Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed Chapter 1. I hope you enjoy Chapter 2.

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Chapter 2

The young woman parked her motorcycle on the end of a row of half a dozen bikes in front of the truck stop diner. She climbed off and removed her full face helmet and fingerless, black leather gloves, which she tucked in her coat pocket, then ran her hands through her short, copper colored hair. After she hung her helmet on her arm, she unzipped her black leather jacket while she scanned the area and started toward the front door of the diner, admiring the bikes as she passed them. As she stepped inside she allowed her eyes to survey the room. It was long and ran down from her left. She saw several small booths next to the front window on the left of the aisle and the bar counter on the right. The booths in the back were occupied by six men, the obvious owners of the bikes out front, who were talking loudly. They looked up when she came in, and she instantly went on guard as they eyed her. Behind the counter stood an older man who smiled and asked if he could get her anything. She smiled back and took a seat at the bar, close to the door and as far away from the bikers as she could get, and placed her helmet on the counter to her right.

"Coffee, please. Thank you," she said with a smile as she laid some money on the counter. The proprietor set a cup in front of her and filled it with steaming black liquid from a full pot. He watched her add two sugars and begin to sip.

"It's fresh made," he stated. "Let me know if you need anything else." His smile disappeared as he looked toward the men in the back and saw them watching her. They got up and headed her way.

"So," began the leader as he sat on the stool next to her, "where are you from? You're welcome to throw in with us, wherever you're going." His suggestive tone and roaming eyes made her skin crawl. The others sneered as they crowded behind him. They didn't notice the manager move toward the phone. She stood up to leave.

"No thank you," she replied, as she looked the leader straight in the eye and stepped back. At the same time she gripped the face mask of her helmet in her right hand.

"What's your hurry, sweet thing?" he returned with a wicked grin as he reached for her. The man behind the counter picked up the phone and started dialing. Suddenly she swung her helmet at the leader, hitting him in the head and knocking him off the stool and into the others. Before they could recover she was out the door. They ran after her and yelled at her from the door, but stopped abruptly when she leveled a pistol at the leader as she stood her ground next to her bike.

"Now I don't want to have to kill you, and you don't want to be dead!" she yelled. "Go back inside and we'll pretend this never happened." The men looked toward the road as they suddenly heard a siren, but her eyes never left the leader.

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Syd, Gage, and Max chatted amicably as they drove along. Syd was driving and Gage was in the front with her. Max sat behind Gage. He was asking questions about Dallas and them. They were asking about him and pointing out various land marks, restaurants, and common crime areas. Their banter was interrupted by a call over the radio.

"Attention all units, disturbance at Walt's Truck Stop on Holmes St."

"That's just a few streets over," said Syd.

Gage picked up the mike to respond. "Rangers Gage, Cooke and Bowen. We're two blocks out." Syd turned on the siren and sped up. They arrived quickly and saw a young woman facing down six rough looking bikers.

"Nothing like a woman who knows how to handle herself, eh, Gage?" commented Max with a smile from the back seat.

"You got that right," Gage replied with a sidelong look at Syd, who was trying unsuccessfully to conceal a grin as she parked behind the bikes. They all stepped out of the car.

"Texas Rangers," began Gage. "What seems to be the trouble here?" Only then did the woman lower her weapon. The bikers glanced back and forth between her and the Rangers.

"Nothing at all, Rangers," said the leader. "Let's go finish our lunch, boys." They all went back inside as Syd walked toward the woman.

"Are you alright?" Syd asked. Her frame was similar to Syd, who was just a bit shorter.

"Yes, ma'am, thank you," she answered as she returned her gun to a holster inside the waistband of her jeans and covered it with her tee shirt. "They were just trying to be a little more friendly than was comfortable." Her ice green eyes sparkled as she smiled wryly at Syd.

"I'm assuming you have a weapons permit for that?" inquired Gage.

"Yes, sir," she responded as she looked at him.

"Well be careful," he continued. "Some elements in this area don't scare so easily."

"I don't want to cause trouble," she replied as she pulled her helmet off her bike and noticed Max admiring it.

"Is this your Sportster?" he queried. "Sweet ride. I have a Softail."

"Yes, sir," she answered. "It's pretty dirty right now. I just road up from Houston." She returned her attention to Syd. "By the way, my name's Sam Dawson." She shook hands with each of them as they introduced themselves. "Maybe y'all can help me with something. I've recently purchased a business here, a bar that's been closed down for the last several months since the owner passed away. I'm planning to reopen it, but I'm not entirely sure where to find it. Perhaps you could tell me. It was called C.D.'s." She noticed a shadow cross Syd's face as she and Gage looked at each other.

"Yes," Syd said quietly, "we know where it is. In fact C.D. was a good friend of ours." Without a second thought Gage put his hand on Syd's shoulder.

