“Yeah, when we have more time, remind me to tell you.”
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CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
Hawkman realized time had slipped by and today, being Friday, it was possible Jeb would be at the cabin finishing up a batch of moonshine. When he arrived home, he told Jennifer about the events of the day, and informed her he was going to the cabin.
“I'll go in the front way, so maybe I'll catch him off guard, and he won't shoot me.
She put a hand on her hip, and looked him in the face. “I'm going with you.”
He frowned. “Honey, it could be dangerous, and he might not even be there.”
Ignoring his comment, she continued, “If he's not there, we'll borrow the Martins’ horses and ride up to their campsite in the morning. Let's go on the four-wheeler tonight. If Jeb's there, seeing me at your back might prevent him from shooting.”
Loudly exhaling, he glared at her. “Guess there's no way of talking you out of your crazy idea.”
She threw back her head in a haughty manner. “Nope. When do you want to leave?”
“Now. Let's get this over with.”
Jennifer strapped on the fanny pack holding her gun, then they went outside and climbed onto the Polaris. When they approached the cabin, Hawkman noted Jeb's horse wasn't there. The two buckets were still by the cabin front door. He jumped off the machine, went to the locked fermenting building and pressed his ear against the wood. The bubbling sounded faint, but he could still hear it. He turned to Jennifer, who'd checked the cabin.
“Anything different?” he asked.
She shook her head. “Nothing in the house.”
“Come here, and tell me what you hear.”
She stepped closer and listened. “It's still fermenting, but it doesn't seem real strong.”
Hawkman hooked his thumbs in the back pockets of his jeans, and looked out over the countryside. “I'm thinking, he'll come tomorrow.”
They walked back to the four-wheeler. “How long does it take to reach the campsite on horseback?” Jennifer asked.
“Hour and a half to two hours. It's a rough ride, mostly uphill.”
“We better get back home so we have time to talk to Carla and Wayne before dark. We'll need a very early start in the morning to catch Jeb before he leaves.”
They left the cabin site, and stopped at the Martins’ house. When they told them of the plan, they both agreed to lend Jasper and Nellie. Wayne took them to the corral, saddled the horses and gave Jennifer a couple of small buckets of grain. He then wished his two friends luck, and went back home.
Jennifer looped the buckets over the handle bars and drove the four-wheeler back to their house. Hawkman rode Jasper and led Nellie by the reins. They tied the horses in the back, as Hawkman had done before, and Jennifer fed them a couple of carrots. He snapped off the small pack under the cantle and brought it inside the house. Doubting he could make contact up in the hills with his cell phone, he still charged it and decided to take it in case of an emergency. He cleaned his gun and shoved extra ammunition into the pack. He prayed they wouldn't come face to face with a cougar or bear. It might take more than a few shots to knock a big animal down. Jennifer also added extras to her fanny pack. They had a light dinner, then went to bed.
Saturday morning, the couple arose before the sun. Hawkman went out and fed the horses the grain Wayne had given them while Jennifer dressed in jeans, boots, sweatshirt and a cowboy hat. After eating breakfast, she made sure they each had a tall bottle of water, and extra carrots to carry for the horses. They were soon ready, went outside, and mounted their steeds. Jennifer stayed abreast of Hawkman until they got into the hills, where she dropped behind him since he knew the way. After an hour in the saddle of hard riding, Jennifer knew she'd be one sore female tomorrow. It had been a long time since she'd been in the saddle too. Fortunately, Nellie was an easy riding horse.
Hawkman turned in his saddle. “Be on the lookout for mountain lions or any other varmints; this is near the area where Jeb killed the one I told you about.” He pointed to the ground ahead of him. “In fact, there's the remains.”
They steered around what the scavengers had left and continued their journey. Suddenly, Hawkman pulled on the reins and stopped Jasper. Jennifer rode up alongside him.
“What's the matter?” she asked.
“Jeb is coming.”
