. "I don't know. Maybe he stepped into the reception hall by mistake as the picture was taken."
Sydney shook her head. "Maybe. What do you think Gage?" She took the picture to Gage and they studied it for a few minutes.
"He's looking straight at the camera."
"Or the wedding couple." Sydney added.
Gage considered this option. "Or the wedding couple."
"Mrs. Evans, could we borrow this picture?" Sydney asked.
Mrs. Evans hesitated for a moment. "It's such a good shot of them . . ."
"I promise we'll return it. As a matter of fact, I'll have a copy of it made and get the original back to you by tomorrow."
Mrs. Evans nodded. "Thank you dear. I know it's silly. You're trying to find out who did this to her and I'm trying to hang on to every image I can of her."
Gage lightly placed his hand on Mrs. Evan's shoulder. "We'll do everything we can to find out who's responsible for her murder, I can promise you that."
Mrs. Evans smiled and patted Gage's hand. "Thank you young man."
********
Walker and Trivette pulled up outside of Symtech Industries and headed to the main entrance. They were immediately greeted by the receptionist. "Good afternoon, may I help you?"
"Yes, we would like to speak with Jonathan Sharp." Walker announced.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"Do we need one?" Trivette asked, letting his Ranger badge be seen.
The receptionist's smile faded. "One moment please." She dialed a number and waited for an answer. "Mr. Sharp. There are two Texas Rangers out front who wish to speak with you." She paused. "Yes sir." When she hung up, she turned to Walker and Trivette. "Mr. Sharp's assistant will be out shortly to escort you to his office."
"Thank you." Walker replied.
"Rangers?" A voice sounded from behind. Walker and Trivette turned to find themselves face-to-face with a very attractive petite blonde. She was dressed to the nine's and appeared very confident as she introduced herself to them. "I'm Andrea, Mr. Sharp's assistant. I understand that you're here to see Mr. Sharp?"
"Yes." Trivette replied.
"Right this way please."
Once inside Mr. Sharp's office, Andrea turned to both men. "Would you like some coffee?"
"No thank you." Walker responded and Trivette shook his head politely.
"If you'd like to have a seat, Mr. Sharp will be with you shortly."
"Thank you." Trivette replied.
Andrea stepped out of the office and in just a few moments, Jonathan Sharp entered. "Hi, I'm Jonathan Sharp." He extended his hand to each Ranger.
"Ranger Walker." Walker replied.
"Ranger Trivette." Trivette said as Mr. Sharp shook his hand.
"Now, what can I do for you?" Mr. Sharp asked as he took a seat behind his oversized cherry wood desk.
"We have a few questions concerning the death of one of your employees, Devon Pratt."
"Pratt, Pratt . . . oh yes. Tragic death. He and his new bride on their honeymoon I believe."
"That's right." Walker started. "How well did you know Michelle Evans Pratt and Devon Pratt?"
"Not very well, I'm afraid. You see, we have several hundred office personnel here alone, not to mention our production employees and our extended staff in our satellite offices."
"Um, I see. If you didn't know either Michelle or Devon Pratt all that well, then could you explain this cell phone call?" Walker shoved a copy of Devon's cell phone bill across Mr. Sharp's desk.
"This is impossible." Mr. Sharp replied, shoving the paper back to Walker. "I agree that the bill shows that the call was made from this office, but I was in London on the 10th."
"Who would have had access to your office while you were away?" Walker asked.
"Andrea, of course and the Vice President, Cameron Vega."
"Mr. Sharp, could you provide us with your receipts from London, just so we have record of your whereabouts? We'll also need to speak with your assistant, Andrea and Mr. Vega."
"Certainly." Mr. Sharp pressed a button on his phone and within seconds, Andrea appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, Mr. Sharp."
"Andrea, dear. Did you or anyone use my office while I was in London last week?"
"Mr. Vega came by on Thursday and said that he needed a couple of files from your desk. I thought it would be alright to let him in . . ." Her voice trailed off.
"It was fine, Andrea. You've done nothing wrong."
"Andrea, could we speak with you for a moment?" Walker asked.
"Certainly. What can I do for you?"
"Where were you on the 10th?"
"Here most of the day, why?"
"Could we have a more detailed explanation of your day?" Trivette asked.
"Certainly. One moment." Andrea stepped out of the office and quickly re- entered with her datebook. "Let's see; I spent almost an hour on the phone with one of customer's in Iceland when I arrived at 8:00, then I worked on the Jenkins file, which took a good two hours, and then I re-arranged Mr. Vega's schedule to work in two appointments he had cancelled the previous day. That took quite awhile to rearrange, I had to make several phone calls, re-scheduling and canceling things for him."
"What came up the previous day?" Walker asked.
"I'm not sure. He said it was a personal issue that needed his urgent attention and then he left."
"And this was on the 9th?" Walker clarified.
"Yes." Andrea replied.
"Would you like a copy of my dayplanner for the 10th?"
"No, that's not necessary at this time, but thank you." Trivette replied with a smile.
"Where can we find Mr. Vega?" Walker asked.
"His office is adjacent to mine. Here, I'll take you in the VIP entrance."
"Oh, Mr. Sharp. He's not in there." Andrea announced. "Mr. Vega left on vacation yesterday."
"Vacation? This is the first I've heard about it." Mr. Sharp spoke angrily.
"He said that he had cleared everything with you." Andrea replied, a confused look on her face.
Mr. Sharp shook his head. "No, he didn't clear anything with me. Did he say where he was going?"
Andrea shook her head.
"Get Vega on his cell phone and put it through to me in my office. Rangers, you're welcome to wait in my office until I get in touch with my soon to be former Vice President."
Andrea knocked urgently on Mr. Sharp's door. "Mr. Sharp, his cell phone isn't in service. I called the company to have them track his last call and they informed me that Mr. Vega discontinued his service yesterday morning."
"Well, it appears that I won't have to fire Mr. Vega after all. I would gather that he's quit!" Mr. Sharp tapped his pen on his desk in frustration.
"Mr. Sharp, may we see Mr. Vega's office?" Walker asked.
"Certainly. Maybe I had better check it out too, just to make sure he didn't take any company property with him." Mr. Sharp shook his head.
"How long had Mr. Vega been with you?" Trivette asked.
"He's been here about ten years or so. Good man. Nice family."
