Chapter 3: Set Up
In the scorching heat of the Texas sun, Walker and Trivette arrived at Fort Kimball. The imposing gates loomed ahead, guarded by stern-faced soldiers clad in crisp uniforms. Major Donovan greeted them with a curt nod. "Gentlemen, please follow me to my office." He said, as he turned and led the way.
They got into the office and Major Donavan sat down. Then extended his hand signaling to Walker and Trivette to sit down as well.
"I want to extend my condolences to you Ranger Trivette. Your cousin was a good man."
Trivette's eyes darkened with a mix of grief and determination. He clenched his jaw, struggling to maintain his composure in the face of such loss. Walker placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, a silent gesture of support amidst the weight of sorrow that hung in the air like a heavy shroud.
Major Donovan cleared his throat, breaking the somber silence that enveloped them.
"I got a feeling you two don't think this was just an accident that killed him, or else you wouldn't be here. Am I correct in that assumption?" He asked the two rangers.
"You are. Some thing's about the accident don't add up. We wanted to take a look around with your permission." Walker said to the Major.
"That's fine, but I want my lead MP to accompany you, and if you find something and work it as a case, I would appreciate that it is a joint effort." Major Donavan said.
"That's the stipulation to poke around my base," Major Donovan said, his voice firm and unwavering. Walker and Trivette exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the implications of the Major's condition. "We appreciate your cooperation, Major. Rest assured, we will work closely with your lead MP," Walker replied, his tone respectful yet resolute. Trivette nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting a steely determination as he prepared to delve into the investigation.
"Good. Let me call him in and have you three meet." The major said. He picked up his phone. "Please send in Captain Reacher." He said to the person on the other line.
The door creaked open, revealing a towering figure stepping into the room. Captain Jack Reacher strode in with an air of controlled strength, his gaze sharp and unwavering. His presence filled the office, exuding an aura of authority that demanded attention.
Major Donovan gestured towards Walker and Trivette. "Captain Reacher, these are Texas Rangers Cordell Walker and James Trivette. They are here to investigate the death of Lt Trivette."
Captain Reacher's piercing gaze swept over Walker and Trivette, sizing them up with a cool detachment. His voice rumbled like distant thunder as he addressed them, "Sorry for your loss." Reacher said. "Jack, show them Marcus' office, let them poke around where ever they need to." Major Donavan instructed Captain Reacher.
Captain Reacher nodded in acknowledgment of the Major's orders, his expression unreadable. "Follow me, Rangers," he said in a deep, commanding voice. As they walked through the bustling corridors of Fort Kimball, the sound of marching boots reverberated off the walls, creating a symphony of military precision that echoed through the base.
Walker and Trivette followed Captain Reacher closely, studying his every move with a mix of curiosity and wariness.
"I'm guessing you two think the whole drunk driving car accident is a crock of shit don't you?"
Captain Reacher's deep voice cut through the tense air like a sharp blade.
Walker exchanged a knowing glance with Trivette before replying, "We just want to make sure we're not missing anything in our investigation." Trivette's jaw tightened, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes at the mention of his cousin's death. The weight of loss hung heavy in the air, mingling with the tension that simmered between the three men.
Captain Reacher led them down a dimly lit corridor lined with rows of closed doors.
"Guys, let's not jerk each other around shall we? Marcus never drank. Plus he had been telling me off the record he was worried about the inconsistency of the inventory counts in the armory. And just a bit of advice, what ever we have to share' lets do it off base and in person only. I don't trust 99% of the people on this base aside from my team, who are currently dealing with an investigation over seas."