She shaded her eyes with her hand. “Where?”
“He's just disappeared into a gully. You'll see him in a moment.”
“What are we going to do?”
“Confront him.”
“You think he spotted us?”
“Probably. We'll stay put for a few minutes.” Hawkman surveyed the area around him, but saw no signs of Hutchinson. However, he figured the man had good tracking skills and could come upon them swiftly.
Sure enough, out of nowhere, a voice demanded. “Put your hands up and dismount.”
“Do as he says,” Hawkman told Jennifer.
Climbing off their horses, but holding onto the reins, they both hopped to the ground with their hands high in the air.
Jeb stepped out from behind a tree with his shotgun pointed at them. “What the hell are you two doing up in these hills?”
“Looking for you,” Hawkman said. “We've come to give you some news.”
“What kind, good or bad?”
“A little of both.”
“Let's hear it.”
“We'd like to tell Beth, too,” Jennifer said.
“You tell me first, and I'll decide whether she needs to know.”
“Can we lower our arms?” Hawkman asked.
“Yeah, as long as you keep your hands in view.”
Hawkman began telling Jeb that the murderer of Tami Spencer had been arrested. “The man's DNA matched what they found under Tami's fingernails. He's behind bars, so no longer are you and Beth suspected.”
“Who is he; do I know him?”
“This is very hard to tell you. Your father killed Ms. Spencer.”
Jeb stared at Hawkman. “You're telling me the truth aren't you?”
“Yes, your grandfather was admitted to the hospital in bad condition, but he's much better. He asked me to tell you and Beth, to come down out of the hills and move back into the cabin. He will come and see you when he's strong enough.”
Jeb lowered the rifle, and rested the butt on the ground, then rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “You two mount up. Beth needs to hear this from you; she'll never believe me.”
“There are other things we haven't told you yet,” Hawkman said.
“You can tell us at the campsite. No need for you to have to repeat it.”
Jeb gave a whistle and his horse came from behind a cluster of trees to his master. Slipping his rifle into the gun scabbard hanging from the saddle, Jeb got astride his horse, and signaled with a wave of his hand for them to follow.
They climbed the hillside for close to an hour before they came to a clearing where Jennifer spotted Beth and Randy sitting on a blanket in the shade, playing with Marcy. Earl stood against a tree with his gun at his side. He jerked up and grabbed his rifle when Jeb trotted into the campsite with two companions.
Jeb raised a hand as he dismounted, “It's okay Earl, they're bearers of good news.”
Hawkman and Jennifer climbed off their horses and stood with the reins in their hands. Beth rose and walked slowly toward them.
“How did they find us?”
“I don't think it matters now.” Jeb said. “Hear what they have to say.”
“Tie up your horses, and come into our humble home,” she said, pointing to a huge log. “I don't have any refreshments to offer, other than water.”
“We don't need anything; we have our own water, so save yours. Thank you, anyway,” Jennifer said, as she looped Nellie's reins over a low branch and tied them. She fished out a water bottle from the small pack, and strolled to the log where she sat down. H
awkman did the same.
Once everyone had huddled around them, Hawkman told the family what had happened. When he told of the DNA matching Jeb's father, Beth covered her face with her hands. Then when he told about the old man, her face broke into a big grin.
“He's okay?” she asked. “I loved him, but Jacob wouldn't let us see him, once he took him into his home.”
“Obviously, he loves you too, he can hardly wait to visit with your family.”
Hawkman pointed at Jeb. “The message for you from your grandpa is to tear out the still, get rid of it. You're going to be a rancher and raise cattle. He's going to make an honest man out of you.”
A rare smile crept across Jeb's lips. “He actually said that?”
“Yes, and I have no doubt that's what he plans on doing.”
After Hawkman finished with all he had to tell, Beth jumped up and said, “Let's get packed up and go home. The first thing I'm going to do is fix a place for great grandpa to come and live with us when he gets out of the hospital.”
