Dan Mesa knows men like him are a vanishing breed. Once upon a time, he was a rodeo cowboy. He served in Viet Nam and the first Gulf War. He believes a man should stand up for himself and what he believes in, which is why he's good at teaching high school. In the classroom, Dan expects nothing less than respect, and he will not back down. Just like the time he ran across a bank robbery . . . In his Arizona hometown, Dan witnesses a ranger get shot in the shoulder by one of the robbers fleeing the scene and he immediately runs to the aid of the fallen officer. Who knew just a few steps could change a man's life forever? The Arizona ranger deputizes Dan and tells him to prevent the criminals' escape. Having been in combat before, Dan doesn't hesitate, and thirty minutes later, he's a true Wild West hero. Turning in his teaching boots, Dan becomes an official member of the Arizona Rangers, where he can expect action, adventure, and some serious danger. The days of Wyatt Earp may be over, but that doesn't mean all the bad cowboys are gone. Dan is ready to track them down and face them, head-to-head. A teacher becomes a law man, and it only took a couple heroic steps to change the history of the Grand Canyon State forever.

Dan Mesa Arizona Ranger

By Dan Sears

iUniverse, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Dan Sears
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4620-3285-3

Chapter One

DAN MESA ARIZONA RANGER

Sometimes I wonder how my life would have turned out if I had chosen a different path. If I had not joined the air force and remained a teacher, would it have turned out differently, or was this my destiny all along? Having this pain inside and lying here in the hospital room gives me time to think on how I got to this point. It all began about a month ago.

Captain Johnson sends for me and says, "Dan, I want you to arrest one José Gutierrez-Jackson. He robbed a Wells Fargo Truck in El Paso last week and escaped with five hundred thousand dollars and killed two of the guards.

He is also wanted by the state of Texas for armed robbery and murder. Bring him in dead or alive but preferably alive."

"Sir, as you are aware, I know José quite well, and we were friends at one time. Are you sure you want me to go after him?"

"Dan, there are a lot of things said about you, some complimentary and some not so complimentary, but no one has ever said you were dishonest or lacking in integrity. I know that you will do the right thing so I'm not worried.}

"Okay, sir, I will get started. Do you have the warrant and necessary papers for me to arrest him?"

The captain gives me the warrant and other papers. "Sergeant, don't take any chances with José. He is not the same man he was when you were friends. He's changed, and he'll kill you just like he would any other person. He has gone bad."

The captain is right. I have followed Jackson since we did our thing down on the border. Something made him change and turn bad, and he has gone bad all the way. He is a tough customer and will not be taken easily. Killing those two guards wasn't necessary. That was just pure meanness. It is right that I am the one to go after him. The question is, can I kill a man who was once my friend? Yes, if necessary!

I have a feeling this is going to be a long and dangerous endeavor. Being prepared and ready is paramount. I need my sleeping bag and camping equipment, along with MREs—meals ready to eat. I'll need my .357 Magnum, hunting rifle, one hundred rounds of ammo for each one, my derringer, and my hunting knife. Oh yes, my first aid and survival kit. I'll need my oilcloth coat and liner just in case the weather changes. I will carry my bulletproof vest also, and water and coffee and some cigars. I'll also need matches. I'll use the Toyota for this trip; it is four-wheel drive and will go just about anyplace. I've had it for ten years and took it overseas to the Persian Gulf. It is a solid old truck, and I will probably keep it a bit longer, although that four-cylinder engine lacks power. I guess I have everything I will need.

"Captain, I'm ready to depart. Where do you want me to start looking for José?"

"You should probably start here in Nogales," he says.

"Sir, I believe he has a lady friend working at the Cow Palace in Amado, and I'd like to start there."

I have always liked Amado; it reminds me of days gone by. It was the favorite watering hole of many actors and actresses who frequented the area. The actor Stewart Granger once owned a ranch in the area of Nogales, near the golf course. John Wayne hung around the area making movies in the fifties and sixties. Even Clint Eastwood and Whoopie Goldberg visited the area. Amado has an interesting history. Amado and Nogales are neighboring towns with interesting histories. I also enjoy the drive. We are here.

