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weeks at the same time. That concludes our meeting.” Closing his notepad in front of him, Hank rose.
    Daniel surged to his feet and headed for the door. Out in the hall he paused and turned to Anderson. “Go ahead without me. I’m going to try and talk with Melora Hudson.”
    â€œGonna use your charm to get the lady to tell all?”
    â€œI’m working on it.” Daniel chuckled. According to his ex-wife, he had none.
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    Melora emerged from the meeting room and spotted Daniel. Her mouth tightened and her shoulders tensed. Quickly, she fastened her attention on the opening elevator door and started toward it.
    Daniel moved into her path. “I want to thank you for your support in the meeting.”
    â€œYou’re welcome.” She took a step away, feeling trapped by the Ranger’s presence yet wanting to know if he’d discovered anything about Axle’s death. Anything that could put her in more danger.
    â€œI think the decision is a big mistake.”
    â€œI agree. It isn’t necessary to take needless risks.” She had enough of them to fill a lifetime.
    â€œWith added security there won’t be needless risks,” Rodney said, stopping next to Melora. He directed his look to Daniel. “I’m confident that the Texas Rangers will have the security needed to protect the public, the governor and the vice president. Look at the Super Bowl. The World Series. They manage to have those huge events without incident.”
    Daniel donned his cowboy hat. “We’ll do the best job possible. But we wouldn’t be doing that job if we didn’t propose a smaller celebration for safety reasons.”
    â€œSon, I was good friends with your father. As you know, he loved this celebration. We’ll miss him this year. He was looking forward to the event, had even pushed it before his death last year. He was passionate about anything to do with the Alamo. A true Texan to the core. We’re dedicating this to your father and his memory.”
    The color leaked from Daniel’s tanned features. “I’d heard that.”
    Daniel’s father had been a big supporter of the Alamo, the committee and San Antonio. He’d given large sums of money to various events to promote the city and state.
    Rodney slapped Daniel on the back. “It’s going to be okay, son. Nothing has ever happened before.” The older man nodded toward Melora. “If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. I’m sorry to hear about Axle, but at least now you have some closure.”
    A lump formed in her throat. Closure? She didn’t know if she ever would. As Rodney ambled toward the elevator, Melora glanced around and noticed the hallway was empty except for them. In Daniel’s dark gray eyes she glimpsed a vulnerability that she could identify with. The mention of his father had changed his bearing. For a few seconds his expression reflected pain as Rodney had talked. But also something else? Hurt was something she knew about. That connected them in a way she couldn’t afford. She needed to distance herself as far from the police as possible. She didn’t want the people watching her to think she was cooperating with the authorities.
    Daniel blew a breath out. “Mom is happy about the dedication.”
    â€œBut not you?”
    â€œI don’t know what I think.” That hurt she’d sensed a few minutes ago inched back into his voice. “Especially if something does go wrong at the celebration.”
    â€œRodney did spring it on you.”
    â€œYeah. I’m not big on surprises.”
    â€œNeither am I,” Melora said.
    â€œWould you like some coffee? There’s a café downstairs that makes a good cup.”
    â€œI probably need to—”
    â€œPlease.”
    The appeal in his expression touched her heart. No one was around. If someone was watching the building, they wouldn’t know