Jim immediately instructed all the men to halt in their positions until they made a fly over of the area to check it out.
Hawkman watched the plane bank and come back toward the location he'd suggested they examine. Soon, Ken came over the air waves.
“There's definitely a bright reflection, but don't think it's a gun barrel. However, the jutting rock formation prevents us from getting close. It appears there's a large space under the hangover. The ground crew will have to investigate. It'll be dangerous. The men will be in the open if they go straight in, as the tree line stops at the foot of the hills."
“You men stay in position until I give the word,” Jim's booming voice announced. “Let me check out a safer way. Ken, how familiar are you with this area?"
“Not much. Tom Casey might be able to help."
“Are you there, Casey?"
“Yes."
“What's your feeling?"
“This is rugged country, and it'll be tough. But I think it would be safer if the men stayed in the protection of the forest until they get to the south side. If Jack and Ray are hiding in the suspected area, they won't see the men making their way up the back."
“Good idea. Let's go for it. Ken, distract our felons."
“Be happy to."
The helicopter made a steep turn and then hovered, kicking up dust and small pebbles over the spot where they'd detected the reflection.
* * * *
Jack and Ray hunkered down behind the boulder as dirt and rock were hurled into their hideout.
“What the hell is going on,” Ray swore.
He grabbed his gun, but Jack put a hand on his arm. “Don't do anything stupid. We don't know if they know we're here or just playing a game. The minute you make yourself visible or shoot, they'll kill us."
Ray put his rifle down beside him and coughed. “This flying debris is killing me, I can hardly breath."
“They won't stay here long. Just keep down and hold on. They can't get close enough to see us or the blades would hit the rock. So we're safe."
Ray pulled his shirt up around his nose. “I hope you're right."
Soon, the helicopter pulled away, and swerved around the side of the hill.
When Ray started to stand, Jack pulled him back down. “Are you crazy? Stay down. They'll spot any movement as long as they're this close."
“I need a breath of fresh air."
“If you get shot in the head, it won't make any difference. Don't worry, it will clear in a few minutes. Let's just hope they don't come back."
“What do you think is going on?"
“I'm not sure. Something made them look for us up here.” Jack glanced around the small hideout. He reached across and grabbed the metal canteen Ray had placed beside his feet. “There's our culprit. When the sun got at high noon, and the shade moved, this little tin can sent out a signal as bright as a spotlight. Someone spotted the reflection and they're checking it out.” Jack picked up his rifle, placed it across his lap, then removed a box of shells from his pocket. “I think we better get ready for an ambush. They'll be coming in from all sides."
* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
Once the men made it to the south side, they spread out along the base of the hill and the K-9 handler took off up the side with the dog still leashed. Hawkman could tell the canine had lost whatever scent he'd followed earlier, as he acted a bit distracted.
Ken had told them over the radio they couldn't spot any activity in the area where they'd seen the reflection, but it didn't mean Jack and Ray weren't there. The pilot couldn't get the copter close enough to see deep into the cavern due to the overhanging rock. They'd hoped the kicking up of dirt would drive the men out, or they might spot some movement. But they observed nothing.
Hawkman knew Jack and Ray were tough. Both having been trained by the Agency, they could withstand a lot before caving into a little discomfort. He scanned toward the other group and noted a couple of the men hiding behind what few trees were scattered along the hillside. Also he spotted the other dog and handler leading the pack, as they made their way upward. He scrutinized the hill and calculated where the crevice appeared on the other side. Instead of going over the top, he'd prefer to come in from the side. He shifted over to the right, joining the men moving in that direction. To his relief, he noticed the K-9 had moved into position ahead of them. He didn't want to get ahead of the dog and take the chance of being attacked. So far the dog was held on a tight leash, but more than likely, the handler would soon turn him loose and give the command.
It amazed him how stealthily the men moved. He couldn't hear a sound, other than the chopping blades of the copter. If Jack and Ray were holed up in that crevice, would they try a shoot out or give up? They obviously figured they'd been spotted. Hawkman concluded what with Jack's strange thinking and Ray's intent to kill him, they'd use their guns.
He stopped a moment and shifted the rifle to his other hand, took a toothpick out of his pocket and poked it between his teeth. Eyeing the landscape. he calculated they'd be in position in another ten minutes. Adjusting his hat, he moved forward again.
* * * *
When the helicopter veered away and the sound of the rotors were lost in the distance, Jack wiped his forehead with the back of his arm. Clutching the rifle, he stood up and peered over the boulder. He took his binoculars and searched the trees at the base, then swung around and studied each side of the hideout. “Where are they?"
Ray hoisted himself up next to his dad and put his glasses to his face. “Beats the hell out of me. You know there's a bunch out there. They didn't bring in the aircraft for nothing. They have the advantage, they know the territory."
Jack glanced up as a smattering of pebbles rolled off the overhang and fell to the ground below. “They're coming over the top,” he whispered.
Both men backed up against the rock. Suddenly, Jack jerked his head to the right. “Hear that?"
“Yeah,” Ray said, a grin forming on his lips. “A dog. They've even got the K-9s out after us. We must be pretty damned important."
