Free Yuletide Defender by Sandra Robbins Page B

Her source could be watching from there. Beside her, Matt remained silent as he had done ever since they left the restaurant.
    â€œIt’s almost midnight. I need to get going.”
    Matt turned and grasped her arm. “Be careful, Rachel. If anything goes wrong, you scream as loud as you can and I’ll come running.”
    She nodded and stepped from the car. As she walked toward the bench where she’d sat before, she wondered if tonight the mysterious source would tell her his name.
    Rachel approached the picnic area and eased onto the park bench. The night air chilled her and she huddled in her coat to keep warm. The minutes dragged by but no one appeared. Rachel crossed her legs and scooted back farther on the seat. The low moan of the wind rustling the bare tree branches struck her taut nerves like a hammer against an anvil.
    She gripped the edge of the seat and held on in defiance of the misgivings flowing through her. It was only a few minutes past midnight. A few more minutes. She could wait that long. He’d be here.
    A hand clamped on her shoulder, sending shock waves through her body. “Sorry I’m late.”
    The mellow tones of his voice calmed her racing heart. The need to put a face to the voice overcame her but she didn’t dare budge. She’d come for information and she couldn’t scare him away.
    â€œI thought you weren’t coming. I was afraid your brothers found out about your meeting with me.”
    â€œNaw, they don’t know nothin’. Fact is they too busy talkin’ about the killin’ last night.”
    Rachel nodded. “I can imagine.”
    â€œYeah, they really upset. They say the Rangers gonna blame us now for what happened to Terrence and that cop. You was there. You think we done it?”
    She closed her eyes and relived the panic she’d felt when a bullet hit the bricks above her head. “No. I believe you’re right. I think there’s a vigilante.”
    â€œAnd what makes you think that?”
    â€œWhoever killed those men had to be an excellent marksman. He was well hidden and he hit his targets with two rapid shots. Since most of the gang members are kids recruited off the streets, I doubt there’s one who could do that. Besides, you said a gang member would want to be up close to show their colors.”
    His hand struck the back of the bench. “Why can’t the popo see that? Why they gotta waste time blaming us when they should be lookin’ for the killer?”
    Rachel shook her head. “I don’t know. I just can’t figure out what to do next.”
    â€œMaybe I can.” His voice sounded closer. Her insides quaked like gelatin but she didn’t look around. “The Rangers sent us word they read your story and think you may be right about a vigilante. They want to set up a meetin’ to talk ’bout a truce until the popo catch this dude. Some of the brothers believe them, some don’t. Big T, our leader, say we gonna try. So he’s going tomorrow night to talk to Franco from the Rangers.”
    â€œDo you know where they’re meeting?”
    â€œPepper’s Bar on Locust Street.”
    Rachel swallowed back the uneasy feeling pushing its way up from her stomach. “That’s near Randolph, isn’t it?”
    â€œYeah. Why?”
    â€œI was just thinking that’s near where your friend was killed the night you were with him. If the Rangers wanted to meet, why wouldn’t they choose neutral territory? Why come to the Vipers’ turf?”
    The man chuckled. “That’s what I’m thinking. Sounds kind of like a setup, don’t it?”
    Rachel tried to smile but her trembling lips wouldn’t obey. She took a deep breath. “Okay, I guess I’ll have to check this out. What time are they supposed to meet?”
    â€œEleven o’clock. The manager’s gonna close up and let them have the place to