"Family?"
"Wife and two kids."
"Could you have Andrea try to contact them and see if they're still in town?" Trivette requested.
Mr. Sharp nodded and stepped out of the room.
"Well, it looks like we have a place to start now." Trivette said as he looked towards Walker.
Walker nodded as he looked around the office, noting that there were no pictures on the desk or any personal items in the room. "It certainly looks that way."
"Andrea spoke with Cameron's wife. She hasn't seen him in two days, but she told Andrea that that wasn't all that unusual." Mr. Sharp shook his head as he looked around. "How does something like this happen right under your nose? I thought Vega was on the up and up. He seemed like such a nice family man and now . . ."
"Could we get the Vega's home address?" Trivette asked.
"Certainly." Mr. Sharp motioned for Andrea, who was now standing in the doorway, to bring in the address.
"Mr. Sharp, thank you for your time. We'll be in touch." Walker extended his hand to Mr. Sharp and then Trivette did the same.
"Rangers," Andrea interrupted. " . . . I took the liberty of checking with the accountant downstairs. He said that Mr. Vega took out a sizeable note yesterday."
"How sizeable?" Mr. Sharp asked with a look of exasperation.
"$125,000.00."
"So now we add embezzlement to the list of crimes." Trivette quipped.
"He told the accountant that it was commission on a sale." Andrea revealed.
"Commission? Cameron wasn't on a commission scale." Mr. Sharp announced. "I need to investigate this further. If the accountant's gave him a promissory note based on commission, then he would have had to have had the paperwork to back it up."
"What, like a bill of sale or something?" Walker asked.
"Yes, something like that. I'll get to the bottom of this."
"When you do, would you let us know what you find out?" Trivette requested as he gave Mr. Sharp a business card.
"Certainly."
*********
Gage and Sydney were sitting at their desks still studying the photo they had brought back from Mrs. Evan's house when Walker and Trivette came in.
"Hey guys. So, how did your trip pan out?" Gage asked.
"The Vice President of Symtech Industries is missing. Jonathan Sharp was in London on the 10th and couldn't have possibly made the phone call from his office, but the VP had access to his office and has since disappeared without a trace." Trivette reported. "What about you two?"
"Well, it seems that Devon and Michelle had only been dating about six months before they were married. Mrs. Evans said that she had only met Devon once before the wedding, but that he seemed very nice." Sydney stated. "We do have something, well maybe." She held up the photograph. "There's a guy here who just doesn't belong. Mrs. Evans had no idea who he might be."
"Um." Walker stated upon looking at the photo. "He doesn't really fit in, does he? Have you had the lab guys try to blow it up any?"
Sydney nodded. "They have a copy with them right now."
Gage's phone began to ring just as he sat down. "Gage." He answered. "I'll be right there." He replied and hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" Sydney asked.
"The guys in the lab. They have the enlargements we requested."
"Great. I'll go get them." Sydney suggested.
*******
"McCall Travel, may I help you?"
"Cameron Vega calling for Deke LaFleur."
"One moment please."
"Cam, where's my money?" An angered voice answered.
"I've got it with me. How would you like to double it?" Vega asked.
"How?" Deke replied.
"Get me out of here tonight." Vega stated sternly.
"There's no way. The police haven't released the yacht yet. I talked with the Chief and he said I should be able to pick it up in the morning."
"So, tomorrow?" Vega asked.
"With any luck."
"OK. You can plan a long trip. I want you to take me to Florida."
"Florida?!? I want more than double the pay for a trip like that."
Vega thought for a moment. "Oh, alright. Just make sure I'm out of here by tomorrow night."
"How much does Cheryl know?" Deke asked.
"She and the kids think I'm on a business trip."
"So, you don't plan to tell her that you're leaving her? You know this is going to come out sooner or later, don't you?" Deke asked.
"Yes, I know that. By then, I want to be very far away from Dallas. Why is it bothering you so much anyway? You've been paid quite well for your little part in this."
"Little part? Cameron, you know what I had to do! You call that a little part?"
"Calm down. Someone is going to overhear you. " Vega replied, nervously. "Listen, I've got to go. I'll meet you at the slip tomorrow at 7:00 unless you call."
"OK. If I didn't need the money so bad Cam, I swear, I'd turn you in myself."
"You can't very well do that now, can you? At least not without confessing to the Pratt murders. Just keep your mouth shut and everything will work out, okay? Trust me."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line.
"Deke, just trust me. We'll talk more tomorrow." Vega hung up the phone.
*******
Sydney re-entered Company B headquarters carrying a packet. "OK, here's what we've got." She laid the pictures out on the table in front of Gage, Walker and Trivette.
"Trivette, can you run this picture through the database?"
Trivette scanned the picture and brought it up on his screen and then ran it through the Criminal database. "Now, we let the computer do the rest of the work."
Moments later, the computer beeped. Trivette looked at the screen with disappointment. "Nothing. No matches."
"I was afraid of that." Walker replied. "That would be too easy."
"So where to now?" Sydney asked.
Walker thought for a moment. "Trivette and I will go and question Mrs. Vega. Why don't you two see if you can find out who this guy is." Walker pointed to the man in the picture. "Start with the reception hall. See if he's employed there."
"You got it." Gage replied as he and Sydney headed out the door.
*******
Walker knocked on the front door of Cameron Vega's home. "Yes, may I help you?" A lady answered, opening the door just a crack.
"Are you Mrs. Cameron Vega?" Trivette asked.
"Yes. I'm Cheryl Vega. Is Cameron alright?"
"Ma'am, we're Texas Rangers and we have a few questions concerning your husband. May we come in?" Walker asked.
"Just a moment." Mrs. Vega closed the door and Walker and Trivette could hear her fumbling with the chain lock. Moments later, she opened the door, revealing a lavishly decorated home.
She showed them into the living room. "Please, have a seat Rangers."
"Thank you." Both Walker and Trivette sat down.
"Would you like some coffee or tea?" She offered.
"No thank you. We need to talk to you about Cameron." Walker began. Trivette's eyes scanned the room, taking note of the family portraits that lined the walls. Mr. Sharp had been right, they did appear to be the perfect family.
"What about Cameron?"
"Do you know where he is?" Walker asked.
"Not exactly. He called yesterday and said that he was headed out of town on business."
