In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] (19 page)

She slapped a fist on the counter. “Because you make me so angry."

"I guess I don't have a choice.” He glanced down at her bare feet. “You better get on some boots, make sure your gun is loaded and you have extra shells."

Jennifer dashed to the bedroom, threw on her jeans, hiking boots and a long sleeved cotton shirt. She grabbed a wind breaker from the closet and ran back to the kitchen, fastening her fanny pack and gun around her waist. “Okay,” she panted. “I'm ready."

Miss Marple sat in the middle of the living room watching, her head twisting from side to side. She seemed to know better than to get in her mistress’ way.

Hawkman studied his pretty wife. “Settle down. I promise I won't go off without you. I certainly don't want you out there roaming around alone."

She grabbed a yogurt out of the refrigerator. “Want one? Guess we should eat something."

He nodded and slid onto the bar stool. “Already had a bowl of cereal, but I could eat a piece of toast."

Jennifer threw a couple slices of bread into the toaster. “I'm going to call Peggy and tell her what we're planning to do."

Hawkman let out a sigh. “Well, if you insist. But all we're going to do is look around. I don't think we're going to need any help.” He stood and pointed at her binoculars on the counter. “Be sure and take those."

"And my camera", she said, grabbing if off the computer table.

The morning felt crisp and clean as they climbed into Hawkman's 4X4.

Jennifer adjusted her seat and rolled down the window. She put the glasses to her eyes as soon as they turned onto Ager Beswick Road.

The cool morning breeze rippled through Jennifer's hair as she peered through the binoculars. When they approached an old deserted house, she examined the grounds, and took some pictures. “This place would be a perfect hideout, but I don't see any sign of the jeep."

"They wouldn't want to be this close to the road."

"Is there any way we could look into those outbuildings. You could conceal a vehicle in one quite easily."

Hawkman pulled off to the side and parked. He craned his neck to look around her. “You might have a point. I'll go take a gander.” He jumped out, opened the back door and rummaged through the duffel bag until he found a pair of heavy work gloves.

Jennifer watched him pull them on as he walked down the barb wire fence surrounding the property. He finally found a spot where the wires hung loosely, and cautiously pushed down the top strand, and threw his leg over to the other side. As he strolled toward the house through the overgrown weeds, a covey of quail, chattering their warning signal, dashed from under the porch, raced across the field and flew into a nearby tree. Hawkman continued his search and disappeared behind one of the buildings. Jennifer snapped some more shots while waiting, and within a few minutes, he reappeared on the other side. Soon, he headed back toward the road, hopped over the barricade, and climbed into the SUV.

"Nope, there's not a sign of a jeep, tractor or any mechanical machine. In fact, it doesn't look like a human has been on this property for a long time."

"Doesn't hurt to make sure."

They next passed an ancient homestead where the house had fallen down long ago and only two rickety structures stood. You could see daylight through the missing planks in the wall.

"How in the world do those old buildings stand up against the winds we get here?” Jennifer asked.

"The old timers built things mighty sturdy and able to withstand the rigors of weather. Doesn't look like this place warrants a closer look."

When they approached the Hill's ranch, they spotted Sue in her car waiting at the road's edge for them to pass. Her two young boys were in the back seat, along with their big brown mutt, whose wagging tail slapped the youngsters in the face as he barked a loud greeting. Hawkman put on the brake and poked his head out the window. “How's it going, Sue?"

She smiled. “Fine, and how are you two? You're sure out early this morning."

"We're looking for a couple of guys in a red Willys jeep. Have you seen such a vehicle drive through here?"

"No. But I haven't really been very observant. Is there a problem?"

"Checking out a stolen auto report."

"Bill's more aware of strange cars going down the road than I am, but he's already gone into town for supplies. I'll ask him tonight and have him give you a call if he's seen anything."

"Thanks, appreciate it.” Hawkman gave a wave and headed up the hill.

