Perched on the high, frayed edge of the Rio Grande River, the fort faced the west and the setting sun. Across the wide band of muddy water, Nuevo Laredo squatted on the flat Mexican riverbank.

A mood of bitter rage curled in Steve’s belly, belying his outward calm. He was calm only because he had to be, because the senator wasn’t in front of him, but he itched to confront him. The nearer they came to finding Brandon, the more vicious his mood grew.

He’d wanted to leave Ginny behind, but knew better than to try it. She was like a tigress since discovering that her children were missing, as feral and determined as any wild cat. The three of them had ridden like avenging angels since disembarking from the flatboat at Roma, silently and with grim purpose.

Steve’s big bay had settled into a mile-eating pace that was matched by the other mounts. As he rode in silence, anger built inside him, the cold, dispassionate mood of a gunfighter. It filled him with icy resolution.

Twilight descended, streaking the sky in colors of rose and purple as they rode into Laredo. The streets were crowded, saloons blaring tinny music and raucous laughter. With a new bridge being built across the river to Mexico, the town had grown swiftly.

Colonel Prime seemed surprised to see them, and was reluctant to help search for the children.

“I don’t know why you think they’re hidden in this area, but I can’t spare a squad right now, Morgan. The apaches have been raiding and I need all my men.”

“If the Apaches find a United States senator and his grandchildren before we do, you might find yourself back in the rank and file,” Steve said curtly. “It wouldn’t look good on your military record to have refused aid.”

Prime scowled. “I have a squad returning tomorrow. I’ll send them out to scout the hills in two days.”

“Two days may be too late.”

“It’s the best I can do. You don’t even know if they’re out there, but I damn sure know the Apaches are. It will have to wait, and none of your threats can change that.”

Steve leaned forward, fists pressing into the wood of Prime’s desk as he said softly, “You’re wrong, Colonel….”

“I’m going with you,” Ginny said when they left the fort and took a room in a small, secluded hotel. She came to stand beside him, her eyes offering a challenge.

A faint smile slanted his mouth. “Where do you think I’m going?”

“It doesn’t matter. I can’t stay here alone. I’ll go crazy with nothing to do but think and worry.”

“Do you still have that pistol I gave you?”

She looked startled, but nodded. “Yes.”