In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9]

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  “Man, that was one hell of a walk,” Ray said. “My legs are still trembling."

  “Yeah, our eyes play tricks on us. Things tend to look closer than they really are."

  “At least we can see what's coming. I didn't like the idea of hanging around the tree covered area. They could've surrounded us and we would never have known it. This way, they might never find us, even if they locate the pickup.” Ray raised a hand. “So don't shoot unless absolutely necessary."

  Jack remained silent as he scanned the sky. The sun rays were peeking over the hills and daylight would be in full swing within thirty minutes. He felt his stomach tighten and pointed toward the small speck that shot up over the distant hills. “They're on the way."

  * * *

  CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

  Hawkman hopped out of the car at the hotel ruins, and followed the Commander to the rear of the vehicle. He opened the trunk and fished around in a couple of boxes, then handed Hawkman a bullet proof vest and radio.

  “You better wear one of these if you plan on traveling with the men."

  “Thanks.” Hawkman shrugged into the heavy attire and adjusted it over his broad chest and shoulders.

  “Fit okay?"

  “Yeah, it's fine."

  “Know how to use the squawk box?"

  Hawkman studied the controls for a moment and nodded. “Yep. I can work it."

  “Good.” The Commander closed the trunk lid. “The vest will be warm, but it's better than being dead.” He then ambled over to the group of men gathered in the center of the lot. They were struggling into their gear and checking their guns. “About ready?"

  “Yes, sir,” several said, as they fell in behind the K-9 teams, who were already marching forward.

  “You know where we're headed and the two we want. We'd like to take them alive, but if you have no choice, don't hesitate to fire. Both are armed and considered dangerous."

  Hawkman counted twelve men, including the two K-9 handlers, going into the field. Carrying the AR-15 Assault Rifle Ken had given him before leaving the fire station, he joined the last group of four heading out. They made their way silently toward the cover of the trees. About the time they fell into the shadows, he heard the rotors of the helicopter and glanced up as it soared overhead to the front of the line.

  The sun made its way over the hills, and as the rays hit the trees they gave off steam, making them appear on fire. A haze covered the area for several minutes before it burned off.

  Hawkman felt good about being with this group. They were following Shovel Creek as it worked its way through the hills. Knowing Jack and Ray would need water, he felt strongly that they'd set up camp near a stream. At least the police might find some evidence the two men had left behind. Of course, there were other small brooks, but this one seemed the most logical, as it flowed close to his place. And he was their target.

  As he trudged along, his thoughts went to Jennifer. He prayed Jack and Ray had not backtracked. At least Peggy would be with her. He couldn't help but grimace, thinking of his wife going into the house and getting a whiff of the skunk.

  They hiked for thirty minutes over the rugged terrain before taking a break. The helicopter kept a steady pace flying back and forth ahead of them. The radios were used to let the Commander and each group know the others’ location. Ken had called several times, reporting no sign of a vehicle or men. They'd stay up for about an hour before having to refuel. Hawkman had seen the truck parked in a small flat pasture before they reached the command post.

  He walked out to the edge of the tree line and studied the landscape. He'd been in this area before, but wasn't as familiar with it as other parts. There were logging roads all over the place and you could get a vehicle into many of them, if you didn't mind the rough ride. He figured hiking in a fast walk to his place by foot, as the crow flies, would take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour.

  Getting his bearings, he doubted Jack and Ray would camp too far from the main road. He figured another thirty minutes of searching would about do for this stretch. Then they'd have to go to plan number two. Pulling a toothpick from his pocket, he put it between his teeth and gnawed as he stared at the hills ahead.

  Taking the radio from his belt, he cued in Ken aboard the Hughes 500. “I think a fly over of the next row of hills should do it for this round. If they aren't hiding in the valley, we probably should go to the next step."

  “We're heading there now. Over,” Ken responded.

  Hawkman watched the helicopter make a turn and head toward the low lying mounds. The group reached the top of a small knoll when the radio crackled.

  “Suspicious looking obstruction up ahead. A group of trees near the creek. Be on the alert."