"Syd, why don't we take her over there?" he proposed. She nodded her assent. "Just follow us," he continued toward Sam as they went to the car.

"Thank you," she replied as she straddled her bike.

"Ma'am," said Max in a slow drawl with a smile to her as he tipped his hat before climbing in the car. They buckled up and Syd backed out. As they waited for Sam to get her helmet and gloves on and turn her bike around, Gage decided to tease Max.

"You know, Max," he began, "you're not supposed to flirt with suspects."

"I wasn't flirting," stated Max vehemently. "I just asked about her Harley. And she wasn't a suspect. She was defending herself from those guys."

"Well," put in Syd sarcastically, "that makes all the difference in the world, Gage. That would make her a victim he was flirting with."

"You're right, Syd," agreed Gage.

"I wasn't flirting!" exclaimed Max.

"If it makes you feel good to think that, you go right ahead and think that," said Syd soothingly.

"All right," countered Max. "While we're on the subject, since when is it acceptable to date your partner?" The next five seconds were totally silent. "That's what I figured," he finished with a satisfied grin.

"Who says we're dating?" asked Syd.

"Oh, is it supposed to be a secret?" Max replied, imitating Syd's sarcasm. "Well, if it makes you feel good to think that, you go right ahead and think that."

Gage suddenly wanted desperately to change the subject. "It looks like she's ready to go." They pulled out and headed for C.D.'s, and turned the conversation to safer subjects.

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Walker and Jimmy arrived at the bank and went to where the manager and security guard were standing. After introducing themselves they asked what happened.

"Three men came in wearing black jumpsuits and ski masks," began the security guard. "Two of them had pistols, the third had a scattergun. They ordered everyone to the floor. Then the one with the scattergun jumped up on the counter and started talking while he watched us. He stayed there while the other two cleared out the cash drawers. After they left, I jumped up and saw them drive off in a black pick-up. I couldn't make out the plate. They were in and out in just a couple minutes."

"We'll need copies of the security tapes right away," declared Walker. The security guard went to retrieve them. "Any idea how much they got away with?"

"We don't have a count yet," put in the manager, "but it could be up to $50,000."

"Here are the tapes, Ranger Walker." The guard had put them in a paper bag and handed them to Walker, who looked inside.

"We'll take these back to headquarters and start going through them right away," said Jimmy. "Give us a call if you find any new information." With that the Rangers left.

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Jeff and his friends were at Bobby's house laughing at their exploits. Money was stacked in counted piles on a table in front of them.

"Easy money," said Rusty.

"That was the most fun I've ever had making money," added Junior with a laugh.

"Well," put in Bobby, "next time one of you can wait in the truck. I want to try this, too."

"Too bad we didn't get more," replied Jeff. "Let's divvy it up. Since I'm the one with the biggest need and this was my idea, I'm keeping the lion's share. But I won't keep it all." With this he handed each of them a stack of money and returned the rest to a large duffle bag. "Now, I think I figured out what we can do different next time." They moved into planning their next job.

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Syd parked the car in front of C.D.'s Bar & Grill and Sam pulled her bike in behind her. She got off, took off her helmet and placed it over the backrest, and removed a backpack and saddlebags from the bike. She then pulled keys from her pocket as she unzipped her jacket. Syd, Gage, and Max met her at the front door, which she opened and let them through. As she turned on the lights memories came flooding back to Syd and Gage. They walked slowly into the room, their heads turning deliberately from side to side recalling old times, until their eyes met. Then Gage pulled Syd into a light embrace for a few moments. She stepped back and took out her phone.

"I'm going to call Walker," she told him quietly as she stepped away from the group.

"So, Sam," asked Gage, "how'd you come to buy C.D.'s?"

"I was looking to get out of the Houston area," she began as she deposited her gear behind the bar. "I've been running my uncle's grill there for the last few years, so some months back I asked my lawyer to look for a place up here. He found this and set the wheels in motion. He took care of the details for me and brought me the key last week. Now I just need to get my stock in and hire some folks. I'm planning to open Thursday."

"Thursday?" queried Max. "Why not Friday or Saturday night?"

"Thursday's Flag Day. I like to celebrate whatever holidays I can."

Just then Syd rejoined them. "Walker and Jimmy are headed over. They should be here in a few minutes," she told Gage.

"Who are they?" inquired Sam of Syd.

"Our Boss and his partner," answered Gage. "C.D. was Walker's partner for years. He and Jimmy knew him a lot longer than we did."

"I'm the only one who didn't know him," voiced Max.

"They'd like to meet you," put in Syd. "That's why they're coming over. I hope that's alright."

"Sounds fine," replied Sam with a smile. She began to walk around and inspect the building. Most of the furnishings were still there and she examined them as well. The three Rangers watched her as they spoke quietly.

"What do you think, Syd?" asked Gage.

"She seems nice enough. I can't help feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye."