They soon approached a big deserted barn, and as Jennifer held the binoculars to her eyes, the sun's beams hit the chrome on the horse trailer reflecting a flash of light right into her eyes. Dropping the glasses to her chest, she picked up the camera off the dashboard and shaded it with her hand as she snapped a couple of pictures. “Geez, the sun's bright this morning. I'm not sure these will turn out.” She put the camera aside. “Looks like someone's using this place for storage. I'd be afraid some of the planks would fall off the roof and crush my trailer."

Hawkman chuckled. “Like I said, a lot of these old barns and houses will probably be standing for another fifty years.” He drove slowly as they neared the decaying hotel and saloon. Stopping at the side of the road, he scanned both sides. “Now there's a possibility Jack and Ray are in this neck of the woods.” He pulled into a smoothed off parking area near the weathered inn. I'm going to walk over to the tavern and check it out.” He swung an arm encompassing the whole area to his right. “You can sit in your seat and search the lodge site with your glasses."

Jennifer raised a brow. “May I ask, why you insisted I wear my boots if I'm not allowed to get out?"

He shrugged. “I didn't say you couldn't get out. Just thought it might be easier."

She curled her mouth in disgust and opened the passenger side door. “I'll check the boarding house; you go over to the pub. I'll meet you back here in about fifteen minutes."

He studied her with concern. “Maybe we should do this together."

"Hawkman, I have my gun.” Exhaling loudly, she jumped out and set off toward the building.

He watched her for a few moments. “Stubborn woman,” he mumbled as he climbed out of the SUV and stomped across the gravel.

Jennifer, with Beretta in hand, traipsed gingerly, keeping a wary eye for snakes or other creatures in the tall grasses surrounding the hotel. When she stepped inside one of the units, she gasped as she lifted her weapon and pulled the trigger twice.

The echo bounced off the hillsides, sending birds in scared flight to surrounding trees. Hawkman had just entered the saloon when he heard the shots. He whirled around, raced out the door and dashed across the road.

Jack and Ray lay stretched out on their bellies on the peak of a small knoll across the road from the Hill's ranch. Protected by tall grass, Jack put the binoculars to his eyes as he watched a woman, two boys and a big dog climb into the car. “Okay, she'll be leaving in a few minutes. The husband left about half hour ago, so we should find ample food in that kitchen. She looks like a good cook,” he said in a harsh whisper.

Ray chuckled under his breath. “Since when could you tell a good cook by her appearance?"

About that time, a beige SUV stopped in front of the house. Jack reached over and poked his son. “Appears we've got company."

Ray jerked his head in the direction his dad pointed. “Give me those glasses.” He put them to his eyes. “Damn, that's Tom Casey and his wife."

The two men crunched closer to the ground and waited silently until both vehicles drove off in opposite directions.

Ray climbed to his feet. “Okay, let's get into that pantry before anyone returns. My gut tells me the woman won't be gone long since she took the dog."

"Let's go in the back way, in case we have to run for it,” Jack said.

The two scampered across the road, then cut between the house and barn. They stood for a moment, leaning against a parked trailer, and caught their breath as they surveyed the grounds. Hurrying to the back door, they found it unlocked as suspected. They stepped into the kitchen and immediately started opening cabinet doors. Ray found a couple of grocery sacks and started loading them with bread, peanut butter, chips, canned goods and whatever he could find available that didn't need refrigeration or cooking.

"We'll eat these tonight,” Jack said, as he threw in lunch meat, a couple of cold beers, and some pieces of fruit. Then his eyes glistened as he pulled out a round tin from the refrigerator. “Would you look here, a blackberry pie."

"Grab it.” After checking their bags, Ray put one under his arm. “I think we've got enough to last a few days. Hope you've got a can opener."

"I have a Swiss knife that'll do the job."

"Let's haul ass out of here."

The men had no more exited the door when they heard a vehicle pull across the gravel at the front of the house. Lugging the heavy bags, they ran past the barn and into the field. When they were far enough away, they paused and glanced back. The dog was running around the yard barking furiously.

Ray let out a laugh. “I wish I could see that woman's face when she walks into the kitchen and discovers her pantry's been raided."

Jack pushed ahead. “We need to put more distance between us and the dog before he picks up our scent. He'll for sure be on our heels within moments."