  The men of Hawkman's group held their weapons in a poised position as they circled the odd looking barricade. Slowly advancing, and not receiving any gun fire, they soon uncovered the stolen pickup. Hawkman stuck his head inside the camper shell, but quickly backed away. It pretty well told him, from the telltale skunk scent, the culprit who'd stolen ammunition out of his home had definitely left his calling card.

  The absence of Jack and Ray worried Hawkman. Had they spotted the helicopter and taken off toward his place? Two men would have had time to sneak through before the troops had covered the region. His stomach tightened at the thought. They'd know he'd be with the search party, leaving Jennifer vulnerable.

  Again, Ken's voice came over the radio. “Any sign of Jack and Ray?"

  Hawkman quickly flipped on his transmit button. “None. Call Peggy and alert her to be on the lookout."

  “Will do. We're heading west to see if there's any sign of them on foot. Then we'll go refuel."

  * * * *

  Peggy hopped under the steering wheel as Jennifer slid into the passenger side of the Chevy Tahoe.

  “Are you sure Miss Marple will be safe with Du? You know when the master isn't around sometimes dogs disobey."

  Peggy tittered. “Not this one. Don't you worry. Your pet is probably safer with Du than she'd be with you."

  Jennifer twisted around and gazed with apprehension toward Peggy's place.

  When they pulled up in front of her home, the carpenter's van was parked in the driveway. Jennifer quickly got out and hurried toward the vehicle. “Hi Scott, I hope you haven't been waiting long."

  He smiled. “Nope, just pulled in. The rest of the crew should be here shortly."

  Jennifer led the way to the entry, followed by Scott and Peggy. When she opened the door, she gasped. “Oh, my, I didn't think the odor would be this strong."

  Peggy held her nose. “This is bad."

  “Uh, oh, smells like a skunk,” Scott said, making a face.

  Jennifer decided not to elaborate and let him think whatever he wanted. “Yes, Hawkman warned me, but I'd hoped the smell might have dissipated by this morning."

  He placed his clipboard on the kitchen cabinet, then strolled over to the glass doors and slid it open. “By the time we open up the house, it should air out pretty good."

  Peggy glanced down at the pager on her belt, picked up the phone and called dispatch. Her expression turned solemn as she listened. Not wanting to disturb Jennifer as she hovered over the plans Scott had spread out on the counter, she meandered over to the dining room window and peered out the corner of the drapes toward the bridge.

  Another couple of cars pulled in front of the house and Peggy visually checked out each man as he filed into the house. Soon the sound of banging hammers echoed throughout. Then suddenly everything went silent.

  * * *

  CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

  Peggy's attention piqued immediately. She grabbed Jennifer's arm. “Quick, duck behind the counter."

  Scott looked at her wide eyed. “What's going on?"

  She pulled her gun. “Take cover,” she instructed, as she eased into the living room, her back against the wall, and her Springfield .40 poised. Peeking out the window, she noticed the workmen standing back and looking t
oward the area of the burned out porch. When she glanced in the direction of the partially warped wrought iron railing, a smile formed on her lips, and she holstered her gun. “Looks like Pretty Girl has returned."

  Jennifer leaped up and dashed toward the window. Her hands covered her mouth, “Thank God.” She turned and grabbed the long leather glove off the counter, then headed out the front door.

  Peggy raised a hand and yelled. “No, wait!"

  Paying no heed to the warning, Jennifer raced to the side yard while slipping the protection over her hand and arm. The falcon glanced toward her, then spread her wings and lifted into the sky.

  “Pretty Girl, it's me.” Jennifer watched her make lazy circles close to the house. “Come on down,” she pleaded, her arm extended.

  “Get back in the house,” Peggy urged. “You're in danger."

  “Don't talk to me right now; I've got to coach her back."

  Peggy backed into the shadow of the house, concern written all over her face. She canvassed the outer boundaries of the property, particularly where the blackberry bushes were the thickest. Any stirring of leaves, even from a breeze made her break into a sweat. She held her pistol, ready to fire at the slightest movement.

