“I'm not much of a cat person, but I must say she's a fine looking specimen."
“She's from the ‘Ragdoll’ breed. Supposedly very gentle and cuddly."
“How'd you come up with the name, Miss Marple? Isn't that the handle of one of Agatha Christie's characters?"
Hawkman intervened. “Jennifer's a mystery writer. So the name fits."
“Ah, ha,” Ray laughed. “That explains it. So you're a writer?"
She blushed. “I love writing suspenseful novels and work very hard at it."
“I'd like to purchase one of your books before I leave. I've always enjoyed a good brain teaser."
“Sure. I'll give you a run down on them later. Right now, I'm sure you have more on your mind than reading."
Ray turned toward Hawkman. “Yes, but before we get into any serious discussion about my father, I'd like to know what to call you. I knew you as Jim years ago, but since then your name has been changed to Tom Casey, yet I heard your wife call you Hawkman. So needless to say, I'm a bit confused."
“Call me Tom. Hawkman is a nickname bestowed upon me by the Copco Lake residents."
“How'd that come about?"
Hawkman pointed out the picture window toward the aviary. “I guess because I've always had a falcon, except for a short period of time after my original pet passed away of old age."
“He's also saved many birds from dying by taking them in and healing their injuries.” Jennifer said. “And most were hawks; therefore, the name, Hawkman."
“I hate to be personal, but when you left the Agency, rumor had it you'd received an eye injury while searching for the murderers of your first wife. I'm assuming the eye-patch is the result. Are you blind in that eye?"
“No, just very sensitive to light. Maybe one of these days the doctors will figure out a way to fix it."
Ray stood, and moved toward the window to take a closer look at the falcon. When he inched toward Miss Marple, she scooted around to the side of the chair and watched him with interest.
Jennifer picked her up. “Looks like our little pet is a bit shy."
Ray waved her off. “I'm a stranger in her domain. She hasn't had a chance to warm up to me. Just give her time. We'll probably be the best of friends before I leave."
* * *
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Hawkman took his guest out on the deck and introduced him to Pretty Girl. He told Ray how he'd discovered his dad had sneaked upon his porch at night and used the outside electric plug to charge his cell phone. “He doesn't know I've spotted him."
Ray glanced down at the outlet and shook his head. “It's hard to believe Dad would stoop so low."
“I've got a plan to catch him, but I might have second thoughts.” Hawkman explained what he'd rigged up across the porch steps.
“It seems rather humiliating. Don't you think?"
“If it makes you uncomfortable, I won't proceed."
“Thanks. If I can't talk him out of pulling his stunts, then I won't care what you do after I leave."
“Fair enough.” Hawkman motioned to the chairs on the deck. “Want to stay out here for a little while?"
“Yes,” Ray said, sitting down. “What a beautiful view of the lake."
“We really enjoy it. Very relaxing."
“How far is my Dad camped from here?"
Hawkman pointed up the road toward Topsy Grade. “A couple or so miles. There are ruins of an old hotel and spa. Behind them, in a wooded area, are several workmen's shanties that have survived years of weathering. He's settled in one of those."
“Maybe we should go up there tonight, since I only have a couple of days before I have to get back to work."
“If you feel up to it after the long flight. We can go right now."
Ray rubbed a hand across his forehead. “I don't look forward to this encounter. But I might as well get it over with as soon as possible."
Hawkman stood. “You'll probably want to change out of your good clothes. It's pretty rugged country. I'm sure my 4X4 can make it to his front door. If not, we'll have to walk a short distance."
Ray looked out over the lake, his arms resting on his thighs. “I've been thinking about this. Maybe I should go in alone. Drop me off far enough away from the place so Dad can't see your vehicle and I'll hike in. We'll set a time for you to pick me up."
Hawkman studied the man's posture. “Are you sure you want to handle it this way? Your dad's mind is not stable. He's liable to shoot you."
“I doubt it, since I'm the reason for this whole mess."