"Is that unusual for him to call, spur of the moment, and announce an out of town business trip?" Trivette asked.
Cheryl shook her head. "No, not really. He's flown to Hong Kong on less than an hours' notice several times and then there was the trip to the west coast and several others. So, to answer your question, no, it really wasn't all that unusual."
"Do you have any idea as to where he might be?" Walker asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. He was in a hurry when he called. He said that his flight had just been announced. Maybe you could check with Jonathan Sharp, his boss."
"We've already spoken with Mr. Sharp." Walker replied. Cheryl stared at Walker for a moment, something in his eyes was telling her that something was wrong.
"What aren't you telling me, Rangers?" She asked.
Walker and Trivette looked at each other and then Walker began to speak. "Mrs. Vega, your husband is not on a business trip. Mr. Sharp has no idea where he is. His office has been packed up and a rather large amount of money is missing from Symtech Industries. There are also a few unanswered questions concerning the Pratt murders."
"The Pratt's? Did Cameron even know them?"
Trivette nodded. "They were both employed at Symtech."
Cheryl's hand went to her mouth and she quickly excused herself.
While she was out, Trivette whispered to Walker. "I don't think she knew about any of this."
"Me either." Walker agreed.
Cheryl was wiping her mouth with a tissue when she returned. "I apologize for that. It's just . . . well, I heard how they were found, I mean, the brutality of it all, I just can't imagine Cameron ever doing anything like that." She was visibly shaking.
"Are you alright now?" Trivette asked.
Cheryl nodded. "I'll be fine."
Walker handed her his business card. "If you hear from your husband again, I want you to call me, OK?"
She once again nodded and then started to get up, but her knees buckled beneath her and she quickly sat back down.
"If you're certain that you're alright, we can show ourselves out." Trivette offered.
"Thank you."
*******
Sydney and Gage entered the empty banquet hall. "We're closed!" A voice yelled from the other room.
Sydney turned and looked at Gage, he raised his eyebrows. Not hearing the door close, the man who had shouted out came into the banquet hall. "I said we're closed."
"We just need a minute of your time." Sydney started.
"Listen lady, I've been up half the night with a large party and I don't feel very much like talking right now. Come back tomorrow during our regular hours!"
Gage looked at the man sternly while reading his name badge. "Hank, is it?" He asked. "Hank, do you see these badges? Do they mean anything to you, or are your eyes too glazed over to see them?"
Hank took a closer look at Gage's badge. "So? What are the Texas Rangers planning; a retirement dinner?" He scoffed.
"Hank, we need to ask you a few questions about a wedding reception that took place here a couple of weeks ago." Sydney stated firmly.
"Listen lady, I really am beat. Come back tomorrow and I'll answer whatever you need."
Sydney raised her eyebrows. "Hank, I think you'll answer our questions now."
Hank nodded to someone behind Gage and before Gage could turn around to see who it was, a fist made contact with his jaw. He quickly shook it off, turned to face his attacker and with one swift move, executed a perfect spin kick, bringing the unknown man to the ground. "If I were you, I would stay down!" Gage shouted, still angered by the pain in his jaw. The man stayed on the ground while Gage slapped his handcuffs around his wrists. Sydney had called for backup while Gage was tied up with the soon to be prisoner.
Hank stared on in disbelief at how quickly his friend had been brought down.
"How about it Hank? Are you ready to answer a few questions now?" Sydney asked.
Hank nodded. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you need."
"Who is this man?" Sydney pointed at the mystery man in the picture taken at the Pratt wedding reception.
"His name's Deke something or other. He runs a yacht service out of McCall Travel in Houston."
"A yacht service?" Gage asked.
"Yeah, mostly honeymoons and weekend getaway type stuff."
"He certainly doesn't look like he owns a yacht." Sydney commented.
"He won it in a poker game a couple of years ago from a coastal pirate." Hank confessed with a straight face.
"A 'coastal pirate'?" Sydney asked.
Hank nodded. "Yeah, the guy was arrested for piracy on the open seas." Gage and Sydney looked at each other and shook their heads. "I'm serious!" Hank stressed. "He was a modern day pirate."
"Do you happen to remember the name of this modern day pirate?" Sydney asked.
Hank shook his head. "I only played a couple of hands with him. Deke was the only one who could seem to hold his own with him. I think that's because one played about as dirty as the other."
"OK, enough about the pirate. Where can we find this 'Deke'?"
"Probably at McCall's if he's not out on a run."
As Gage and Sydney got ready to leave, Dallas PD came in and hauled away the man who had attacked Gage.
"So, what do you think; go on to McCall's or check in with Walker first?" Gage asked.
"Check in with Walker first. It might be easier if we go in undercover."
Gage smiled. "As a newlywed couple?"
"You're reading my mind." She smiled.
*******
Back at Ranger headquarters, the four Rangers were seated and discussing the case. "So, did you guys get anywhere with Mrs. Vega?" Sydney asked.
"Not really. She had no idea what her husband was up to."
"Have you heard anything from Mr. Sharp yet?" Trivette asked Walker.
"No. I was hoping for a message when we came in, but there wasn't one." He turned to Gage and Sydney. "So, what did you two find out?"
"We sort of have an ID on our mystery guy." Sydney smiled.
"Sort of?" Trivette asked.
"His name is Deke and he runs a yacht service out of McCall's Travel in Houston." Sydney smiled as she looked at Gage.
Gage returned the smile and continued their report to Walker and Trivette. "He caters to mostly newlyweds and couples who are looking for a nice, quiet, getaway. But other than that, we don't know much about him."
"Hmm, I see." Walker said, already sensing that the two young Rangers had a plan of their own. "OK, spill it."
"What?" Gage asked, trying to look innocent.
"What kind of plan have the two of you cooked up?"
Sydney bit her lower lip. "Well, someone needs to go to Houston to check out this Deke guy and we were thinking that we might could go in undercover."
Walker nodded, sizing up Sydney and Gage. "As deckhands maybe?" He replied with a straight face.
"Well, we were thinking . . . well, more like . . ." Gage stammered.
"We were thinking of going in as newlyweds." Sydney finished.
Walker reared back in his chair. "Newlyweds, um? Well, I guess you could find out what this Deke person is really like. But you would need to be able to concentrate on the job and I mean to remember that it's not a real honeymoon, but an undercover operation." Walker taunted.