"Yeah. I'm just curious to see what she's going to do to this place."

At that point the door opened as Walker and Trivette entered. The same feelings of nostalgia hit them that the young partners had encountered. They walked slowly to Syd and Gage.

"So someone bought C.D.'s," stated Walker quietly.

"What are her plans for this place?" posed Jimmy.

"We don't know yet," replied Gage.

"Sam," called Syd to the young owner. She turned and surveyed the newcomers then walked over and stood in front of Syd. "This is Ranger Walker and Ranger Trivette." Sam shook their hands with a smile then turned back to Syd.

"I was wondering if y'all were available for lunch," she inquired. "I'd like to take you out and hear about the former owner. I heard some about him from my lawyer, but I would love to learn more from his friends." She glanced between them while waiting for their answer.

"Sounds like a good idea," responded Walker. "Let me call my wife so she can join us. She knew him almost as well as I did." After agreeing on where to go, Walker took out his cell phone and they all headed for the door. Outside Max turned to Sam as she locked the door.

"Would you like to ride with us?" he invited. "I mean, since you don't know the area." Syd and Gage glanced at him then each other before looking back at Sam. She observed him for a moment before she replied with a smile.

"Thank you for the offer, but I'll just follow you. I wouldn't want you to have to go out of your way to bring me back before you return to work." With that she put her helmet on, mounted her bike, and turned it on, revving the engine. Syd and Gage turned their eyes on Max and smiled with raised eyebrows.

"I was just trying to be nice," stated Max defensively, barely heard over the bike. They nodded at him then each other before climbing in the car, teasing without saying a word.

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Adam King stood staring out the window of his home office when his assistant came in. The scowl on his face belied his otherwise calm exterior. He knew why Randall Sparks was there.

"Sir, I have the report from the bank," began Sparks. "They can't tell for sure who the perpetrators were. The only concrete evidence is that the security guard saw them drive off in a black truck."

"Randy, what you're telling me is I can't prove this is anything more than a coincidence. But mark my words: he's involved."

"Maybe not, sir," answered the man. He had been with the King's for years and was well aware of the tension in the family. "Surely he wouldn't stoop this low."

Adam turned to his faithful employee. His face showed a cross between disgust and anger, which Randy knew wasn't aimed at him. "Trust me, Randy," he said. "He is involved. Have Bruce look into this quietly. I will find out what's going on, but I don't want to tip my hand to Jeff."

"I'll get right on it, sir." Randy left the room shaking his head sadly.

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In the parking lot of a Mexican restaurant Sam was introduced by Walker to Alex and Angela, and she smiled at and admired the baby, learning that she was a month old. She led the way in and went to the host, requesting a table for seven with a carseat sling and quietly informing him that the tab was hers. After a brief wait they were led to a long table with three chairs on either side, another chair at one end, and a sling for Angela's carrier carseat at the other. Sam sat on the end to the right of the sling and Syd sat next to her. Alex sat on the other side of the sling with Walker on her left. Jimmy sat by him and across from Gage, while Max was on the end.

"Thank you for thinking of the sling," said Alex to Sam.

"Now we can all enjoy her," replied Sam with a warm smile.

"Sam, why did you leave Houston?" asked Walker.

She looked at him and paused before answering, "Change of scenery. So tell me about Mr. Parker." They each took turns telling tales, both funny and poignant, through the course of the meal. Sam laughed with and watched them, quietly getting a feel for the group. She liked these people and felt at ease with them. She sensed from his lack of stories that Max was getting to know them right along with her. At the same time, she conveniently managed to keep her background in the dark, a fact she was sure did not escape them. As the stories died down, she noticed them beginning to look her way. She began playing with her water glass.

"So," broached Syd finally, "what are your plans for C.D.'s?"

Sam looked at her watch and said, "I hope you don't mind, but I need to make a few phone calls this afternoon and check into my hotel. Would y'all mind meeting me back at C.D.'s this evening after work? I'd like to invite you to a pre-opening toast. Then I'll be glad to answer some questions for you. I'm sure you all have things you need to get back to."

"I have a better idea," offered Walker, "as long as you don't mind, Syd. Would you like to take the afternoon with Sam and help her get settled in here? Gage and Max can cover for you today. We'll take care of getting them back to headquarters for another car. Then the rest of us will join you at C.D.'s after work." Syd smiled and nodded in agreement, understanding her task.

"Sounds like a good plan," answered Sam with a slow smile at Walker. She knew that part of this was so that Syd could find out more about her. Their server approached to see if everyone was finished, then handed the check to Sam. They all began to offer to pay for their own or at least the tip, but she put them off.

"Really," she stated, "it was my treat, in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed myself this afternoon. I look forward to seeing you all tonight." Then they all left the restaurant. Syd went to her car. Walker had Alex hand her keys to Jimmy so the three guys could take her car back to headquarters. She then buckled Angela's carseat into his truck and rode with him there, since she wanted to see everyone. Sam followed Syd back to C.D.'s.

