Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] (13 page)

By the time he reached the driveway, Jennifer had already parked in the garage and gone into the house. He pulled under the lean-to, and strolled into the kitchen.

"Were you able to explore those outbuildings?” Jennifer asked, filling a glass with water. “I feared you might not have time."

"Yes, but they have a guard horse."

"A what?"

"Stupid horse that neighs every time a person walks by the corral. I imagine the family is aware of this and pays attention, so I had to scamper."

"When I arrived, Earl was outside and I noticed his ears piqued when he heard the horse whinny. He just glanced toward the barn, but didn't seem to pay much attention, then followed me inside."

"The animal probably makes the same sound when other wildlife ventures too near the pen."

"What did you find out?” Jennifer asked, sliding onto a bar stool.

"I took some pictures, so let's upload them to the computer; but before we do, tell me about the unfamiliar car. Did Jeb buy a vehicle?"

She waved a hand in the air. “Oh, my, you're not going to believe this."

"Try me."

"I didn't know how to respond when Beth introduced me to her sexy friend."

"Male or female?” Hawkman asked, with a grin.

"Female, of course. She hardly said a word. I have no idea where she's from, even though I asked. The woman never replied. The atmosphere in the house could have made your breath freeze. I wanted to get out of there as soon as I could."

"Are you sure she was Beth's friend?"

"That's how she introduced me to Tami. I doubt very seriously she'd be a friend of Jeb's."

"You never know. What do you mean by the word, ‘sexy'?"

"More like a tart. Long bleached blond hair, too much make-up, plunging neckline which showed off big boobs, and painted fingernails. She's probably very near Beth's age, maybe a year or so younger; but I would never have suspected Beth running with the likes of such a woman, even though, I thought her sort of pretty in an odd way."

"Maybe she once had her eye on Jeb. He isn't such a bad looking guy. A little rough around the edges, but some women like the type. She could have made the trip when she found out where he lived."

"Who would have told her? They're certainly not listed anywhere,” Jennifer said, waving a finger in the air.

Hawkman shrugged. “How about Jacob? He's in the phone book."

"Interesting thought, but since you've planted the seed of Tami being Jeb's mistress, I did notice how she'd stare at Jeb, glance at Beth, then me. Very weird mannerisms. I couldn't read her actions at all."

"Did Beth show any signs of awareness?"

"I couldn't take my gaze off of Tami, so I have no idea of her reactions."

"Another mystery in the Hutchinsons’ lives.” Hawkman pointed to the computer. “Why don't you boot up and I'll show you what Jeb's into."

Jennifer moved to the machine, and flipped it on. Hawkman took the cord and attached the camera. They both stared at the screen until the folder popped up, and she clicked the mouse over the top and opened the pictures.

Putting a hand over her mouth, she gasped, “Oh, my gosh. He's into moonshine."

"Yep. Those copper stills cost a bundle. There's no way Jeb could afford them, so someone else is in this operation too. I have a gut feeling they were there when the family moved in."

"The thing is huge,” she said, flipping through the photos.

"Now I know why those buildings are so tall. I have no idea what's in the middle one. Could very well be another still, just not hooked up. I'm surprised to have found the door unlocked on this one."

Jennifer glanced up at her husband. “Did you have a suspicion about this?"

"I had two ideas rattling around in my brain: one was a meth lab or he was making white lightning. I'm actually relieved to find the still. Making dope is very dangerous and he could blow up the whole place. There's not as much danger in making whiskey."

Jennifer pointed to the grate under the huge copper still. “They still have to use heat."

"That's why they do the work at night. A stream of smoke comes from the vent at the top, and can be seen during the day."

"He has to have a lot of water too."

"Yep. He's hooked up to the creek that runs near the house. I saw the pipe leading to the still."

"To think Beth had to practically browbeat him to get water into the house!"

Hawkman patted her on the shoulder. “My dear, this still has been hooked up for some time. Jeb only started it up. It shouldn't have been any problem for him to get running water into the cabin."

"You think he's selling this moonshine?” Jennifer asked.