"Yes sir." Sydney replied.
Gage's face had began to turn a nice shade of red. "Definitely not a real honeymoon." He stammered.
Sydney shot him a look and poke his ribs.
"Well, I mean, we will be on the job."
She continued to shoot him the look which caused Trivette and Walker both to laugh.
"What? What did I say this time?" Gage asked defensively.
Walker shook his head. "Go get packed. You two have a long trip ahead of you. Sydney, call and set up your reservations through this McCall's Travel and let me know when you plan to leave."
"You've got it." She smiled.
"You're really going to let them go off to Houston together, on a "honeymoon"? Trivette asked.
"Oh, do you want to go in undercover as a deckhand?" Walker asked.
"I, uh, NO! No, I don't. They're adults and I'm sure they can handle themselves just fine."
Walker laughed and shook his head as Trivette walked away.
*******
Sydney sat down at her desk and pulled out the Houston phone directory. "Hey, what are you doing?" Gage asked.
"Getting ready to make travel arrangements with McCall Travel." She replied, her head buried in the book.
"No, no, no." Gage started as he took the directory from her. "That's the groom's job. I get to make the honeymoon arrangements."
"Gage, if this were a real wedding, I MIGHT agree with you, but we're undercover here. I'll call."
"No Syd. If we don't want anyone to see right through this, then I need to make the call."
She rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air. "Men!"
Gage laughed as he began to dial the number to McCall's Travel. As the phone started to ring, he cupped his hand over the receiver and turned to Sydney. "By the way, what's your name?"
Sydney had to laugh, here they were pretending to be a newlywed couple and her new husband didn't even know her name. "Let's go with Kyle and Leslie."
Gage mulled it over for a second. "OK, Kyle and Leslie Brentwood?"
Sydney nodded. "Sounds good."
"McCall Travel where your destination is only half the trip, may I help you?"
"Ah yes, my name is Kyle Brentwood and I would like to plan something very special for my honeymoon. I understand that you offer a yacht service there, correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Brentwood. We have recently acquired a small yacht, the "Pirate's Pleasure" and have several cruise destinations available. Could I email you some information?"
"That would be great!" He gave the receptionist his email address and hung up. "Hey Syd. You're not going to believe the name of the yacht!"
"What?"
"The Pirate's Pleasure."
"You're kidding."
"Nope, I'm dead serious."
"Then Hank wasn't lying."
"Apparently not."
"So, where does this little honeymoon trip take us?"
"I don't know yet. They're emailing me some information, along with the costs."
END CHAPTER 1
Disclaimer: The following story is based on the characters of the TV Series "Walker, Texas Ranger". The characters belong to CBS Productions, Top Kick Productions, Washo Brother's Entertainment, etc, but the story is ours. ALL DISCLAIMERS APPLY. (No copyright infringement is intended.)
Chapter 1 Murder on the High Seas
Walker sat back in his chair, a concerned look spreading across his face.
"What's up partner?" Trivette asked.
"Um? Oh, just thinking about the Pratt case."
"That's the two DB's found on that yacht in the Gulf off the coast of Houston, isn't it?"
Walker nodded. "Yes."
"Since when does a Houston case bother you this much?" Trivette continued to question.
Walker stood and faced Trivette. "Since I found out that the bodies belonged to a newlywed couple from Dallas. They were on their honeymoon. Come on, we need to check out a few things."
Walker grabbed his hat from its resting place and brought it to his head just as Gage and Sydney came bounding through the door. "I can almost taste a cup of coffee." Gage said, making a beeline for the coffee pot.
"No time for that." Walker said, staring at both of them. "You and Sydney need to come with us."
"What's going on? Where are we going?" Sydney asked as they all headed out the door.
Walker stopped briefly in the hallway. "I just got a phone call from one of my buddies in Houston. It seems that the Pratt case has origins here in Dallas."
"The Pratt case?" Gage asked quizzically.
Sydney hit his arm. "The couple that were found dead on that yacht in the Gulf yesterday." She rolled her eyes.
"Oh!" Gage exclaimed, his eyes opening both literally and figuratively. "What do you want us to do?"
"Trivette and I are going to Symtech Industries where Devon Pratt was employed and see what we can find out about him. You two need to find out everything you can about Michelle Evans Pratt. Start with her mother, Mrs. Gerald Evans. Here's the address." Walker handed Sydney a small piece of paper.
"Will do." Gage replied as he and Sydney headed towards the elevator.
As Walker started the RAM, Trivette turned to him. "So, what else do you know about this case? I mean, not too much has been released through the press, so you must know something."
"Bobby called this morning and filled me in on everything that they found on the yacht. It seems that the couple were tortured pretty extensively before they died."
"What's listed as the cause of death?" Trivette asked.
"I don't know yet. Bobby is supposed to overnight copies of all of the reports to me today. We'll review them in the morning, but he did send me a copy of Devon Pratt's cell phone records. It shows an incoming call from his boss, Jonathan Sharp, on the 10th."
"That was two days ago."
Walker nodded. "There's more. The coroner estimates that they've both been dead for four days, but the call lasted over twenty minutes."
"Well, let's go see who Jonathan Sharp spoke to on the 10th."
********
"So, where exactly do the Pratt's live?" Gage asked as Sydney drove towards the LBJ.
Sydney glanced at the address. "About a half hour or so away."
"Good." He pulled out a book from underneath the seat.
"What's that?"
He held the book up for her to read the title.
"Must really be some book. You hardly put it down last night."
"I know. I'm sorry. It's just this new author is really good. I usually don't like to read novels, but this one . . . I can't put this one down it's so good."
"What's it about?" Sydney asked, intrigued by what was holding Gage's attention this long that wasn't wearing a skirt.
"It's one of the best stories I've ever read. And it's based on the real life adventures of Jean Lafitte."
"Jean Lafitte? Wasn't he a pirate?"
Gage nodded. "Yes, he was a pirate." He noticed the look of disapproval on Sydney's face. "Oh come on Syd. Can't you see the adventurous side of their lives? They traveled wherever and whenever they chose, out on the open seas . . ."
"Looting and killing and raping and taunting." Sydney smirked.
