Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed the previous Chapters. I hope you enjoy Chapter 3.

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Chapter 3

"I just don't think this is a good idea," said Rusty as worry creased his brow. "The plan itself sounds fine; I just think we should wait a couple days." The morning sun was shining through the windows of Bobby's kitchen. Bobby and Junior sat at a table while Jeff and Rusty leaned on the counter.

"Maybe he's right, Jeff," added Junior. "Hitting two banks on consecutive days might tip your Dad off."

"I have a feeling he already is," replied Jeff. "He didn't get where he is by being stupid."

"Then why risk it?" put in Bobby. "Maybe you should just lay low for awhile, live off what we got yesterday. It was enough for a good start."

"Because if he thinks it was me he'll never let me rest," answered Jeff. "I may as well get as much as I can before I fall off the planet."

"But what if something goes wrong?" asked Junior. "Is this worth your life? I don't think it's worth mine."

"Nothing's going to go wrong," retorted Jeff with frustration. "Look how well yesterday went. What happened to you guys? Last night you were all rearing to go."

"We just thought you were going to give it some time before we hit again," responded Rusty.

"Things will be different enough today that nobody will even think the two are connected," rejoined Jeff. "And after this I'll have enough to live comfortably for quite some time, and I won't have him breathing down my neck all the time. Now are you going to help me or not?" The other three agreed to help and they began preparing for the day.

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"I think I definitely won that round," said Syd with a smile. Gage held the door of the offices open and let her precede him through.

"Oh, I don't think so," he replied. "At best it was a draw." They had just finished with their morning workout.

"Come on," Syd retorted as she headed for her desk, "I took you down more than you did me. That counts as a win." If it hadn't been for the grins they were both wearing Max would have thought they were actually fighting.

"Feel free to hold tight to your delusion if it makes you happy, Syd," Gage responded.

"Are they always like this?" Max asked Jimmy.

"More often than not. You'll get used to it," he answered with a smile.

Walker was standing at his desk smiling and shaking his head at the antics of the young partners. He finally called Syd over to talk to her.

"Sydney, can I see you for a minute?"

"Sure, Walker," she answered as she headed his way. He led her into the inner office and closed the door. They both settled into chairs before he began to speak.

"How was your afternoon with Sam yesterday?"

"Fine. She's friendly, polite; a bit reserved perhaps, definitely has money. I didn't get any bad impressions, but I do think there's more to her than she lets on. Have you found something out about her?" Syd's expression indicated her concern regarding Sam.

"Think about it. She's a Dawson." A smile played at the corners of Walkers mouth. Syd's eyes squinted as she thought about what he had said. Suddenly recognition flashed across her face.

"From Houston. Of course," she answered. "Why didn't she just say so?"

"Did you ever meet Jacob Marks when you were in Houston?"

"I think I met him once. I never worked with him. Gage may have. Why?"

"He's her mother's brother. I spoke with him this morning. He shared with me that part of the reason she came up here was to get away from the family name. She's tired of being judged solely on that. I think we need to respect that. She'll open up in her own time," Walker stated.

"That makes sense," Syd answered. "How did you figure it out?"

"I didn't. Alex did," Walker replied with a wry grin. "She confirmed it last night as we left when she asked Sam who her lawyer was. I wanted to let you know, because Jacob said he's concerned some of her more ambitious acquaintances might follow her."

"She's not going to like being watched," Syd said knowingly.

"No, but we can be her friends," Walker answered. "Let's just make sure we don't treat her any different from anyone else." With that he stood and opened the door so they could return to work.

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The dark, muscular man stepped into the reception area of the downtown office carrying a briefcase and nodded at the secretary as he sat down. She picked up her phone and called her employer.

"He's here, Mr. King." She listened for a moment before addressing the man in the chair. "He says you may go right in."

"Thank you, Amanda." He smiled at her as he passed her desk and entered the door behind her.

"Bruce," called Adam as he came around his desk, "thank you for getting back to me so quickly on this."

"Here are the pictures you asked for, sir," replied Bruce as he handed a package from his briefcase to Adam and watched him open it and peruse the enclosed photos. "I got the four boys watching the bank on Seventh, but there is nothing concrete yet about yesterday's robbery. Everything I found was circumstantial."

"Hmm." Adam was pensive for a moment, anger and resignation clear in his eyes. "I guess I know what I have to do. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, but I can't let this go. Thank you again, Bruce. Please keep an eye on him and let me know anything of importance."

"Yes, sir," answered Bruce as he turned to go. At the same time Adam retrieved his jacket and briefcase from a small closet in his office. He placed the pictures in his briefcase, followed Bruce out, locked the door behind him and turned to his secretary.

"Amanda, I have some urgent business that requires my attention. I may not be back for the rest of the day."

"Very good, sir," responded his able assistant. "I'll take care of things here for you." With that the men left the office.

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It was just before lunchtime at the Company B offices and all the Rangers were busy with various tasks. Walker had taken Max to interview some of the witnesses to the bank robbery, hoping someone had remembered something. Jimmy had uploaded the security tapes from the bank to his computer and he was trying to clean them up and find anything that would indicate who the perpetrators were. At the same time Syd and Gage were accessing the files from the cameras that monitored the street in an attempt to identify the truck. So far no headway had been made.

