In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9]

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  “Ms. Rawlings told me about her weapon at my office. Oh, by the way, I did meet Miss Marple's mother today."

  Jennifer snickered. “Sounds like we're trying to outdo each other.” She pulled a pitcher out of the refrigerator. “Want a glass of ice tea?"

  “I'd rather have a beer."

  She set the big container on the cabinet, then stopped with her arm extended inside the cooler, and glanced at him with a questioning look. “Did you say you'd met Miss Marple's mother?"

  He nodded. “You want to hand me a beer or are you just going to stand there cooling the kitchen."

  She quickly grabbed a bottle and shut the door. “So you went to see Marie?"

  “Yes, a very nice lady. And she said to tell you your cat, uh, Miss Marple, is six months old, has already been spayed and her shots are up to date."

  “Oh, good. Of course, I'd have called her before I made the appointment with the veterinarian. At least I won't have to go through that mess.” She poured herself a glass of tea, then led him into the living room. “Now, tell me about the rest of your conversation."

  They sat in their matching chairs and Hawkman told her of his visit with the cat lady.

  Jennifer gnawed her lip in silence, then leaned forward. “I don't like the way things are going. Are you positive you weren't followed?"

  “Pretty sure. I kept a good lookout, and scouted the area when I left."

  “If this guy really wants to get you, all he has to do is kidnap one of Marie's little girls."

  “He doesn't have to follow me to find out her name. All he'd have to do is call the hotel and ask about the cat breeders who attended the show."

  She sighed. “You're right."

  I'm going to run over to Ken and Peggy's tonight to inform them of this situation. Maybe they can keep an eye out for Jack and his Buick. Especially when I'm not here."

  “I hate to have the Deputy Sheriffs watch over me when I can look out for myself."

  “You're not a law officer, and I can't be in two places at once. Besides, they're local and this is their territory."

  Jennifer looked concerned. “This whole situation is getting scary. It's not just you and me anymore. Now Rita, Marie and the local law enforcement are involved."

  * * *

  CHAPTER NINE

  Hawkman stared at his wife. “You really know how to blow my evening. I thought about the danger of drawing Rita and Marie into this mess, but I had to speak to them."

  “Of course you did. They held valuable information you needed. I guess what worries me the most is, they're both single. Rita doesn't bother me as much, because she's survived many years without a man around. But I'm afraid Marie might be vulnerable, since she's only been widowed for a couple of years. And she's got those three little girls."

  “I gave her my phone number so she could let me know if she sees him around the area. I'm sure Marie understood my underlying meaning and will keep her daughters under close supervision."

  Jennifer leaned over and patted his knee. “I'm sure she will. I think I'm super sensitive to little girls getting kidnapped after the Tiffany Ryan ordeal."

  “I can definitely relate.” Hawkman rested his elbows on his knee and rolled the beer bottle between his palms. Miss Marple leaped from the side of the chair where she'd been eyeing his movements and almost batted the bottle from his hands. He laughed, grabbing the beer before it went sloshing across the floor. “Why you little rascal, I'd almost forgotten you were here. I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you.” He picked up the animal and put her in his lap. “You are a cutie.” He rubbed her tummy as he continued his conversation. “I've been thinking about one of the names Bill gave me."

  “Which one?"

  “Jack Hargrove. The ‘J’ fits in with what Ms. Rawlings heard at the bar. Someone called him J.J. and then she heard the name Judd also. So his middle name could also start with a J.” He shook his head. “Wish I could remember this guy, but the name doesn't raise any memories."

  “It would have been nice if Bill could have faxed you a photo."

  “Oddly enough, he found the ID picture missing. He's going to get back to me once he finds out who's been tampering with the file. And he wasn't familiar with the man either, so he's going to see what he can uncover."

  “You know, there's a chance this fellow you're dealing with isn't even associated with the Agency. Maybe he's a complete stranger."

  “It's possible, but how would he know my real name?"