Jack shot him a look. “You ready?"
“As I'll ever be.” Ray brought up his rifle to firing position. “Bring ‘em on. And let Casey be right out in front."
Jack grimaced as he hoisted his rifle and placed the pistol on the boulder for easy access. “I have a feeling the dogs will be first."
“Let ‘em come. They'll have trouble attacking since they won't be able to get a good footing on this steep terrain."
Jack remained silent as he viewed each side of their cubbyhole, then gazed straight ahead. Even if the animals couldn't make it, the men could. He felt in his gut they were cornered. He studied his son's expression and noticed how his eyes glazed. His mouth was set in an odd smile as the tic throbbed at the base of his jaw. “What are you thinking?"
“I'm finally going to get the man that caused me such pain."
“He didn't send you to get hurt and you know it. He was on the other side of the building when you stepped on the land mine."
Ray's eyes flared. “Casey should have briefed us about those mines, so we'd have been aware."
“I read the report. But at the time I was so angry, I wanted to blame someone so bad for the accident, I didn't believe what I read."
“What'd you read?"
“The Agency didn't know there were any mines a hundred miles within the area they were investigating. It had never been in a war zone. They wondered if someone had leaked their plans, and planted a bomb. Casey wouldn't have known anything about it."
“They were covering their asses,” Ray spat.
“Whether they were or not, I don't think you should kill an innocent man."
Ray grabbed his father's arm. “I thought you were all for this. Now, you're going to chicken out on me?"
“You planted seeds of horror into my brain. At the time you did this, you knew I was not in a good frame of mind. And I bought it, hook, line and sinker, because it ma
de me think of something besides your mother's death. Now I've had time to mull it over, and came to the realization I was wrong. We've made a stupid move and gotten ourselves cornered. As soon as they come into sight, I'm going to give myself up."
Ray, his eyelids blinking wildly, yanked his father around by the neck of his shirt and banged him up against the rock. “You bastard. You're not going to chicken out on me now.” He jammed his pistol into Jack's belly and pulled the trigger.
Jack slid down the rock, staring in disbelief at his son. Blood flowed from his mouth, but he managed to aim his rifle. When the shot rang out, Ray clutched his chest and crumbled to the ground.
* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
When the first shot rang through the air, the whole police team dropped to the ground. Hawkman crawled behind a boulder and waited. Soon the second shot echoed through the hills. Silence reigned for several minutes before the Commander came over the air waves.
“What the hell's going on?” his voice boomed.
Hawkman didn't feel it his place to respond to the head man. Instead, he focused on the area he thought to be the origin of the shots. They couldn't have possibly come from the other team. He glanced at the dog handler, who gripped the catch to release the animal, and signaled him to hold the canine. “I'm going in,” he mouthed.
Crawling on his belly, he edged toward the break he'd spotted on the side of the hill. Pieces of rock erupted out of the ground like huge castles, but this section had broken away, leaving a small slit separating it from the mother mountain. When he reached the rim, he moved next to a boulder, and peeked around the edge.
His gaze riveted on the view of two bloody bodies. “Oh my God,” he said aloud. He slowly rose and motioned for the men in his team to come forward. He pointed toward the opening. “Lots of blood and both men down. Can't tell if they're dead or injured. Haven't seen any movement."
An officer moved up and stood beside Hawkman, aiming his gun at Ray and Jack. “Stay back. You're their target. It could be a ploy to get you within their sights."
“Only one way to find out,” Hawkman said, as he quickly made his way toward the opening.
* * * *
Peggy paced, studied her watch, and checked the radio several times.
“Any news?” Jennifer asked.
“Nothing,” she said in an agitated voice. “I thought by now, they'd have found them, or were regrouping for another plan. But no word about the search has come over the air.” She flopped down in the overstuffed chair.
“Is that good or bad?"
Peggy brushed a hand across her forehead. “I'm not sure. I just hope no news is good news."
The big black lab, Du, moseyed over and sprawled at her mistress’ feet. Peggy reached down and stroked the dog's back.
Miss Marple jumped off Jennifer's lap and slowly made her way toward the big canine. Du eyed her as she approached, as if to say, ‘Oh, no, what's this little monster up to this time'.
The cat cocked her ears and gave her new friend a head rub down the side of her black coat, then rolled over and batted at the dog's collar. Du turned and gave her a big sloppy kiss, causing the feline to jump away and rub both paws over her face.
Jennifer put her hand to her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Miss Marple, you got what you deserved.” She let out a sigh. “I hate to ask you, Peggy, but it's about time for the workmen to leave the house. Would you mind driving me over to check on their progress and see what I can expect for the next few days? Also, I'd like to see how Pretty Girl is doing."
Peggy rose from the chair. “Sure. It'll give us something to do, besides waiting around for some sort of news."
Jennifer left Miss Marple in the care of Du, feeling more confident than earlier. As they drove toward the house, Jennifer was on the north side of the car, so she didn't have to huddle down. Peggy remained vigilant until they turned into the Casey's driveway.
“Go through the house instead of walking around the side to see how far they've gotten on the structure. It's safer."