"He's nothing but a mutt, and will lose our trail the minute he gets into the tall grass. But we need to get back to the barn, before she calls and reports the burglary. We don't want to be caught out here in the field with the goods."

Suddenly, the sound of gun shots burst through the air. Ray and Jack, dived for cover.

"What the hell?” Jack said, looking over his shoulder. “There's no one behind us."

"It's hard to tell where it came from with the sound bouncing off these hills.” Ray pointed east. “But I think it came from farther up the road. Maybe some kid shooting at ground squirrels."

Jack picked himself up and brushed the dirt from his pant's leg, then checked the sack of groceries. “Thank goodness, I didn't smash the pie. Let's get our butts outta here."

Hawkman crashed through the brush yelling Jennifer's name. Then another blast echoed through the air.

"I'm in here,” she called, backing out of a doorway, holding her small smoking pistol. “I think I've disturbed a rattlesnake den. I just killed three of them."

He grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the scene. “No telling how many more are around. Let's get to safety. Obviously, Jack and Ray aren't here."

They hurried to the SUV and climbed inside.

"You're lucky you didn't get bit."

"I always watch for signs of those serpents."

"When I heard those shots, it scared me. I immediately thought Jack or Ray were firing at you."

"Sorry, but I certainly couldn't let the rattlers strike, or you might have found me in bad shape."

"You did the right thing. Doesn't appear you've lost the skill to hit a bulls eye."

She smiled. “Thanks."

They moved up the road to Lawbacker's ranch. Hawkman parked in front, jumped out and knocked on the door. The ranch hand and his wife didn't appear to be home. Hawkman ambled down the driveway to the bunkhouse and peeked inside. Seeing nothing suspicious, he stood for a moment and viewed the out buildings, noting most of their doors were wide open and could be viewed straight through. He saw nothing resembling a red Willys jeep.

They drove up to access seven, which consisted of the camp ground with tables and a place to build a fire. They found it empty and no evidence anyone had been there for some time. Hawkman slapped his hands on the steering wheel. “Well, we didn't luck out. It's possible Ray and Jack have fled into Oregon. They've had plenty of time to put many miles behind them."

"Where in the world would they get gas?"

"Siphon it out of farm machinery, or steal a can out of someone's barn. All these ranchers have extra fuel around."

"What about their goal to get you?"

"That's what bothers me. Since neither of them know this territory, I might be searching too far out. They could be hiding right under our noses."

"Also, there's the problem of eating."

Hawkman shrugged. “You only need water. And there are plenty of streams around. Jack probably had some food he'd stored before his son got here. Also, Ray had those sandwiches you made when we went out looking for Jack. So they've only been maybe a day without any. You can survive a long time without nourishment."

"They could easily be seeking shelter in one of the homes where people only come two or three weeks out of the year."

"That's another option to keep in mind. I think we'll do more searching closer to our place."

Hawkman turned around and headed toward the lake. As they approached the Hill's place, Jennifer scooted to the edge of her seat.

"I think we'd better stop. Something's happened. Peggy and Ken's police cars are parked in front."

Hawkman came to a halt on the side of the road and they both hopped out. Just as they reached the front porch, Sue, Peggy, and Ken came out the door.

"Sue, is everything okay?” Jennifer asked.

"It's the craziest event I've ever had happen. Would you believe someone raided my kitchen?"

"What?"

"Yes, they only took food. Even the blackberry pie I'd made last night with several pieces gone."

Hawkman put a hand on Jennifer's shoulder. “Well, now you know how they've supplied themselves with grub."

Peggy looked at him with a question. “Who?"

"Jack and Ray."

"You found their hideout?” Ken asked.

Hawkman shook his head. “No, not a sign of them anywhere. But they're obviously nearby. I'd bet my bottom dollar they're the ones who raided her refrigerator."

Sue put her hands on her hips. “And to think I've always had this false sense of security up here and never locked my doors. Well, that's about to change. And I'm going to leave my dog, King, home too. He might be harmless but he has a mean bark. And those guys must have been close by, because he headed for the back and circled the yard with his nose to the ground, carrying on like crazy. I didn't think much about it at the time; figured some critter had been snooping around."