In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] (22 page)

Jack placed his cell back in his pocket and sat down on the rock next to his son. Ray picked up a stick and began to draw a picture in the dirt.

"Here's what I've been thinking."

Hawkman watched Jennifer pace the floor. “Honey, sit down. You're making me crazy."

She flopped on the couch, her hands clenched into fists. “We need to find those two men and have them arrested."

He leaned forward. “Think about it. They haven't done anything but harass us, and that's not enough to warrant a sheriff, police force or a helicopter searching the hills."

"One of them shot at me."

"Can't prove it."

"What about all the threatening calls we've recorded?"

"Those will help in a court of law, but not in apprehending them."

"What about the rock through the window?"

"Have no idea who did it."

"How about the stolen pickup from the ranch, the jeep and running Rita off the road?"

"The reports have been made and all officers are on the lookout. The Willys has been found in good condition. No reports as of yet, on who took it. Even if they have Jack's fingerprints, no one knows where he is."

She threw up her hands in disgust. “What has to happen? One of us get killed?"

He nodded. “Yep."

"Wonderful!” She jumped up, went over to the sliding glass door and opened the drapes. Then yanked the cord on the ones over the large window exposing the living room.

Hawkman hurried behind her and closed them. “What the hell are you doing?"

Putting her hands to her face, she let out a sob. “I can't stand being a prisoner in my own home."

He took her into his arms. “Honey, this isn't going to last forever. They're going to make a mistake and then we've got them. But let's not risk our lives and be a sitting target."

She pointed toward the window. “Ray knows we sit right there, so we can look out over the lake. All he has to do is aim with a high powered rifle and he could pretty well pick us off even with the drapes closed."

Hawkman gazed at the chairs. “You're right. So until this is over, we'll refrain from using our favorite seats and sit on the couch or hearth instead.” Then he pointed at the computer center. “Let's change your room around. Ray would have noticed it, too."

Together they switched the furniture so Jennifer's back wouldn't be toward the east window, but face north toward the kitchen. Hawkman stepped into the living room and eyed the set up. “Hey, you might even like it better this way. Now you'll have a view of the bridge and the lake."

She put a finger to her lips. “You might be right. At least I won't be in the line of fire through the dining room window."

"Exactly. If you don't like it this way, we can move the furniture back later."

Miss Marple moved into the room and immediately jumped up on Jennifer's chair. She sat up on her haunches and began cleaning her paws. Jennifer stared at her suspiciously. “What's she been into?” She leaned over and gave her a whiff. “I can smell something.” Dashing into her bathroom, she discovered the small can of baby powder she used to dust the inside of her shoes, had been bounced all over the bathroom floor. She'd obviously left it open on the counter top, and Miss Marple had a lot of fun rolling it all over the floor, making one big mess. “This cat is going to be the death of me before any gunman is,” she mumbled picking up the container, closing the lid, and placing it in the cabinet.

Hawkman walked up behind her as she collected the throw rugs. “This cat has a white dust all over her. Whatever it is smells good."

"Yes, I know. She's had a wonderful time with my talcum."

"Think it will hurt her?"

"I doubt it. After I shake and vacuum these rugs, I'll give her a good brushing.” She pushed past him with her arms loaded.

"Go out the front,” he called.

In her frustration, she grabbed the door handle and opened the door. The alarm siren built to a loud volume before she could drop the load on the steps and dash back inside to turn it off. She grabbed the rugs and shook them with vigor, grumbling under her breath. “Damn cat, damn alarm, damn Ray and Jack."

Jack and Ray lifted their heads as the piercing sound echoed over the hills.

"You hear that? I hope it's not a siren warning there's a forest fire nearby.” Jack stood and sniffed the air. You smell smoke?"

Ray inhaled. “Nope. But I sure as hell wouldn't want to be caught in this place with an inferno licking at my heels. I wouldn't know which way to run to get out of here."

"We'll keep a vigilance for the next couple of hours. Hopefully, it's just an emergency on the lake."

