In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] (11 page)

"Yeah, it's sad."

The jangle of the phone caused them both to glance toward the machine. Hawkman got up and strolled toward the kitchen bar.

"Hello, Jim. I'm still around. You haven't seen the last of me yet. Tell your pretty little wife she better not drive on the road for awhile. It could be dangerous for her health."

Hawkman slammed a fist on the counter. “Damn him! Why threaten you. If he's after me, come for me, not my wife."

Jennifer edged close to him and put an arm around his waist. “Honey, he's just hassling you. He probably wouldn't do a thing to me."

"He's a fool. Look what he did to Rita. We can't for one minute believe he wouldn't hurt you if he had the chance."

Hawkman cleared off the end of the kitchen bar and arranged it so he could mix drinks for his guest. Placing several glasses and an ice bucket on the cloth, he noticed Jennifer's eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You really like Peggy, don't you?"

"Yes. I'm glad they're our friends. She's not only charming, but you'd never know by looking at her five foot, three petite build, that she totes a gun and serves as a law officer for Siskiyou County. And when I think of all the things she's done, like learning how to fly a plane and becoming an accomplished horse rider, I'm amazed how she's packed all those things into her life."

"Yeah, she and Ken are a good pair. Remember when I asked him one time who he called if he needed a back-up? He told me, ‘Peggy'."

Jennifer laughed. “Shows they trust each other."

Soon a knock sounded on the door and Hawkman greeted the Bronsons. He gave Peggy a hug and shook Ken's hand. “Good to see you two. It's been awhile since we've gotten together."

Ken took off his cowboy hat and placed it on a bar stool. “What a day!. Traveled from one end of the county to the other.” He took a handful of almonds, then flopped his lanky six foot frame down on the leather easy chair. “Oh, man, does it feel good to sit in something besides a patrol car."

After Hawkman fixed cocktails, he joined the group in the living room. He noticed Miss Marple went right to Ken, then to Peggy, giving each a loving rub. After showing her approval, she flopped down on the rug in front of the hearth as if she were a guest.

"Oh, my gosh,” Peggy exclaimed. “When did you get that adorable cat?"

"Meet Miss Marple,” Jennifer said, waving a hand at the kitten. She gave them a quick rundown of the story about how she'd acquired the pet.

"Now, she's a pretty little thing,” Ken said. “And did you say, she's a Ragdoll breed? Never heard of it."

"Yes,” Jennifer said, as she picked up the feline and handed her to Ken. She will just lay over your arm like a rag."

"Well, I'll be damned,” Ken said. “Peggy, look at this,” as he lifted his arm with the cat's body dangling over each side. “She's just like a limp noodle."

Peggy laughed. “Ken, put her down. You're going to scare the poor little thing."

He gently placed the animal on the floor and immediately, Miss Marple wound herself around his boots, purring."

"She definitely likes you,” Jennifer said, smiling.

"You want to take her home?” Hawkman asked. “She really knows how to shred toilet paper."

Ken guffawed. “I'm not so sure how she'd like our big black lab, Du."

"That little cat could make up to anything,” Hawkman said, as he pointed toward the window where their dog had her nose pressed against the outside glass.

"That lab is such a lover, she'd probably protect Miss Marple with her life. However, I'm not giving my cat away,” Jennifer said, with a toss of her head. “So don't get any ideas, Ken Bronson."

"Wait a minute. He just asked me if I wanted her."

"She's not his to give away."

Ken shrugged and glanced at Hawkman with a mischievous grin. “Okay, guess I'll leave her here. You heard the boss."

Hawkman chuckled. “Can't say I didn't try."

After several more minutes of small talk, Hawkman brought up the dilemma he faced. Then walked over to the phone and punched on the latest recording.

Both officers scooted forward on their seats, as their interest piqued.

Peggy turned toward Jennifer. “You should not be left alone. This man could be dangerous, especially after hearing his threatening message and what you've told us about Rita. Has he bothered Marie?"

"Not that we know of,” Jennifer said. “I'm sure she would've called, and so far she hasn't."

