Cougar's Prey (9781101544846) (38 page)

“And that is all?”

“That, and I have a question to ask of you, too.”

“Sorry will do you no good.”

“Let me explain myself.”

Juan Carlos shook his head no, then reared back and tossed the net solidly into a rolling wave. He jerked back, closed the net after it hit the water, and started pulling it back in. “There is nothing to explain. Maria is dead. It is that simple.” The net was empty as he pulled it up to check it. “What is your question? What is so important that you came to a place you're not wanted, and that is very dangerous for you to be?”

“It's about Pearl,” Josiah said, staring directly into Juan Carlos's deep blue eyes. “I'd like your blessing to court her properly.”

A wave crashed against Juan Carlos, nearly knocking him down. He fought to regain his footing, tipping his hand into the water to steady himself, then said, “And if I say no?”

Josiah shrugged. “It's not just up to you. Pearl has a say in this, too. Her father is dead. You're the closest thing to that she has. She has lost nearly everything else in her life, and if we are to start making something of our lives, I want to do it right. Do I have your blessing or not?”

Juan Carlos exhaled deeply, stared back at Josiah, and abruptly handed the net to him. “Here, see if you remember anything I taught you.”

Josiah took the net, situated it properly in his hands, eased back, watched the waves for a school of mullet, then tossed the net as hard as he could.

The net splashed into the water in a perfect circle and sank completely out of sight. He yanked back, felt a little tug and resistance, and pulled the net back toward him with all of his might, sure that he had caught something.

Josiah Wolfe, Texas Ranger Series
THE RATTLESNAKE SEASON
THE SCORPION TRAIL
THE BADGER'S REVENGE
THE COUGAR'S PREY