“The only problem is, I won't know if Jack's there when I drop you off, since you can't see the shack from the road."
“Drive by about thirty minutes from the time you let me out. I'll be back at the road if he's not there."
Ray rose from his chair and turned to go into the house. “I'll go change and we'll get on our way."
When Ray stepped inside, Miss Marple scampered off Jennifer's lap and hid behind the chair. Hawkman figured since Ray was a stranger and had a lumbering gait, she'd really gotten spooked.
Jennifer closed her magazine and placed it on the coffee table. “So what are the plans?"
Hawkman sat down on the couch opposite her. “I'm taking him to his dad's campsite. But I'm not going in with him."
She frowned. “Couldn't it be dangerous?"
“He doesn't seem to think so."
She shook her head. “I don't like the sound of it."
“Me, either, but he's calling the shots."
“If he had to get out in a hurry, he'd have a difficult time,” she whispered, glancing toward the guest room.
“I agree,” he said in a low voice. He reached down and stroked Miss Marple's head while she rubbed against his cowboy boots.
Ray Skokie limped into the room, clad in camouflage pants, shirt and combat boots. “Hope my attire will do the trick."
Miss Marple slithered behind the chair, leaving Hawkman's hand suspended in air.
Hawkman rose. “It should do fine,” he said, studying the man's garb and figuring there were several weapons hidden underneath. “You got a flashlight hidden in those pockets?"
Skokie snapped his fingers. “Dang, the one thing I forgot."
Hawkman crossed over to the coat closet. “It's going to be dark soon, and if there's any clouds obscuring the moon, that area will get so black you can't see your hand in front of your face.” He handed him a powerful Dorcy.
“Good idea. Thanks."
The two men left the house and climbed into the SUV. When they reached the area, Hawkman turned off the road and pointed toward the grove of trees. “Can you see what looks like an old road?"
“Yes."
“Follow it into the forest. About twenty to thirty yards off to your right, you'll see a structure resembling a large outhouse. That's where your dad has set up housekeeping. If he's there, an old red Willys Jeep should be parked nearby.
“Got it. Give me a few minutes to get into the area. If he's not there, I'll be back at this spot within thirty minutes. If I'm not here, give me at least an hour and a half before getting worried. It might take me awhile to get him to talk."
* * * *
Jack Hargrove sat on the boulder he'd used the day before, and found it afforded an excellent view of Casey's house. His binoculars were focused on Hawkman's SUV as it came across the bridge, and pulled into the driveway. Jack yanked the glasses away from his face as the sun hit the windshield causing a flash of light to hit him in the eyes. By the time he placed them back to view the scene, a man had climbed out of the passenger side. Jack jerked to his feet. “What the hell's Ray doing here? Damn Casey or Hawk Man, whatever he calls himself, has obviously tracked me down and notified my son."
Grumbling, he picked up his backpack, threw the strap over his shoulder and took out in a run across the field. Once he reached his little home, he immediately, packed up his belongings. When he opened the back door of the jeep, he stopped abruptly.
“Something doesn't look right,” he grumbled. “Why's there so much room?"
It appeared someone had moved stuff to the sides. He quickly took an inventory and found nothing missing. “Must have jiggled around when I drove out of here the other night,” he mumbled, stuffing his bedroll inside. “I can't worry about it now, I don't have time. They could come bursting in here any minute. I gotta get going.” He poured the last of the gasoline into the tank and strapped the empty container to the back.
He then loaded the rest of the items from the hut, hopped in the jeep, twisted the key in the ignition, and smiled when the engine turned over. “It hums like a baby. I definitely picked the right vehicle,” he muttered.
Turning the jeep around, he headed out of the cover of the forest and onto the road. He turned east toward Topsy Grade and the Oregon border.
