"With the battle for Texas independence fought and won, and the Union being torn apart by civil war, a new threat has arisen on the border between Mexico and the Republic of Texas. John Henry McAllen hoped his fighting days were over. But when the corrupt sheriff of Brownsville is gunned down by a Mexican ex-soldier, Sam Houston - now the Texas governor - declares martial law. Yet another war is about to erupt, and McAllen's son Gideon is taken captive. McAllen, followed by his legendary Black Jack fighters, crosses the Rio Grande into a storm of blood and fire, determined to save his boy - or die trying.." --,Page [4] of cover.