  She slapped her thighs. “Maybe someone from way back, possibly in your college days. Did Rita or Clyde give you an inkling of how old the guy might be?"

  “No, but I gather with the dark hair, graying temples, and buff build, he's close to my age."

  Jennifer grinned. “Well, I don't know about the buff build."

  He held up the kitten and looked into her face. “Miss Marple, don't you think she's mighty ornery to her sweet husband?"

  Jennifer rolled her eyes. “I guess you think you've got a comrade just because she can't tell you what she thinks."

  “Not sure she's my buddy yet. Have to wait and see how she and Pretty Girl get along."

  Jennifer kicked off her shoes, and pulled her legs beneath her. “Back to this mystery man. I hope Bill calls you soon. This whole situation is making me very jittery."

  Hawkman put the cat on the floor, rolled a ball across the carpet, and watched her bound after it. “That reminds me, the window people will be here in the morning to replace the glass."

  “Good, that plywood makes the room dark."

  When the phone rang, they glanced toward the kitchen bar as the machine picked up. “This is the Medford Hospital, we need to reach Mr. Tom Casey."

  Hawkman vaulted from the chair, leaped across the cat and grabbed the receiver. “Yes, this is Tom Casey."

  “We've just admitted Rita Rawlings to the hospital and she's asking for you."

  “I'll be there within the hour."

  He hung up and turned to Jennifer. “Put the cat to bed and grab a jacket, we're going to Medford."

  She quickly slipped on her shoes and jumped up. “What's happened?"

  “Rita Rawlings has just been admitted to the hospital and is asking for me."

  As they exited onto Interstate 5 from Hornbrook, Jennifer put on some lipstick and fluffed her short hair with her fingers. “Did they give any indication why Rita was brought in?"

  “No. I didn't want to take the time to find out. I figure since she'd asked for me, it has something to do with the mystery man."

  “I don't understand why he'd go after her."

  “Me neither, unless he's figured out that she's passed on some information and he wants to shut her up."

  “Does he think he can remain anonymous with all the phone calls, then throwing a rock through our window?"

  “As I said, he's sick and his thinking is warped."

  She stared out the passenger window into the darkness. “I certainly hope Rita's okay."

  “We'll soon know."

  Jennifer changed the subject. They talked about the cat and miscellaneous topics until they approached the hospital. Hawkman pulled into a slot near the emergency entrance, and they climbed out of the SUV. A flash of lightening crossed the sky, followed by a rumble of thunder. A few sprinkles hit Jennifer in the face as she hurried toward the cover of the entry.

  “Oh my, I didn't know we were getting rain tonight.” She pulled her jacket tightly around her chest. “And it's turned downright cold."

  “I heard the forecast on the radio, but didn't pay much attention since I didn't expect to be out in it."

  They entered the building and made their way to the check-in desk. “I'm Tom Casey, here to see Rita Rawlings."

  “Oh, yes, Mr. Casey. We've been expecting you. Please follow me."

  They journeyed down the long hallway with Jennifer bringing up the rear. They soon came to a room for patients waiting to be transferred elsewhere. The attendant turned to Hawkman
. “She's in here. Detective Williams is with her now."

  “What happened?"

  “Her car went over an embankment."

  “Is she hurt bad?"

  “Nothing life threatening, but she's banged up a little. We'll keep her overnight for observation."

  The woman left, and Hawkman opened the door a crack and peeked inside. The detective in a chair next to the bed, glanced up and gave a wave.

  “Hawkman, come in."

  When they stepped into the room, Jennifer immediately scooted toward Rita's side. “Are you okay?"

  “I think so, just bruised a bit,” she said, removing an ice-pack from her mouth. “My head slammed into the steering wheel when I hit the tree."

  “Oh, you poor dear,” Jennifer said, brushing some hair strands from Rita's face. “Looks like you got a fat lip, but I don't see any other cuts."

  Williams stood and turned to Hawkman. “Ms. Rawlings tells me she was forced off the road by a man you know about. She said you could fill me in on the details. So what's going on?"

