“Oh, yeah, why are they watching him?"
“I didn't get the whole picture, but got the feeling Ray's had a couple of assignments go bad in the past year. I'm going to talk with his manager again and find out more of the story. It might give us a clue on Ray's change of character."
“Also find out how long he's on vacation. I have a strange feeling he's not coming back."
“Sure you don't want me to send some men out there? Sounds like you're the center of attention."
“No, I don't think it's necessary. I have a couple of pretty sharp police officers working with me, and they know the region."
“Okay, I'll get back to you on this thing with Ray. Sounds like we'll be hunting for a new organizer."
“Yep, cause I have a feeling this guy's through with the Agency."
He hung up and when Jennifer entered the room carrying Miss Marple, he pointed at the cat. “That little animal can be a real pest."
She waved him off. “Don't forget, even though she's big, she's still just a kitten."
“You've got to teach her some manners. When I'm on the phone with business, I don't want to be distracted."
She raised her brows. “I see. How do I do that? I don't think she understands the word, ‘business'."
He picked up the newspaper and hid his grin behind the pages.
Several uneventful days passed, then one evening Hawkman came in from outside and closed the drapes. Jennifer glanced up from her computer, fear in her eyes. “What's happened?"
“Ken dropped by to tell me a report had come in from Lawbacker's ranch hand. One of their pickups is missing. Appears Jack and Ray have returned."
Her shoulders slumped. “I prayed they'd just keep on hiking and disappear. Or maybe a mountain lion would eat them."
“I don't know how they'd expect us to drop our guard when they come back into this territory and steal a truck."
“They probably figured if they hiked far enough, they'd find a vehicle no one would miss for awhile."
“Appears they discovered it's pretty desolate out there, with just a few homes scattered among the hills. I imagine they scouted out a vehicle before they left, just in case nothing showed up on their trek. They're planners. And what worries me now, is wondering what they've got in store for me."
“Did Ken give you a description?"
“Yeah. A green pickup with a small camper shell."
Jennifer stood and put a hand on her hip. “How in the heck do they figure to hide it?"
He plopped down on one of the bar stools. “I have an idea they won't be driving it much, only out of necessity. They'll park it in a secluded place and use it as their base camp."
She walked around the bar and sat down facing him. “Okay, so what are they going to do about food? You know they're bound to have used up what they stole from Sue."
Hawkman chuckled. “I forgot to tell you. Apparently, they did their job during the day while Karen was at work and Hank out in the field with the dog. They picked the lock on the back door, stole most of the food out of the pantry and stripped the refrigerator of its contents. Even though Ray and Jack are both crack shots, and there are plenty of deer, rabbit, squirrel and birds in the fields, I guess they wanted the easy way out.” He raised a finger in the air. “Oh, yes, and Ken said they also stole a camp stove off the back porch. Jack and Ray now have all the accommodations of home. At least they won't set off a forest fire with abandoned embers."
Jennifer raised her hands in the air. “I can't believe these men are so bound and determined to make our life miserable."
* * *
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Jack drove up the steep hill and chugged over the crest. “Damn, I think we picked the wrong vehicle. This thing has about as much get-up-and-go as a ninety year old grandma."
Ray leaned his elbow out the window and hung on as they bounced across the barren terrain. “I agree, but at least we'll have a place to sleep other than the hard ground. Let's hope the stove works."
“There's a nice grove of trees,” Jack said pointing. “It would hide the truck from anyone in the air and the creek is only a few yards away."
“Go for it."
Jack guided the truck around an upsurge of rock and avoided a good size drop-off as he wound his way down the hill. “I want to look it over first and make sure we don't end up camping under a hornets’ nest or over some varmint's home.” He threw the truck into park and jumped out. After surveying the inner parts of the trees, moving some fallen limbs, and kicking away some large rocks, he backed the pickup into the shadowed area. Making sure the vehicle was completely out of view, he killed the engine and removed the key. Chuckling he tossed up the ring and caught it. “Funny how people around here feel so secure, that they leave the key in the ignition."
Ray pushed open the door. “Nobody would want this pile of junk anyway. You could leave it on the streets of a busy city with the motor running and no one would take it."
They both laughed as they hopped out of the cab.
Jack walked to the rear of the truck, dropped the tail gate and opened the back door of the camper shell, then climbed inside. He slid open the small windows and closed the screen part. “This will keep out the mosquitoes, but let in some air.” He groped through the sacks of food they'd stolen. “Got a few items in here that should be kept cool. What made you take a jar of mayonnaise?"
Ray peered at him through the opening. “Got tired of dry sandwiches."
“Okay, before I implement my idea for keeping this stuff cold, let's fix us a bite out of this partial package of baloney."
The men sat on a big boulder near the stream and ate.
“Now, that was a feast,” Ray said, rubbing his stomach.
Jack stood and stretched his arms above his head. “I think I've got an idea that will keep this stuff from spoiling. And also keep the bears from tearing up our sleeping quarters."
“Yeah?"
