The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] (19 page)

Hawkman listened intently to Jennifer's commentary. “You know, you make a lot of sense."

"Does Cindy have a boyfriend?"

"Yes, but I've never met him. I don't even know if he's from the college."

"Might be interesting to see what kind of guy he is. Cindy's maybe a very jealous woman and doesn't want Laura around her beau."

He grimaced. “You think it's possible? It sure seems petty."

"Sometimes girls like Cindy have little confidence in themselves. They may know they're beautiful, but feel very unsure of their capabilities. Like keeping a boyfriend."

"Interesting thought. I might ask Laura if she's ever met Cindy's guy."

"Good idea. It should give you a clue as to why Cindy never wants Laura in her social group."

After dinner, Hawkman yawned and stretched his arms above his head. “I better hit the sack. It's going to be a long day tomorrow, and I have to get up so blasted early to follow Laura to school. Then I'll have to check on Jason Calderidge and Cindy Brown in the late afternoon after escorting Laura back to the ranch. No telling when I'll get home."

Jennifer rinsed the dishes and placed them in the dishwasher. She turned toward him and smiled. “Don't worry, I'll be waiting to hear all about your adventures.” Then she raised a finger. “By the way, could you refrain from hitting the snooze alarm more than twice?"

Hawkman threw back his head and laughed. “You never batted an eye."

"Doesn't mean a thing."

Wednesday morning, Hawkman arose at the first ring of the alarm. He dressed and soon left for Medford. When he reached the road leading to the school, he parked in a different area and waited for Laura to journey by. It didn't take long before her Toyota shot past him. He looked down the road and saw no reason for her speed, then glanced at the clock. “Ah, ha, she's running late. Wonder how many times she hit the snooze bar?” he chuckled, as he pulled onto the pavement.

It took a little doing to keep her in sight, as she hadn't let up on the accelerator for several miles. When they reached the outskirts of the campus, she slowed, and turned into the lot. As he passed the entrance, he spotted her running toward the buildings, and smiled to himself.

Since he had several hours before Laura's day would end, he figured it time to purchase a handsfree unit for his vehicle. He knew the store that carried all sorts of gadgets for cell phones, and figured they'd have just what he needed. Spending a good two hours looking through all the wireless headsets, he finally settled on the Bluetooth that would fit his iPhone. Going out to the parking lot with a bag of goodies, he spent another hour setting it up inside his 4X4. Once completed, he rang Jennifer and had her return his call to see how it worked. Pleased with the accomplishment, he settled in the seat and pulled his briefcase out from under the passenger side. He removed the class schedule Laura had made for him, and noted the Speech class where Joey had recorded his voice, met today. Hawkman checked his watch; they were in session at this time. He wondered if the boy had made it, after their conversation yesterday.

His curiosity got the best of him, so he drove to the college parking lot. Driving down the row of cars, he checked each of the black pickup's license plates. He'd memorized the Higgins', when they pulled out from the pasture and scared him and Laura. About to give up, on the last row he spotted the truck. “Good going,” he said aloud. “At least you're showing some guts."

Traveling out of the lot, Hawkman made his way along the road toward the King's ranch and found a fairly secluded spot to wait for Laura. He'd be eager to ask her if anything unusual happened in the classroom. The day had warmed up and he felt fortunate to be under a big oak tree that not only hid his vehicle, but also provided shade. This was one of Laura's longer days at school, and with about an hour left before she was dismissed, he settled back in the seat and read the full instructions on his new Bluetooth wireless headset.

Soon, he spotted Laura's car coming at a much slower pace than this morning. She passed him and he pulled out behind her a few minutes later. No incidents took place and Hawkman followed her to the rear of the house. She jumped out of the Toyota and ran to the driver's side of his SUV.

"I want to talk to you, but not in my parent's earshot. Could I get into your vehicle?"

"Sure."

She ran around to the passenger side and climbed in.

"What's up?” he asked.

"We had quite a discussion in our Speech comprehension class today."

"I'm listening."

"Did you confront Joey about one of the phone calls I received?"

