Jack let out a sigh. “Don't you think you've done enough? Let's just get out of here while we can. Before we end up in a casket."
Ray set his breakfast on the rock and stared at Jack. “Look, Dad, if you don't want to stick with me on this, go ahead and take off. But I'm staying. I'm going to kill Tom Casey."
Silently, Jack walked down to the creek, rinsed out his bowl, and checked the items he'd placed in the cloth sack to stay cool. “We've got enough food to last a few more days. Guess I'm staying."
Sidling in next to his dad, Ray gave him a slap on the back. “Great, because I need your help."
* * * *
Ken Bronson pulled his Tahoe into Hawkman's driveway and jumped out.
Hawkman met him at the door. “Come on in. Doesn't look like you slept much either."
“Not with this job.” Ken stepped into the living room and glanced around the walls. “How much got destroyed?"
“Quite a bit. The whole back side of the house is going to have to be rebuilt and I'm sure there's some furniture we're going to have to replace, unless we can get the stench out."
Jennifer walked through carrying a load of washing. “Hi, Ken."
“I'm really sorry so much damage occurred. At least, you two are safe."
She stopped at the door of the laundry room. “Pretty Girl, and Miss Marple are missing. We're hoping they're both alive."
“If you haven't found their carcasses, they're probably just hiding. Fire really scares animals."
“We're keeping our fingers crossed they'll show up."
Ken nodded and directed his attention to Hawkman. “I'm here to tell you there were no fingerprints on the bottle the firemen discovered, which is par for the course when a fire is involved, but it definitely contained a Molotov Cocktail. Remnants of gasoline and sugar were found on the inside, plus threads of burnt cloth. We also had a report of a stolen ski boat, but found it at the number one fishing access. No damage and also no fingerprints. Our guys must have worn gloves."
“Doesn't surprise me. And to think I saw that boat going down river in the middle of the night.” He poked a thumb into his chest. “And dummy here went back to bed, thinking they were some crazy men cat fishing."
“Hey, you had no way of knowing their plans. But now we're getting more than one police force interested in this case. It's developed into arson and attempted murder. Detective Williams from Medford told us if we need more manpower we can call on his group. I'm going to check on getting a helicopter to help with the search."
“Good. I think we better start moving in on them, before they end up killing someone."
Ken shifted his stance. “I just hope they haven't had time to get away completely."
Hawkman waggled a hand in the air. “They're not going anywhere. They haven't taken care of me yet, and that's their objective."
Moving toward the door, Ken held out his hand. “Sure glad you and Jennifer are okay. I'll get back to you as soon as we've organized the search. I expect we'll be ready to go tomorrow morning."
Hawkman walked him outside. “Be sure and let me know what time. I want to be there."
“Will do,” Ken said, waving as he climbed into his vehicle.
Going back into the house, Hawkman heard Jennifer crooning in the other room. He meandered back and found her sitting on the end of the guest room bed holding a wiggly ball of fur. She glanced up with a big smile. “Look who I found."
* * *
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Hawkman sat beside Jennifer and ran a finger down Miss Marple's paw. “Hey, little girl, you gave us quite a scare. You doing okay?” He glanced at Jennifer. “Where the heck did she hide? I thought we'd searched in here."
“We did,” Jennifer said, rubbing the cat's head. “While checking in here to see how bad the smoke had affected this room, I heard a noise under the bed. I pulled out a box where I'd stored some of Sam's stuff. It didn't have a lid, and I found her curled up under one of the tee shirts with just her nose sticking out."
“I'm surprised she didn't come out sooner, just to investigate."
Jennifer shrugged. “Who knows? She probably felt safe cuddled up in those clothes. But she smells awful. I think she's going to experience her first bath real soon."
Hawkman reared back, and extended both arms, palms forward. “Don't count me in on that duty. Cat's don't like water."
“It won't be for a few days as I'm sure she's hungry, thirsty and still a little scared. I want her to adjust and realize she's safe before I even think about it."
“Good idea. No need to give her another shock."
Jennifer pointed toward the front door. “Did I hear Ken's voice a while ago?"
“Yes.” He told her about their conversation. “Tomorrow, if everything goes as planned, I'll be off in the hills with the search party."
“I hope you find those two and they give up without a fight."
“I'll worry about it tomorrow.” He put a hand on her shoulder. “With the electricity out, I've placed the two burner camp stove on the kitchen counter. At least we can make a cup of coffee or warm up food. Also, we have a couple of those battery operated lanterns. I found one, but can't find the mate."
“It's on the shelf in my closet."
“I'll get it and we'll have those handy for tonight. Of course, the alarm isn't working, so we'll need to be vigilant. It wouldn't surprise me for Jack and Ray to make a trip to their lookout and find out we're still alive and kicking."
Jennifer stood with Miss Marple cradled in her arms. “Tonight we'll take turns sleeping. I want you to get plenty of rest before you take off with a search team."