"If you see me in the Sheriff's vehicle out front, think nothing of it. I'll stay close by and patrol the area. If I get a Code 3, emergency call, and have to leave, I'll let you know. Otherwise, I'm on Code 5 which means ‘stake out'."

"I hate for you to have to do this,” Jennifer moaned.

"That's what your tax dollars pay for; we're here to protect you. It's our job."

Ken glanced at Hawkman. “The same goes for you. Since this man comes from the Agency, he knows the tricks of the trade. You need your back covered. I'll check with Detective Williams and see if Medford's issued a warrant yet. If Ms. Rawlings has already posted a hit and run, that's enough. If a red jeep has been stolen, there's a good chance every officer is on the lookout in Oregon and California. I'll check with headquarters tonight and see if anything's come in. If he's the one who conked you on the head, I don't want you looking for this crazy man by yourself. It's too risky."

Hawkman saluted. “Yes, Sir!"

"Don't give me any of that ‘yes, sir’ business, just heed my word.” Ken pointed at him. “The next time you start searching the country side, I want to be with you."

"Thanks. Sounds like a good deal. And if I expect my wife to pay attention. Guess I better do the same or she'll have me strung up."

Jennifer nodded. “You got that right."

After the Bronsons left, Hawkman plopped down on his chair. “I feel better now with them aware of the situation. We'll have extra protection this way."

The next morning, Hawkman prepared to leave for the doctor's appointment Jennifer had set up to get his stitches removed. Getting those blasted sutures out would make his head feel a lot better. His scalp itched like crazy, but he didn't dare scratch.

Before leaving, he took a tour around the outside of the house and checked all the windows, noticing the outlet cover hadn't been bothered for a couple of days. Things appeared normal. Satisfied, he went back inside. When he stepped into the kitchen, the phone rang. He immediately moved closer just as Jennifer walked from the back of the house with Miss Marple close at her heels. She stopped at the edge of the counter, her expression somber.

"Hello, Tom, Bill Broadwell. Give me a call."

"He immediately punched the speaker phone. “Hello, Bill, Hawkman here."

"I can't get used to calling you Tom Casey, and now you want me to call you Hawkman."

"Whatever's easiest. I'll answer to anything."

"Fair enough. I think we might have some of this mystery about Jack Hargrove partially solved."

"I'm listening."

"Do you remember a Raymond Skokie?"

"I'll never forget him. We were on an assignment together and he stepped on a land mine. It almost blew off his leg."

"He's Jack Hargrove's stepson."

Hawkman flopped down on the bar stool. “You jest?"

"No. Turns out Jack married Ray's mother, who was a widow at the time, and Ray was just a little guy, three or four years old. They weren't able to have children, so Jack raised the boy as his own. He had high dreams of his stepson becoming a super spy. After the accident, all those dreams blew up in his face as Ray was never allowed in the field again. Two years ago, Jack's wife passed away of cancer, and he retired. I spoke with Raymond, who still works here. He said his dad hasn't been the same since his accident. And the death of his mom seemed to have pushed him over the edge."

"How in the world does he connect me to Ray's calamity? We were out in the field heading toward different sides of a building when it occurred. I wasn't near the man."

"Ray doesn't blame you. But he said his dad felt like since you were the most seasoned agent, it should have been you going in the direction where the bomb had been placed."

"That's sick thinking. How would I have known about a bomb? And I wouldn't have sent any man into an area if I thought he'd be in harm's way."

"Ray said he couldn't understand his dad's thinking. He worked for the Agency and knew how things ran. Ray said he'd asked his dad numerous times how he'd have managed the situation."

"How'd he respond?"

"He said Jack made comments about how he wasn't a haughty, bullheaded man like Jim Anderson. Ray even tried to explain how he liked you and asked to be on your team. But it didn't appear to make any difference. His dad still blamed you for crippling his son."

"This is not good news. I always liked Skokie. He was an excellent agent and I'm sure he's good at whatever he's doing now."

"Ray also told me his dad took the I.D. pictures out of the file, because he didn't want people remembering what he looked like."

"Did you tell Skokie what we suspected?"

"Only after he told me his dad had disappeared and he had no idea where he'd gone. He's quite concerned. I have a feeling Ray might contact you."

