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political goals, providing money, men—and herself. Governor Citale had been eager to return the favors.
    “Iva Lee, it won’t be long before we truly control Texas. I will be its queen. Yes, the Queen of Texas! The governor is already ours—and the power of his office. Yes, it is!” She spoke evenly, staring at a wall. “It is good you are here with me. I need your strength.”
    A knock at her door broke her reverie.
    “Yes, who is it?”
    “Tanner. We’ve got trouble.”
    “So I see. Just a minute.”
    Opening the door, she greeted the well-dressed lawyer tersely. He had watched the arrival of Jaudon’s men. Removing his hat, he stepped inside.
    “What’s our next move?” she asked.
    Wilson Tanner wasn’t surprised by her blunt approach. No “good morning” or “how are you?” or even “what went wrong?” He had worked with her for five years, representing her interests in all manner of legal concerns. She was smart, thorough and ruthless. Time wouldn’t be spent worrying about what had already happened; her focus would be totally on what they could, and should, do next. He loved her for it, but that emotion wasn’t returned. Their arrangement was strictly business. Although he had tried and tried.
    Removing the thin cigar from his tight mouth, Tanner explained what had happened, as it was related to him by Jaudon, adding that he had gone to the jail immediately, announcing himself as the man’s legal counsel. He reminded her that several of her gunmen were in the No. 8 Saloon, as she always stationed them. She owned the saloon, but no one in town knew it. Of course, the task was one of the gang’s favorites and volunteers for the task were considerable. Until it was made clear no one was to drink. They were in town to provide any quick reaction.
    “I know where my men are, Tanner,” she said coldly. “Now is not the time.”
    “Of course.”
    “I’m going to have some breakfast,” she said, patting her hair to make certain it wasn’t disturbed by the introduction of her hat. “You find out when the hearing is scheduled.”
    “What if the judge hasn’t set it yet?”
    Her stare made him wish he hadn’t said that.
    “I’ll get it done,” he quickly added, glancing at his polished boots and avoiding her gaze.
    “Good,” she said. “Then ride to the ranch and tell Paulus to drive those rebranded cattle to town. Fast. We’ll turn this thing around real quick.”
    She smiled and it was a wicked grin that caught her eyebrowsand cocked them. “Tell Judge Opat to expect a telegram from the governor.”
    “Citale?”
    “Do we have another governor?”
    “No, of course not.” He returned the cigar to his mouth and his hat to his head, adjusting it to tilt slightly.
    “Tell Jaudon his defense remains the same. Exactly the same. This will be the day the Rangers will never forget.” Her laugh was more of a snort.
    Tanner spun and left.
    “Iva Lee, by tomorrow the Rangers will be history.” This time her laugh ricocheted around the room.

Chapter Six
    Weary Rangers John Checker and A. J. Bartlett walked into the restaurant after seeing Jaudon and his men secured in the jail’s cells. Checker’s leg was stiff and aching, but he tried not to favor it. A hearing would be set as soon as convenient with Judge Opat, the sheriff advised with little apparent interest in the matter.
    They were soon enjoying ham, eggs and potatoes, washed down with hot coffee, when Lady Holt entered the restaurant. Her presence stopped the filled eatery for an instant as men and women throughout the room watched her grand entry.
    The restaurant owner rushed to greet and guide her to a table kept exclusively for her use when she was in town. The table was adorned with a green cloth, laced around the edges. She thanked him in French as he helped her into the high-backed chair. A china cup and saucer, filled with fresh coffee, appeared in front of her from a wide-eyed waiter. A second cup and saucer were placed