Ray followed his dad back to the camper and watched him pull the sheet off the small mattress. “We don't need this with our sleeping bags.” He tore it in half, tied it into a satchel shaped holder, then dropped in the jars and a couple of wiener packages. He grabbed a small piece of rope lying on the floor, slung it over his shoulder, and headed toward the creek with Ray at his heels. “The water in the stream is down right cold. If I can find a good place to anchor this, it will keep everything nice and cool."
“Great idea."
They soon had the bundle submerged, tied to a big log and the top weighted down with a large rock. Jack stood, and dried his hands on his jeans. “Should do the trick. Now, let's see if that little stove works; otherwise, we'll have to gather some kindling."
Ray eyed his dad. “You act like you're enjoying all this camping. When are we going to talk about getting rid of Tom Casey?"
Jack strolled toward the pickup. “As soon as we have everything set up. We're only a couple of miles, as the crow flies, from his house. We've postponed it this long; a few more days isn't going to matter."
He removed the small stove and set it on the fender of the truck. “This is one neat little unit. It's for backpacking and can even be run on unleaded gas. Sure glad I nabbed a pan out of the woman's cabinet. If this works it will insure us a nice cup of coffee for breakfast.” He fiddled with the controls for a moment, struck a match and had the flare of a nice flame. Smiling, he turned it off, let it cool a few minutes, then returned it to the protection of the truck.
“Okay, Dad, you've got the campsite under control. So what's our next move?"
Jack sat down on a boulder opposite his son and gazed into his face. “You know you've probably lost your job by pairing up with me."
Ray nodded. “I'm sure Casey has already alerted my superiors."
“So do you plan on running the rest of your life?"
“This is the most excitement I've had in ten years. If we get out of here alive, I've got plans to leave the country. You're welcome to come along."
<
br /> Jack sighed. “Why don't you take the truck and escape now. You're still young and have plenty of years ahead. You've done nothing to cause any problems yet, so you might even be able to get your job back. But if you kill or try to eliminate Casey, you'll be put into prison. Then your life's over."
“What about you?"
“I'm already in deep trouble. It's not going to matter what I do now. If I'm caught, I'll be put behind bars and left to rot, regardless."
“Well, I'm not leaving. You're not able to fight this guy alone. It'll take both of us to get him. And nothing will give me more pleasure than to see him squirming on the ground with my bullets in his gut. In fact, it would give me even more joy to hurt him just enough, so he'd suffer for the rest of his life."
In the shrinking light, Jack studied his son's expression. “You really mean it, don't you?"
“I've dreamed about it for years."
“It's strange, I never saw the sign of revenge in you, until now."
“I never wanted you to, but I dropped little hints for several years, because I knew I'd need your help."
“Then we better decide how we're going to do this deed, cause it ain't gonna be easy. And you're the organizer, so I'm going to leave the rest up to you."
Jack pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket. “This is of no use anymore. The battery's dead and I don't have a way of charging it. Too risky to use Casey's place, or for that matter, any home. I'm sure the people of the community have been warned about us by now. So harassment by phone is out. In fact, we're going to have to be careful, as people will be on the lookout for two shaggy looking mountain men. We'll have to keep to the back country."
Ray ran a hand over his chin. “Yeah, we must be pretty pathetic. You really look bad, like a weird monster with those green eyes of yours. They stand out like they're perched on a stick."
“I've got a couple of weeks’ growth on you,” Jack said, chuckling.
“A plan has been forming in my mind while we were camping in the hills. Let me lay it out and see what you think."
Jack placed his cell back in his pocket and sat down on the rock next to his son. Ray picked up a stick and began to draw a picture in the dirt.
“Here's what I've been thinking."
* * * *
Hawkman watched Jennifer pace the floor. “Honey, sit down. You're making me crazy."
She flopped on the couch, her hands clenched into fists. “We need to find those two men and have them arrested."
He leaned forward. “Think about it. They haven't done anything but harass us, and that's not enough to warrant a sheriff, police force or a helicopter searching the hills."
“One of them shot at me."
“Can't prove it."
“What about all the threatening calls we've recorded?"
“Those will help in a court of law, but not in apprehending them."
“What about the rock through the window?"
“Have no idea who did it."
“How about the stolen pickup from the ranch, the jeep and running Rita off the road?"
“The reports have been made and all officers are on the lookout. The Willys has been found in good condition. No reports as of yet, on who took it. Even if they have Jack's fingerprints, no one knows where he is."
She threw up her hands in disgust. “What has to happen? One of us get killed?"
He nodded. “Yep."
“Wonderful!” She jumped up, went over to the sliding glass door and opened the drapes. Then yanked the cord on the ones over the large window exposing the living room.
Hawkman hurried behind her and closed them. “What the hell are you doing?"
Putting her hands to her face, she let out a sob. “I can't stand being a prisoner in my own home."
He took her into his arms. “Honey, this isn't going to last forever. They're going to make a mistake and then we've got them. But let's not risk our lives and be a sitting target."
She pointed toward the window. “Ray knows we sit right there, so we can look out over the lake. All he has to do is aim with a high powered rifle and he could pretty well pick us off even with the drapes closed."