Walker and Max came through the doors and their faces indicated that their trip had been for naught. They headed for Jimmy's desk.

"Do we have anything to go on yet?" asked Walker.

"Not so far," Jimmy replied. "They all covered themselves very well. And there was no good shot of the truck plate from the street cameras."

"Well, keep working at it. There must be something we're missing."

Just then the door opened and Sam entered. She greeted everyone then asked to speak with Walker. He led her to his desk and she sat down across from him and began to talk quietly. Gage and Sydney looked over at them.

"I wonder what she needs," ventured Gage quietly as he leaned onto Syd's desk from behind her, one hand on the back of her chair, so he could see her computer screen.

"Probably nothing serious," replied Syd, craning her neck to look at him. "I wouldn't worry about it." She noticed a puzzled expression on his face as he continued to watch Sam. "What?"

"I was thinking about it last night, and I can't shake the feeling that I've seen her somewhere before. Oh, well. It'll probably come to me in the middle of the night." He smiled at her and they turned their attention back to the screen.

A few moments later Sam shook Walkers hand and told him thank you. Feeling eyes on her she quickly scanned the room to see Max smile at her then look down at Jimmy's computer. She barely caught the red hue coloring his tan skin and smiled to herself. After telling everyone goodbye she left. On her way out the door she passed a man carrying a briefcase coming in. He was about Walker's height and age with dark brown hair and eyes, and fair skin, and she could tell he took care of himself. She recognized him immediately and quickly lowered her gaze before he saw her face, then she hurried down the hall. He paused a moment and from the open door of the office he watched her retreat, then shook his head and approached Walker.

"Ranger Walker," he began as he extended his hand, "I need to speak with you, please. My name is Adam King."

"Mr. King," returned Walker as he shook the man's hand and they both sat down. "What can I do for you?"

"I believe I have some information for you regarding the First National robbery yesterday. I understand you are heading up the investigation?"

"Yes," answered Walker. "Let me gather my team. We can talk in the conference room."

Walker called Jimmy, Gage, Syd, and Max and they all headed down the hall to the small conference room. Once there everyone took a seat around the table as Adam set his briefcase on top and opened it, retrieving the pictures.

"I can't believe I'm about to do this," began Adam, his voice hard with bitterness and frustration, "but I can't stand by and let this continue." He looked around at the waiting group. "I have reason to believe my son may have perpetrated yesterday's robbery and he may try to carry out another today."

"What makes you think that?" questioned Walker.

"For those of you who may not know, I have made my fortune in the business of finance. My ventures have afforded me a seat on the board of directors of First National Bank of Texas, which is where my primary banking is done. Unfortunately, I have recently had a falling out with my son, Jeff, due to his improper treatment of my assets. I believe the drastic measures I have taken to teach him control have only pushed him to commit this felony." The Rangers all cast glances at each other, but did not comment.

"Do you have any proof to support your supposition?" asked Walker.

"Nothing concrete concerning yesterday, other than Jeff drives a black truck. However, I had one of my men watch him after I heard about the robbery. He saw Jeff and three of his friends watching the bank on Seventh and Pine in the evening." As he said this he passed out the photos Bruce had brought to him.

"Isn't that another First National branch?" queried Jimmy.

"Yes. They seemed to be watching for the closing practices. The bank vault is only opened twice a day, unless someone makes arrangements to access a safety deposit box; first thing in the morning and right before closing, both times so tellers can take care of their cash drawers. It's not supposed to be open for more than ten minutes at a time. I'm sure I don't need to elaborate on the advantage to robbing the vault."

"Why wouldn't they just force the manager to open it whenever they hit?" inquired Jimmy.

"Because the managers can't," replied Adam. "There are a limited number of people who can, which is why arrangements have to be made for safety deposit boxes, as well as any large withdrawals. The morning and evening period is governed by a timer. Besides, to hit when the vault is already open would save considerable time."

"Why do you think he will try again today?" posed Walker. "Wouldn't it be smarter to wait until things settle down?"

"It would," answered Adam before hanging his head. "But I know my son. I just don't think he will." He looked up at them again. "I know there's not enough here to arrest him now, but I believe if you prepare you can catch him in the act. This might make me a horrible father, but I can't let him get away with this."

"Alright, we'll prepare," Walker stated. "Do you have any other information that might help us? Will the M.O. be the same?"

"I'm not sure, but if I find out I'll let you know."

They all left the conference room and went back to the offices to set up a stake out of the bank. Adam said he would stay close in case they needed him for anything else. The afternoon passed quickly as they got everything set up, the necessary support in place, including EMT's on hand just in case, and notified the bank to be on alert. Walker and Jimmy waited outside the front of the bank, and Syd, Gage, and Max were sent to cover the short alley that led from the back door. It was only about thirty feet deep, just wide enough for a truck, and had a large dumpster ten feet out from the door on the right side with several old crates across from it. They took position on the street at the opening of the alley to watch.