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The afternoon passed quickly at headquarters. Alex made her way around showing off Baby Angela, while the men began to study the tapes from the bank robbery, looking for any clues. Max noticed that the other three seemed to also have their minds elsewhere and guessed that it was the change regarding their old friend's business.

Back at C.D.'s Syd observed Sam's behavior, looking for anything that might be a red flag, but only noticed that she seemed to be very reserved. After a quick call to her lawyer she turned to Syd and asked point blank if they were concerned about her buying C.D.'s.

"I do have a few questions I'd like answered. Probably the Ranger in me," stated Syd. "You appear young to have a lawyer and buy a place like this, for starters. You seem evasive about why you left Houston. And C.D. was a good friend. None of us would like to see this place changed much."

"Well let me try to put you at ease at least a little," Sam replied. "As far as my resources go, let me just say that I don't come from a poor family. But we are honest and hard-working. I left Houston to get out on my own and away from some people who were, shall we say, taking more interest in me than they should have. And as far as this place goes, don't worry. I'll clear that up tonight with everyone else. I feel very fortunate to have met up with you and your friends. If I hadn't I would have come looking for you, because I wanted to know more about Mr. Parker. For now, I'd like to check into my hotel. But I need to be back here before 4:00. That's when I'm expecting a shipment of supplies to get me going."

Syd offered to give her a ride to the hotel, which she accepted as she collected her bags. As they drove along Syd noticed that Sam was taking everything in, committing her new town to memory. They talked about the area, which restaurants were good and what cultural exhibits couldn't be missed. After retrieving her key for a suite at the Hotel Crescent Court and taking her luggage to her room they returned to C.D.'s by a different route. As Sam put away the provisions she had received she asked Syd her opinion on the bar, what might be needed and what should definitely remain. The chit chat was friendly, though not personal.

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Across the street from Bobby Jacobs' house sat a dark sedan. A well built African-American man with a bald head sat in the driver's seat. He pulled out his cell phone and pushed a button to speed dial a number. His eyes were trained on the house.

"Mr. King," his deep voice resonated into the phone when it was answered. "This is Bruce. The boys have just returned. They spent the last hour taking turns watching the bank on Seventh and Pine." Bruce listened as his employer spoke to him. "Yes, sir. I'll get that taken care of right away." He hung up the phone, grabbed a briefcase from the backseat, and stepped out of the car.

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Walker, Alex, Gage, and Max all arrived at C.D.'s in separate vehicles, since they expected to need them when they left. They entered and saw Syd sitting at the bar. Jimmy was going to be there several minutes later. He wanted to pick up Erika so she could meet Sam.

"Sam's in the back," Syd said. "It's been an interesting afternoon." She watched as Alex's eyes surveyed the room, much like her own had earlier. Then Alex turned to Walker, gave him Angela, and hugged him. Everyone turned as Jimmy and Erika came in. They pushed a couple of tables together in front of the bar and sat down while Syd went to get Sam. They returned, Sam carrying a tray with a bottle of champagne and several flutes. She set the tray on the table and shook Erika's hand as Jimmy introduced them. Then she observed the group as she stood before them.

"I'd like to thank you all for joining me tonight," she began as she removed the cork from the champagne and began pouring it into the flutes. "I know you don't know me yet, but I hope that we can all become friends. I'm sure you're curious about who I am and where I come from. Please give me a chance to get to know you and I'll do the same for you." She began passing out the glasses. "About this bar. C.D. sounds like he was a wonderful man. I'm sorry I couldn't know him personally. I think you'll all be glad to know that I don't plan to change much of anything around here. Some foods may be different and I'll be bringing in a new jukebox and an espresso machine, but I hope everything else will stay pretty much the same. This isn't a new business, just a reopening of an established one." She was pleased at the smiles that went around at that comment.

"An espresso machine?!" asked Jimmy with an excited grin. "What made you think of that?"

"I developed an affinity for iced mochas when I was visiting family in Seattle," answered Sam as she returned the smile. "I'm not sure how much of a market there is here, but it will be nice to have it available."

"What kind of music will be in the jukebox?" queried Alex.

"I have an eclectic taste in music, so there will be a wide variety. Country, rock and roll, and jazz from the 80's and 90's; oldies from the 50's, 60's, and 70's; big band from the 30's and 40's; maybe even some classical for when I'm here by myself. There's not much I don't like."

"Sounds like you have some good plans," stated Walker. "Are you going to change the name?"

"Not at all," replied Sam. "So, can I expect you all on opening night?" They all chorused their agreement and toasted the re-opening of C.D.'s, then talked for the next hour as more stories of C.D. were shared and Max and Sam were drawn into the tight knit group.

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To be continued….