The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] (25 page)

"We encountered her in one of the classes,” Jennifer said. “She tried to accost Laura, but I intervened."

Hawkman raised a brow. “What did she do?"

Jennifer explained the incident. “I think we definitely need to talk to Brett.” She glanced at the girl beside her. “Laura hates the idea, but I think she understands why."

She nodded. “I certainly don't want him to get hurt."

"You're right, he needs to be informed,” Hawkman said. “I'll go talk to him now. You gals go straight to the ranch. I'll meet you there as soon as I can."

They all departed the parking lot and left in opposite directions.

Driving toward Brett Gibson's apartment, Hawkman hoped the young man had gotten off work and he'd catch him at home. Otherwise, under the circumstances, he felt compelled to track him down. He didn't trust Cindy Brown, and could see signs of bolder behavior. If she couldn't have Gibson for her own, she'd make damn sure no one else could have him.

Hawkman pulled into the apartment parking lot and just as he opened the SUV's door, he spotted Gibson walking toward a car. He hurriedly jumped out and jogged across the pavement.

Waving, he called, “Mr. Gibson, could you hold on a second?"

Brett jerked up his head and stopped. “Hello, Mr. Casey. What's the emergency?"

"I hope I'm not keeping you from a business meeting."

He shook his head. “No. But you look like you're holding something urgent inside."

"I am, and happy I caught you. We need to talk immediately about Cindy Brown. Your life might be in danger."

Frowning, Brett turned on his heel. “Let's go back up to my apartment."

As they entered Brett's flat, he closed the door, and rubbed the back of his neck. “Strange you should mention Cindy. I told her I'd meet her at the archery range. Something told me to stay home, but I didn't listen to my intuition. Maybe you're going to tell me why I had such a feeling.” He motioned toward the couch. “Have a seat."

Hawkman stared at the young man. “I didn't know you were into archery."

Brett wagged a hand as he lowered himself onto the chair opposite Hawkman. “Oh, I'm not. I'd showed an interest in finding out about the sport and Cindy invited me to watch her practice. Since I hadn't planned anything this evening, I decided to drive out to the range.” He leaned forward. “What's this about my life could be in danger? From your comment, it sounded like it involved her."

Hawkman leaned back on the couch. “Mr. Gibson, Cindy has already threatened Laura King to stay away from you."

"What!” Brett said, rising partially from his chair. “She has no right to do such a thing."

"She might not have the right, but she's done it. Cindy is a crack shot with her compound bow, and I worry that she might attempt to hurt someone. She could do it at a distance, and you wouldn't even know the arrow was coming until too late."

"Oh, man, I had no idea."

"I didn't think you did. Cindy is a very possessive woman, and once she found out Laura had gone out with you, I fear she feels if she can't have you all to herself, then no one can."

Brett ran his hands over his face. “What have I gotten myself into?” A soft buzz sounded, and he stood. “Excuse me, there's someone at my door. I won't be but a moment."

Hawkman couldn't see the entry due to an abutment that protruded from the wall, but he could hear the voice of Cindy Brown.

"I thought you were coming out to the practice range,” Cindy said.

"I'd planned on it, but something came up,” Brett said.

"Can I come in?"

"No, I'm having a business meeting with a client."

"Are you sure it's not another woman?"

"It doesn't matter whether it's male or female. I can't talk with you right now."

"I don't believe you. You've probably got a girl in there. Move your arm so I can come in."

"No, I want you to leave right now."

"Then you'll call me later?"

"I might."

Hawkman heard the click of the door, and would have sworn he heard the dead bolt thrown. When the young man returned to the room, his forehead was furrowed and his mouth drawn down into a concerned frown.

"I'm sure you could hear the conversation,” Gibson said as he sat back down. “She's a persistent little devil."

"Yes."

"You've got me worried, and now I'm reading all sorts of negative things into Cindy's actions."

"I'm sorry to make you nervous, but I think you should be very aware of this young woman. I've got constant surveillance on Laura King as Cindy has been harassing her for several weeks."

"Even before I took her out?"

"Yes, ever since you sat with her at the wedding."

