After single-handedly arresting a ring of murderous cattle rustlers he caught red-handed, his next case is something that affects him for weeks. When a mentally-challenged young man is shot down right alongside him after Jim has guaranteed his safety, it sends the hardened Ranger into a downward spiral of self-doubt. Only a few days later, he barely escapes death again in a violent West Texas dust storm while transporting three felons.
Things finally come to a head in an all-out race riot when a Tejano deputy sheriff is gunned down, allegedly by a young black man. It’s up to Jim to find out what really happened, and what secrets the murdered deputy’s partner—who happens to be white—is keeping.
Can Ranger Jim Blawcyzk get to the bottom of what really took place that night, before an entire county explodes in violence? He will—or die trying—because no matter how dangerous a situation might be, it's no match for a Texas Ranger determined to uncover the truth. no matter the cost.
“All right, boys, you can stop right where you are,” Jim ordered. “Texas Ranger. Keep your hands where I can see ’em. Y’all are under arrest for cattle rustlin’.”
One of the men eased his hand toward the pistol on his hip. Without even seeming to move, Jim shifted his rifle, so it was pointed directly at the man’s chest.
“Uh-uh. I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Jim said. “Unless you think you can keep on breathin’ with a big ol’ hole blown clean through your lungs.”
Reluctantly, the man lifted his hand away from the weapon.
“That’s better,” Jim said. “You two on the ground. Get in front of the others where I can see you.”
The men did as ordered.
“You can’t keep all of us covered, Ranger,” the man who’d started for his pistol said, with a scowl. “You just bit off a helluva lot more than you can chew.”
“Maybe so,” Jim said, with a shrug. “But that’s not your worry, because if any of you or your partners try somethin’ stupid, you’ll be the first to take a bullet. I can guarantee I’ll take at least two or three of you with me before I go down. Any of you want to take that chance, that you’ll still be standin’ upright after I hit the ground?”
Jim, I really did enjoy Tough Month for a Ranger. Lots of good action and you kept me trying to figure out how Jim Blawcyzk was going to make everything come out right--but of course, he always does! LOL Congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteI had a lot of fun writing this one. Couldn't reply sooner because my stupid phone Google settings won't let me. Thanks for your continuing support. Livia also.
DeleteVery happy for you Jim, and this looks to be another wonderful read. Doris
ReplyDeleteThis one's a real wild ride. Thanks.
DeleteCongratulations!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks you.
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