"Yes, but I didn't tell him you were the one who got it. I wanted to test his reaction, and he appeared bewildered. Someone from that period used his recording to scare you.” “What I don't understand is, how come I didn't recognize him."

"Because Joey had pitched his voice up about an octave, and I believe someone applied the voice changer, but it didn't do a great job. Also, remember you were more interested in the comments made. I'd think Joey was the farthest person from your mind."

She pushed a strand of hair out of her face and frowned. “I hope he's innocent. I'd hate to think he'd do something so stupid."

"Don't worry, Joey had nothing to do with it, I can almost guarantee you. He's a victim here."

Glancing at Hawkman, she said. “He was one mad dude today. Standing up in the middle of the class, he asked who had stolen his recording. Everyone gasped. His face turned blood red as he glared at every person in the room. He told them he had evidence someone had used it illegally and he wouldn't be happy until he found out who had done this deed."

"How'd you figure out I'd talked to him?"

"He said a private investigator had interrogated him yesterday and had him listen to a tape that had been used to harass the man's customer. I put two and two together."

"I'm sure Joey has no idea you're my client."

She shook her head. “I don't think he knows either, or he wouldn't have been so bold in class."

"It sounds like you had an interesting day, and Joey had a growing up one."

Laura smile. “Yep."

"I'd like to ask you one more question, then I've got to get out of here."

"Sure."

"Do you know Cindy Brown's boyfriend?"

"I've only met him once. A real pleasant guy. His name is Brett Gibson."

"Where'd you meet him?"

"At a high school friend's wedding where Cindy played the bridesmaid. After she introduced us, and took off to do her thing, Brett and I sat together in the church. I don't think Cindy liked it one bit. She stared daggers at me through the whole ceremony. Then at the reception, she took him clear across the room and avoided me like a plague."

"Is he a local guy?"

"No. He comes from back east, and works for an accounting firm in Medford. Anyway, that's what Cindy told me."

"Has she ever made a comment about him since the wedding?"

Laura furrowed her brow. “One day, she made a crack like she wouldn't dare leave Brett in the room with a pretty woman, or she might lose him. I don't think she meant the comment toward me, but she blurted it out shortly after the wedding and it sort of gave me a jolt. I can't imagine her being worried, as she's so beautiful."

Hawkman looked at her. “Don't underestimate yourself, Laura. You're quite lovely."

She covered her face with her hands. “I'm not, but thank you for the compliment."

Then she glanced at him with a questioning expression. “You've brought Cindy Brown's name up several times. Do you think she might have something to do with these horrible calls?"

Hawkman pushed back his hat with his finger. “I'm investigating anyone who knows anything about archery, and is in your circle of acquaintances. Cindy is one of them."

Laura scooted out of the 4X4. “I better let you go; you've got things to do."

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Hawkman drove toward Medford with the story Laura had told him about the wedding running through his head. The comment Cindy made about her beau in a room with a pretty girl, definitely pointed to Laura. The description Jennifer gave of an insecure woman fit Cindy to a tee.

He turned the corner toward Jason Calderidge's home in time to see Blake Russell, in his black pickup, stop in front. Hawkman pulled to the side of the road, about a half block down, and waited. Fortunately, Blake didn't hang around and took off when Jason hopped out of the vehicle. After the truck disappeared around the corner, Hawkman drove up and parked at the curb.

He gave Jason a few minutes before he climbed out of the Ford and headed for the entry. When he rang the bell and the young man opened the door, Hawkman noticed how he stepped back and a flash of fear crossed his face.

"Hello, Mr. Casey, what do you want?"

"I'd like to talk to you."

"What about?"

"I think you know."

Jason's gaze dropped to the ground. “Come on in. My folks aren't home from work yet. Might as well talk to you inside this time."

"I appreciate the offer,” Hawkman said as the boy stepped aside for him to enter.

"I bet you want to know what happened to Joey's tape."

"Yes."

"Like I told him, I don't have any idea. My recorder was either stolen or I lost it out of my backpack."

"Who else appeared interested in those tapes?"