"Syd! They weren't all like that! Most yes, but Jean Lafitte, was different. I mean, sure he looted and killed, but he was different." Gage paused. "You know, I remember hearing my dad tell stories about one of our ancestors who supposedly served aboard one of Lafitte's ships along side of he and his brother Pierre." He looked at Sydney to see if she was still listening. She was. "You know, Lafitte helped the American colonists during the Battle of New Orleans and he never fired on an American vessel."
Sydney shot him that look of contempt that usually cuts right through him. "Ok, Ok, so this Lafitte was a 'good' pirate." She started, stressing the word good. "I just don't understand why all of the sudden interest."
Gage closed the book. "I had a dream the other night. I . . . I never dream about my dad, but . . . the other night I did. I was five years old again and sitting on his knee listening to these grand tales of the sea that he used to tell. I guess when I woke up, I just needed to hear more to feel close to him again." He tried to explain.
Sydney bit her lower lip and then smiled at him as she reached for his hand. "Now, I understand." She continued to smile. "Thank you for sharing that with me."
Gage returned the smile and put his book down as Sydney turned onto the Evan's street.
"We're looking for 310." Sydney said as she glanced at the address Walker had given them.
"There it is." Gage replied as the house number came into view.
Sydney parked the car and she and Gage walked up the sidewalk towards the front door. Seconds after ringing the bell, they were greeted by a small framed gray haired woman. "Yes, may I help you?" She asked quietly.
"Mrs. Evans?" Sydney asked.
"Yes. I'm Carolyn Evans."
"I'm Ranger Cooke and this is my partner Ranger Gage. We're investigating the deaths of your daughter and son-in-law. Could we talk with you for a few minutes?"
Mrs. Evan's eyes suddenly filled with tears at the mention of her daughter.
"I'm so sorry." Sydney said, automatically placing her arm around the woman's shoulders and escorting her to the couch in the living room. Gage followed, closing the door behind them.
Mrs. Evans pulled a tissue from her pocket and wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just so hard to believe that she's gone." She wiped her nose and turned to Sydney. "You're investigating Michelle and Devon's murder?"
Gage nodded. "Yes ma'am."
Sydney then spoke. "What can you tell us about your daughter that might help us?"
Mrs. Evans shook her head. "I really don't know. Michelle was a wonderful girl and Devon seemed like a nice boy. We had only met him once before the wedding you know."
Sydney nodded. "How did he and Michelle meet?"
"At work. Michelle called me one night not long after they started dating and she was so excited. She told me that she had finally met Mr. Right." She smiled.
Sydney also smiled, stealing a quick glance upward at Gage.
"Had they been dating long?" Gage asked.
"No. That's one thing that concerned me a little. Michelle has never been one to jump head first into anything, but this relationship was different. She and Devon had been dating less than six months when he proposed last month." Mrs. Evans glanced upward at Gage. "Gracious, young man. Forgive me for my lack of manners! Please, have a seat!"
Gage smiled. "I'm fine."
"I insist!" Mrs. Evans said as she stood until Gage had taken a seat. While she was up, she retrieved a small photo album and handed it to Sydney as she returned to her seat. "These are a few pictures taken at the wedding." As Sydney began to flip through them, Mrs. Evans got a far away look in her eyes. "The photographer called yesterday and said that he had his pictures ready, but would hold them for us for a few weeks. I guess he didn't want to upset us with such recent pictures, such a thoughtful young man." Gage nodded as Mrs. Evans looked up at him.
Sydney paused at one of the photos. "Mrs. Evans, who is this man?" She asked, pointing to a relatively young man in the background of the photo. He wasn't dressed as the other wedding guests and seemed very out of place.
Mrs. Evans studied the picture for a few minutes. "I don't know. Maybe he stepped into the reception hall by mistake as the picture was taken."
Sydney shook her head. "Maybe. What do you think Gage?" She took the picture to Gage and they studied it for a few minutes.
"He's looking straight at the camera."
"Or the wedding couple." Sydney added.
Gage considered this option. "Or the wedding couple."
"Mrs. Evans, could we borrow this picture?" Sydney asked.
Mrs. Evans hesitated for a moment. "It's such a good shot of them . . ."
"I promise we'll return it. As a matter of fact, I'll have a copy of it made and get the original back to you by tomorrow."
Mrs. Evans nodded. "Thank you dear. I know it's silly. You're trying to find out who did this to her and I'm trying to hang on to every image I can of her."
Gage lightly placed his hand on Mrs. Evan's shoulder. "We'll do everything we can to find out who's responsible for her murder, I can promise you that."
Mrs. Evans smiled and patted Gage's hand. "Thank you young man."
********
Walker and Trivette pulled up outside of Symtech Industries and headed to the main entrance. They were immediately greeted by the receptionist. "Good afternoon, may I help you?"
"Yes, we would like to speak with Jonathan Sharp." Walker announced.
"Do you have an appointment?"
"Do we need one?" Trivette asked, letting his Ranger badge be seen.
The receptionist's smile faded. "One moment please." She dialed a number and waited for an answer. "Mr. Sharp. There are two Texas Rangers out front who wish to speak with you." She paused. "Yes sir." When she hung up, she turned to Walker and Trivette. "Mr. Sharp's assistant will be out shortly to escort you to his office."
"Thank you." Walker replied.
"Rangers?" A voice sounded from behind. Walker and Trivette turned to find themselves face-to-face with a very attractive petite blonde. She was dressed to the nine's and appeared very confident as she introduced herself to them. "I'm Andrea, Mr. Sharp's assistant. I understand that you're here to see Mr. Sharp?"
"Yes." Trivette replied.
"Right this way please."
Once inside Mr. Sharp's office, Andrea turned to both men. "Would you like some coffee?"
"No thank you." Walker responded and Trivette shook his head politely.
"If you'd like to have a seat, Mr. Sharp will be with you shortly."
"Thank you." Trivette replied.
Andrea stepped out of the office and in just a few moments, Jonathan Sharp entered. "Hi, I'm Jonathan Sharp." He extended his hand to each Ranger.
"Ranger Walker." Walker replied.
"Ranger Trivette." Trivette said as Mr. Sharp shook his hand.
"Now, what can I do for you?" Mr. Sharp asked as he took a seat behind his oversized cherry wood desk.
"We have a few questions concerning the death of one of your employees, Devon Pratt."
"Pratt, Pratt . . . oh yes. Tragic death. He and his new bride on their honeymoon I believe."
