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.Go with him and arrange his transfer to Fort Leavenworth.If I could, I would have him brought before a tribunal for what he's done.But I don't want Abby Hunter's name brought into it.Make sure his punishment will remind him of what he did today."MacDougall had never seen the major so angry, and he knew there had to be a good reason for it.His eyes were hard as his attention fell again on Davies."You heard Major Tremain.Pack your kit and meet me out front in half an hour.From here on out, soldier, you won't know a peaceful day till you learn never to insult a lady."Jonah stared hard at his sergeant."Where is the ranger I'm supposed to meet, and what is his name?""His name's Grant Zachary.He's staying in the room next to mine, sir.But I believe you'll find him at the Lone Star at the moment.I've heard of him.He's got a good reputation.""See to your prisoner, and come straight back here when he has been transferred." Jonah moved slowly out of the room, his anger still smoldering.He didn't want anyone to touch Abby but him.He paused on the stairs, thinking he was little better than Private Davies because he wanted to kiss those soft lips and touch her soft skin-"Damn," he ground out.He had to get her out of his mind.That seemed to be the hard part.The bartender at the Lone Star eyed the stranger.He could usually tell a lawman at first glance-there was something in their stance, the way they wore their guns, and the way they watched the people around them without seeming to watch them.What Ken O'Malley didn't know was what branch of the law the stranger served.He slapped a coin on the bar and smiled in welcome."This here silver dollar is me betting I can guess who you work for."Grant Zachary was tall and rugged-looking, rather than handsome.He had sandy hair and clear gray eyes that shone with an honest, almost boyish light."I don't make enough money to throw it away on another man's bet.But I don't have any objections if you guess, and if you're right, I'll buy you a drink-if you aren't, you can buy me one.""Fair enough." O'Malley stroked his mustache as he intently studied the man.His gun was slung low, meaning he was a quick draw.The handles of his guns were pearl, which meant he valued them and could afford them.He was lean, so he must spend a lot of time in the saddle."My name's Ken O'Malley-most people just call me O'Malley-and my guess is that you're either a U.S.Marshal or a Texas Ranger.My money's on your being a ranger."The stranger opened his coat to show his badge."Well, O'Malley, it looks like I owe you a drink.Name's Grant Zachary."O'Malley's face slid into a grin."I heard of you by reputation.It's said that you sometimes work hand in glove with the army.It's also said that when you get on the trail of an outlaw, you don't come back without 'im.""Now, that there's more fiction than fact.I have gained a reputation I don't quite deserve.""Keep your money, ranger.It'll be a pleasure to buy you a drink, and maybe you can tell me what brings you to Diablo.""I'll -take the drink, but I don't have any information to give you.""So that's the way it is?""Yeah.That's the way it is."The bartender placed a drink in front of the ranger before his attention was drawn to the highranking officer who came through the bat-wing doors, leaving them swinging behind him.Here was another part of the puzzle, he thought.Jonah waited until his eyes adjusted to the smokefilled dimness.His gaze swept over the crowd and stopped on the man at the bar who looked back at him with a smile."Are you Grant Zachary?""I am-and you'd be Major Tremain.""Let's take one of the back tables so we can talk privately," Jonah said, shaking hands with the ranger.O'Malley watched the two men move away from the bar.Something was in the wind if a ranger was in town, and still more, a high-ranking cavalry offi cer.If he was taking odds on the reason for their presence, he'd bet they were joining forces, looking for the men who'd been robbing the army payrolls.When they were seated at a table in a secluded corner, Jonah asked, "Have you anything to tell me?""I did some checking up Uvalde way
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