"If he is and gets caught, he could go back to jail. I figure he's selling it, even though it's illegal because that still can produce at least one hundred and forty gallons of liquor at a whack."

"My word. Who would he sell to?"

"There are bars who'll buy the stuff, if it's good enough. Also, individuals, who just like the rotgut."

"Can he make enough to support a family?"

Hawkman nodded. “The bucks could roll in, if he doesn't get caught."

Jennifer stared at her husband. “You're going to see to it that the operation is squashed, aren't you?"

"So far, I don't know if he's conducting an illegal business; but if he is, I'll bring him down."

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Jennifer became quiet, and Hawkman studied his wife's solemn face. “What's the problem, Hon?"

"Because of me, we got involved with this family. Now we're going to destroy it."

"No, they're destroying themselves. You only tried to befriend them."

"What will happen to Earl, Randy and Marcy?"

"If Beth isn't involved, they'll stay together; otherwise, the state will have to find homes for the children."

"The thought makes me shudder. Randy adores his little sister, and you know they'd be separated."

"You're putting the cart before the horse. Let's take one phase of this adventure at a time."

"Okay, tell me how you're going to find out if he's selling to outside sources?"

"I'm going to have to do some surveillance."

She frowned. “Pray tell me how you're going to accomplish this feat without getting caught, and how do you plan to follow him if he goes out the back road?"

"Like I said, let's take one event at a time. I haven't planned it all yet."

Randy lay on the cot, looking at the puzzle books Mrs. Casey had brought him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Tami. He didn't like her, never did, and wished she'd leave. Earl couldn't stand her either; he'd told him so. Even his mom seemed to just put up with the lousy looking woman, but dad appeared to welcome her. Randy got the impression they had some sort of business deal, as they talked numbers a lot.

He wished he could go back to his own room that he shared with Earl, but mom didn't want him back there until his leg had completely healed. Earl liked to tease and carry on; sometimes he would cuff Randy, causing a fight. With him in the kitchen, mom could supervise Earl's actions. His mother's tone of voice brought him out of trying to concentrate on a word for the puzzle.

"I know what's going on, but I don't want to hear any more about it,” Beth said.

Randy glanced at the adults facing each other. His mom had her hands on her hips and stood glaring at Dad.

"It's like talking to a wall,” Jeb said, throwing up his hands and storming out the front door.

"Why do you treat him like that?” Tami said, glancing toward the entry. “I'd give my right hand to have a man like Jeb."

Beth put her face close to Tami's, almost touching noses. “You've tried before. Do it again and I'll kill you,” she hissed.

Tami stepped back, picked up her big purse from the floor, and threw the strap over her shoulder. “You don't know how to treat a man; that's why you almost lost him,” She swaggered toward the entry.

"I still have him. You don't,” Beth growled as Tami slammed the door.

Being awakened by the loud noise, Marcy let out a howl. Beth wiped her hands across her face, bent over the crib and picked up the baby.

"There, there, my sweet girl. Everything's okay."

"Mom, how did Tami find out where we lived?"

"Grandpa probably told her. She's working out a business deal with him and your dad."

"I don't like her, and you don't either. I hope she doesn't come back."

"You hold your tongue, young man. How do you know my feelings?"

"Your voice was mean when you talked to her, like when you scold Earl and me for getting in a fight."

She smiled. “But I still like you."

"Yeah, cause we're your kids. She's not."

"Don't worry about it. You hear me now?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Randy sighed and turned his attention to the puzzle books. His joints ached from having to be in bed all the time, and he found it hard to get comfortable. He decided tomorrow he'd get up and walk around in the kitchen before he forgot how to move his legs.

Nightfall came and Randy watched his mother light the lamps, then feed Marcy as she sang the haunting lullaby. Soon, Marcy fell asleep and was tucked into her crib. Still humming, Beth moved around the kitchen straightening up.

"Randy, turn your head, I'm going to take a bath."

The boy rolled to his side.

Beth stripped naked and washed herself from the cistern water she'd heated on the stove. Before slipping on her flannel gown, she tried on the blouses Mrs. Casey had brought and studied herself in the cracked mirror hanging on the wall. She smiled, then took them off, and folded them neatly. After pulling on her night wear, she called to Randy. “Okay, I'm through."