"That's right." Walker started. "How well did you know Michelle Evans Pratt and Devon Pratt?"
"Not very well, I'm afraid. You see, we have several hundred office personnel here alone, not to mention our production employees and our extended staff in our satellite offices."
"Um, I see. If you didn't know either Michelle or Devon Pratt all that well, then could you explain this cell phone call?" Walker shoved a copy of Devon's cell phone bill across Mr. Sharp's desk.
"This is impossible." Mr. Sharp replied, shoving the paper back to Walker. "I agree that the bill shows that the call was made from this office, but I was in London on the 10th."
"Who would have had access to your office while you were away?" Walker asked.
"Andrea, of course and the Vice President, Cameron Vega."
"Mr. Sharp, could you provide us with your receipts from London, just so we have record of your whereabouts? We'll also need to speak with your assistant, Andrea and Mr. Vega."
"Certainly." Mr. Sharp pressed a button on his phone and within seconds, Andrea appeared in the doorway.
"Yes, Mr. Sharp."
"Andrea, dear. Did you or anyone use my office while I was in London last week?"
"Mr. Vega came by on Thursday and said that he needed a couple of files from your desk. I thought it would be alright to let him in . . ." Her voice trailed off.
"It was fine, Andrea. You've done nothing wrong."
"Andrea, could we speak with you for a moment?" Walker asked.
"Certainly. What can I do for you?"
"Where were you on the 10th?"
"Here most of the day, why?"
"Could we have a more detailed explanation of your day?" Trivette asked.
"Certainly. One moment." Andrea stepped out of the office and quickly re- entered with her datebook. "Let's see; I spent almost an hour on the phone with one of customer's in Iceland when I arrived at 8:00, then I worked on the Jenkins file, which took a good two hours, and then I re-arranged Mr. Vega's schedule to work in two appointments he had cancelled the previous day. That took quite awhile to rearrange, I had to make several phone calls, re-scheduling and canceling things for him."
"What came up the previous day?" Walker asked.
"I'm not sure. He said it was a personal issue that needed his urgent attention and then he left."
"And this was on the 9th?" Walker clarified.
"Yes." Andrea replied.
"Would you like a copy of my dayplanner for the 10th?"
"No, that's not necessary at this time, but thank you." Trivette replied with a smile.
"Where can we find Mr. Vega?" Walker asked.
"His office is adjacent to mine. Here, I'll take you in the VIP entrance."
"Oh, Mr. Sharp. He's not in there." Andrea announced. "Mr. Vega left on vacation yesterday."
"Vacation? This is the first I've heard about it." Mr. Sharp spoke angrily.
"He said that he had cleared everything with you." Andrea replied, a confused look on her face.
Mr. Sharp shook his head. "No, he didn't clear anything with me. Did he say where he was going?"
Andrea shook her head.
"Get Vega on his cell phone and put it through to me in my office. Rangers, you're welcome to wait in my office until I get in touch with my soon to be former Vice President."
Andrea knocked urgently on Mr. Sharp's door. "Mr. Sharp, his cell phone isn't in service. I called the company to have them track his last call and they informed me that Mr. Vega discontinued his service yesterday morning."
"Well, it appears that I won't have to fire Mr. Vega after all. I would gather that he's quit!" Mr. Sharp tapped his pen on his desk in frustration.
"Mr. Sharp, may we see Mr. Vega's office?" Walker asked.
"Certainly. Maybe I had better check it out too, just to make sure he didn't take any company property with him." Mr. Sharp shook his head.
"How long had Mr. Vega been with you?" Trivette asked.
"He's been here about ten years or so. Good man. Nice family."
"Family?"
"Wife and two kids."
"Could you have Andrea try to contact them and see if they're still in town?" Trivette requested.
Mr. Sharp nodded and stepped out of the room.
"Well, it looks like we have a place to start now." Trivette said as he looked towards Walker.
Walker nodded as he looked around the office, noting that there were no pictures on the desk or any personal items in the room. "It certainly looks that way."
"Andrea spoke with Cameron's wife. She hasn't seen him in two days, but she told Andrea that that wasn't all that unusual." Mr. Sharp shook his head as he looked around. "How does something like this happen right under your nose? I thought Vega was on the up and up. He seemed like such a nice family man and now . . ."
"Could we get the Vega's home address?" Trivette asked.
"Certainly." Mr. Sharp motioned for Andrea, who was now standing in the doorway, to bring in the address.
"Mr. Sharp, thank you for your time. We'll be in touch." Walker extended his hand to Mr. Sharp and then Trivette did the same.
"Rangers," Andrea interrupted. " . . . I took the liberty of checking with the accountant downstairs. He said that Mr. Vega took out a sizeable note yesterday."
"How sizeable?" Mr. Sharp asked with a look of exasperation.
"$125,000.00."
"So now we add embezzlement to the list of crimes." Trivette quipped.
"He told the accountant that it was commission on a sale." Andrea revealed.
"Commission? Cameron wasn't on a commission scale." Mr. Sharp announced. "I need to investigate this further. If the accountant's gave him a promissory note based on commission, then he would have had to have had the paperwork to back it up."
"What, like a bill of sale or something?" Walker asked.
"Yes, something like that. I'll get to the bottom of this."
"When you do, would you let us know what you find out?" Trivette requested as he gave Mr. Sharp a business card.
"Certainly."
*********
Gage and Sydney were sitting at their desks still studying the photo they had brought back from Mrs. Evan's house when Walker and Trivette came in.
"Hey guys. So, how did your trip pan out?" Gage asked.
"The Vice President of Symtech Industries is missing. Jonathan Sharp was in London on the 10th and couldn't have possibly made the phone call from his office, but the VP had access to his office and has since disappeared without a trace." Trivette reported. "What about you two?"
"Well, it seems that Devon and Michelle had only been dating about six months before they were married. Mrs. Evans said that she had only met Devon once before the wedding, but that he seemed very nice." Sydney stated. "We do have something, well maybe." She held up the photograph. "There's a guy here who just doesn't belong. Mrs. Evans had no idea who he might be."
"Um." Walker stated upon looking at the photo. "He doesn't really fit in, does he? Have you had the lab guys try to blow it up any?"
Sydney nodded. "They have a copy with them right now."