Jennifer bent over to pick up one of the rugs from the ground, when the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway made her glance up.

Peggy, holstering her gun, leaped out of the Chevy Tahoe. “Is there a problem?"

Waving her hand, Jennifer looked at her with disgust. “Stupid me ran out the front door without switching off the alarm."

Hawkman stood in the doorway, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Miss Marple is going to kill off my wife before she gets old."

Putting a hand to her mouth, Peggy stifled a laugh. “What'd she do this time?"

"Come on in and I'll tell you."

Jennifer dropped the rugs on the kitchen floor. Miss Marple strolled over, sniffed them, and sneezed.

"Serves you right, you curious little outfit.” She then turned to Peggy and related the story. “I've got to get in there with the vacuum before I can put the rugs down. She really made a mess. Powder all over the place."

"I won't keep you. When I heard the alarm, I dashed right over. Must say I'm relieved to find out there's nothing to worry about."

"I feel so bad you have to jump every time something crazy happens."

Peggy reached over and patted her on the shoulder. “It's my job and I love it. So don't you fret."

Jennifer gave a feeble smile and walked her to the door. “Thanks."

Back inside, she pulled the vacuum and attachments from the closet, then proceeded to clean up the white mess. When she'd finished, she studied the soft brush and bit her lip thoughtfully.

"Hawkman, bring Miss Marple in here, please."

He came in with the cat draped over his arm. When Jennifer raised the brush toward the animal, he stepped back and put up his free hand. “Oh, no, you don't. Not with me holding her. The minute you turn that loud machine on, this cat will go over my head with her claws extended. I don't need more stitches."

"She's been around when I've vacuumed and it doesn't seem to bother her."

He pointed to the brush. “Have you ever used it on her?"

Jennifer scrunched up her nose. “Well, no. But it would sure get the powder off."

He put the cat on the bed and took the hose. “Turn it on and let me clean off my shirt.” Then he handed the nozzle back . “Okay, try it on the kitten."

She advanced slowly toward the feline. Miss Marple swatted playfully at the brush as Jennifer ran it gently over her fur."

Hawkman watched for a moment. “That's the weirdest animal I've ever seen.” Shaking his head, he left the room, and headed back to his chair, then gave it a second thought and moved to the hearth.

Soon, Miss Marple romped into the living room with her tail held high, as if she were queen for the day. She sidled up to him, purring as she rubbed against his boot.

"Are you trying to tell me you're all nice and clean now?"

She stared up at him with big blue eyes and licked her mouth, as if to say, ‘that's right'.

Jennifer entered and headed for her chair. Hawkman snapped his fingers. “Don't sit in front of the window."

She rolled her eyes. “I forgot.” And flopped down on the couch.

He pointed to Miss Marple. “Your pet wants attention."

"Well, give her some. She's had enough from me."

Hawkman leaned over and gave the cat a rub across the back. She immediately pounced into his lap and bumped her head against his chin several times. He leaned back and pulled her away. “What the heck?"

Jennifer laughed. “She's telling you she loves you."

"Those were about the hardest love pat I've ever received.” He frowned. “Does she do head knocking on you?"

"Occasionally.” She scooted forward on the cushion. “I read an interesting article on the Ragdoll."

"Oh, yeah?"

"She can never be let outside on her own. The breed is not aggressive, so Miss Marple wouldn't defend herself against an attacker."

Hawkman expression turned apprehensive as he continued to stroke the cat. “Hey, little gal, someone stole a very important gene from you. We'll have to make sure you're always protected. You will definitely stay inside. Too many critters live around here that could hurt you."

Jennifer and Hawkman tried to relax and enjoy a cocktail. He picked up the paper, but couldn't stop watching Miss Marple scamper across the room and bounce on the toys Jennifer tossed across the floor.

He guffawed when the cat misjudged, rolled over the stuffed bunny, then bounced on it like a tiger. “I have to say, her antics are a far better show than anything you can watch on television"

"She does help keep me from my worries. My mind is at least at ease knowing Jack isn't in town stalking Marie's little girls or after Rita again."

