The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] (28 page)

Hawkman jotted down the license plate number, pulled away from the curb and followed Cindy to school. He wondered how she'd get by parking in the school lot, but noted the girl was on her toes. She'd remembered to bring her permit from the wrecked auto and hung it on the rearview mirror. When she exited the vehicle, Cindy surveyed the cars around her, and must have spotted Hawkman, for she gave him a fiery stare, then stomped off toward the campus. Hawkman chuckled to himself, knowing his presence made her very angry, yet, she could do nothing about it.

The hours seemed to drag, and Hawkman hopped out of the 4X4 several times to stretch his legs and walk the length of the parking lot to help relieve the boredom. Fortunately, it wouldn't be a long day for Laura, but Cindy usually went to the archery range after school, and he definitely didn't want her out of his sight.

He hadn't seen Jennifer and Laura since morning, but had noted the Ford still sat in the parking lot across the street. Jennifer had made him a sandwich while preparing lunch for herself and Laura, which he'd devoured at noon. He wondered how things were going on the campus. Knowing his wife, she'd avoid Cindy, if at all possible.

On the way to school, Jennifer and Laura talked about the situation.

"Is your date with Brett still on for this weekend,” Jennifer asked.

Laura nodded. “Yes. He called last night and we talked about whether it was a good idea."

"What did he say?"

"He felt we couldn't let Cindy frighten us to the point of avoiding each other. It would give her the satisfaction of having the upper hand."

"How do you feel about it?"

"I agree. The sooner Cindy knows she doesn't have control over me or Brett, the better."

"Don't you think it's risky?"

"Yes, we both feel it is, but we'll take precautions, and watch each other's back."

"What time and day are you planning on going out?"

"Saturday, around seven."

"Did you mention the GPS to him?"

"He thinks it's a great idea to plant it on his car. He's also going to carry his gun, but prays he won't have to use it."

Jennifer let out a breath. “Me, too. I understand your thinking, but it still worries me. It makes you much more vulnerable."

"I know, but we can't stop living."

"Hawkman and I will plan on coming into town Saturday night. We'll track your whereabouts in Medford. It would be too far from Copco Lake to rush to your aid in case of an emergency. If you spot us, please don't feel it's personal. We're not spying, just going to make sure you stay safe."

Laura smiled. “Understood. Hopefully, Brett and I will have private time in the future."

Jennifer parked in the mall, and as they headed across the street, Laura pointed to a figure heading toward the campus from the parking lot.

"There goes Cindy. She's stomping as if she's angry."

"No wonder, there's Hawkman,” Jennifer said, gesturing toward his 4X4. “She'd love to sue him for harassment, but she has no grounds."

Laura laughed. “I love to see her upset."

They trooped toward the buildings and disappeared inside. They went to the numerous classes, had lunch, and soon headed back to Jennifer's vehicle. This time they walked to the side in case Cindy had slipped by them and planned to race through the parking lot again.

"Thank goodness, we didn't meet up with Cindy today,” Laura said, climbing into the Ford.

Jennifer pushed her key into the ignition. “She passed us in the hall several times, but avoided us."

"Makes me nervous when she behaves in such a manner. I wonder what she's got up her sleeve."

"No good, I'm sure,” Jennifer said, driving out of the mall.

About that time, the hands-free phone rang, and Jennifer quickly plugged it into her ear. “Hello."

"Hi, Hon. Yes, I'm taking her to the ranch now."

"Okay, see you at home."

After hanging up, she glanced at Laura. “Hawkman's following Cindy. She's going to the archery range in a rental car. Guess her folks didn't want their precious daughter to be without wheels."

Laura waved a hand. “Since she's an only child, she gets everything she wants. Money is no object in her family."

"Wonder what her folks will think when she gets arrested for attempted murder?"

Shuddering, Laura put a hand to her mouth. “I don't even want to think about it. It would devastate my parents, and I'm sure it will hers."