“Tomorrow there should be several workman around, as I talked with a contractor and Pacific Power. They'll be here in the morning and probably stay most of the day. I can't see any problems developing with so many people milling around the house. You just make sure you stay in the midst of them, especially while outside. Don't let yourself be a target."
“Don't worry, I learned my lesson."
He pointed at the cat. “You're going to have to shut her in the bathroom if you're busy doing something. There are too many open spots where she could get out.” He chuckled. “You might even give her your can of baby powder to play with, she'd smell a heck of a lot better than she does now."
Jennifer grinned. “Stop it. I'm not so sure such a fine dust is good for her to breathe."
Hawkman left the room and retrieved the other lantern. He checked the batteries, then placed it on the kitchen counter beside the camp stove, along with a couple of flashlights. Assured all the items were working properly, he went outside.
Jennifer refreshed Miss Marple's bed, food and water. She examined the cat's toys and decided once the electricity was on, she'd run them through the air cycle of the dryer to see if that wouldn't help get rid of the smoky odor.
She took the worst smelling ones to the laundry room and dropped them in the basket when she heard Hawkman's whistle. Hurrying to the dining room window, she hoped he'd spotted Pretty Girl. But to her disappointment, he stood in the center of the side yard, his fists on his hips, turning around in a circle, looking skyward. It dawned on her how dangerously exposed he appeared, and quickly opened the window. “Hawkman, you're a wonderful target."
He hustled toward the back steps and came in the laundry room door. “You're right. Dumb stunt on my part."
She put an arm around his waist. “No sign of Pretty Girl?"
“None. The trauma of the fire probably frightened her so much, she might never come back."
“Don't give up hope. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours yet. At least you know she didn't die in her cage."
* * * *
Jack and Ray, rifles slung across their backs, tramped over the hill. They skirted the roads, and stayed within the tree line as they made their way toward the lookout point they'd used before.
“We're apt to come across a scouting party looking for us,” Jack said, as he scooted behi
nd the large boulder.
Ray rested his rifle against the rock and adjusted his binoculars. “They haven't had time to get organized. I suspect tomorrow at the earliest.” He chuckled. “More than likely they've got roadblocks set up all over the northern part of the state."
Jack shot him a dirty look. “You think it's funny?"
He took the glasses from his eyes and gazed at his father. “Yeah, especially when we're hiking around here on foot."
“Tom Casey knows we're here."
“How do you know what he's thinking? He might be in the hospital or dead."
Jack adjusted his jacket and sat down on a stump. “I doubt it. He's a smart son-of-a-gun. One of the topnotch guys when he worked for the Agency. I read a lot about the man and figure I'll probably die pursuing him."
“No man is indestructible. If he's still alive, he'll let his guard down; and when he does, I'm going to be there to take him out."
Ray put the glasses back to his eyes and focused on the destruction at the back of Casey's house. “Damn."
“What's the problem?"
“Casey's still alive. I just missed a great opportunity. He was standing out in the yard next to his house in plain view."
“That surprises me. What was he doing?"
“Looking at the sky."
“Maybe he's searching for a helicopter."
Ray rubbed his beard. “It appears he got out of the place without so much as a scorched hair. And I'm sure he saved his wife. So we're back at square one."
Jack pointed. “Doubt they have any electricity from the looks of the damage. Which means their alarm won't work."
Ray studied the house. “Good observation. Tonight might be a good chance to get him."
“How can we be sure they're staying there? We have no idea how much damage was done to the inside. I'm sure it smells strongly of smoke. A neighbor may have offered them a place to stay until theirs is cleaned up and fixed."
“We'll just keep watching."
* * * *
Hawkman glanced out the kitchen window when he heard a noise and it surprised him to see the Pacific Power truck pull into their driveway. He walked outside. “Didn't expect you guys until tomorrow."
“We got through earlier on a job than we expected, so decided to come out and see if we could get your power back on. Understand you had a fire?"
“Right. It's mighty nice of you to drive all the way out here. It would really be helpful to have electricity. At least in part of the house, particularly the kitchen."
The workman laughed. “I think we can probably fix it up. We'll wire it so your construction company will be able to feed right into the power source once they get everything completed."
“Great.” He motioned for the men to follow him. “Come on in."
Peggy turned in behind the Pacific Power crew, then swerved around the truck and parked in the lot next to the house. She jumped out and hurried toward the entry.
Poking her head inside the opened door, she called, “Jennifer."
Hearing her name, Jennifer wove her way past the men standing throughout the house. She reached the door with Miss Marple dangling over her arm. “Hi, Peggy. What's up?"
“Don't come outside, we'll just talk in the doorway.” Then she grinned and ran a hand over the cat's head. “Oh, thank goodness, you found her. Is she okay?"
“Yes. Other than smelling like smoke, she seems fine."
“Did she hide inside or outside?"
“Under the guest room bed in a box."
“The little rascal.” Peggy leaned against the rock siding. “I want you, Hawkman and Miss Marple to stay at my place until they get yours repaired. It's just not safe with no electricity. Even if the workmen can restore your power partially, the back will still be open and without protection."
“That'd be such an imposition."