Gage's phone began to ring just as he sat down. "Gage." He answered. "I'll be right there." He replied and hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" Sydney asked.
"The guys in the lab. They have the enlargements we requested."
"Great. I'll go get them." Sydney suggested.
*******
"McCall Travel, may I help you?"
"Cameron Vega calling for Deke LaFleur."
"One moment please."
"Cam, where's my money?" An angered voice answered.
"I've got it with me. How would you like to double it?" Vega asked.
"How?" Deke replied.
"Get me out of here tonight." Vega stated sternly.
"There's no way. The police haven't released the yacht yet. I talked with the Chief and he said I should be able to pick it up in the morning."
"So, tomorrow?" Vega asked.
"With any luck."
"OK. You can plan a long trip. I want you to take me to Florida."
"Florida?!? I want more than double the pay for a trip like that."
Vega thought for a moment. "Oh, alright. Just make sure I'm out of here by tomorrow night."
"How much does Cheryl know?" Deke asked.
"She and the kids think I'm on a business trip."
"So, you don't plan to tell her that you're leaving her? You know this is going to come out sooner or later, don't you?" Deke asked.
"Yes, I know that. By then, I want to be very far away from Dallas. Why is it bothering you so much anyway? You've been paid quite well for your little part in this."
"Little part? Cameron, you know what I had to do! You call that a little part?"
"Calm down. Someone is going to overhear you. " Vega replied, nervously. "Listen, I've got to go. I'll meet you at the slip tomorrow at 7:00 unless you call."
"OK. If I didn't need the money so bad Cam, I swear, I'd turn you in myself."
"You can't very well do that now, can you? At least not without confessing to the Pratt murders. Just keep your mouth shut and everything will work out, okay? Trust me."
There was a long pause on the other end of the line.
"Deke, just trust me. We'll talk more tomorrow." Vega hung up the phone.
*******
Sydney re-entered Company B headquarters carrying a packet. "OK, here's what we've got." She laid the pictures out on the table in front of Gage, Walker and Trivette.
"Trivette, can you run this picture through the database?"
Trivette scanned the picture and brought it up on his screen and then ran it through the Criminal database. "Now, we let the computer do the rest of the work."
Moments later, the computer beeped. Trivette looked at the screen with disappointment. "Nothing. No matches."
"I was afraid of that." Walker replied. "That would be too easy."
"So where to now?" Sydney asked.
Walker thought for a moment. "Trivette and I will go and question Mrs. Vega. Why don't you two see if you can find out who this guy is." Walker pointed to the man in the picture. "Start with the reception hall. See if he's employed there."
"You got it." Gage replied as he and Sydney headed out the door.
*******
Walker knocked on the front door of Cameron Vega's home. "Yes, may I help you?" A lady answered, opening the door just a crack.
"Are you Mrs. Cameron Vega?" Trivette asked.
"Yes. I'm Cheryl Vega. Is Cameron alright?"
"Ma'am, we're Texas Rangers and we have a few questions concerning your husband. May we come in?" Walker asked.
"Just a moment." Mrs. Vega closed the door and Walker and Trivette could hear her fumbling with the chain lock. Moments later, she opened the door, revealing a lavishly decorated home.
She showed them into the living room. "Please, have a seat Rangers."
"Thank you." Both Walker and Trivette sat down.
"Would you like some coffee or tea?" She offered.
"No thank you. We need to talk to you about Cameron." Walker began. Trivette's eyes scanned the room, taking note of the family portraits that lined the walls. Mr. Sharp had been right, they did appear to be the perfect family.
"What about Cameron?"
"Do you know where he is?" Walker asked.
"Not exactly. He called yesterday and said that he was headed out of town on business."
"Is that unusual for him to call, spur of the moment, and announce an out of town business trip?" Trivette asked.
Cheryl shook her head. "No, not really. He's flown to Hong Kong on less than an hours' notice several times and then there was the trip to the west coast and several others. So, to answer your question, no, it really wasn't all that unusual."
"Do you have any idea as to where he might be?" Walker asked.
"No, I'm afraid not. He was in a hurry when he called. He said that his flight had just been announced. Maybe you could check with Jonathan Sharp, his boss."
"We've already spoken with Mr. Sharp." Walker replied. Cheryl stared at Walker for a moment, something in his eyes was telling her that something was wrong.
"What aren't you telling me, Rangers?" She asked.
Walker and Trivette looked at each other and then Walker began to speak. "Mrs. Vega, your husband is not on a business trip. Mr. Sharp has no idea where he is. His office has been packed up and a rather large amount of money is missing from Symtech Industries. There are also a few unanswered questions concerning the Pratt murders."
"The Pratt's? Did Cameron even know them?"
Trivette nodded. "They were both employed at Symtech."
Cheryl's hand went to her mouth and she quickly excused herself.
While she was out, Trivette whispered to Walker. "I don't think she knew about any of this."
"Me either." Walker agreed.
Cheryl was wiping her mouth with a tissue when she returned. "I apologize for that. It's just . . . well, I heard how they were found, I mean, the brutality of it all, I just can't imagine Cameron ever doing anything like that." She was visibly shaking.
"Are you alright now?" Trivette asked.
Cheryl nodded. "I'll be fine."
Walker handed her his business card. "If you hear from your husband again, I want you to call me, OK?"
She once again nodded and then started to get up, but her knees buckled beneath her and she quickly sat back down.
"If you're certain that you're alright, we can show ourselves out." Trivette offered.
"Thank you."
*******
Sydney and Gage entered the empty banquet hall. "We're closed!" A voice yelled from the other room.
Sydney turned and looked at Gage, he raised his eyebrows. Not hearing the door close, the man who had shouted out came into the banquet hall. "I said we're closed."
"We just need a minute of your time." Sydney started.
"Listen lady, I've been up half the night with a large party and I don't feel very much like talking right now. Come back tomorrow during our regular hours!"
Gage looked at the man sternly while reading his name badge. "Hank, is it?" He asked. "Hank, do you see these badges? Do they mean anything to you, or are your eyes too glazed over to see them?"
Hank took a closer look at Gage's badge. "So? What are the Texas Rangers planning; a retirement dinner?" He scoffed.
"Hank, we need to ask you a few questions about a wedding reception that took place here a couple of weeks ago." Sydney stated firmly.