“He'll love that, Beth,” Jennifer said. “Can I help you do something?”
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CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
Hawkman and Jennifer helped the Hutchinsons pack the buckboard. Once they had things all tucked in securely, Jeb hopped up on the driver's seat and took the reins. Earl rode on a horse with his dad's mount in stride; Hawkman and Jennifer brought up the rear. The family started the long journey down the mountain.
The pace proved to be slow and tedious. Several times Jennifer shifted in her saddle, as her legs were aching, along with her butt. Once the idea ran through her mind to get off and walk, but she didn't want to look like a sissy in front of Randy.
They had plenty of daylight ahead, so if all went well, they'd make it to the cabin before dark. Hawkman studied the wagon and it appeared very durable. Jeb handled it with care and avoided going over rocks as he kept a strong rein on the horses so they wouldn't go too fast.
Hawkman had to hand it to the man; keeping the cart under control, took much patience and concentration.
Suddenly, Randy started clapping. “We're almost home, I can see the road.”
When the path leveled, Jeb let the horses have a little of their head, and they notched up their gait as if they knew rest was not far off. They came in on the northwest corner, forded the small stream and soon rolled up to the front of the cabin.
Beth handed Marcy to Randy, then hopped down from the buckboard. She hurried into the cabin and whirled in a circle. “It's so wonderful to be here,” she sang in a loud voice. Then she dashed back outside. “We've got to get unpacked before dark.”
When Hawkman and Jennifer started to dismount, Beth ran to their sides. “No, no. You've done enough. We can do this without help. It won't be hard as we know where everything goes.”
Jeb stepped up behind her. “Tonight is my last night to sell the rotgut. You can tell my grandpa, the still will be gone when he comes to see us.”
Hawkman leaned down and shook Jeb's hand. “I'll tell him.”
They waved goodbye, and took off for home. When they got to the road, Hawkman turned in his saddle toward Jennifer. “Wanna race?”
She looked at him with disgust. “Have you lost your mind. I probably won't be able to walk now. All I'd need is more bouncing on this horse before I'd be crippled for life.”
He threw back his head and laughed.
They took the horses to the Martins’ corral, and brushed them down. Hawkman started looking for the grain when he heard Wayne drive up on his four-wheeler.
“Saw you two go by. Figured you could use some help. How'd it go?” he asked in a good-natured voice.
“I can hardly walk,” Jennifer said. “Other than that, things went great.”
Wayne chuckled and pulled out the grain sack.
“Oh, shoot, we left the buckets at our house. “Hawkman said.
“No problem, got plenty.”
They finished tending to the horses and closed the big gate.
“How about coming down to the house for a drink?” Wayne asked.
“Can we take a raincheck on that?” Jennifer said. “I'm beat.”
“Sure. Why don't you jump on the back of my machine and I'll take you to your front door.”
“I wouldn't think of turning you down,” Jennifer said, laughing, as she climbed on behind him.”
“We'll let the big guy walk,” Wayne said.
“He's had an extra day of practice riding a horse. He can't be as sore as me,” Jennifer said, waving at Hawkman as they drove onto the road.
* * * *
Sunday morning, Jeb arose early and ventured outside. He opened the door to the still and began working on the dismantling. Beth came out, leaving the children inside.
“So how are you going to get rid of this thing?”
“I've already sold it to Moss Atkins, the tavern owner who bought the last of the moonshine. He's offered me enough money to buy a vehicle.”
“When is he picking it up, and what's he going to do with it?” Beth asked.
“He's coming today with a couple of men and a big covered truck to carry it back to town. I didn't ask him what he's going to do with it, and really don't care, as long as it's out of here.”
She walked back toward the cabin, whispering a prayer. “Thank you, grandpa.”
“Send Earl out, I'll need him to help me,” Jeb called, before she got to the door.
Soon, a big truck rolled onto the property, and hauled the copper still away. The whole family stood watching until the large vehicle disappeared.