“I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist or else you'll have to go into town and stay at a motel. Ken and I talked with the department. They feel the house is too open and dangerous with Jack and Ray on the loose. Especially with no functioning alarm."
Jennifer frowned. “I'll have to talk with Hawkman."
“Another reason I'm insisting. He'll be heading out with the men in the morning. I don't want you alone."
“The contractor will be here early tomorrow."
“All well and good. I'll bring you over when they get here and stay with you until the men return from the search."
Hawkman stepped up behind the women. “What are you two discussing?"
Jennifer quickly told him what Peggy had offered.
“I think it's a good idea. We'll be over when it turns dark."
“Drive, it's safer."
After Peggy left, Jennifer took Miss Marple back to the bathroom. “I'm sorry little girl, you're going to have to stay in here while the men are working. I can't watch you with so many people in and out of the house.” She placed her in the straw bed with a toy, then closed the door.
The electricians worked on the house until almost dark. The foreman approached them in the kitchen. “We've been able to get the power restored on the north side of the house so you'll at least have some lights and can cook. Your refrigerator is working, and so is the freezer in the garage. This should keep you in pretty good shape until the rest is repaired."
Hawkman put out his hand. “Really appreciate you guys coming out today and getting this done. Makes life a lot easier."
“Glad to be of help. When the contractors get ready to do the electrical, they won't have any problems."
“Great. Thanks."
After the crew left, Hawkman peeked out the kitchen window as he punched the garage door opener. “It's working, too. I'll go check the freezer and make sure the food is all okay. At least you can get your vehicle out now. It's a bugger opening that door manually."
“At least, I didn't have to go anywhere,” Jennifer said. “I assume the food in the freezer is fine. It will last up to about three days, if the door hasn't been opened.” She looked in the refrigerator. “We should eat these wieners, they're fine now, but might not be in a day or two. How about a hot dog and soup for dinner?"
“Sounds good."
After eating, they prepared to go over to the Bronson's. Each packed a small duffle with their personal gear, then Jennifer put some assorted toys in Miss Marple's bed along with a small plastic bag of cat food. “This is like getting a kid ready to go on a sleep over."
Hawkman laughed. “This should be an interesting evening. Wonder how Du is going to take to our little invader coming into her territory?"
Jennifer furrowed her brow. “Oh, my. I'd completely forgotten about their huge black lab. She could crunch Miss Marple with one clamp of her jaws."
* * *
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Ray dropped his binoculars on his chest. “Doesn't look like getting Casey tonight is a good idea."
Jack had sprawled in the shade of a tree and watched his son eyeing the house.
“Oh, yeah, how come?"
“Pacific Power trucks just left, and they have lights at least in the front of the house. I doubt they were able to do anything about the burned area, so the back side is probably without any kind of electricity. So the alarm won't do them any good."
Jack spat out the twig he had in his mouth and stood. “See anyone around the place that looks like a guard or police officer?"
“Nope. Oh, hold on a minute. Casey and his wife just drove out of the driveway and are headed straight down the street. You're probably right, they're staying with a neighbor.” He shrugged. “Guess we could go down and blow up the rest of the house."
Jack meandered over to the rock. “I don't think that's a good idea. People are on the lookout for a couple of vandals. If anyone spotted us messing around, they'd shoot first and ask questions later. Anyway we don't have the ingredients to make an explosive. Besides, what good would it do without Casey inside?"
Ray swung his backpack onto his shoulder
s. “We might as well head back to our campsite, and prepare for a showdown. I have a feeling the old posse will be coming down on us. By the way, you have enough ammo?"
“Couple of boxes. Didn't pack much as it's too heavy to carry."
“Any stored in the pickup?"
“Nope."
Looking back at the house, Ray rubbed his hands together and licked his lips.
Jack raised a brow. “What've you got in mind?"
“We'll wait until it's good and dark. You stay here and guard our stuff while I go down and ransack Casey's place for shells. You know he's probably got plenty."
“I don't like the idea. You'll have to get on the bridge and your limp will give you away."
“The minute I get across the river, I'll get off the road and go in next to the blackberry bushes. No one will ever see me."
Jack ran a hand across his forehead. “We could use more ammo, that's for sure. Maybe we should both go."
“If someone spotted us together, it'd be a dead giveaway who we are. They may not pay too much attention to just one guy walking along. I'll walk close to the railing on the bridge and if a car comes by, I'll just stop and look out over the water as if I'm out for my nightly stroll. Also, I've been in the house, so I know the layout."
“It might work,” Jack said, settling back down under the tree.
* * * *
Peggy greeted Hawkman, Jennifer and Miss Marple at the door, showed them to their room, then invited them to come back into the living room with the kitten, so she and Ken could introduce Du to their house guests.
Nervously, Jennifer handed Miss Marple to Peggy. “Do you think your dog will hurt her?"
“Not at all. Once Ken has given Du instructions, she'll protect the cat."
Hawkman and Jennifer stood back as Ken took Miss Marple. He held her in his lap as he spoke to Du.
In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] Page 19