  The workman stood like statues in awe as they watched. It took several minutes before Pretty Girl made a wide circle around the house, glided down, and gently landed on Jennifer's arm. She crooned to the bird and quickly walked into the house.

  Hawkman had already placed the portable perch in the guest room. Getting the hawk to step onto the top rung might be a problem, but when she moved her arm to the right position, the falcon climbed aboard. Jennifer breathed a sigh of relief as she tethered her to the perch. “You're such a good girl,” she said in a soothing voice. “Hawkman is going to be so thrilled to see you."

  Peggy stood in the doorway. “Girl, you scared me out there."

  Jennifer frowned. “Why?"

  “I didn't have a chance to tell you, but I'd just received word from Ken, the search uncovered the vehicle Jack and Ray were driving. But so far no sign of them. He thinks they may have headed in this direction and wanted me to make sure you stayed safe."

  Jennifer put her hand on Peggy's arm. “I'm sorry. I didn't realize why you were so worried.” She glanced toward Pretty Girl. “But you know, I'd have taken the chance, as this bird means a lot to Hawkman; and he thought he'd lost her after the fire."

  “I don't think he would've wanted you to take the chance. You're more important to him than the falcon.” She let out an audible sigh. “No sense in fretting now, it's done. At least you're okay and so is Pretty Girl."

  Jennifer smiled. “I better get her some water and food."

  After getting the falcon situated, Jennifer talked with Scott and assured him all was well. She persuaded him to work on the aviary as soon as they could reasonably do so, as the bird liked the outdoors better than being cooped up inside. “Keep the door shut to the guest room. Strange people might upset her right now. She's been frightened enough by the fire."

  “I'll pass the word to my men. Shouldn't be a problem, I see no reason why we'd even need to go in there."

  Once Jennifer had everything under control, she turned to Peggy. “Let's go back to your place. I need to check on Miss Marple."

  “I'll feel much more comfortable with you at my house, rather than here. I know Jack and Ray would have a hard time doing you any harm with all these men around, but they're crack shots. And the minute you're in the open, you could be dead in a second."

  “I understand,” Jennifer said, as they walked out the front door.

  Peggy kept to her right, checking the area to the east as they climbed into her vehicle. “I want you to crunch down in the seat when I head up Quail Lane."

  “Okay."

  As soon as Peggy pulled out of the driveway, Jennifer hunched down until she got the okay to raise her head. They soon pulled in front of the Bronson's and both women hurried into the house. Du and Miss Marple were in the middle of the living room floor. The cat had her back up, ready to pounce on her new buddy. Poor Du covered her nose with her paws, and gazed up at Peggy with mournful eyes.

  Jennifer laughed. “Miss Marple, I think you've worn your friend to a frazzle."

  * * * *

  Jack leaned back into the shadowed area of the overhang,and let the binoculars fall to his chest. “They've found the truck. Now they'll start looking for us."

  Ray placed his rifle on the top of the boulder. “Wonder what they plan on doing? Keep scouting with the ground troops or let the helicopter take over?".

  “Get your gun off the rock.” Jack pointed. “Keep it back in the shade so the sun doesn't hit it. Whoever's in the helicopter would spot the glare real fast."

  “You're right.” Ray put his glasses to his face. “Doesn't look like they're moving out; they're all just hovering around the pickup. And the helicopter turned and went westward."

  “They may think we've headed for Casey's house or they need to refuel. I have no doubt it'll be back. Keep an eye out for a few minutes. I'm going to see what's behind us."

  “What good will that do? We can't outrun them. Our best bet is to stay quiet and hidden."

  “Just going to check and see what advantage they might have if they spot us and plan a surprise attack by coming up the backside."

  Jack climbed out of their den and started around the side of the hill. He had trouble keeping his footing due to the small rocks and pebbles. He slipped several times skinning the palms of his hands in an attempt to catch himself. Ray would never be able to handle this uneven ground if they had to dash out of there. So best they stay right where they were. He put his hands on his hips and stared out across the landscape. “Guess this is as good a place to die as any,” he mumbled.

