In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] (26 page)

The Fire Chief pulled up and opened the fire station so Ken could get the portable lanterns for the arrival of the helicopter. Hawkman helped place them around the perimeter of the pad. After turning them on, they moved back to the road to wait for the assisting crews.

Soon, several uniformed men in marked cars, two K-9 teams and a SWAT team arrived, along with the Incident Commander, Jim Bates. Ken called them forward and introduced Tom Casey as an ex-agent, now a private investigator, then explained the connection between him and the two men.

Ken unfolded a map on the hood of his Chevy Tahoe and pointed to the area where he thought the two villains might possibly be hiding. “I figure they'll camp close to a creek as they'll need water. We'll set up the command post at the old hotel and start a sweep south."

Jim then took over and pointed at the patrol officers. I want you guys to set up roadblocks on the other side of the bridge and at the Oregon border.” Then he gave a quick description of the men they were after. “Ray has a definite limp, and both have grown shaggy beards to the point of looking like they've lived in the hills for years. Don't let anyone pass through the barriers fitting these descriptions. Any questions?"

One raised a hand. “Are we going to have air support?"

"Yes, the helicopter will be here shortly. Bronson will ride with the pilot as the spotter.” Jim glanced around to make sure everyone understood. When no one else spoke up, he motioned toward the vehicles. “Okay, let's go.” He gestured for Hawkman to join him.

"I hear the chopper,” someone called.

Another pointed toward the sky. “There she flies."

Ken headed toward the back of the fire station. “Talk to you guys later,” he yelled over his shoulder.

The team scrambled into their cars and followed the commander. After all passed over the bridge and turned east on Ager Beswick Road, one of the uniformed officers parked his marked car across the entry into the guarded area.

It was still dark when they reached the old hotel. Hawkman watched the K-9 teams as they prepared the dogs and took the lead. The men knew to stay behind these canines as the animals couldn't distinguish between the good guys and the bad. They just attacked on command from their masters. Carrying their weapons in a poised ready position, the men spread out in a wide line and walked south. The land held rocks and was full of small gullies, making each step hard to manage. Most of the time, they had the protection of the forest, but as the sun peeked over the hills you could see the spots of sparse foliage. They would hurry across the exposed areas to hide amongst the trees.

Ray tried desperately to wash off the skunk scent in the stream, but without soap, he made little headway. Exhausted, he finally gave up, stumbled back to the pickup and climbed into his bedroll.

Jack tossed and turned, putting his head deep into his sleeping bag, hoping to get some relief from the horrible stench that permeated the camper shell. Finally, he gave up and decided he'd try the cab. If he could get away from the pungent smell, he might be able to snatch a few winks. He quietly climbed out the back, opened the driver's side door and slipped under the steering wheel. The night had turned still and stuffy, so he rolled down the window, then crunched up his jacket behind his head. He'd no more dozed off, when he jerked up and listened. He hastened out of the pickup and woke up Ray.

"Just heard a copter. We've got to make sure we can't be seen from the air."

Jack pulled the truck farther into the grove of trees, then the two men chopped limbs off a nearby oak and placed them around the front and tail end of the vehicle. Finally, he stood back in the predawn hazy light and scrutinized the effect. “I think we did it. At least it will keep the reflection from the sun down to a minimum."

Ray's gaze searched the landscape. “We need a place to hide. Somewhere away from the truck. Damn, I wish we knew the area better."

Jack pointed toward a hill in the distance. “Let's gather our guns and ammo, then hike up to that ridge. Maybe we can find a small cave where we're protected at the back. Also, high enough so we can see them coming."

"Good idea,” Ray said, grabbing his guns. He loaded the backpack with boxes of bullets and slung it over his shoulders. “Let's go."

Jack shoved the remaining cartons into his pockets, stuck his pistol into the waistband of his pants and hefted his rifle. “I'm ready."

Ray trekked a few yards ahead, but Jack knew he'd have no trouble catching up, so he grabbed a couple of the canteens. Food they could do without, but water would be essential. He quickly filled them at the creek, then took off in a trot after his son.

The hill stood a lot farther away than it appeared and it seemed to take them forever before they finally reached the base. The two scaled the side and soon came upon a perfect hideout where a huge piece of rock had separated from the side leaving a gap big enough for them to slip behind, see over the top ridge and yet be well hidden by the ledge jutting out above their heads.

"This is perfect,” Ray said, placing his rifle on the rock. He dropped the backpack to the ground, put the binoculars to his eyes and searched the horizon. “Don't see any sign of the posse.” Leaning against the rock, he wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his arm.

Jack held out a canteen. “Good thing I stopped and filled these."

Ray smiled and took a big gulp. “I tend to forget the essential items in the heat of the battle. Thanks.” He capped the bottle and placed it in the shade of the big boulder.

The two divided up the ammo and situated themselves so they both had a view of the whole area, including where they'd hidden the truck.

"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."

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.

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 toward 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.