Jennifer nodded as she hopped out of the vehicle. Peggy followed close at her heels. When they entered the front door, Jennifer sniffed the air. “Thank goodness the odor has faded."
“Yes, it's much better,” Peggy said. “Probably because the workmen are in and out, causing the smell to dissipate."
Jennifer opened the guest room door. “Hello, Pretty Girl. You look good as new. Hawkman is sure going to be glad to see you."
The bird spread her wings and flapped them a couple of times, then settled back on the perch.
Looking over Jennifer's shoulder, Peggy laughed. “She looks very content. I think she's glad to be home."
“I agree,” Jennifer said, closing the door. She walked out to the deck area, and let out a gasp of delight. “Wow, you guys have gotten a lot done."
Scott pushed back the brim of his baseball cap with his finger. “Hi, Mrs. Casey. The aviary is almost completed. You think Tom will like it?"
She gazed at the beautifully constructed, oversized cage. “I can tell you right now, he's going to love it and so will Pretty Girl. That's so much nicer than the last one."
“I'd say we'll have the project completed in the next couple of days. In fact, you can probably come back to your home tomorrow evening.” He waved a hand toward the back wall. “We'll have this side enclosed and the electricity hooked up. The rest will be outside work."
“Wonderful."
“Have they caught those guys yet?"
“We don't know. Peggy hasn't heard anything."
“I hope they nail the bastards. You don't need this kind of harassment."
Jennifer sighed. “You're right. I don't think I can take much more.” She stepped back toward the sliding glass door. “I'll leave you guys to your work, unless you have any questions."
Scott checked his watch. “No. Things are moving along rather smoothly. We'll be leaving in less than hour. See you tomorrow morning."
She waved, closed the glass door and turned toward Peggy. “Everything's moving along real well.” A wave of concern crossed her face. “What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."
“I just saw the coroner's wagon go by while you were talking with Scott."
Jennifer paled, sped to the window and looked out. Her expression somber, she headed for the front door. “Let's get back to your place. Maybe something's come over the radio."
They hurried out to the Chevy Tahoe and jumped inside. Peggy gunned the engine, turned around and practically skidded onto the asphalt road. Jennifer didn't even bother to hide as they flew past the turnoff to the bridge. Skidding to a halt in front of the Bronsons’ house, the two women dashed inside.
Peggy ran to the radio, put on the headset, pushed buttons, fiddled with the knobs and asked questions. “Dang it, nothing."
Jennifer stood over her shoulder. “Why wouldn't they report in?"
“Too busy or they don't want us to know."
Jennifer grabbed the back of Peggy's chair. “Are you saying something could have happened to Ken or Hawkman?"
She grimaced. “Yes."
They went into the living room where Peggy balanced on the edge of the overstuffed chair, and Jennifer took the straight back. They both sat rigidly, hands clenched. Miss Marple jumped into Jennifer's lap, as Du hunkered down at her mistress’ feet.
Time seemed to drag, when suddenly Du perked her ears, thumped her tail on the floor and stared at the entry. Both women clutched the arms of their chairs as Ken swung open the front door. And Hawkman walked in behind him.
Jennifer and Peggy grabbed their men, giving them hugs and kisses.
Ken guffawed. My goodness, what's this all about?"
“We've been worried sick about you guys,” Peggy said. “While we were at Jennifer's house, we saw the coroner's wagon head up Ager Beswick. and we've heard nothing on the radio."
Ken walked toward the wet bar. “We'll tell you all about it, but first, I think we need a drin
k. After mixing the cocktails they sat down in the living room. The women were entranced as Ken and Hawkman related the events.
“When I spotted all the blood, I figured neither one was alive. So I decided to take a closer look. I called out to both men, and neither answered. When I reached the scene, I checked their pulses and found nothing."
Jennifer gasped. “They shot each other?"
“Sure appeared that way."
“But why?"
Hawkman shook his head. “We'll never know."
“How'd you get them out of there?” Peggy asked.
Ken leaned forward, rolling the glass between his hands. “We thought about having the helicopter hoist them out, but decided it would be just as easy for the men to do the job. So we dropped a couple of stretchers and the team carried the two bodies into the base camp."
“I got a little concerned when I couldn't get any communication about what'd happened,” Peggy said.
“Sorry,” Ken said. “We just had too much going on. We let the Commander know; and if he didn't call it in to dispatch, then it didn't get reported. We pretty much had everything under control, and all we needed was the coroner. He took care of the rest."
Hawkman stretched. “Man, I'm beat. Been a long time since I've been mountain climbing."
Ken laughed. “Me too, I think it's time to hit the sack."
Jennifer patted Hawkman on the thigh. “We could go home tonight, since both men are gone."
“Hey, don't worry about putting us out. You guys are more than welcome to stay here until your place is fixed,” Peggy said. “And Du will definitely miss her new little playmate."
“Yeah, I'm sure,” Jennifer said, laughing. “She's going to be glad to get the little pest out of here."
“We really appreciate your hospitality, but I think we'll head home.” Hawkman said, standing and extending his hand to Ken.
In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] Page 22