"It could help."

After hanging up, Hawkman rubbed his face and exhaled loudly. Jennifer gazed at him with concern.

"It appears Bill's news has upset you."

He nodded. “Immensely."

"You want to talk about it?"

"Yeah. Let me get a cup of coffee."

He sat back down and thumbed his fingers on the counter. “This is really bad. How the hell does one go after a sick man? And he's obviously deranged."

"Do you think if Ray came out here, he could talk some sense into his dad?"

"I don't know,” Hawkman said, shaking his head. “Skokie hasn't had any luck so far. I'm not sure it would do any good."

"It might be worth a try."

"Maybe. If he calls, I'll see what he thinks."

Hawkman left for the doctor's appointment and returned within a few hours. While driving over the lake bridge, he spotted Peggy's vehicle parked near the mailbox under a shade tree. He gave a wave as he turned the corner and drove into the driveway. After disarming the alarm, he stepped into the house, gave Jennifer a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. He moseyed onto the deck and stood looking out over the water. Jennifer picked up the cat and whispered. “Miss Marple, your master has a lot on his mind. I think it best we leave him alone for awhile."

Later that afternoon, Hawkman spoke with Detective Williams and no local car theft had been reported. But as Jennifer had said, people were gone during the Spring break and more than likely they wouldn't hear anything until the weekend.

He strolled back to his office. Miss Marple followed a few feet behind and stopped at the doorway. She sat on her haunches and watched as Hawkman rummaged through a cabinet hanging on the wall. He placed two small survivor kits on the desk.

He sat down, opened up the larger day hunter kit, measuring 6x4x2, which held everything he needed and could be carried on his belt. Taking out the tin inside, he popped it open, dumped out the smaller items and took inventory. He checked off the essential articles: Things needed to light and make a fire, a mini-match magnesium fire starter and steel striker. Water and food: purification tablets, water bag, fishing tackle kit. Signaling: mirror. Navigation: compass. Knives and tools: folding wallet knife, cable saw and 2 X-Actop knife blades. Medical: small packet of antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, and 2 butterfly closures. Multipurpose: thread, magnetized sewing needles, magnifier, tweezers, pencil, waterproof paper, laminated instructions on water purification and fishing knots, safety pins and aluminum foil.

He left the room to find some replacements for a couple of bent pins, bandages and water. When he returned, he caught Miss Marple in his chair about ready to hop onto the desk. He swooped her up into the crook of his arm.

"Oh, no you don't, little lady. Those things are not toys and could be mighty dangerous to a kitten.” He put her back on the floor and scolded. “There are some items in this house you're not to bother and this is one of them."

Miss Marple flopped on the floor, stretched out her back legs and gave him a big yawn.

Hawkman snickered. “I don't think you believe a word I've said."

Jennifer poked her head into the room. “Is Miss Marple giving you a hard time?"

"No, I'm giving it to her. She thinks her paws should be into everything. One nosey and curious animal."

"You want me to take her out of here?"

"She's fine. I need to teach her she can't stick her little sniffer into every opening. It might not be safe."

Jennifer put a hand on her hip. “And may I ask how you plan on accomplishing the impossible?"

He glanced up from his chore of placing the items back into the kit. “Not sure, but I'll think of something."

She moved to the desk and studied the articles scattered across the surface. “What are you doing?"

"Getting my survival kits ready for when I go trekking into the hills to find Hargrove. I might not even need them. But they're good to have, just in case."

"Oh,” she said, putting a hand to her throat. “When do you plan going on this trek?"

"Tomorrow."

"I'm assuming you'll let Ken know."

"I'll give him a call. But if he can't make it, I'll go alone."

Jennifer glared at him. “I see. You sure pay attention to the authorities."

"I can't expect the man to drop everything and go romping into the hills on a possible false run."

"So, how long do you expect to be gone?"

"Not sure, that's why I want to carry these."

Jennifer knew better than to argue. She sighed and turned away. “I'll make you some sandwiches and put them in the refrigerator. And we have bottled water."

"Perfect.” He closed the one similar to a fanny pack and set it aside, then opened the red medical kit.

Jennifer headed toward the kitchen.