I should probably ask if Sylvia is working. "Excuse me, ma'am; I'm Sergeant Dan Mesa of the Arizona Rangers. Can you tell me if Sylvia Animas is working this evening?"

"Ranger, I am Maria and you need to talk with Sonia,. She can tell you what you want to know. I will get her."

"Sonia, there is a Ranger out there in the bar looking for Sylvia." Sonia looks at Maria with surprise and says; "OK you stay here in the dining room and I'll talk with the Ranger."

"Martha, be serious. There aren't any Rangers left in Arizona. They only exist in Texas."

"Sonia, I don't know about Texas, but there is a real-life, honest-to-goodness Ranger standing in the bar and asking questions. See for yourself."

"Sir, may I help you? I am Sonia Perdenales, and I own the bar. I understand you are looking for Sylvia Animas. May I ask why?"

"Yes, ma'am. I'm Ranger Dan Mesa from the Santa Cruz Company in Nogales. I'm looking for José Gutierrez-Jackson, an acquaintance of Miss Animas. José is wanted for armed robbery of a Wells Fargo armored truck and for killing two guards. He may decide to head this way."

"Okay, Ranger, I will get her for you she is on break. I know José, and he can be a dangerous person, so you should be careful also." She returns with Sylvia.

"Ranger, I understand you want to talk to me about José. I haven't seen him in over two months. José knows not to come around when he's in trouble with the law."

"Ma'am, if he does come to see you, tell him I was here asking about him, and he knows I am looking for him. If you tell him what I have said that will prevent you from having any trouble with him. I thank you for talking with me. Is it possible to get a table? I'd like to eat dinner since I am here."

Miss Perdenales returns and asks, "Ranger, would you like a drink? It's on the house."

"No, ma'am. I'm still on duty, but I would like to have dinner."

She seats me in the restaurant and a waiter comes by. I order a steak with rice, green beans, tomatoes, and iced tea. I notice an older gentleman watching very closely, and finally he speaks.

He says, "Excuse me, sir, but exactly what branch of law enforcement are you?"

"Sir, I am with the Arizona Rangers, Santa Cruz Company of Nogales."

"I didn't know you guys still existed! No one ever hears anything about you."

"Well, sir, we are still in existence and we still enforce the law. We primarily work from the governor's office on capital crimes. When you see us, someone has violated a federal or state law."

Then a lady says, "Sergeant, you are about the best-looking thing I have seen in pants in a very long time." Now, what do you say to a comment like that?. Miss Perdenales who witnessed this exchange is standing there and smiling at me. Suddenly it has gotten very warm in here.

The waiter returns and I order coffee. I really like this place. It reminds me of some other places I have been in over the years. He brings the bill, and I leave a tip and prepare to leave. As I depart, Miss Perdenales says, "Ranger, come back for a visit when you are not on duty, and have a drink. It'll still be on the house."

"Thank you, ma'am. I will do that. I like the atmosphere and the people here."

She shakes my hand, deposits a piece of paper in it, and smiles. I must admit that her smile makes me want to smile. It has been said that I don't smile enough and am unfriendly. I don't necessarily agree with that opinion of me. It is also said that I resemble George Jefferson, and I don't agree with that either.

Now, back to Nogales and to get ready for tomorrow. I have a feeling it is going to be an interesting day. I have gone over everything in my mind to make sure I am ready to challenge Jackson. One or both of us will be hurt before this is over. Jackson is a crack shot, and so am I. I hope it doesn't come down to him or me. I had to take a life before, and it did not sit well with me. Killing is easy, but living with what you have done is a different story. I hate the thought of killing José, but I will do it if it is necessary.

