“At this point, he isn't. Do you have any classes with Cindy today?”
“No, tomorrow.”
“Do you see her often on these off days?”
“Oh, yeah. We pass each other in the hall after each class. She takes similar subjects, just a different schedule.”
“Let's avoid her as much as possible.”
“Sounds good.”
Jennifer noted Cindy heading toward the buildings, a couple of guys at her side. “Do you recognize the boys walking with her?”
Laura rolled her eyes. “Jason Calderidge and Blake Russell, her two slaves.”
“So they're a part of her hordes?” Jennifer asked, chuckling.
“You can bet they hover over her like she's a queen.”
“I think we can go now,” Jennifer said, climbing out.
Laura jumped to the pavement and hoisted the straps of the back pack over her shoulders.
“You could leave your afternoon books in here and we could come get them after lunch,” Jennifer said, picking up the sack with sandwiches and chips.
“It's okay, I'm used to carrying them. Just more on Wednesday than the other days.”
They hurried over the crosswalk, waved at Hawkman as they passed, and were soon in Laura's first period of the day. Morning classes went smoothly and they didn't encounter Cindy, as they managed to stay afterwards a few seconds, while Jennifer complimented the teachers on their lectures. Instead of eating inside at the cafeteria where they might run into Laura's nemesis, they took their lunch outside. After getting sodas from one of the machines, they picked a bench in the sunshine, since the breeze still felt nippy.
“This lunch is delicious; I love the sandwich.” Laura said.
“Thank you. Glad you're enjoying it.”
Laura laughed, pulling a candy bar from her sack. “You've even included a dessert. What a treat.”
They tossed the debris into one of the trash cans and marched back into the near building to start the afternoon sessions.
As they walked into the corridor, Cindy stepped out in front of them, causing Laura to trip. If Jennifer hadn't caught hold of her arm, she'd have fallen flat on her face.
Straightening herself, Laura glared at Cindy. “What's the deal?”
Cindy put her fists on her hips. “Why have you been hiding from me?”
“You're crazy. Why would I?”
“Because you're afraid of what I might do to you if you keep seeing Brett.”
Laura turned to Jennifer. “Let's go, I don't want to hear any more of this garbage.”
“How much longer is your bodyguard going to be with you?”
Whirling, Laura pointed a finger at Cindy's nose, causing her to take a step back. “She's my cousin, and will be here as long as she wants to be. Now get out of my face.”
Jennifer and Laura made it through the small crowd that had formed around the two girls.
Jennifer noticed Laura had her hands clasped into fists. “Try to be calm. You did good.”
“She makes me so mad.”
“Cindy has a way of upsetting many people. Me included.”
The rest of the afternoon went smoothly with no more run-ins with Cindy Brown.
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Laura stood trembling as she realized Hawkman's action had saved her from being hit by Cindy's red convertible. Jennifer watched her husband jump from the 4X4 and move to the driver's side of Cindy's car.
Hawkman hooked his thumbs into the front pockets of his jeans. “You were driving a bit fast in the parking lot and I could see you were going to hit a couple of pedestrians, so I had to stop you.”
She glared at him, shoved open he door, climbed out, stormed to the front of her convertible and examined the fender. “You better have insurance. My car is really scratched and bent up.”
“So is mine. They'll be able to tell by the damage how fast you were traveling. You sure you want me to call my agent? More than likely you'll get a very stiff ticket.”
She whirled around, and met Hawkman's stare with narrowed eyes. “Are you trying to blackmail me, so I'll keep this to myself?”
“Not at all. Just wondered how your parents would take having to pay a ticket, plus the damages on my vehicle due to their daughter speeding in the school's parking lot.”
A group of students had gathered and Cindy eyed them. “You guys can all go. No one's hurt.”
A boy yelled from the crowd. “Want me to contact the school security?”
“No,” Cindy called. “I'll handle the problem.”
The crowd finally dispersed and she turned back to Hawkman.