“Good riddance,” Beth said.
Jeb turned and handed her a roll of money. “Put this in a safe place until I have time to look for a good pickup. Our next project is fixing a place for grandpa.”
They strolled back into the cabin. “We might hold off for a while, until we know if he's capable of taking care of himself,” Beth said. “I thought about putting him in the boys’ room at first. That way he's close to the kitchen where I work most of the time, and I can easily take care of his needs.”
“Where will the boys sleep?” Jeb asked.
“Randy can sleep on the cot where he's slept most of the time while recovering from his wounds. Earl can sleep on the couch until we decide what to do.”
Jeb walked over to the small back door and opened it. He could see Beth's garden and the edge of the stream. He then meandered outside and studied the side wall. “I could build a small covered porch out here, big enough to hold a couple of beds. It wouldn't be fancy, but it'd do the job. I think I'd have enough good lumber from the still buildings.”
“That's a good idea,” Beth said.
While they were outside discussing the room, Randy ran in the house calling for them. Beth poked her head in the door. “What is it, Randy?”
“The Caseys are here.”
Hawkman and Jennifer came in, carrying baked ham, and beans. “Didn't figure you had much in the pantry for dinner tonight,” Jennifer said.
“Oh, thank you,” Beth said, taking the dishes and putting them on the counter. “How are you feeling today? You didn't look too comfortable on that horse yesterday.”
Jennifer laughed. “Very sore.”
Beth pointed out toward the back. “Jeb and I are trying to figure out where to build an extra room for the boys, as I want to give Grandpa their room when he comes.”
Hawkman went out the door and started chatting with Jeb about the structure. The two men soon came back inside. “I've got some lumber and nails at the house you can use. I'd like to help you build this project.”
“I'd appreciate the help,” Jeb said.
On the way back to their house, Jennifer turned toward Hawkman. “I wonder where the still went?”
Hawkman shrugged. “Who cares; it's gone and Jeb's looking forward to his grandfather coming once he's stronger.”
Jennifer bit her lip and glanced at her husband. “Are
you going to pursue the moonshining case against Jeb?”
He raised his brows. “What moonshining? There's no proof of any such thing.” He turned and smiled. “I think their lives might be ready for a big turn around, and I see no reason to interfere with it.”
Jennifer reached over and kissed him on the cheek. “I sure hope so. Do you think the old fellow will have that much influence over Jeb?”
“Yes, I have the impression he has quite a bit of respect for his granddad.”
Hawkman went to the Hutchinsons after work for the following several weeks. He even took Jeb into town and helped him pick out a used truck by a reputable dealer, and got the price down so there was enough money left over to keep Jeb in gas for a few weeks.
Once the new room was completed, the men spent another week making built-in beds for the boys, while Beth hand-sewed small mattresses filled with goose down for each. The impatient boys finally moved in, and loved their new quarters.
Detective Chandler drove out to the Hutchinsons and informed them the hospital had transferred grandpa to a rehabilitation facility for a month of therapy. Jeb and Beth immediately made plans to go visit him the next day in their new pickup.
They stopped by the Casey's that evening and reported they were very pleased with the service where grandpa would be staying for a while. They'd also picked up Mutt from the SPCA.
They had him tied in the bed of the pickup so he wouldn't be thrown out on their way home.
Hawkman reached over and patted the animal. “I had no idea the dog belonged to your grandpa. He looks great; his eyes are bright, shiny coat and I believe he's gained a little weight.”
Jeb nodded and smiled. “They took good care of him. Grandpa had talked to them over the phone. They updated his shots, dewormed him and said he's in good health now. He's a great animal. Grandpa's eager to see him again. He calls himself and his dog, ‘the survivors'.”
“Have the kids ever met Mutt?” Hawkman asked.
“They saw him once, about three years ago. Grandpa had just gotten him, and he was only a pup.”
Mutt let out a happy bark, and both men laughed.
Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] Page 24