The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series]

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

  “I'm sure she did. I don't try to hide from her.”

  “She's probably trying to figure out your next move.”

  “It'll depend on what she does.”

  Jennifer folded the sack and stored it away, then joined her husband in the living room. “I can't get Saturday night off my mind.”

  “Me, neither. I've been thinking about a weapon, other than a gun. I don't want to kill Cindy, unless it's absolutely necessary.”

  “The same thoughts ran through my mind, but what's the alternative? We're not going to get close enough to use a billy club before she turns the bow on us.”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

  Jennifer swiveled her chair around until she faced her husband. “What about Brett? Laura told me he was going to carry his gun Saturday night.”

  Hawkman shook his head, and handed Miss Marple to her. “Wish they'd give this date a second thought.”

  Taking the cat, she put the animal on her lap, and continued. “I don't think we can change their minds. They're both sick and tired of bending under Cindy's rule.”

  “I can relate. No one likes to be dictated to or threatened.”

  “Are you considering the taser?”

  He nodded. “Yes. I'll swing into town and pick up some extra cartridges while Cindy's in class. I'll also talk to Brett tomorrow. He won't have time to buy a taser, since they have to do a background check, which would take about twenty-four hours, but I can caution him about using the gun. I'm sure he wouldn't fire it unless absolutely necessary.”

  “Are you still going to carry your pistol?”

  “Yes, and you carry yours. I only have one taser, but you could carry the stun gun. However, I doubt you'll be able to use it, as you have to make contact with the person's body for it to be effective.”

  “It's a good back up, in case the shock wears off and she tries to pull a stunt before we're ready.”

  Hawkman rose from the chair. “I think I should call Detective Williams, and give him an update. We may well need him Saturday night.”

  “It certainly wouldn't hurt to prepare him.”

  He walked over to the kitchen bar and picked up the phone. “This is such an ugly case.”

  Hawkman punched on the speaker phone so Jennifer could hear the conversation.

  After several rings, the Detective finally answered. “Hello.”

  “Hey, Williams, did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “Yeah, Hawkman, trying to get a few winks.”

  “Sorry, but since you're awake, I might as well tell you why I'm calling.”

  “Shoot.”

  “Remember the case I told you about involving a compound bow?”

  “Yeah, we ran some fingerprint tests for you.”

  “That's the one.”

  “I've narrowed it down to a mentally disturbed young woman who wants a couple of people eliminated. I suspect she's going to make her move Saturday night and I might need your help.”

  “You think she'll use the bow?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good Lord, that stinks. Maybe we should arrest her before she does something stupid.”

  “I'd like to, but I have no evidence. She's been very clever in skirting the law.”

  “Run by me what made you come to the conclusion it's this woman.”

  Hawkman gave him the highlights of the case.

  “Whew! Yeah, it definitely sounds like you have a sick one on your hands. So what do you want me to do?”

  “Nothing, other than be prepared to get a call from Jennifer or me on Saturday night. We might need backup.”

  “You've got it.”

  “Thanks, Detective, appreciate it. Now, see if you can get some sleep.”

  “Right, after that story, I'll have nightmares.”

  “Glad that's done,” Hawkman said as he hung up. When he returned to his chair, he sat forward with his elbows on his thighs. “I've been thinking about a plan for Saturday night.”

  “I'm glad you talked with Williams. At least he's aware of this situation possibly coming to a head.” She put Miss Marple on the floor. “Tell me your strategy.”

  “You know how to use the GPS, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “I want you to take my 4X4 and park on the road going out to the Kings’ ranch. Try to find a place where you're partially hidden. There're several groves of trees along that stretch.”

  “Okay. So what are you going to do?”

  “I'm going to take my old pickup and follow Cindy. She won't recognize it, nor me.”

  Jennifer frowned. “Can you depend on that truck?”

  He grinned. “Oh, yeah. I keep the old baby in tiptop shape, just in case I need it. I've taken Pretty Girl out several times to hunt, and it runs like a charm.”

  “How will I contact you?”

  “We'll use our cell phones. I'll give you mine, since it's connected to the handsfree device, and I'll take yours. We'll charge them to the hilt before leaving.”

  “What if Cindy pulls something tomorrow? How will she know Brett and Laura's date is Saturday night and not Friday?”

  “She'll find out one way or the other. I wouldn't put anything past her devious mind.”

  Jennifer took a deep breath. “Unfortunately, you're right.”

  Friday morning, Hawkman and Jennifer left the house in their own vehicles and headed for Medford. Jennifer turned off on the road leading to the Kings’ ranch, while Hawkman turned in the opposite direction toward Cindy's residence. He'd decided to make sure the young woman arrived at school, before contacting Brett Gibson. When he made a pass in front of the Browns’ home, he noted the rented car sat in the driveway. He could pretty much bet her red convertible wouldn't be fixed until next week.

  Parking about a block away, he waited until she climbed into the gray Camry and backed into the street, before he started his SUV. She didn't acknowledge seeing him as she sped down the street in the opposite direction toward the college. Hawkman kept her in view as he followed the car to the campus parking lot. He decided not to pull in at the moment, and drove into the mall area where he located Jennifer's van. Giving Cindy time to head for class, he drove out of the mall and into the campus lot. He circled the many cars, until he spotted the rented car parked and unoccupied, then he departed. As he drove toward Brett's work place, a shiver ran down his spine while he wondered what would go down tomorrow night.