Hawkman gazed at the chairs. “You're right. So until this is over, we'll refrain from using our favorite seats and sit on the couch or hearth instead.” Then he pointed at the computer center. “Let's change your room around. Ray would have noticed it, too."
Together they switched the furniture so Jennifer's back wouldn't be toward the east window, but face north toward the kitchen. Hawkman stepped into the living room and eyed the set up. “Hey, you might even like it better this way. Now you'll have a view of the bridge and the lake."
She put a finger to her lips. “You might be right. At least I won't be in the line of fire through the dining room window."
“Exactly. If you don't like it this way, we can move the furniture back later."
Miss Marple moved into the room and immediately jumped up on Jennifer's chair. She sat up on her haunches and began cleaning her paws. Jennifer stared at her suspiciously. “What's she been into?” She leaned over and gave her a whiff. “I can smell something.” Dashing into her bathroom, she discovered the small can of baby powder she used to dust the inside of her shoes, had been bounced all over the bathroom floor. She'd obviously left it open on the counter top, and Miss Marple had a lot of fun rolling it all over the floor, making one big mess. “This cat is going to be the death of me before any gunman is,” she mumbled picking up the container, closing the lid, and placing it in the cabinet.
Hawkman walked up behind her as she collected the throw rugs. “This cat has a white dust all over her. Whatever it is smells good."
“Yes, I know. She's had a wonderful time with my talcum."
“Think it will hurt her?"
“I doubt it. After I shake and vacuum these rugs, I'll give her a good brushing.” She pushed past him with her arms loaded.
“Go out the front,” he called.
In her frustration, she grabbed the door handle and opened the door. The alarm siren built to a loud volume before she could drop the load on the steps and dash back inside to turn it off. She grabbed the rugs and shook them with vigor, grumbling under her breath. “Damn cat, damn alarm, damn Ray and Jack."
* * * *
Jack and Ray lifted their heads as the piercing sound echoed over the hills.
“You hear that? I hope it's not a siren warning there's a forest fire nearby.” Jack stood and sniffed the air. You smell smoke?"
Ray inhaled. “Nope. But I sure as hell wouldn't want to be caught in this place with an inferno licking at my heels. I wouldn't know which way to run to get out of here."
“We'll keep a vigilance for the next couple of hours. Hopefully, it's just an emergency on the lake."
* * *
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Jennifer bent over to pick up one of the rugs from the ground, when the crunch of tires on the gravel driveway made her glance up.
Peggy, holstering her gun, leaped out of the Chevy Tahoe. “Is there a problem?"
Waving her hand, Jennifer looked at her with disgust. “Stupid me ran out the front door without switching off the alarm."
Hawkman stood in the doorway, grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Miss Marple is going to kill off my wife before she gets old."
Putting a hand to her mouth, Peggy stifled a laugh. “What'd she do this time?"
“Come on in and I'll tell you."
Jennifer dropped the rugs on the kitchen floor. Miss Marple strolled over, sniffed them, and sneezed.
“Serves you right, you curious little outfit.” She then turned to Peggy and related the story. “I've got to get in there with the vacuum before I can put the rugs down. She really made a mess. Powder all over the place."
“I won't keep you. When I heard the alarm, I dashed right over. Must say I'm relieved to find out there's nothing to worry about."
“I feel so bad you have to jump every time something cr
azy happens."
Peggy reached over and patted her on the shoulder. “It's my job and I love it. So don't you fret."
Jennifer gave a feeble smile and walked her to the door. “Thanks."
Back inside, she pulled the vacuum and attachments from the closet, then proceeded to clean up the white mess. When she'd finished, she studied the soft brush and bit her lip thoughtfully.
“Hawkman, bring Miss Marple in here, please."
He came in with the cat draped over his arm. When Jennifer raised the brush toward the animal, he stepped back and put up his free hand. “Oh, no, you don't. Not with me holding her. The minute you turn that loud machine on, this cat will go over my head with her claws extended. I don't need more stitches."
“She's been around when I've vacuumed and it doesn't seem to bother her."
He pointed to the brush. “Have you ever used it on her?"
Jennifer scrunched up her nose. “Well, no. But it would sure get the powder off."
He put the cat on the bed and took the hose. “Turn it on and let me clean off my shirt.” Then he handed the nozzle back . “Okay, try it on the kitten."
She advanced slowly toward the feline. Miss Marple swatted playfully at the brush as Jennifer ran it gently over her fur."
Hawkman watched for a moment. “That's the weirdest animal I've ever seen.” Shaking his head, he left the room, and headed back to his chair, then gave it a second thought and moved to the hearth.
Soon, Miss Marple romped into the living room with her tail held high, as if she were queen for the day. She sidled up to him, purring as she rubbed against his boot.
“Are you trying to tell me you're all nice and clean now?"
She stared up at him with big blue eyes and licked her mouth, as if to say, ‘that's right'.
Jennifer entered and headed for her chair. Hawkman snapped his fingers. “Don't sit in front of the window."
She rolled her eyes. “I forgot.” And flopped down on the couch.
He pointed to Miss Marple. “Your pet wants attention."
“Well, give her some. She's had enough from me."
In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] Page 17