Chapter 30

Sunday morning, with still no reply, Malik and Gabriela discussed the ramifications of Cowboy’s situation and its effect on their plans.

After a long and frustrating conversation, Malik said, “No matter what’s happened, the need to deal with Ranford has not lessened. I would go ahead with the plan as is.”

“What if Ranford’s expecting you?”

“How would he know? From Cowboy?” Malik shook his head. “Not even under torture. Cowboy would kill himself if he thought he could not hold out, or he’d antagonize his captors until they killed him. And, given the arrogance these men have displayed, I doubt they would suspect anyone would attack them here.”

“We can’t be sure,” she insisted.

He sighed. “Does it matter? If necessary, I would walk onto the Senate floor and beat him to death with a hammer. He has caused irreparable harm and intends even worse. No authority here appears interested in what this town would define as petty corruption. Especially if the only harm is against nameless peons in a small corner of a remote desert. Forty thousand dollars in a signed-off federal bill does not just disappear without others being aware. But it’s just business as usual here. Well, I intend to put a stop to that part which is hurting my family and friends.”