In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] (6 page)

"Oh, Miss Marple batted one of her toys under here and she can't reach it. I'm trying to get it out."

He scratched his sideburn. “Pardon me. Who's Miss Marple?"

She got up from the floor with a small furry ball in her hand and tossed it toward the corner. “There you go.” Then she faced Hawkman with a grin. “I've named the kitten, Miss Marple."

"I see. Could you let me in on how you came up with such a handle. It's quite a mouthful."

She waltzed into the kitchen. “Remember Agatha Christie's books? She created a character named Miss Marple. When her stories became movies, an excellent actress who played the role was Joan Hickson. She appeared quiet, nosey, seemed innocuous, but solved many crimes.” Jennifer pointed a finger at him. “And she had intense blue eyes. I thought the description fit our new little pet to a tee."

Hawkman rubbed a hand across his mouth to suppress a smile. “Sounds like you've hit the nail on the head. Miss Marple it is."

Jennifer glanced up at the clock and frowned. “Why are you home so early? Has something happened?"

"There's been an incident that's left me concerned.” He told her about Rita Rawlings coming to see him. “I don't like this guy following her. It could be dangerous. He's a loony and might think she knows something."

"Well, if he ever approaches her, he'll go down, since she carries a stun gun."

He wrinkled his forehead. “How'd you know that?"

She grinned. “We had a wonderful conversation after the wedding."

"I obviously didn't attend, as I remember nothing about it. When did this event occur?"

"Several months ago. You were out of town. You didn't know the young couple anyway. They were Sam's friends from high school."

"Ms. Rawlings told me about her weapon at my office. Oh, by the way, I did meet Miss Marple's mother today."

Jennifer snickered. “Sounds like we're trying to outdo each other.” She pulled a pitcher out of the refrigerator. “Want a glass of ice tea?"

"I'd rather have a beer."

She set the big container on the cabinet, then stopped with her arm extended inside the cooler, and glanced at him with a questioning look. “Did you say you'd met Miss Marple's mother?"

He nodded. “You want to hand me a beer or are you just going to stand there cooling the kitchen."

She quickly grabbed a bottle and shut the door. “So you went to see Marie?"

"Yes, a very nice lady. And she said to tell you your cat, uh, Miss Marple, is six months old, has already been spayed and her shots are up to date."

"Oh, good. Of course, I'd have called her before I made the appointment with the veterinarian. At least I won't have to go through that mess.” She poured herself a glass of tea, then led him into the living room. “Now, tell me about the rest of your conversation."

They sat in their matching chairs and Hawkman told her of his visit with the cat lady.

Jennifer gnawed her lip in silence, then leaned forward. “I don't like the way things are going. Are you positive you weren't followed?"

"Pretty sure. I kept a good lookout, and scouted the area when I left."

"If this guy really wants to get you, all he has to do is kidnap one of Marie's little girls."

"He doesn't have to follow me to find out her name. All he'd have to do is call the hotel and ask about the cat breeders who attended the show."

She sighed. “You're right."

I'm going to run over to Ken and Peggy's tonight to inform them of this situation. Maybe they can keep an eye out for Jack and his Buick. Especially when I'm not here."

"I hate to have the Deputy Sheriffs watch over me when I can look out for myself."

"You're not a law officer, and I can't be in two places at once. Besides, they're local and this is their territory."

Jennifer looked concerned. “This whole situation is getting scary. It's not just you and me anymore. Now Rita, Marie and the local law enforcement are involved."

Hawkman stared at his wife. “You really know how to blow my evening. I thought about the danger of drawing Rita and Marie into this mess, but I had to speak to them."

"Of course you did. They held valuable information you needed. I guess what worries me the most is, they're both single. Rita doesn't bother me as much, because she's survived many years without a man around. But I'm afraid Marie might be vulnerable, since she's only been widowed for a couple of years. And she's got those three little girls."

"I gave her my phone number so she could let me know if she sees him around the area. I'm sure Marie understood my underlying meaning and will keep her daughters under close supervision."

Jennifer leaned over and patted his knee. “I'm sure she will. I think I'm super sensitive to little girls getting kidnapped after the Tiffany Ryan ordeal."