  Hawkman told him about the incidents leading up to Rita's involvement. “Believe me, I never thought it would turn out like this. She has nothing to do with this problem, and it baffles me why he's after her."

  “I think I can answer your concerns,” Rita said.

  Hawkman stepped to her side. “I'm listening."

  “Remember when I told you about my being in the bar having a beer last week and asking the bartender if he knew the guy?"

  “Yes."

  “I went by there tonight after I finished a wedding and Bud informed me J.J. had the hots for me. I asked how in the world the man ever came to the conclusion I'd be interested. He said he'd told him I'd asked his name.” She raised a fist. “I thought I'd kill Bud on the spot. And to make matters worse, I didn't realize J.J. was in the bar. I left in a huff. On my way home, I noticed this car following me, and the person kept blinking the bright lights. I kept moving, and before I knew it, the vehicle pulled alongside me. The driver motioned for me to pull over. I shook my head and kept driving. The next thing I knew he bumped into me and I went flying off the side of the road."

  “Did you recognize the car?"

  “Yes, the bronze colored Buick."

  * * *

  CHAPTER TEN

  A nurse entered the room. “We're going to move Ms. Rawlings now. If everyone will go to the waiting area down the hall, I'll let you know when we have her settled. It'll probably be close to thirty minutes."

  “What's the room number?” Jennifer asked.

  “Two twenty-three."

  “Thank you."

  Hawkman and Jennifer decided to head down to the cafeteria to see if they could find something to eat. Williams joined them.

  “What do you think of Ms. Rawlings’ story?” the detective asked.

  Hawkman shook his head. “Hard to say. She could be right. But just because she wouldn't pull over, isn't a good reason to run her off the road. The behavior of this man has been erratic and unstable. I'm not sure what to make of it."

  “Do you have any information about him?"

  “None. I don't even know what he looks like, other than the description given to me by Rawlings and Clyde. She did give me a clue about his name. Everything has happened so fast, I haven't had a chance to get the information I need.” He snapped his fingers. “Remind me to give you the rock that sailed through our window. I have it in my vehicle. Maybe your guys could check it for fingerprints."

  “It's almost impossible to pull them off a rough surface."

  “This one is fairly smooth."

  Williams nodded. “We can sure give it a try. Ms. Rawlings said you had the license plate number of the Buick."

  “Yes, it's at my office. The car is registered with a rental agency. There's no way they'll give me any information without the proper authority, but you could find out. You've got a hit and run on your hands now.” Hawkman frowned. “By the way, who reported the accident?"

  Williams raised a brow. “An anonymous male caller."

  “That's interesting."

  “It would sure save me some time, if I had the license plate number. I could send it out over the dispatch immediately. I'll keep your pretty wife company if you want to go get it."

  “I'll go right now.” He stood and took the last bite of his sandwich. “While I'm gone, Jennifer can tell you about Miss Marple."

  Williams knitted his brows and stared at her. “Who?"

  Hawkman hurried down the hospital steps and headed toward his 4X4. The rain had subsided and he could see the stars through the breaks in the clouds. “Crazy weather,” he mumbled as he scooted into the driver's seat.

  Pulling out of the parking lot, he glanced into his rearview mirror and stiffened at the sight. A bronze colored Buick followed right on his tail. It pursued him through town, then suddenly turned off onto a side street. He breathed a sigh of relief. Surely there's more than one such colored Buick in the area. But he still kept vigilant, in case the car showed up somewhere along the way before he reached his office.

  He entered the parking lot, and discovered he had the area to himself, so stopped in the center under one of the lights. He surveyed the area, nothing seemed amiss, but uneasiness crept through him. Pulling his gun from the shoulder holster, he climbed out of the SUV, and locked it up. His gaze took in every shadow around the building. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary, he took the stairs two at a time to the office entry. Standing to one side, he pushed open the heavy steel door, reached around the jamb and flipped on the light. Everything seemed in order. Holstering his gun, he secured himself inside before going to his desk where he'd left the piece of paper with the license plate number. He scribbled a quick copy for the detective, and stuffed it into his pocket. Before leaving, he went to the window and checked outside. The lights sent an eerie glow across the blacktop, but all appeared clear. Hawkman headed down the stairs.