  Hawkman pulled into a slot in front of the business building where Brett worked and sauntered through the swinging doors. The lobby was huge, with leather chairs around oak tables in each corner. Large potted plants sat in between each to give an illusion of privacy. The whole place epitomized professionalism.

  A young woman sat at a desk in the middle of the room. She glanced up, then back down, as he approached. He grinned to himself, as he remembered how many times females seemed to be intimidated by his eye-patch.

  He touched the brim of his hat as she glanced up. “Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find Brett Gibson's office?”

  She pointed toward the opposite wall. “He's with Dobson Associates.”

  “Thank you.”

  When he entered, again stark decorative style showed good taste. The receptionist, a woman, a bit older than the one in the lobby, glanced up.

  “May I help you, sir?”

  “Yes, I'd like to speak to Brett Gibson.”

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No, but I think he'll see me. Tell him Tom Casey would like a few minutes of his time.”

  “Have a seat and I'll check.”

  She returned within a few seconds and motioned for him to follow. She knocked on a door, then ushered Hawkman inside and left them in privacy.

  Brett frowned as he studied Hawkman's face. “Something tells me this isn't a social call.”

  “No, afraid not. I'm worried about Saturday night. Laura told Jennifer you planned on bringing your gun
on the date.”

  “Does that bother Laura?”

  “No, but it makes me a bit nervous.”

  “You can rest assured I'll be very careful. I don't trust Cindy, and I want no problems with her.”

  “How will a gun help?”

  Brett flopped back in his chair and swiped a hand across his forehead. “I don't know, Mr. Casey. Maybe it would just make me feel better.”

  “If you shot at and killed Cindy, I don't think you'd feel good. You'd probably go to jail on murder charges.”

  He shook his head, and slapped a hand on the desk. “I can't stand the thought of this woman trying to ruin my life.”

  “I understand, but let's be sensible. Let me handle the weapons. Leave yours at home.”

  He furrowed his brow. “What if you killed her?”

  “I don't plan on using that style of gun. Even if I did, I'm a licensed private investigator and would have a much better chance in the courtroom than you would.”

  “How will you stop her if she aims that bow at Laura or me?”

  “A taser.”

  “You're kidding. How will you get close enough.”

  “I can be fifteen to twenty feet away with the taser. The stun gun is the one where you have to touch the body with the barrel.”

  “This is all very scary.”

  “I know. The one thing we're wondering is how will Cindy know you have a date with Laura?”

  “I'm sure she's put two and two together. She called last night and invited me to her house for a Friday night dinner. I refused because I have a business meeting. Which I do. Then she asked for Saturday night and I told her I already had plans.”

  “How'd she react?”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER FIFTY

  Hawkman rose and hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his jeans. “I hope you decide to leave your weapon at home. Remember, Jennifer and I will be close by and we're trained to take care of any trick Cindy pulls.”

  Brett nodded. “Yes, you've convinced me it's not worth the risk. I'll depend on you to keep Laura and me safe.”

  Hawkman nodded, feeling relieved. He left the building and prayed Gibson meant what he said. Before heading back to keep an eye on Cindy, he stopped at a gun store, and bought extra cartridges for the taser gun. When he pulled into the campus parking lot, and parked, he spotted the security guard approaching, and rolled down the window.

  “Hello, Mr. Casey. How long are you going to keep one of our students under observation?”

  “As long as it takes.”

  The man grinned. “You're not going to tell me any more, are you? I'm a nosey old cuss and your appearance here for the past week has made me very curious.”

  Hawkman grinned. “Sorry, but that's all you need to know.”

  The old fellow chuckled as he walked away, to continue his round of inspecting vehicles for parking permits.

  Sliding his seat back to relax his long legs, Hawkman watched the students file into the lot at intervals to retrieve their wheels. He unwrapped the sandwich Jennifer had packed for his lunch, and unscrewed the cap on the water bottle. “Boy, this tastes good,” he mumbled.

  Before long he noticed Cindy, flanked by Jason Calderidge and Blake Russell, coming down the steps into the parking lot. He wondered if this indicated anything, but was relieved to see her leave the boys and continue walking toward the rental car. Jennifer and Laura were not far behind, and headed for the street exit

  Hawkman watched Cindy as she climbed into the Toyota. She seemed oblivious to his presence, but he knew she had seen him. He sensed the girl had become more callous each day.

  She backed out and proceeded at a normal rate of speed from the parking lot. Hawkman let a few cars get between them, then pulled out behind her. It surprised him when she didn't go in the direction of her home, instead turned toward town. She pulled into the sports’ shop, took the compound bow from the trunk of the car and disappeared inside the store. Hawkman parked near the back of the lot and waited for thirty minutes before she finally came out, accompanied by Roy Summers who was carrying her equipment, plus some extra arrows in a sack.