“Okay, you take care of your dents and I'll get mine fixed.”
“Fair enough.” Hawkman walked over to Jennifer and Laura. “You ladies okay?”
“Yes, just a bit shook up,” Laura said.
He lowered his voice as he touched the brim of his hat. “You gals move on and I'll see you at the ranch later.”
The two women continued to the crosswalk and piled into Jennifer's SUV. Hawkman watched until he knew they were safe, then noticed Cindy impatiently thumbing her fingers on the steering wheel, as she waited for him to move out of the way.
“She's really concerned about others,” he mumbled as he backed up, so she'd have room to pass.
She hit the accelerator hard and raced into the street, almost hitting another vehicle. Hawkman shook his head. “The girl's losing it,” he said aloud. Slowly pulling out of the lot, he could hear metal scraping against the tire. He knew he'd have to get it fixed soon, or it would wear a hole in the rubber. Hoping Cindy would head to a garage, too, he turned into a familiar one, and had them pull the fender away from the front tire. He'd get the rest fixed when he had more time.
The day had grown late and he had no idea where Cindy had gone. He drove to her house, but didn't see her car, then to the Wallaces', where the black pickup stood in the driveway. At least she hadn't borrowed it. He decided to swing back by her residence and received a reward. She'd obviously taken her car to a body shop and her mother had picked her up in the Cadillac. They'd just driven into the garage and Hawkman spotted Cindy getting out of the passenger side. It made him wonder how she'd get to school tomorrow. He doubted she'd go on any escapade tonight, so he headed for the ranch, then he remembered Jennifer had her Ford. No sense in their disrupting the family any more than necessary. He punched in Laura's cell phone number on the hands-free device and she answered right away.
“Hi, Laura, I just wanted to tell Jennifer I'd meet her at home.”
He listened a moment then nodded. “Thanks, I'll give her a buzz.”
After hanging up from Laura, he called Jennifer. They'd just bought a hands-free phone for her Ford, so he felt it a good time to try it out. Took a few rings before she finally came on.
“Having a little trouble figuring out your new gadget?” He laughed. “You'll get the hang of it soon.”
He grinned as he listened. “Yes, I'm heading home. Understand you have a story to tell.”
“You're going to make me wait?”
“Okay, see ya in a little while. Love ya.”
“She's pulling my trick, by delaying the tale,” he chuckled, as he hung up.
Jennifer had already arrived when he turned into the driveway. He parked beside her in the garage and sauntered into the kitchen.
“I picked up a couple of Subways in town. It's a little late to prepare a full-fledged dinner,” she said, putting the sandwiches onto plates with a pile of chips.
“Sounds good to me. We can talk as we feast.” He hung his hat in the Hawkman corner and placed his briefcase on the end of the counter. “Want a beer?” he asked, going to the refrigerator.
“Yes, one would go good with these.”
They both sat down on the bar stools next to one another.
“It's been a rather exciting day. Wonder what Cindy thought she'd accomplish by trying to r
un us down in the parking lot?” Jennifer asked.
“I've given up on trying to figure out the whacky thought process that girl's mind goes through. She didn't act the least bit concerned about the whole incident.”
“I'm still very concerned about Laura and Brett.” She turned to Hawkman and raised a hand. “Oh, by the way, Laura asked me a good question today and I didn't know how to answer. Told her I'd talk to you and get back to her tomorrow.”
“What?”
“She wanted to know if she should take the GPS tracker off her car and put it on Brett's if they go out this weekend.”
“Hmm, that's a great thought. Tell her yes. Also, for her to wear her wrist bracelet.”
“Already told her, and she assured me she never takes it off.”
“If they decide to follow through on this date, find out the night they're going out. I plan to stay in Medford so I can track their route very closely. This could be the time Cindy makes her move, and I don't want to be clear out here at the lake.”
“Good idea. We'll both stay in town.”
“You don't have to.”
“I know, but I think four eyes are better than two.”
