In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9]
Page 23
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CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Jennifer gathered Miss Marple's gear, while Hawkman loaded their duffel bags into his SUV. When they arrived home, Jennifer suggested he go out and look at the work the men had completed. She hurriedly placed Miss Marple in the bathroom and closed the door, then went out the sliding glass door in the dining room to join her husband.
Hawkman stood admiring the aviary. Then with a solemn look, he glanced up at the sky. “I wonder if Pretty Girl will ever come home?"
Stifling a smile, she said, “Oh, I think she will. After all, look at her beautiful new home."
“They did do a great job. Even attached awnings that can be dropped down during the colder months.” He released the latch to one and let it slide down over the exposed side of the cage. “Those will be so much better than my having to tarp the sides."
They moved back inside and Jennifer noticed the answering machine light blinking. “Appears we have some calls."
“At least we know they're not from Jack.” He crossed the room and his finger almost hit the button when he heard a squawk. He whirled around. “That sounded like Pretty Girl."
“Oh, I almost forgot. We have a house guest.” Chuckling, she followed as he dashed to the back of the house. Tears welled in her eyes when he opened the extra bedroom door and a big grin erupted on his face.
He quickly turned and took Jennifer into his arms. “When did my falcon come home?” He then moved toward the bird. Pretty Girl raised her wings and squawked loudly.
“I'll tell you all about it later, but right now you better pay attention to your pet. She's definitely glad to see you."
Jennifer went into her bedroom to check on Miss Marple. “I'm sorry little girl, but you can't come out yet. As soon as Pretty Girl goes into her new home, you'll have free run of the house again.” She gave her an affectionate hug, put her back on the floor and wiggled one of her toys along the floor, then grinned as the cat batted it with her paws. “I'll play with you later. Right now I've got some things to do.” She pitched the stuffed bunny into the corner and the cat jumped on it. “You take care of him for awhile and I'll be back."
She went into the living room and crossed over to the phone. Punching the red button, she smiled at Rita Rawlings’ soft voice.
“Jennifer, I'm worried about you. There's talk in town your house burned down and that horrible man has been after your husband. Jack, Jud or whatever the bastard called himself, has not been seen in town for several days. Please give me a jingle, so I'll know everything's okay."
Hawkman walked up beside Jennifer as she listened. “She's quite a woman. Doesn't mention a thing about how he scared her so badly."
“Yes, a very sweet person. I'm so happy she didn't get hurt real bad in the accident Jack caused."
Hawkman pointed to the machine. “There's another call."
She pushed the button. “Mr. Casey, this is Marie Paulson. There's a lot of rumors going around town concerning the man you warned me about. He supposedly set fire to your house. I also heard your cat and falcon were destroyed. I will definitely replace Jennifer's kitten if she wants another. I feel so badly for you two. Please give me a call if you have a moment and let me know what's happened. I've been on high alert ever since you visited me. I'll certainly be glad when that horrible man is caught."
He shot a look at Jennifer. “I think we better make some calls and nip this gossip in the bud. It reminds me of the game we used to play as kids called Telephone. Everyone sits in a circle and the first person whispers to the next and so on. By the time it reaches the last in the line, it doesn't sound anything like the original statement."
After they called the two women and cleared up the misconceptions, they had a bite to eat and went to bed exhausted.
The next morning, Hawkman went out to the deck and put the finishing touches on the aviary, while the other men worked on the rest of the deck. Within two days, the repairs were completed and Hawkman put Pretty Girl into her new home. She immediately settled in and he knew she loved it.
When he walked back into the house, Jennifer put finger to her lips and pointed toward the window. He laughed as he hooked his thumbs into his jeans pockets and strolled toward Miss Marple where she sat on the sill. Her tail twitched as she stared out at the big bird in her new cage.
“Don't even think about it, little girl; you wouldn't have a chance.” He turned toward Jennifer and smiled. “Now where were we in our life before we were so rudely interrupted!"
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