Randy loved for his mother to brush her long hair. It glistened like black diamonds in the ghostly light thrown from the lanterns around the room. She'd bend over and brush it toward the front, then tilt her head back as she made long strokes on each side, then pull the strands over her shoulder, smoothing it as she finished up. Taking a piece of long soft cloth, she'd tie the tresses together at the nape of her neck, making a lengthy ponytail.

She picked up one of the lamps, came to the cot and kissed him goodnight, then went to her bedroom. Dad and Earl never came in until the wee hours of the morning. When he questioned his mother about what they were doing, she told him not to be bothered by their activities, but he could smell a rat and vowed to find out one of these days.

Randy stared out the window at the pitch black night. It appeared a storm might be moving in with all the clouds. Not a star nor moon in sight. He could hear the whistling of the wind, and cracking tree branches which were slung against the sides of the cabin. A ghostly night like he'd expect around Halloween with witches and goblins.

He pulled the covers around his neck and crunched down into the bed, then stifled a scream when the front door flew open and banged against the wall. His heart raced until he saw his dad and Earl hurry in and push it shut. Randy quickly rolled over to face the wall, not wanting them to see he was still awake.

"Looks like a storm moving in,” his Dad said to Earl, in a hushed voice.

"Yeah, and it's cold."

Earl went to his room, while his dad stopped at the sink, pumped water into the bucket and washed his hands. Splashing a bit onto his face, he sucked in his breath, “Man, that's freezing,” he hissed.

Taking the towel hanging on the nail next to the pump, he dried, then journeyed into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Randy turned on his back and heard the bed squeak in the other room as his dad sat on the edge, then the clunk of each boot as it hit the wooden floor. His interest perked when his mother's voice came through the thin wall.

"What kind of deal do you have going with Tami?"

"She's got some contacts."

"I know what's going on, and I don't like her around. She's a slut, and would like to lure you to bed."

His dad laughed. “No way will I get into that situation again. I almost lost you over the mess."

"If there's a second time, the kids and I will disappear. I'm not happy with what you're doing."

"It will give us some money for a change. We can fix up the cabin and make it more livable."

"I'd rather we go about it legally. If you go back to jail, what will I do?"

"Beth, I don't want to talk no more. I've got to get some rest. Have to get up early."

Randy could hear the bed creaking, and figured his dad had turned his back to his mom. He let out a sigh, realizing their talk still didn't reveal to him the illegal game his dad was playing. This worried Randy, because he could hear the concern in his mother's voice. He did know one thing: his mom didn't like Tami, and the discovery made him smile to himself. It bothered him Tami had caused problems in the family before. He wondered what kind.

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Sunday morning Hawkman mowed the lawn, then decide to take Pretty Girl out to hunt. When he entered the kitchen, Jennifer glanced up from her computer.

"So have you devised a plan on how you're going to catch Jeb?"

"Ideas are forming in my mind, but I have a few days as the still was cold when I found it, so I have time before they'll be taking any into town.” He patted her on the shoulder. “I'm going to take the falcon out; she hasn't hunted in a while. It will also give me time to think."

Jennifer nodded, and focused on the monitor.

Hawkman carried the perch he'd made to fit the Cruiser, adjusted it on the inside, then went around to the aviary. When he slipped on the leather glove, and opened the cage, the falcon squawked and flapped her wings, almost knocking off his hat. “Simmer down, girl, I know you're excited."

Her claws grasped onto the glove without any coaching and he carried her to his vehicle. The man and his bird drove down the driveway. Hawkman at first thought he'd take her toward the Hutchinsons’ place, but decided against it, as he didn't trust Earl and his gun. He turned right, went over the bridge, then veered to the left and headed up Ager Beswick Rd., toward the house where the deaf boy, Richard, used to live. He soon parked on the side of the road, took his pet into the field, which was wet from last night's rain, and let her fly. It always amazed him to watch her soar upward, then take a sharp turn toward a cluster of trees where she'd disappear for a spell. The wind had died down, but the breeze that swept across his cheeks had a stinging chill to it.