Adam had insisted on being nearby in case he got any word from Bruce that might aid the efforts of the Rangers. He was in a storefront across the street from the bank behind Walker and Jimmy. He promised to stay out of the way.

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"Okay, boys, let's get ready to do this," called Jeff to his friends. "You all know the drill. Get your suits on and your masks ready. Rusty, you don't need to. Since you're the one getting squeamish you can drive and we'll take your Bronco, just in case they're looking for my truck. We wouldn't want you to draw undo attention. Like yesterday, I'll watch the people. Bobby, you take the drawers. Junior, you're responsible for the vault. Get in and get done. Take your pistols. I'm going to leave my shotgun here and take my .45 instead today. Everybody clear?"

They all nodded their assent. After collecting their guns, masks, and duffle bags they went to Rusty's Bronco and climbed in to head for the bank. None of them noticed the dark sedan that pulled out behind them, or saw the driver begin talking on his cell phone.

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Adam approached Walker's silver Ram, cell phone in hand. Walker saw him coming in the side view mirror and heard him talking as he drew near.

"Thank you, Bruce. You've been more than helpful. Go ahead and pull back once they get here. We'll let the Rangers do their job." Adam peered in the driver's window at Walker as he hung up. "They're on their way. A few differences from yesterday. They are in a red Bronco, here's the plate number; everyone but the driver, Rusty Morgan, is dressed in three-piece suits; it looks like they're going to use Halloween masks; and Jeff doesn't have his shotgun, so he probably has a handgun. They should be here in about fifteen minutes."

"Thank you," Walker replied. "We'll just wait. We don't want to tip them off." Picking up the radio he called to everyone else what to be ready for and had one of his men inform the bank quietly. The minutes ticked by, then one of the officers called that he had the truck in sight. As soon as it stopped and the three emerged, Walker gave the order for everyone to move into position and cordon off the bank.

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Rusty casually pulled his Bronco in front of the bank and watched his friends pull on their masks and alight, heading straight for the front door. He had a bad feeling and he was so nervous watching the bank that he didn't notice the man approaching from the back until his door opened.

"Texas Ranger," the man said. "You need to come with me." At that moment he knew this was over. As the Ranger read him his rights he complied, going with the man to a waiting patrol car as he watched vehicles and officers take position outside the bank.

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Jeff, Bobby, and Junior entered the bank with weapons drawn. Jeff fired one shot into the ceiling as Bobby and Junior went to their assigned tasks.

"Ladies and gentlemen," began Jeff on his prepared speech to the half dozen people in the bank, "this is a hold-up. Everyone lay on the floor and stay still and we'll be gone shortly." That was as far as he got before he heard Junior call out to him.

"Hey! The vault is closed!"

"What?!" yelled Jeff in reply.

"And the drawers are empty!" hollered Bobby. "It's like they knew we were coming!"

Jeff swore under his breath and knew instantly that this was a set-up. Then he saw the officers outside.

"Texas Rangers!" called Trivette through a bullhorn. "Put your weapons down and come out with your hands up!"

The three young men looked between their few hostages and each other, unsure of what to do now.

"It's over. Let's just give up," said Bobby from behind his mask.

"We have hostages," retorted Jeff. "We can still get out of here safely."

"I am not willing to do that," stated Junior adamantly. "If you want to try and get out, find a different way." They paused for a few moments before Jeff answered them.

"Alright," he said, "get something to tie them up with."

"I found some zip ties in one of the drawers." Bobby went to retrieve them. While Jeff held his gun on the hostages, Bobby and Junior secured their hands and feet.

"Now what?" asked Junior.

"There's a back door," replied Jeff, moving that way.

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When there had been no answer from the bank Walker called to Gage on his radio.

"Move into the alley," he said. "I think they might be coming your way."

"Got it," answered Gage as they pulled their weapons and began to move in. He was headed for the crates, the alley wall on his right, with Syd behind him and just to his left. Max was on the other wall going toward the dumpster. Just as they got in position the back door flew open and the three burglars emerged.

"Texas Rangers! Stop!" commanded Gage. Two of them submitted, putting their weapons down and laying on the ground. The third fired off a shot.

"Ahh!" cried Sydney as the bullet ripped through her inner thigh. She fell to the ground and was surprised how quickly things seemed to go black. "Gage…" she whispered just before the darkness took her.

As soon as the shot was off, Gage and Max both returned fire. Gage's bullet hit the man's left shoulder; Max's grazed his right side. He fell and they moved in to secure the men.

"Shots fired! Officer down!" Gage yelled into his radio. "Send medics!" Gage knew Syd had been hit, he wasn't sure how bad. But he did know he couldn't leave Max with three perps and no cover. They quickly cuffed them and he rushed back to Syd as Max checked the one they shot and removed their masks.

"Walker, Syd's been hit!" Gage called in the radio. It came out in a rush as he saw her laying there with blood gently pulsing out of both the front and back sides of her left leg. He knelt beside her as he quickly removed his belt. Then he tied it as tight as he could high above the wound and applied as much pressure as possible, one hand on either side of her leg. "Come on, Baby, don't you die on me."

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To be continued….