“Is that the story you were going to tell me?”
She shook her head. “No.” Jennifer told him about the incident when she and Laura came in from having lunch. “We'd avoided Cindy during the morning, by speaking with the teachers a minute or two after each class. She must have spotted us going outside with our sandwiches, as she caught us by surprise right inside the door when we returned. However, I have to say, Laura can hold her own with Cindy.”
“I bet it made Cindy madder than an old wet hen for Laura to stand up to her.”
“We saw the evidence in the parking lot.” Jennifer took a bite, chewed for a few moments, then gazed at Hawkman. “What do you think she has in her warped mind to do to Laura?
He leaned back in his chair as he wiped his hands on a napkin. “She scares me. I have nothing to go on to pull Detective Williams into this case, but I think we're going to eventually have an attempted murder on our hands. Then I can get his help.”
“Let's hope she doesn't succeed and kills one of them.”
Hawkman stared at his wife. “Don't say such a thing. Nothing must happen to Laura or Brett.”
“I agree, but remember you're only human.” She patted him on the arm. Why don't you tell me about what happened after we left the parking lot.”
He told her about the metal scraping against his tire and how he had to drop by a garage to have them bend it out. He'd lost Cindy, but soon discovered she'd obviously taken her car to a body shop and had her mother pick her up, as they arrived home in the Cadillac. He scratched his head. “Wonder how she'll get to school tomorrow?”
“You'll find out in the morning.”
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Early Thursday morning, Hawkman and Jennifer left Copco Lake in their separate vehicles. Hawkman parked a half block away from Cindy Brown's residence. He had the front of the house in full view and watched a light gray Toyota Camry pull into the driveway, while another vehicle stopped at the curb.
As he observed the interchange between Mrs. Brown and the man at the front door, he came to the conclusion she'd rented a car, and had it brought to the house for their spoiled daughter's use. When the salesman left, Cindy opened the garage door, removed the compound bow from the trunk of the Cadillac, and placed it in the rental. She dashed back into the house, then moments later returned with her backpack, hopped into the Camry, and took off.
Hawkman jotted down the license plate number, pulled away from the curb and followed Cindy to school. He wondered how she'd get by parking in the school lot, but noted the girl was on her toes. She'd remembered to bring her permit from the wrecked auto and hung it on the rearview mirror. When she exited the vehicle, Cindy surveyed the cars around her, and must have spotted Hawkman, for she gave him a fiery stare, then stomped off toward the campus. Hawkman chuckled to himself, knowing his presence made her very angry, yet, she could do nothing about it.
The hours seemed to drag, and Hawkman hopped out of the 4X4 several times to stretch his legs and walk the length of the parking lot to help relieve the boredom. Fortunately, it wouldn't be a long day for Laura, but Cindy usually went to the archery range after school, and he definitely didn't want her out of his sight.
He hadn't seen Jennifer and Laura since morning, but had noted the Ford still sat in the parking lot across the street. Jennifer had made him a sandwich while preparing lunch for herself and Laura, which he'd devoured at noon. He wondered how things were going on the campus. Knowing his wife, she'd avoid Cindy, if at all possible.
On the way to school, Jennifer and Laura talked about the situation.
“Is your date with Brett still on for this weekend,” Jennifer asked.
Laura nodded. “Yes. He called last night and we talked about whether it was a good idea.”
“What did he say?”
“He felt we couldn't let Cindy frighten us to the point of avoiding each other. It would give her the satisfaction of having the upper hand.”
“How do you feel about it?”
“I agree. The sooner Cindy knows she doesn't have control over me or Brett, the better.”
“Don't you think it's risky?”
“Yes, we both feel it is, but we'll take precautions, and watch each other's back.”
“What time and day are you planning on going out?”
“Saturday, around seven.”
“Did you mention the GPS to him?”
“He thinks it's a great idea to plant it on his car. He's also going to carry his gun, but prays he won't have to use it.”