* * * *
Ray took a deep breath when he reached the edge of the trees, then plunged into the shadowed area. When he reached the small shack, he could see fresh tracks and oil drips where a vehicle had parked. The door of the hut stood open and he peeked inside. He directed the beam of the flashlight around the one room shanty. A potty bucket stood in one corner, but nothing else gave any indication anyone had lived there. But when he stepped inside, he could smell kerosene and noticed a couple of crackers on the floor. The place had been recently vacated; no animal would have left those tidbits there for long. He slapped a hand against his thigh, walked out and headed back toward the open field.
The sun had set, and a few wispy clouds floated across the sky. He felt disappointed he'd missed his Dad and it might be his last chance. Unless they could figure out where he might have gone. Ray reached the road just as Hawkman's SUV pulled into the opening. He climbed into the passenger side.
“He's moved out."
“Are you sure you found the right place?” Hawkman asked, in disbelief.
“Yes. It'd been stripped. There were fresh oil spots where I'm assuming he parked the jeep, and tire marks where he'd turned around. I could smell kerosene inside the little shack and there were remnants of food on the floor. I'd say from the looks of things, he's only been gone two, maybe three hours."
Hawkman looked pensive. “I bet I know what caused him to flee."
“Give me a clue."
“He's been spying on our house from a hidden vantage point. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if he didn't spot you when we came in from the airport. The timing sounds about right."
“Do you think we can find him?"
“We can try. I'd have spotted the Willys if he passed the lake, so I don't think he went west. He's probably headed toward the Oregon border, and might use some back roads especially to camp at night. He won't stray far from the jeep, but he'll keep the vehicle hidden from view because it's stolen."
“Wonder how much fuel he's got?"
“Good question. It wouldn't be hard for him to steal a gallon here and there, as there are all kinds of vehicles around these ranches, along with storage tanks. That's probably what he figures on doing."
“Is there a campground nearby?” Ray asked.
“Access six. It's before you get to Topsy Grade. It has tables, benches and a place to build a fire. I doubt he'd stay there, he doesn't want to be seen. And since fire season's started, you can't build a fire."
Ray guffawed. “You think that'll stop my Dad?"
Hawkman shrugged. “You got a point."
“I'd like to start looking for him tonight. Maybe we can spot his campfire."
“Okay, but let's head back to the house, and I'll pick up my gear and change boots. We better pack some food, as this could take awhile."
* * *
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Hawkman hurried back to the bedroom to change into his hiking boots. Jennifer followed and softly pushed the door shut. He explained to her about Jack's disappearance. “We're going to scout the area and see if we can find him."
“Do you want me to drop you off?” she asked.
“No, we'll just take my vehicle."
She lowered her voice. “Do you think Ray can hike through that rough terrain without running into a problem?"
“I doubt he'll have any trouble. You were right; he seems very strong."
“Be sure and carry the walkie-talkie in case something happens. I contacted Peggy and told her Ray had arrived; she's very wary about the whole situation."
“I can understand her concern.” Going into his closet, he pulled out the backpack he'd carried the night he searched for Jack. Thankful he'd left everything intact, he placed it on the bed.
Jennifer moved to the door. She turned with her hand on the knob. “You want me to make you guys some sandwiches?"
“That'd be great."
Hawkman rummaged through his possessions until he found another pack, brought it into the living room and dropped it on the couch next to Ray. “I'll get you a bedroll, and Jennifer's going to fix us some food to carry with us."
“This is great, thanks.” He picked it up and adjusted the straps so it slipped easily over his broad shoulders.
Hawkman disappeared into his office and found Miss Marple rolled into a ball on his swivel chair. “What the heck are you doing in here?” he asked, as he searched the shelves in the closet. Finding the rolled blanket, he left the cat undisturbed.
Handing the bedding to Skokie, he moved into the kitchen and helped Jennifer with the food. “Thanks, hon. Appreciate your doing this.” He stuffed the last sandwich into a paper sack and patted her on the shoulder. He leaned toward her ear and whispered, “Oh, by the way, Miss Marple's in my office. I don't think we have a very social pet."