"Listen lady, I really am beat. Come back tomorrow and I'll answer whatever you need."
Sydney raised her eyebrows. "Hank, I think you'll answer our questions now."
Hank nodded to someone behind Gage and before Gage could turn around to see who it was, a fist made contact with his jaw. He quickly shook it off, turned to face his attacker and with one swift move, executed a perfect spin kick, bringing the unknown man to the ground. "If I were you, I would stay down!" Gage shouted, still angered by the pain in his jaw. The man stayed on the ground while Gage slapped his handcuffs around his wrists. Sydney had called for backup while Gage was tied up with the soon to be prisoner.
Hank stared on in disbelief at how quickly his friend had been brought down.
"How about it Hank? Are you ready to answer a few questions now?" Sydney asked.
Hank nodded. "Yeah, sure. Whatever you need."
"Who is this man?" Sydney pointed at the mystery man in the picture taken at the Pratt wedding reception.
"His name's Deke something or other. He runs a yacht service out of McCall Travel in Houston."
"A yacht service?" Gage asked.
"Yeah, mostly honeymoons and weekend getaway type stuff."
"He certainly doesn't look like he owns a yacht." Sydney commented.
"He won it in a poker game a couple of years ago from a coastal pirate." Hank confessed with a straight face.
"A 'coastal pirate'?" Sydney asked.
Hank nodded. "Yeah, the guy was arrested for piracy on the open seas." Gage and Sydney looked at each other and shook their heads. "I'm serious!" Hank stressed. "He was a modern day pirate."
"Do you happen to remember the name of this modern day pirate?" Sydney asked.
Hank shook his head. "I only played a couple of hands with him. Deke was the only one who could seem to hold his own with him. I think that's because one played about as dirty as the other."
"OK, enough about the pirate. Where can we find this 'Deke'?"
"Probably at McCall's if he's not out on a run."
As Gage and Sydney got ready to leave, Dallas PD came in and hauled away the man who had attacked Gage.
"So, what do you think; go on to McCall's or check in with Walker first?" Gage asked.
"Check in with Walker first. It might be easier if we go in undercover."
Gage smiled. "As a newlywed couple?"
"You're reading my mind." She smiled.
*******
Back at Ranger headquarters, the four Rangers were seated and discussing the case. "So, did you guys get anywhere with Mrs. Vega?" Sydney asked.
"Not really. She had no idea what her husband was up to."
"Have you heard anything from Mr. Sharp yet?" Trivette asked Walker.
"No. I was hoping for a message when we came in, but there wasn't one." He turned to Gage and Sydney. "So, what did you two find out?"
"We sort of have an ID on our mystery guy." Sydney smiled.
"Sort of?" Trivette asked.
"His name is Deke and he runs a yacht service out of McCall's Travel in Houston." Sydney smiled as she looked at Gage.
Gage returned the smile and continued their report to Walker and Trivette. "He caters to mostly newlyweds and couples who are looking for a nice, quiet, getaway. But other than that, we don't know much about him."
"Hmm, I see." Walker said, already sensing that the two young Rangers had a plan of their own. "OK, spill it."
"What?" Gage asked, trying to look innocent.
"What kind of plan have the two of you cooked up?"
Sydney bit her lower lip. "Well, someone needs to go to Houston to check out this Deke guy and we were thinking that we might could go in undercover."
Walker nodded, sizing up Sydney and Gage. "As deckhands maybe?" He replied with a straight face.
"Well, we were thinking . . . well, more like . . ." Gage stammered.
"We were thinking of going in as newlyweds." Sydney finished.
Walker reared back in his chair. "Newlyweds, um? Well, I guess you could find out what this Deke person is really like. But you would need to be able to concentrate on the job and I mean to remember that it's not a real honeymoon, but an undercover operation." Walker taunted.
"Yes sir." Sydney replied.
Gage's face had began to turn a nice shade of red. "Definitely not a real honeymoon." He stammered.
Sydney shot him a look and poke his ribs.
"Well, I mean, we will be on the job."
She continued to shoot him the look which caused Trivette and Walker both to laugh.
"What? What did I say this time?" Gage asked defensively.
Walker shook his head. "Go get packed. You two have a long trip ahead of you. Sydney, call and set up your reservations through this McCall's Travel and let me know when you plan to leave."
"You've got it." She smiled.
"You're really going to let them go off to Houston together, on a "honeymoon"? Trivette asked.
"Oh, do you want to go in undercover as a deckhand?" Walker asked.
"I, uh, NO! No, I don't. They're adults and I'm sure they can handle themselves just fine."
Walker laughed and shook his head as Trivette walked away.
*******
Sydney sat down at her desk and pulled out the Houston phone directory. "Hey, what are you doing?" Gage asked.
"Getting ready to make travel arrangements with McCall Travel." She replied, her head buried in the book.
"No, no, no." Gage started as he took the directory from her. "That's the groom's job. I get to make the honeymoon arrangements."
"Gage, if this were a real wedding, I MIGHT agree with you, but we're undercover here. I'll call."
"No Syd. If we don't want anyone to see right through this, then I need to make the call."
She rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air. "Men!"
Gage laughed as he began to dial the number to McCall's Travel. As the phone started to ring, he cupped his hand over the receiver and turned to Sydney. "By the way, what's your name?"
Sydney had to laugh, here they were pretending to be a newlywed couple and her new husband didn't even know her name. "Let's go with Kyle and Leslie."
Gage mulled it over for a second. "OK, Kyle and Leslie Brentwood?"
Sydney nodded. "Sounds good."
"McCall Travel where your destination is only half the trip, may I help you?"
"Ah yes, my name is Kyle Brentwood and I would like to plan something very special for my honeymoon. I understand that you offer a yacht service there, correct?"
"Yes, Mr. Brentwood. We have recently acquired a small yacht, the "Pirate's Pleasure" and have several cruise destinations available. Could I email you some information?"
"That would be great!" He gave the receptionist his email address and hung up. "Hey Syd. You're not going to believe the name of the yacht!"
"What?"
"The Pirate's Pleasure."
"You're kidding."
"Nope, I'm dead serious."
"Then Hank wasn't lying."
"Apparently not."
"So, where does this little honeymoon trip take us?"
"I don't know yet. They're emailing me some information, along with the costs."
END CHAPTER 1