  * * * *

  Jennifer and the detective finished their snack, cleaned off the table and strolled down the hallway. She checked her watch.

  “Hawkman should be back by now. I'm going to call and find out what's keeping him.” After several seconds, she scowled. “That's odd, he's not answering his cell."

  “Maybe I should run over to his office."

  “Let me call there too.” The phone to her ear, she shook her head. “No answer."

  Williams stopped and grimaced. “Doesn't sound like him. He'd have notified one of us if he'd been delayed. I think I'll drive over."

  “Good idea. I'll go on up to Rita's room. Be sure and let me know if everything's okay."

  They parted and Jennifer proceeded to the elevator as Williams went out the door.

  The detective kept an eye out for Hawkman's SUV as he drove down the road. When he pulled into the complex, his gut tightened as he parked beside his friend's empty 4X4. He glanced up at the office windows and saw no sign of lights. Jumping out of his unmarked car, he pulled his gun and cautiously advanced toward the building.

  About half way across the blacktop. he gasped, “Oh my God!” Ripping his cell phone out of his jacket pocket, he called 911, then rushed to the face down, limp body of Hawkman. He placed his fingers on his neck. Finding a pulse, he breathed a sigh of relief. Blood seeped from the wound on the back of Hawkman's head and trailed down the collar of his shirt. The red smeared cowboy hat lay upside down at the side of his body. Williams picked it up and examined the crown. It appeared someone had attacked from the rear, as a big gouge penetrated the leather.

  Suddenly, Hawkman groaned and Williams placed a hand on his shoulder. “Take it easy big man. Help is coming."

  When the ambulance tore into the lot and screeched to a stop, Williams waved them over. “He's got a bad head injury."

  The paramedics had Hawkman strapped onto a gurney, rolled into the vehicle and were off to the hospital in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, the detective called his officers to meet him at the scene. When they
arrived, he gave instructions for a thorough search of the area and gave one of the men Hawkman's hat to tag for evidence. “I'll check back later. Call me if you find anything significant."

  Williams returned to his car and took off for the hospital. He immediately went to Ms. Rawlings room and poked his head inside. “Uh, Jennifer, could I talk to you a moment?"

  She scurried into the hallway, her expression full of concern. “What's happened?"

  “Hawkman's been attacked. I don't know how bad he's hurt. The ambulance has brought him here. I'll meet you in the emergency area after I talk to Ms. Rawlings."

  Before he finished his sentence, Jennifer dashed for the elevator. When she spotted it would be awhile before it stopped on the second floor, she rushed to the stairwell and ran down the steps.

  Meanwhile, the detective moved into the room. “Ms. Rawlings, I need to ask you some more questions."

  Rita pushed herself up with her elbow. “I don't like the look on your face."

  “Mr. Casey went to get the license plate number of the Buick and someone assaulted him outside his office."

  She put a hand over her mouth and dropped back onto the pillow. “Oh, no! How bad is he hurt?"

  “He's conscious and aware. When I find out anything, I'll let you know."

  “Do you think the man who ran me off the road is responsible?"

  “I'm not sure, but I want you to give me another detailed description, and a recount of anything else that might help in identifying him."

  After giving a clear report of her assailant, she told the detective about the donut shop and bar incident, then she pointed to the cabinet at her side. “If you'll hand me my purse out of the third drawer, I'll see if I still have the slip of paper with the license plate number."

  He shoved the pad and pencil into his pocket, and knelt beside the bed. “That would really help,” he said, retrieving the handbag.

  She fumbled through the many pockets and finally came up with a crumpled piece of paper. “Ah, here it is."

  The detective quickly jotted down the information, then handed it back to her. “Keep this, in case you need it again."