She grinned. “I'm afraid I agree.” Jennifer stuck a couple of bottled waters and an apple into each of their knapsacks. “That should be enough food to carry you guys until tomorrow."
She touched Ray's arm. “I hope your dad will listen."
He nodded. “Thanks. Me, too."
Hawkman glanced at Skokie. “Where's the flashlight I gave you?"
“I left it in your vehicle."
“Be sure and stick it into your pack. I'll grab another one."
The two men climbed into the 4X4, and headed east on Ager Beswick Rd. In the dim light of the evening, Hawkman drove cautiously, watching for deer and any signs of a red Willys Jeep.
Glancing at Ray's feet, Hawkman noticed one seemed larger than the other, “Are you able to walk any distance?"
“Absolutely. I stay in good shape. Even though I have a bad limp, my legs are stronger than they look."
“Excellent.” Hawkman said. “As soon as we reach the Oregon border, I'd like to park this vehicle and hike the rest of the way. Jack might spot the headlights and flee even farther."
When they reached access six, Hawkman pulled into the campsite. “I doubt we'll find your dad here, but we can take a look, just in case."
A couple of young men were roasting hot dogs over a small camp stove. Hawkman poked his head out the window. “Hi, having a good time?"
They nodded, their mouths full.
“Have you by any chance seen a red Willys jeep in the area? We've lost our camping buddies and can't figure out where they went."
“No, sorry, can't help you."
“Thanks."
Hawkman turned the SUV around and they continued their journey toward the Oregon border. Soon after they hit Topsy Grade and started downhill, he turned off on a side road which looked more like a cattle trail. “If my memory serves me right, there's a small grove of good sized trees up the way. I think I can conceal the 4X4 in the midst of them."
“Man, it would take me forever to learn this area. Where does this path lead?"
“Years ago it used to be a lumber road. Big logs were taken to the river and floated downstream to a saw mill which later burned down."
He soon spotted the cluster of oaks. As he eased deep into their midst, a few branches rubbed the top of the SUV. Glancing into his rearview mirror he could tell the vehicle would pret
ty much be hidden from view. “Okay, that should do it,” he said, as he opened the door and dropped his feet to the ground.
Both men readjusted their packs and Hawkman slid the stun gun into a zippered pocket in his jacket. He checked his shoulder holster, and released the flap over the gun. By the time they started hiking down the hill into the dense trees, darkness had set in. With a clear sky above, the moon cast strange shadows across the ground as a slight breeze rustled through the trees.
“I'm hoping your dad has a small fire going. It would definitely help us spot him,” Hawkman said in a low voice.
“Are we heading for any particular destination?"
“Yes. I'm pretty familiar with this area. My son and I used to hike it a lot. There are several old logging roads that dead end before reaching the river and are seldom used. I'm thinking your dad might find those very enticing and head down one. So I thought we'd stay north of the road going into Oregon. I could be all wrong, but it's worth a first try. If we don't find him, we'll opt for going back up the south side."
“Sounds like a good plan. I'm glad you know where you're going."
Hawkman chuckled. “I didn't learn overnight."
The men continued in silence, their gazes searching the landscape for any sort of glow which might indicate a campfire. They trudged onward for another hour before Hawkman stopped near the edge of some trees and plopped down on a large boulder. “I think it's time for a rest and a bite to eat."
“I'm with you there."
They ate a sandwich, and washed it down with water. Hawkman then pulled out his night binoculars and put them to his eyes. He scanned the area for several minutes, then focused on a darkened unleveled stretch of land. He couldn't make out if the uneven lines were buildings or shadows. He handed the binoculars to Skokie and pointed. “Take a look and tell me what you see."
Ray looked through the glasses and studied the terrain where Hawkman indicated. “Hmm, hard to say. It could be some type of structure. Yet on the other hand, it might be no more than a sunken area surrounded by a bunch of bushes."
“I say we go canvass the place and find out."
He handed the binoculars back to Hawkman. “Definitely looks like a good place to hide."
In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] Page 12