It is time for bed and a good night's sleep. Oh yes, what was that paper that Miss Perdenales gave me? Let's see—it's her phone number and address. I was half hoping that was what she gave me. She is a beautiful woman, but it has been a long time since I have been interested in anyone. After my wife left me, I gave up on love and everything related to it and just concentrated on work. I have missed out on a lot over the last two years. I miss my son; he is my life these days. When my wife left, it just tore me apart for a while. I never understood what tore us apart. That is something for another day. Today is Wednesday or Wednesday night. I wonder how long this will take.

I awaken from a dream. The bad dreams are back. I haven't had them for a while. I guess it is because of the stress I place on myself. Breakfast, and then it's time to hit the road.

"Captain, I visited Amado and talked with an old girlfriend of Jackson, but she hasn't seen him. He does have friends in Sierra Vista. I believe it would be a good idea to go to Sierra Vista and nose around a bit."

"Sergeant, you be careful. José is not the same person he was fifteen years ago. He has changed—and not for the better. He will kill you if he has to. I don't want to go to a funeral anytime soon."

"I agree with you, sir, and I will be careful. There is too much I haven't done or seen yet, and I want to see my son again. I will talk with you soon."

A quick check to see if I have all the equipment I need: my guns, ammo, knife, food, first aid kit, and the warrant. Highway 87 to Patagonia. Oh yes, I forgot, Jackson has friends in Patagonia. I had best notify Marshal Huitt to be on the lookout for Jackson. "Sergeant Mesa to headquarters."

"Go ahead, Sergeant. This is headquarters."

"Yes, the suspect Jackson has friends in Patagonia. Please notify Marshal Huitt and have him be on the lookout for Jackson. Please let him know that Jackson is armed and extremely dangerous. Mesa out."

Patagonia is an interesting town. I like the sidewalks and buildings; they remind me of a different time period. There is a hotel there that serves a really good breakfast, and the scenery isn't bad either. We have Ranger Day celebrations in Patagonia sometimes. It is a quaint little town and a good place to live. The drive between Nogales and Patagonia can be deceptive it is longer than it appears to be due to the scenery. Holy Hanna, there goes Jackson! He is headed into Washington Camp which is an old abandon silver mine. Once he's in that area, we'll never get him out. That place is a series of hiding places and a straight route to the border. There are places along the border where there aren't any patrols or sensors and crossing the border is not a problem. If Jackson gets into Mexico, we will never see him again. The idea is to prevent his escape.

There, I see his truck. I know José, and there is a good chance he has a surprise for me somewhere out here. It looks as if Jackson is headed toward the old mine. There are many different areas to hide or ambush a person from out here. I am going to stop here and track for a while. I have that old feeling again—the one that tells me I am being watched. It is amazing how you revert to being like an animal in the wild when the challenge is put before you. Jackson is close by, and I can feel his eyes watching me. I had better grab my rifle. I have a feeling I will need it. I'd better find some cover, because standing here exposed is not a good idea.

He could be behind any rock or tree. There are many places to hide. What was that? I do believe someone is shooting at me! "José, this is Dan Mesa of the Arizona Rangers. I am here to arrest you for armed robbery and murder."

"Dan, ain't this a bitch. You sent to arrest me? Couldn't they have sent someone else? Amigo, things are not what they used to be. Times have changed."

"José, they sent me because we were friends at one time, and they figured that if anyone could get you to surrender without a shootout, it would be me. So, amigo, what's it going to be?"

"Dan, I can't surrender, and I am not going back to jail. I robbed Wells Fargo and I killed two guards, so the death penalty is staring me in the face."

"José, you could be right, but that is not my department. I want to take you in before others get hurt or killed. José, José, are you there?" That fellow can be somewhat abrupt. When he stops talking, he starts shooting. There it is.