Jennifer let out a breath. “Me, too. I understand your thinking, but it still worries me. It makes you much more vulnerable.”
“I know, but we can't stop living.”
“Hawkman and I will plan on coming into town Saturday night. We'll track your whereabouts in Medford. It would be too far from Copco Lake to rush to your aid in case of an emergency. If you spot us, please don't feel it's personal. We're not spying, just going to make sure you stay safe.”
Laura smiled. “Understood. Hopefully, Brett and I will have private time in the future.”
Jennifer parked in the mall, and as they headed across the street, Laura pointed to a figure heading toward the campus from the parking lot.
“There goes Cindy. She's stomping as if she's angry.”
“No wonder, there's Hawkman,” Jennifer said, gesturing toward his 4X4. “She'd love to sue him for harassment, but she has no grounds.”
Laura laughed. “I love to see her upset.”
They trooped toward the buildings and disappeared inside. They went to the numerous classes, had lunch, and soon headed back to Jennifer's vehicle. This time they walked to the side in case Cindy had slipped by them and planned to race through the parking lot again.
“Thank goodness, we didn't meet up with Cindy today,” Laura said, climbing into the Ford.
Jennifer pushed her key into the ignition. “She passed us in the hall several times, but avoided us.”
“Makes me nervous when she behaves in such a manner. I wonder what she's got up her sleeve.”
“No good, I'm sure,” Jennifer said, driving out of the mall.
About that time, the hands-free phone rang, and Jennifer quickly plugged it into her ear. “Hello.”
“Hi, Hon. Yes, I'm taking her to the ranch now.”
“Okay, see you at home.”
After hanging up, she glanced at Laura. “Hawkman's following Cindy. She's going to the archery range in a rental car. Guess her folks didn't want their precious daughter to be without wheels.”
Laura waved a hand. “Since she's an only child, she gets everything she wants. Money is no object in her family.”
“Wonder what her folks will think when she gets arrested for attempted mu
rder?”
Shuddering, Laura put a hand to her mouth. “I don't even want to think about it. It would devastate my parents, and I'm sure it will hers.”
“She appears very selfish and doesn't think about anyone's needs except her own,” Jennifer said, shaking her head. “Unfortunately, that's probably due to her being brought up in a wealthy household where she received everything she asked for. Having no siblings, she never had to think about others,”
Laura drummed her fingers on her jeans-clad thigh. “It's really sad. I think I'm lucky because my parents were never rich, and taught me to spend money wisely. We aren't poor, but we don't splurge like it grows on a tree either.”
“Your parents have worked hard to get where they are, and you can be proud,” Jennifer said, turning onto the dirt driveway leading to the Kings’ home.
“I am,” Laura said as she climbed out of the vehicle, then turned toward Jennifer. “Thanks for the ride. I'll see you in the morning.”
Jennifer grinned. “Bright and early.”
Leaving the ranch, Jennifer's thoughts traveled to Saturday night. It sent a chill down her spine. Something told her the evening would not be pleasant. She'd carry her gun, but would she have the nerve to shoot a young woman? As Hawkman told her many times, when a life is at stake, you don't have time to consider what you're doing, because it could be too late. She blew out a puff of air, ruffling her bangs. These were the types of decisions she didn't like to even consider.
Stopping by the grocery store, she did some shopping, then headed home. It surprised her to find Hawkman's vehicle in the garage. Taking the sack from the passenger seat, she grabbed her notes and pen, then hurried inside.
She found Hawkman in his chair by the picture window, with Miss Marple in his lap. They were both staring out over the lake.
“I'm surprised you're already here.”
He glanced at her as she spoke. “Strange day. Cindy went to the range, but only stayed about thirty minutes. I watched her practice and she appeared agitated; couldn't focus. She soon tossed her arrows back into the quiver, and left.”
Putting the groceries away, Jennifer stopped and asked, “Do you think she saw you?”
The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] Page 22