"She appears very selfish and doesn't think about anyone's needs except her own,” Jennifer said, shaking her head. “Unfortunately, that's probably due to her being brought up in a wealthy household where she received everything she asked for. Having no siblings, she never had to think about others,"

Laura drummed her fingers on her jeans-clad thigh. “It's really sad. I think I'm lucky because my parents were never rich, and taught me to spend money wisely. We aren't poor, but we don't splurge like it grows on a tree either."

"Your parents have worked hard to get where they are, and you can be proud,” Jennifer said, turning onto the dirt driveway leading to the Kings’ home.

"I am,” Laura said as she climbed out of the vehicle, then turned toward Jennifer. “Thanks for the ride. I'll see you in the morning."

Jennifer grinned. “Bright and early."

Leaving the ranch, Jennifer's thoughts traveled to Saturday night. It sent a chill down her spine. Something told her the evening would not be pleasant. She'd carry her gun, but would she have the nerve to shoot a young woman? As Hawkman told her many times, when a life is at stake, you don't have time to consider what you're doing, because it could be too late. She blew out a puff of air, ruffling her bangs. These were the types of decisions she didn't like to even consider.

Stopping by the grocery store, she did some shopping, then headed home. It surprised her to find Hawkman's vehicle in the garage. Taking the sack from the passenger seat, she grabbed her notes and pen, then hurried inside.

She found Hawkman in his chair by the picture window, with Miss Marple in his lap. They were both staring out over the lake.

"I'm surprised you're already here."

He glanced at her as she spoke. “Strange day. Cindy went to the range, but only stayed about thirty minutes. I watched her practice and she appeared agitated; couldn't focus. She soon tossed her arrows back into the quiver, and left."

Putting the groceries away, Jennifer stopped and asked, “Do you think she saw you?"

"I'm sure she did. I don't try to hide from her."

"She's probably trying to figure out your next move."

"It'll depend on what she does."

Jennifer folded the sack and stored it away, then joined her husband in the living room. “I can't get Saturday night off my mind."

"Me, neither. I've been thinking about a weapon, other than a gun. I don't want to kill Cindy, unless it's absolutely necessary."

"The same thoughts ran through my mind, but what's the alternative? We're not going to get close enough to use a billy club before she turns the bow on us."

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Jennifer swiveled her chair around until she faced her husband. “What about Brett? Laura told me he was going to carry his gun Saturday night."

Hawkman shook his head, and handed Miss Marple to her. “Wish they'd give this date a second thought."

Taking the cat, she put the animal on her lap, and continued. “I don't think we can change their minds. They're both sick and tired of bending under Cindy's rule."

"I can relate. No one likes to be dictated to or threatened."

"Are you considering the taser?"

He nodded. “Yes. I'll swing into town and pick up some extra cartridges while Cindy's in class. I'll also talk to Brett tomorrow. He won't have time to buy a taser, since they have to do a background check, which would take about twenty-four hours, but I can caution him about using the gun. I'm sure he wouldn't fire it unless absolutely necessary."

"Are you still going to carry your pistol?"

"Yes, and you carry yours. I only have one taser, but you could carry the stun gun. However, I doubt you'll be able to use it, as you have to make contact with the person's body for it to be effective."

"It's a good back up, in case the shock wears off and she tries to pull a stunt before we're ready."

Hawkman rose from the chair. “I think I should call Detective Williams, and give him an update. We may well need him Saturday night."

"It certainly wouldn't hurt to prepare him."

He walked over to the kitchen bar and picked up the phone. “This is such an ugly case."

Hawkman punched on the speaker phone so Jennifer could hear the conversation.

After several rings, the Detective finally answered. “Hello."

"Hey, Williams, did I catch you at a bad time?"

"Yeah, Hawkman, trying to get a few winks."

"Sorry, but since you're awake, I might as well tell you why I'm calling."

"Shoot."

"Remember the case I told you about involving a compound bow?"

"Yeah, we ran some fingerprint tests for you."

"That's the one."

"I've narrowed it down to a mentally disturbed young woman who wants a couple of people eliminated. I suspect she's going to make her move Saturday night and I might need your help."

"You think she'll use the bow?"

"Yes."