"I can definitely relate.” Hawkman rested his elbows on his knee and rolled the beer bottle between his palms. Miss Marple leaped from the side of the chair where she'd been eyeing his movements and almost batted the bottle from his hands. He laughed, grabbing the beer before it went sloshing across the floor. “Why you little rascal, I'd almost forgotten you were here. I'm going to have to keep a closer eye on you.” He picked up the animal and put her in his lap. “You are a cutie.” He rubbed her tummy as he continued his conversation. “I've been thinking about one of the names Bill gave me."

"Which one?"

"Jack Hargrove. The ‘J’ fits in with what Ms. Rawlings heard at the bar. Someone called him J.J. and then she heard the name Judd also. So his middle name could also start with a J.” He shook his head. “Wish I could remember this guy, but the name doesn't raise any memories."

"It would have been nice if Bill could have faxed you a photo."

"Oddly enough, he found the ID picture missing. He's going to get back to me once he finds out who's been tampering with the file. And he wasn't familiar with the man either, so he's going to see what he can uncover."

"You know, there's a chance this fellow you're dealing with isn't even associated with the Agency. Maybe he's a complete stranger."

"It's possible, but how would he know my real name?"

She slapped her thighs. “Maybe someone from way back, possibly in your college days. Did Rita or Clyde give you an inkling of how old the guy might be?"

"No, but I gather with the dark hair, graying temples, and buff build, he's close to my age."

Jennifer grinned. “Well, I don't know about the buff build."

He held up the kitten and looked into her face. “Miss Marple, don't you think she's mighty ornery to her sweet husband?"

Jennifer rolled her eyes. “I guess you think you've got a comrade just because she can't tell you what she thinks."

"Not sure she's my buddy yet. Have to wait and see how she and Pretty Girl get along."

Jennifer kicked off her shoes, and pulled her legs beneath her. “Back to this mystery man. I hope Bill calls you soon. This whole situation is making me very jittery."

Hawkman put the cat on the floor, rolled a ball across the carpet, and watched her bound after it. “That reminds me, the window people will be here in the morning to replace the glass."

"Good, that plywood makes the room dark."

When the phone rang, they glanced toward the kitchen bar as the machine picked up. “This is the Medford Hospital, we need to reach Mr. Tom Casey."

Hawkman vaulted from the chair, leaped across the cat and grabbed the receiver. “Yes, this is Tom Casey."

"We've just admitted Rita Rawlings to the hospital and she's asking for you."

"I'll be there within the hour."

He hung up and turned to Jennifer. “Put the cat to bed and grab a jacket, we're going to Medford."

She quickly slipped on her shoes and jumped up. “What's happened?"

"Rita Rawlings has just been admitted to the hospital and is asking for me."

As they exited onto Interstate 5 from Hornbrook, Jennifer put on some lipstick and fluffed her short hair with her fingers. “Did they give any indication why Rita was brought in?"

"No. I didn't want to take the time to find out. I figure since she'd asked for me, it has something to do with the mystery man."

"I don't understand why he'd go after her."

"Me neither, unless he's figured out that she's passed on some information and he wants to shut her up."

"Does he think he can remain anonymous with all the phone calls, then throwing a rock through our window?"

"As I said, he's sick and his thinking is warped."

She stared out the passenger window into the darkness. “I certainly hope Rita's okay."

"We'll soon know."

Jennifer changed the subject. They talked about the cat and miscellaneous topics until they approached the hospital. Hawkman pulled into a slot near the emergency entrance, and they climbed out of the SUV. A flash of lightening crossed the sky, followed by a rumble of thunder. A few sprinkles hit Jennifer in the face as she hurried toward the cover of the entry.

"Oh my, I didn't know we were getting rain tonight.” She pulled her jacket tightly around her chest. “And it's turned downright cold."

"I heard the forecast on the radio, but didn't pay much attention since I didn't expect to be out in it."

They entered the building and made their way to the check-in desk. “I'm Tom Casey, here to see Rita Rawlings."

"Oh, yes, Mr. Casey. We've been expecting you. Please follow me."