"No, he's after us in full force, and even with the distraction of Miss Marple, we can't forget it."

Jennifer threw one of the cat's toys in the air and caught it. “I know."

They prepared for bed and once they were snuggled close together, Miss Marple climbed upon the foot of the mattress and wedged herself between them.

Hawkman raised his head and glared at her. “Now, just a moment, little lady. I can be mighty tolerant, but this is going just a bit far.” He lifted her off the covers and gently placed her on the floor. “Go get in your own bed."

Jack and Ray prepared the items they needed for their mission and stored them in the backpack. Ray slung it over his shoulder and they began their walk over the hill, both thankful for the cloud cover. Their sight grew accustomed to the darkness, so fallen branches and gullies caused little problem. They finally reached the road and the first fishing access.

"We won't find a boat here,” Jack said. “This is where the rafters unload and no one ties up in this area. We're going to have to get closer to the lake where there are docks along the river bank."

They stayed on the edge of the road and headed west inside the protection of the trees. When a lone car came down the road, they dropped to their haunches and hid behind boulders or tree trunks.

Soon, Jack pointed toward the water and whispered. “Let's get closer to the river so we can see what's anchored near the shore."

They stumbled down the steep embankment, sending the night critters running for their lives. They soon came upon a rickety dock, but no water craft. They continued their journey and the next pier supported a large pontoon party boat.

Ray eyed it. “I don't think we want to mess with something this big. I'd prefer a fishing vessel or even a canoe."

"We've almost reached the bridge near Casey's place,” Jack said. “We can either go past and approach his house from the other direction, or we can cross over onto the other side. There are more berths, but the houses are closer together and our risk of getting caught is greater."

"It won't make any difference in which direction we come. We just have to find something reliable to get us out of there in a hurry, so we can get back to the campsite without being spotted. We can leave the boat anywhere or even adrift."

"Let's move up the south bank of the river. The houses are farther away from the docks and the occupants are less likely to hear us kicking on a motor."

Struggling to keep from slipping into the water, they moved slowly along the sheer bank. The first pier stood empty, but the next one they could see held promise. A ski vessel, which appeared to have plenty of power, rocked at the end of the dock.

Ray calculated the distance before they approached. “The cabin is a long way from the water,” he whispered. “We might be able to float this baby out to the middle of the lake before we rev it up. If we're lucky, no one will hear us and they won't even know the boat is gone until morning."

"Good idea. All water craft by law are supposed to have oars aboard, so we should be able to row it without any problem. Let's just hope it's full of gas and a working machine."

The two men crept upon the gangplank, each put on gloves, then trod softly out to the end. Jack eased into the boat, scooted across the seat and took his mini flashlight from his jacket pocket. After running the beam under the dashboard, he turned it off and sat up. “No problem, I can hot wire this one in the dark."

Ray untied the boat from the clamps as Jack held it steady so he could climb aboard. Once they were both situated in the seat, Ray took an oar and pushed them away. Together the two men rowed the craft toward the center of the lake.

Knowing their voices could carry a long distance over the water, they kept quiet as they worked. Once they reached the halfway mark, they slid the oars into the holders and let the boat drift. The clouds had floated away and a half moon cast an eerie light across the surface. A fish jumped here and there, making a large splash in the deep silence. Jack's nimble fingers worked on the wires, while Ray slid the backpack off his shoulders and propped it between his legs.

"How's it going?” Ray whispered.

"Just about got it,” he said, through the gloves he held clenched in his teeth. At that moment, a low rumble issued from the rear and the craft leaped forward. Jack grabbed the wheel and put it into a low gear so the boat cruised slowly through the water with hardly a ripple. “Looks like we've got a full tank of gas."

Ray grinned. “Sweet. You did a great job."

Jack tugged on the gloves, then turned the boat eastward and headed toward the bridge. “Let's take a swing by Casey's place and see the best area for the target. Then I'll know how close to get."