Ranger Guardian. Angi Morgan

about this. I need the money.” Yeah, he did. And one crack about his mother-in-law was all either of them was allowed.

      The extra work he did around the ranch still didn’t repay the Thompsons what boarding his two horses would cost. He was determined to make up the difference and not accept a free ride.

      “We could help you out, but you won’t let us.”

      “You already have three full-time jobs. A professor at the university, a wife and a nurse to Dad. You’re the one who needs to slow down. I should be sending money to you. Is he okay?”

      “Dad is still the same. He’s giving everyone what for, doesn’t remember doing it, then does it again.” She laughed. “I wish we could come see you, but breaking his routine is really hard.”

      “I know, Mom. I should be there.”

      “Nonsense. You have a very important job, a family and a wonderful daughter. Concentrate on those precious girls.”

      “Yes, ma’am.”

      “I’ll call my grandbaby this weekend. You okay? I should get your daddy into bed soon.”

      “Just that...I’m always better after talking to you.” His mother’s positive, can-do attitude poured out of her every sentence. “Love you.”

      “I love you, too, son.”

      Talking to at least one woman he loved gave him his second wind. He returned to his desk and began the computer searches he needed on Public Exposure. He wanted to know everything.

      Making a substantial contribution in the morning would make it much harder to stop his involvement with the case. The last thing he wanted was for Kendall to play the conflict-of-interest card.

      Wade finally went home.

      It was too late to speak with his daughter. Too late to read to her. He had no reason to text his wife. Again.

      “This can’t be right.” The addresses of the two drivers today weren’t only on the same street in Dallas—they were on the same block.

      He looked up the owners—not them, a corporation. Now the digging got fun. So fun he didn’t notice the time until it was two in the morning.

      Time to call it a night.

      He had what he’d been searching for. A good, solid, old-fashioned lead.