They journeyed down the long hallway with Jennifer bringing up the rear. They soon came to a room for patients waiting to be transferred elsewhere. The attendant turned to Hawkman. “She's in here. Detective Williams is with her now."

"What happened?"

"Her car went over an embankment."

"Is she hurt bad?"

"Nothing life threatening, but she's banged up a little. We'll keep her overnight for observation."

The woman left, and Hawkman opened the door a crack and peeked inside. The detective in a chair next to the bed, glanced up and gave a wave.

"Hawkman, come in."

When they stepped into the room, Jennifer immediately scooted toward Rita's side. “Are you okay?"

"I think so, just bruised a bit,” she said, removing an ice-pack from her mouth. “My head slammed into the steering wheel when I hit the tree."

"Oh, you poor dear,” Jennifer said, brushing some hair strands from Rita's face. “Looks like you got a fat lip, but I don't see any other cuts."

Williams stood and turned to Hawkman. “Ms. Rawlings tells me she was forced off the road by a man you know about. She said you could fill me in on the details. So what's going on?"

Hawkman told him about the incidents leading up to Rita's involvement. “Believe me, I never thought it would turn out like this. She has nothing to do with this problem, and it baffles me why he's after her."

"I think I can answer your concerns,” Rita said.

Hawkman stepped to her side. “I'm listening."

"Remember when I told you about my being in the bar having a beer last week and asking the bartender if he knew the guy?"

"Yes."

"I went by there tonight after I finished a wedding and Bud informed me J.J. had the hots for me. I asked how in the world the man ever came to the conclusion I'd be interested. He said he'd told him I'd asked his name.” She raised a fist. “I thought I'd kill Bud on the spot. And to make matters worse, I didn't realize J.J. was in the bar. I left in a huff. On my way home, I noticed this car following me, and the person kept blinking the bright lights. I kept moving, and before I knew it, the vehicle pulled alongside me. The driver motioned for me to pull over. I shook my head and kept driving. The next thing I knew he bumped into me and I went flying off the side of the road."

"Did you recognize the car?"

"Yes, the bronze colored Buick."

A nurse entered the room. “We're going to move Ms. Rawlings now. If everyone will go to the waiting area down the hall, I'll let you know when we have her settled. It'll probably be close to thirty minutes."

"What's the room number?” Jennifer asked.

"Two twenty-three."

"Thank you."

Hawkman and Jennifer decided to head down to the cafeteria to see if they could find something to eat. Williams joined them.

"What do you think of Ms. Rawlings’ story?” the detective asked.

Hawkman shook his head. “Hard to say. She could be right. But just because she wouldn't pull over, isn't a good reason to run her off the road. The behavior of this man has been erratic and unstable. I'm not sure what to make of it."

"Do you have any information about him?"

"None. I don't even know what he looks like, other than the description given to me by Rawlings and Clyde. She did give me a clue about his name. Everything has happened so fast, I haven't had a chance to get the information I need.” He snapped his fingers. “Remind me to give you the rock that sailed through our window. I have it in my vehicle. Maybe your guys could check it for fingerprints."

"It's almost impossible to pull them off a rough surface."

"This one is fairly smooth."

Williams nodded. “We can sure give it a try. Ms. Rawlings said you had the license plate number of the Buick."

"Yes, it's at my office. The car is registered with a rental agency. There's no way they'll give me any information without the proper authority, but you could find out. You've got a hit and run on your hands now.” Hawkman frowned. “By the way, who reported the accident?"

Williams raised a brow. “An anonymous male caller."

"That's interesting."

"It would sure save me some time, if I had the license plate number. I could send it out over the dispatch immediately. I'll keep your pretty wife company if you want to go get it."

"I'll go right now.” He stood and took the last bite of his sandwich. “While I'm gone, Jennifer can tell you about Miss Marple."

Williams knitted his brows and stared at her. “Who?"

Hawkman hurried down the hospital steps and headed toward his 4X4. The rain had subsided and he could see the stars through the breaks in the clouds. “Crazy weather,” he mumbled as he scooted into the driver's seat.