That rifle has a wicked bite to it. This is starting to make me very angry. It is time to return fire, but what do I shoot at? This is not acceptable. José had better make sure he doesn't hit my truck. I guess he has escaped. Time to move. I am fair at tracking, so let's see where he has gone. Those tracks are of a man in sneakers with worn soles. He is headed toward Sierra Vista using these back roads. As I recall, there are several trails that lead into Mexico, and they are not guarded either. If Jackson gets into Mexico, we will never get him back, so I must attempt to prevent him from crossing over. Time to scat. That old Ram Charger is a heck of a vehicle and will go anyplace, but so will mine. He has twice the horsepower, though, and that makes a difference. Now what?

This isn't good. It looks like he has set a trap for me. An abandoned vehicle with the engine running and the doors open. "Warning: Approach with Caution." Common sense says circle around, try to get a feel for what is going on, and use caution. I have great common sense, and I don't like this one bit. "Jackson, this isn't going to work. You're only making it harder for yourself." Now, where did that guy go? He is a very dangerous person, especially when he is cornered. José, you are starting to make me very angry, and that's not good. Where the hell are you?

I've been in this position before in Vietnam in 1975. I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. This puts one in a death-wish position. If I try to get closer, I will have to expose myself to his fire. Now what do I do? Common sense says to be extremely careful and cautious. My best bet is to return to my truck and block the road with it. Now, to ease myself back to my truck. Oops, there he goes in that bloody Ram Charger. I had better hurry and follow him. I'd say that given the direction he is heading, he is either crossing over into Mexico or heading for Sierra Vista. There are several back trails you can follow into Mexico without having to cross over at the official border crossings. If he gets into Mexico, we will never catch him. Now, how do I stop him from crossing the border? I'll have to try to shoot his tires out, which is a dangerous proposition from my standpoint. I'll try to get in front of him and force him to turn around. This old truck sometimes surprises me. I actually am able to get in front of that Ram Charger and force him to turn. YES! Now, to chase him to Sierra Vista. I had better give Marshal Huitt a call.

"Marshal Huitt, this is Ranger Mesa from Santa Cruz Company and I am in hot pursuit of one José Gutierrez-Jackson, wanted for armed robbery and murder. He is headed in your direction. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes. Please have your deputies be on the watch for him. He's driving a Dodge Ram Charger, black in color with the slogan Born to Be Bad written on it. Please approach with caution. He is very dangerous."

I am in Patagonia and knowing Jose as I do, he will probably stop off here just to throw me off his trail. Now to find the marshal. I see him. "Marshal Huitt, have you seen or heard anything from Jackson yet?" He answers no but believes he may have seen José's truck, although he's not sure. There goes Jackson now!

"Dan, I am going to try to force him to surrender. This is my town, and I don't want a shootout in my streets."

"Marshal, Jackson is dangerous. Don't take any chances with him. He will kill you." Darn, no one wants to listen. He is going to get himself killed or get hurt very badly. "Marshal Huitt, duck!" Oh, no! Jackson just shot Huitt and now all manners of Hade are going to break loose.

"Captain Johnson, Mesa here. Jackson shot Marshal Huitt, and he isn't expected to live. I returned fire but only managed to shoot his boot heel off."

"Sergeant Mesa, I want Jackson stopped and I don't care how you do it! He has killed two and possibly three people. This is getting out of hand. If you can't do the job, I will get someone else to do it. Do you understand me?"

"Sir, I will do my best. If Marshal Huitt had listened to me, he wouldn't have been shot. He wanted to arrest Jackson himself, and that was a mistake. Jackson will not be arrested peacefully, and it will take someone like me to arrest him. He knows I can and will shoot to kill."

"Sergeant, I suggest you get started!"

Jackson will move on to Sierra Vista, and I will try to take him there. "Mesa to headquarters."

"Headquarters, go ahead."

"Notify Sierra Vista police to be on the lookout for Jackson. He has friends there, and I'm positive he'll show up there. Mesa out."

(Continues...)

Excerpted from Dan Mesa Arizona Rangerby Dan Sears Copyright © 2011 by Dan Sears. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse, Inc.. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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