"Good Lord, that stinks. Maybe we should arrest her before she does something stupid."

"I'd like to, but I have no evidence. She's been very clever in skirting the law."

"Run by me what made you come to the conclusion it's this woman."

Hawkman gave him the highlights of the case.

"Whew! Yeah, it definitely sounds like you have a sick one on your hands. So what do you want me to do?"

"Nothing, other than be prepared to get a call from Jennifer or me on Saturday night. We might need backup."

"You've got it."

"Thanks, Detective, appreciate it. Now, see if you can get some sleep."

"Right, after that story, I'll have nightmares."

"Glad that's done,” Hawkman said as he hung up. When he returned to his chair, he sat forward with his elbows on his thighs. “I've been thinking about a plan for Saturday night."

"I'm glad you talked with Williams. At least he's aware of this situation possibly coming to a head.” She put Miss Marple on the floor. “Tell me your strategy."

"You know how to use the GPS, right?"

"Yes."

"I want you to take my 4X4 and park on the road going out to the Kings’ ranch. Try to find a place where you're partially hidden. There're several groves of trees along that stretch."

"Okay. So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to take my old pickup and follow Cindy. She won't recognize it, nor me."

Jennifer frowned. “Can you depend on that truck?"

He grinned. “Oh, yeah. I keep the old baby in tiptop shape, just in case I need it. I've taken Pretty Girl out several times to hunt, and it runs like a charm."

"How will I contact you?"

"We'll use our cell phones. I'll give you mine, since it's connected to the handsfree device, and I'll take yours. We'll charge them to the hilt before leaving."

"What if Cindy pulls something tomorrow? How will she know Brett and Laura's date is Saturday night and not Friday?"

"She'll find out one way or the other. I wouldn't put anything past her devious mind."

Jennifer took a deep breath. “Unfortunately, you're right."

Friday morning, Hawkman and Jennifer left the house in their own vehicles and headed for Medford. Jennifer turned off on the road leading to the Kings’ ranch, while Hawkman turned in the opposite direction toward Cindy's residence. He'd decided to make sure the young woman arrived at school, before contacting Brett Gibson. When he made a pass in front of the Browns’ home, he noted the rented car sat in the driveway. He could pretty much bet her red convertible wouldn't be fixed until next week.

Parking about a block away, he waited until she climbed into the gray Camry and backed into the street, before he started his SUV. She didn't acknowledge seeing him as she sped down the street in the opposite direction toward the college. Hawkman kept her in view as he followed the car to the campus parking lot. He decided not to pull in at the moment, and drove into the mall area where he located Jennifer's van. Giving Cindy time to head for class, he drove out of the mall and into the campus lot. He circled the many cars, until he spotted the rented car parked and unoccupied, then he departed. As he drove toward Brett's work place, a shiver ran down his spine while he wondered what would go down tomorrow night.

Hawkman pulled into a slot in front of the business building where Brett worked and sauntered through the swinging doors. The lobby was huge, with leather chairs around oak tables in each corner. Large potted plants sat in between each to give an illusion of privacy. The whole place epitomized professionalism.

A young woman sat at a desk in the middle of the room. She glanced up, then back down, as he approached. He grinned to himself, as he remembered how many times females seemed to be intimidated by his eye-patch.

He touched the brim of his hat as she glanced up. “Excuse me, could you tell me where I can find Brett Gibson's office?"

She pointed toward the opposite wall. “He's with Dobson Associates."

"Thank you."

When he entered, again stark decorative style showed good taste. The receptionist, a woman, a bit older than the one in the lobby, glanced up.

"May I help you, sir?"

"Yes, I'd like to speak to Brett Gibson."

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No, but I think he'll see me. Tell him Tom Casey would like a few minutes of his time."

"Have a seat and I'll check."

She returned within a few seconds and motioned for him to follow. She knocked on a door, then ushered Hawkman inside and left them in privacy.

Brett frowned as he studied Hawkman's face. “Something tells me this isn't a social call."

"No, afraid not. I'm worried about Saturday night. Laura told Jennifer you planned on bringing your gun on the date."