Brett's mouth dropped open. “You're kidding.” He slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. “What the hell have I gotten Laura into?"

"It's not anything you've done. It appears we're dealing with a very sick female."

"Laura will probably never go out with me again,” Brett said, his head bowed. He then looked up at Hawkman. “Does Laura know you're here?"

"Yes, I talked with her before I came, and as much as she hated to get you involved, she understood the urgency of the problem."

"Is she frightened?"

"Sort of, but she has had me around most of the time. Now, I have someone with her constantly during the day. At night she's home with her folks, and they're very aware of the situation."

"How come Cindy hasn't been arrested?"

"We have no substantial proof she's the one involved, but I've gone through a pattern of elimination and everything points to her."

"Is there some way I could help?"

"Not unless you're willing to be live bait."

Brett sucked in his breath. “I could lose Mr. Brown as a client, and possibly my job. However, she can't continue doing evil things to people.” He wiped a hand across his forehead. “Tell me what you've found out, and I'll make a decision."

Hawkman leaned forward, placed his elbows on his thighs and started at the beginning by highlighting certain events. He told him how he'd met Laura, the phone calls, discovering Jason's recorder and the voice changer in Cindy's car, the arrows shot into his building and the shooting at his SUV on the freeway, then of catching her on the roadside waiting for Laura with her compound bow. “She's been very cagey with all these things, making sure that nothing could be pinned directly to her. A lawyer would make heyday of the case so far, and her dad could afford the best. So right now we're having to put up with Cindy's shenanigans and pray she makes a mistake without getting anyone hurt. My fear is that she's slipping over the edge and it won't be long before she makes a drastic move, either against Laura or you. She's overcome with jealousy and it will eat her up eventually. However, all this said, I can't expect you to put your life on the line, but I can warn you to be very careful."

Brett paced the floor, wringing his hands. “Let me think about this whole mess for a few hours, then I'll call you tonight. Maybe I can think of something without getting myself or Laura killed."

"Sure. Do you have my card?"

He pointed at the small end table. “Yes, right here by my phone."

Hawkman stood. “I'll get out of here and not take up any more of your time."

"This is quite a dilemma. I feel like I shouldn't be seen with Laura right now, yet I want to be with her. In the meantime, how do I rid myself of Cindy?"

"Quite a triangle,” Hawkman said. “Not sure how to answer."

Brett stopped in front of the window and peered out. “Damn!"

"What's the matter?"

"Cindy's red convertible is parked on the street in front of the building. Betcha she's waiting to see if my visitor is male or female."

Hawkman walked over and looked through the glass. “Sure looks that way. Is there a back way out of here? It'd be best if she didn't know I'm the business client."

"Sure is, and you're parked in the side lot, and I believe your SUV is far enough back she won't be able to see you get into your vehicle.” He motioned with his hand. “You can then exit out of the lot through the alley and come out on the opposite end of the apartments."

"Perfect. Direct me to the rear exit."

"I'll take you to it."

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Brett ran back up the stairs to his apartment, went inside, threw the deadbolt and headed straight for the window. He stood for several minutes observing Cindy's movements. When he felt enough time had elapsed for Mr. Casey's escape, and she'd not driven away, he let out a long breath. The private investigator had obviously pulled it off.

He sank into the overstuffed chair and put his head into his hands. “How'd I get into such a mess?” he questioned aloud. He hit the armrests of the chair with his fists and stood. Heading to the bedroom, he rummaged through several dresser drawers and smiled when he finally lifted a small handgun from the folds of a tee shirt. He eased himself onto the edge of the bed, and examined the Glock G17. His father had given it to him before he passed away, and Brett had spent many hours on the shooting range, learning the ins and outs of the small weapon. He'd earned a permit to carry it and hoped he'd never have to use it on a human. Going to the closet, he lifted a jacket off the hook, put it on, placed the gun in one of the zippered pockets, and the ammunition in another.

He picked up Hawkman's business card from the end table, then glanced out the window, and noted Cindy's car remained parked in the same spot. It would be interesting to see her reaction when he came out the front door alone. A smirk played across his lips. “Might as well make this a game. It's too serious to cry about now,” he muttered, leaving the apartment.