  He stumbled back into their lair. “If they try to come up back there, we'll hear them. And there's no way we can escape if we get cornered. So I hope you're all right with your Maker."

  “As good as I'll ever be,” Ray said.

  Jack rummaged around in his backpack and pulled out a couple of energy bars. “Here, I saved these for later, but I have a feeling we're going to need them."

  Ray's mouth widened into a big grin. “Great, my stomach was rumbling. This should calm it down.” He took a bite, then picked up the canteen and took a big gulp. “It feels much warmer up here."

  Jack settled behind the boulder and put his glasses to his eyes. “Yep. We're away from the water.” He straightened. “Something's going on. They're moving around. I see Tom Casey with the group. The big cowboy hat gives him away."

  Ray stood up beside his dad. “He's mine."

  * * *

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  Hawkman searched the hills with his binoculars, but saw no activity. The leader of his group, a big brawny man called Barney, gave a hand wave for the K-9 handler and his dog to go forward. The men followed.

  The group spread out and marched along the creek. Their trained gazes traveled along the path for any sign of clues. When the stream veered to their left, Barney signaled for them to keep going straight ahead.

  As they moved along, Hawkman noticed the dog straining on the leash and wondered if he'd caught a scent. Even though these animals were not bloodhounds, they could smell a human trail.

  The whirling rotors of the helicopter could be heard in the distance. Soon, they came over the knoll and hovered for a few seconds in front of the advancing men, then proceeded on toward the rising mounds. Hawkman put his binoculars to his eyes and studied the craggy appearance of the large mass in front of them. He pointed toward a rocky area. “Lots of hiding places up there. We'd be easy targets, so stay undercover as much as you can."

  Barney walked over to Hawkman. “You from here? You sound familiar with this area?"

  “Yes . I used to hike it with my son. I don't remember every crevice, but I know there are caves and places you could hide. Very rocky and steep."

  “Why don't you come up front.
This is all strange territory to me. Even though I was born and raised in Montague, I never spent much time in this neck of the woods."

  “Sure, be happy to assist.” As the two men walked to the front, Hawkman nudged Barney's arm. “Don't let the men get away from the tree line.” Then he pointed. “When you get to that open space, let the helicopter pilot and spotter do their job. Also, I've been watching that dog straining on the leash. I have a feeling he's sensing a trail. If so, it's pretty fresh."

  “The handler will probably let him loose shortly."

  Hawkman frowned. “Not so sure that's a good idea."

  “Why?"

  “Jack and Ray are bound to know we're close due to the copter, but they might not have seen us yet. The minute that dog charges into the clearing, they'll know we're right behind him."

  Barney hurried toward the K-9 handler and spoke with him for several seconds, then joined Hawkman. “He's aware of the problem and will keep the dog on the leash until the Commander gives the word."

  “That's a better plan."

  The men soon reached the edge of the trees and stopped. Barney held his radio close to his lips and transmitted their position to the Commander. As they waited for instructions, Hawkman's gaze followed the plane as it made several passes in front of the knoll and glided over the top out of sight, only to appear again from a different direction.

  Barney turned to Hawkman. “He's waiting to see what the spotter says."

  The sun climbed higher in the sky, and Hawkman felt the heat of the bulletproof vest as the rays played across his back. After stepping into the deeper shade, he glanced out over the barren ground, but couldn't spot the other team. They were good, and had kept well hidden. If Jack and Ray were high in those crevices, they had a good vantage point. They were definitely in for the kill and would have the opportunity to pick off the dog and several men before they could locate them. This worried Hawkman.

  He put his binoculars to his face and studied the hill starting at the top. He worked his view slowly down the front side. Suddenly, he straightened. Focusing on an area about halfway, he adjusted the lens. The sun rays reflected off of something shiny. Possibly the barrel of a rifle. Or it could be just a piece of glass or shiny rock, but definitely worth reporting. He took the radio from his belt and called in to the Command post, hoping Ken could hear the report in the copter.