  Using his binoculars, Hawkman studied the two and decided Summers had adjusted her bow, as he kept pointing to different areas as he talked. Cindy took in what he said, and nodded her head on several occasions. Roy soon put the bow in the trunk of the car, along with the arrows, and waved as he went back inside. Lowering the glasses, Hawkman figured she wanted her equipment in top shape for tomorrow's adventure.

  When she left the mall, he noted the time around five thirty. She then surprised him again as she led him to the main street, circled the block of Brett Gibson's place of work, then went into the private parking garage of the employees. She soon exited, drove straight to his apartment building, and parked in front so she could see Brett's Lexus.

  “This girl is obsessed with the man,” Hawkman muttered, as he drove down the alley and parked at the rear of the lot as he'd done before. The Lexus was parked in the usual place, and about six o'clock Brett came out of the building. He then climbed into his vehicle, and not recognizing the gray Toyota, didn't give it a second look as he drove into the street.

  Hawkman watched Cindy make an illegal U-turn in the middle of the block and follow Gibson around the corner. Turning on the ignition, he drove out of the lot and tracked the two as they drove to Brett's work building. Gibson disappeared into the employees’ parking garage and Cindy drove past. Keeping quite a distance between them, Hawkman tailed her home, pulled around the corner, watched as she left the car, and went inside.

  Not trusting the girl's motives, he kept an eye on the house for about an hour before he decided she was probably in for the evening. Even if she did leave, he figured she'd just check on Brett's whereabouts.

  Leaving the surveillance of Cindy Brown, he headed for Copco Lake, eager to talk with Jennifer about her day's events with Laura. He hadn't heard from his wife, so assumed things had gone fairly smooth. As he drove, his thoughts focused on the plan for tomorrow night. He needed to discuss timing with Jennifer, along with a few insignificant details, so their strategy would flow without a hiccup.

  He soon crossed the bridge over Copco Lake, pulled into the driveway, and parked beside the Ford Escape in the garage. Jennifer stood in the kitchen reading the instructions on the stun gun.

  “Thought you said you knew how to use it,” he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “I do, but it's been a long time and I wanted to check to make sure I remembered.”

  “Good idea. I'm going to check out the taser too. I picked up some fresh cartridges while in town.”

  “How come you're so late?”

  He gave her the rundown on Cindy's movements, as he placed the bag and his briefcase on the counter.

  “The girl's weird. She can't accept the fact that Brett wants nothing more to do with her.”

  “Yep, she's obsessed with him. She can't believe plain Laura has stolen the man she had her sights on. By the way, how'd things go with you two today?”

  “Good, except for one snippy remark from Cindy at the end of the day.”

  “I'm listening.”

  “She marched by us on the way to the parking lot, with those two boys that slobber after her, and hissed at Laura, ‘Have a good time with Brett. It'll be your last.'”

  “What did Laura do?”

  “I signaled for her to keep her mouth shut, but it took a lot of self discipline for her not to lash back with a remark. She told me on the ride home, she had to grit her teeth.”

  “Are you nervous about tomorrow?”

  “Sort of. I wonder when and where Cindy will make her move?”

  “My guess is when Brett takes Laura home.”

  “Why not beforehand?”

  “It's still light and there's more traffic. Cindy doesn't want to be seen. The rental car has turned into a blessing. Her red convertible would be recognized easily; f
ew people will even notice the gray Toyota going down the road.”

  “If she has murder on her mind, it's not going to make much difference what she's driving.”

  “True, but I don't think she wants an audience.”

  Jennifer nodded. “You're right. I hope you're going to keep track of her comings and goings.”

  “I intend to. You're responsible for Brett and Laura. What time shall we start?”

  “You should probably hang out at Cindy's by five. I'll keep an eye out on the road to Kings’ ranch about six.”

  “Sounds good.” He removed his cell phone from the pouch on his waist, and placed it on the counter. “Get our phones charged while I go check on the old pickup.”

  “When you need to call me, you're going to have to pull off the road.”

  He winked at her. “Depends.”

  “You're one naughty boy.”

  “I know. I'll obey the law, if nothing's going on.”

  Hawkman took the pickup keys off the hook by the phone, flipped on the side porch light, and headed out the laundry room door. He had the truck parked in the yard near the oak tree. He inserted the key and turned it. The engine kicked in on the first try and sounded good. He checked the gauges and everything looked up to par, even the full tank of gas. Going back into the house with a big smile, he said, “Runs like it's brand new.”

  “You'll look like one of the farmers.”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

  Saturday morning, Hawkman and Jennifer woke up early and tumbled out of bed.

  “How'd you sleep?” he asked.

  “Not too good. Couldn't get Cindy off my mind.”

  “Same here.”

  “This is not going to be an easy task,” she said, running a brush through her short locks, and slipping on a terry robe.

  “No, but we have to keep in mind we're protecting Laura and Brett.”

  “I've grown so attached to Laura, I couldn't stand the thought of her getting hurt or killed.”

  They moved to the kitchen where Jennifer filled the cat's water and food bowls, then proceeded to fry bacon. “I thought we could use a good breakfast. I'll fix sandwiches for us to take. If things get dicey we might not have a chance to eat much.”