Pretending to concentrate on the card he held in his hand, Brett didn't look up as he walked out of the building and headed for the parking lot. He climbed into his car, slipped on a pair of Ray-Bans he had in the center compartment, then glanced toward Cindy's convertible. Turning the ignition, he drove onto the street and headed in the opposite direction from which her car faced. He kept an eye on the rearview mirrors and watched her make an illegal U-turn in the middle of the street. Smiling to himself, he kept at a moderate speed so she could keep him in view.

He drove to the outskirts of town and pulled into the lot of the City Gun Club indoor shooting range. Glancing at the gate entry, he noticed Cindy drove by, but didn't turn in. He wondered what was going through her head at the moment. It's hard to read a warped mind, but he hoped it might put a little fear into her if she thought he knew how to shoot a gun. It might be a far-fetched wish, but a bullet travels faster than an arrow.

Brett retrieved the ear muffs from the box of gear he kept in the trunk and headed for the building. He knew the owners, since he'd been a member for several years.

"Hi, Mark. Is it busy today?"

"Hi, there, Brett. Long time no see. You've hit a slack time. Several spaces available. Take your pick."

He made his way to one of the booths, put on the ear protectors, loaded his gun, and proceeded to practice. Pulling the target toward him, he could see he hadn't lost the touch.

Mark strolled up behind him. “Good going. You tore the bull's-eye right out."

Brett grinned. “Thanks."

"By the way. There's a pretty young lady in the lobby wanting to speak to you. You want me to let her in?"

"Did she give a name?"

"Yeah. Cindy."

"Sure, bring her in."

Hawkman casually walked down the alley so as not to bring any attention to himself. Staying close to the side of the building, he moved into the parking lot. By some unknown good fate, the only empty slot had been near the rear. No way could Cindy see him or his vehicle. He left the area by exiting down the alley as Gibson had suggested, and then headed for the Kings’ ranch. While driving down the road, he wondered how long Cindy would hang out at Brett's place before she gave up. He also hoped the young man would join forces with him in cornering her, but if he chose not to get involved, he'd understand. After all, he'd be putting himself in danger.

He soon turned up the driveway to the ranch, spotted the green Toyota at the back of the house, so pulled up beside it. Jennifer and Laura were nowhere in sight, so he climbed out of the 4X4 and went to the back door. He knocked and Violet poked out her head.

"Hi, Mr. Casey. Come on in, Laura has taken your wife back to see Prince, and they must be having a good time, as they've been in there for at least thirty minutes."

"Jennifer loves animals, so it wouldn't surprise me to find her with the lamb in her lap."

She pointed down the hallway. “Go on back. They're probably expecting you."

When Hawkman entered the room, there sat Jennifer in the enclosure with the small animal balanced on her thighs, feeding it a bottle. Laura sat on a small stool watching with a big grin on her face.

"Hi, Mr. Casey,” Laura said. “Prince has really taken to Jennifer."

He grinned. “I see. Don't get any ideas, my dear. You know Miss Marple wouldn't approve."

"Who's Miss Marple?” Laura asked.

"Jennifer's Ragdoll cat. A very prissy and dominant feline."

Laura laughed. Then her expression turned serious. “Did you talk with Brett?"

"Yes.” He told them about his visit and how Cindy came to the door."

Laura shook her head. “Oh, my, I sure don't like the way things are going."

"I don't either. Brett seemed upset, and how he's going to handle this situation is entirely up to him."

Laura stood and helped Jennifer over the enclosure. “I wouldn't blame him if he left town."

"Was Cindy still outside in her car when you left?” Jennifer asked.

"Yes. I'm wondering how long she'll stay there."

"It's probably blowing her mind to see who he had in his room, and more than likely will remain parked until someone comes out. I think it's funny you went out the back way and left without her seeing you,” Laura said.

Hawkman turned to Jennifer. “Hon, we better get out of here so these people can go about their lives. I'm sure Laura has homework."