Jason shrugged. “A bunch of us got a chuckle out of Joey's recording, as it didn't sound like him at all. No one had ever heard him talk big; he always mumbles."

"Name a few who were listening."

"Blake, Susan, Jim and Cindy were standing around me."

"Did anyone else record his voice?"

He shook his head. “No one I know. Most of the class hadn't thought to bring their recorders, but if any had asked, I'd have made a copy for them."

"So as far as you could tell, no one else showed any interest?"

"None. Something like that is usually a one time deal. We have our fun; then it's over."

"Do you know of anyone who bought a voice changer?"

"No, but they'd be a blast to have."

"Okay, Jason. For now, that's all I need to know. I may want to talk to you again, so don't be surprised if I come hunting you down."

"That's what I'm afraid of,” he said, walking Hawkman to the door.

"How are you doing in your archery class?"

"Okay. I'll be glad when it's over, though. I've discovered it takes a lot out of you, and it's a bummer if you don't have your own equipment, as you have to adjust the school's bow every time you use it. I doubt I'll take the class again. I've even quit going to the practice range."

"When do they meet?"

"Today and tomorrow at six."

Hawkman stepped outside. “Thanks for talking with me. If you happen to find your recorder, call me."

"I'm sure it's gone."

Hawkman nodded and headed for the blue SUV. It was a few minutes after six and he figured the range would probably stay open for a couple more hours if enough people showed up.

He pulled into the Arrow Point parking lot. Several cars were there, and he drove around until he spotted Cindy Brown's red Corvette convertible. When he climbed out of the Ford and looked inside her car, he spotted the blinking red light on the dash, indicating a set alarm. Not wanting to take the chance of it going off, he didn't touch the vehicle, but walked around it, observing the items scattered on the seats and floorboard. If this girl kept her room like this, she lived in a pig sty. However, he realized maids kept the Browns’ house immaculate, and Cindy didn't have to lift a finger. He pitied the young man who married her, if he didn't have a stash of extra cash.

Hawkman spotted a couple of interesting items in the back seat of Cindy's car, retrieved his tiny camera from his briefcase in the Ford and took a couple of shots, then slipped the camera into his pocket. He'd also ask Cindy about those items when she finished practice. The weather happened to be just right and he could hear the thud of arrows hitting the targets, along with the voice of Roy Summers giving instructions. Hawkman walked across the asphalt parking lot, and up the path leading to the range. He stood outside the tall fence behind the participants and watched. Cindy showed exceptional talent with her compound bow and appeared to be close to mastering the sport. Roy complimented her several times on her stance and posture. Hawkman noticed all the fletchings on her arrows were yellow and black.

He continued to watch her technique for several minutes, then when she packed up to leave, she happened to glance over to where he stood. Her eyes narrowed and her body stiffened. She yanked her quiver off the bench and stomped toward the office area where she probably had to sign out so she'd get credit for the practice time.

Hawkman walked down the path and stood at the rear of her car. When she finally exited the building carrying her gear, she walked out with Blake Russell.

They stood and chatted for a few minutes, then she turned toward where she'd parked and immediately put on a fake smile.

"Well, hello, Mr. Casey, what brings you to the range?” she asked, as she loaded her bow in the trunk.

"Wasn't that Blake Russell you were just talking to?"

"Yes, he's in my class, but I don't think he's going to remain in archery. He's no good at all.” She slammed the trunk lid and turned toward him with glaring eyes. “Now what do you want? I'm in a hurry."

"I need to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Do you take a course called Speech Comprehension?"

"Yes, along with a hundred other students."

"The class you're in is filled with several of your friends, like Laura, Jason, Blake and Joey."

She screwed her mouth into a sarcastic snarl. “I know them, but can't say I classify them as friends."

"I understand Jason Calderidge recorded Joey Higgins when he practiced a crazy blurb. Did you record him?"

She tapped a finger on her chin. “Joey Higgins. Oh, yes, now I remember. No, I didn't have my recorder that day. He gave a hilarious presentation, and really spewed out a strong vocalization. No one had ever heard much of his voice. He's a mumbler, you know."