Read The Law and Dan Mesa for Free Online Page B

and two black males. Dan sits so he can observe every approach.
    Scott Ortiz is watching Mesa’s every move and smiles to himself, thinking, he hasn’t changed one bit. If anything, he is more watchful and alert. I know why they sent him; he is the right person for this job. He is a dying breed, and that is a shame. The world needs more people like him. I only wish I could bring happiness to my old friend’s life. He deserves to be happy after all he has done for this country and its people.
    The waitress approaches and asks for their order. Nadia orders a chef’s salad, and Jonathan orders the fried chicken dinner. Ranson orders a steak, and Scott orders a burger. Dan orders soup, a cheese sandwich, and iced tea. The conversation between everyone is is lively and slowly everyone returns to their meal.
    As is always the situation, though, someone has to start something.
    “Hey you over there, what kind of lawman are you?” Mesa turns slowly and looks at the man with eyes that burn like fire. The man suddenly realizes he is facing someone who could be very dangerous, so he changes his tactic and says, “Mister, I don’t mean any harm; it’s just that I haven’t seen a Texas ranger up close before.”
    “Mister, I am not from Texas. I’m from Arizona, and I’m an Arizona ranger. Texas rangers wear a silver star and we wear a gold star.”
    Mesa turns around and continues his conversation at the table.
    Jonathan asks, “Son, do things like that happen to you often? It seems as if you attract trouble wherever you go.”
    Agent Ortiz has known Dan Mesa longer than anyone at the table and knows how sensitive Mesa can be when he is questioned in such a manner. He responds in a friendly off-hand way, saying, “Oh, he has been like that since the first time I met him. We have known each other for more than thirty years. He is like a lightning rod when it comes to trouble. Dan walks in to a bar and every tough guy in the place wants to try him. I guess that is why he doesn’t go to bars very often, unless he is with a lady. I do believe women soften him up. Garnett was always able to soften him up and calm him down.”
    Mesa smiles and drinks his coffee quietly. He excuses himself to go to the restroom.
    When he leaves, Nadia says, “I have known Dan for twenty years, and I realize I really don’t know him at all. Before he became a ranger, he smiled more, and now I only see him smile when he is with Devlin. He is too serious. But being a ranger is really what he is all about. It suits his personality to a T. I only wish he could find happiness with someone. He and Garnett belong together, and I know he loves her dearly and she loves him, although she doesn’t want to admit it. Scotty, you have known Dan longer than Jonathan and I. Can you tell us what makes him tick?”
    “Mrs. Williamson, Dan Mesa is an enigma. I love him like a brother, and yet he only allows me to get so close. He is the best friend I’ve ever had. He’d walk through hell for a friend and never complain. When we were younger and thought we owned the world, we fought our way out of a lot of bad places. As he got older, he changed into the responsible and dependable person you see now. He was never reckless though. I don’t know what drove him and Garnett apart, although I suspect it was due to his love of the West. I do know she hates the West, and he hates the East.”
    Dan returns and sits down and their meals are served. After the meal, he pays the bill, and all depart. Mesa’s sixth sense kicks in; he gets that old familiar feeling. He knows someone is watching them.
    He turns to Jonathan and says, “Dad, we are being watched. Let’s hurry and depart.”
    “Son, I have that same feeling. It is as if I am back in Korea. I always knew when an attack was coming, and I feel it now. We will be hit before long. Scotty, look under your seat and you’ll find an old Thompson machine gun and three magazines of ammo.”
    Ranson looks at each one