The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series]

by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

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  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Shoving down the accelerator, Hawkman took off in the direction the GPS displayed. He prayed the Highway Patrol wouldn't spot him, as he didn't have time to explain the situation. Roaring past the campus, he touched the control on the GPS so it zoomed in on the image, and he could better read the mapped streets. He then flipped on the personal tracker Laura wore on her arm and received quite a shock. It showed her on the college grounds moving about, as if changing classes.

  He slowed down, pulled to the side of the road, yanked his cell phone from its pouch and quickly dialed her number. She answered almost immediately.

  “Laura, are you okay? I've been chasing your car, then discovered you weren't in it.”

  He paused for a moment as she spoke, then to disperse his anger, took a deep breath. “From now on, let me know if you've loaned out your car. The person came mighty close to getting arrested for stealing your vehicle.”

  He listened as Laura poured out her apology.

  “I should have instructed you about this type of event earlier. Every thing's okay now; just don't let it happen again without notifying me.”

  He hung up, pushed back his hat and ran a hand across his forehead. “Close call, Miss King. Your so-called friend, Cindy, almost got into trouble,” he mumbled. According to Laura, Cindy's car had to be taken to the shop for maintenance, so she needed wheels to get some school supplies, had borrowed Laura's car, and promised to return it before Laura had to leave.

  Furrowing his brow, he pulled back onto the road, and checked the monitor of the GPS tracking the car. He discovered Cindy had parked in front of the sporting store where Roy Summers worked. Hawkman drove into the lot and spotted Laura's green Toyota. He pulled into a vacant spot a couple rows back and watched the front door of the establishment with the binoculars. Cindy soon bounded out carrying a long sack; the black and yellow feather fletchings of the arrows stuck out the top. He observed her as she placed her purchase in the trunk, then climbed into the driver's seat. When she turned the engine over, she hit the gas pedal hard and left a black mark on the pavement. Hawkman followed her at a distance and noted she went over the speed limit the whole way back to the campus. He slowed as she turned into the school's parking area. Something in the back of his mind told him not to trust this girl. Accelerating, he headed toward the Kings’ ranch. He still had some unfinished business in the area.

  Driving past the Kings’ entrance, he turned into the private dirt road which led to Ed and Clay's home. Since the route led through a field where cattle grazed, he had to get out and open the gate, then make sure to close it once he pulled through.

  Hawkman took it easy over the deeply rutted road and when he approached the turnoff toward the homes, he spotted Ed and Clay straight ahead, working the fence line. Stopping, he threw on the emergency brake and climbed out of the vehicle. He trudged up the small knoll toward the two men. Ranger jumped up from his shady spot under a bush and barked.

  Ed glanced up. “Shut up, Ranger. Hey, Mr. Casey.”

  “You guys have tough work, even during the slow time of the year,” Hawkman said.

  “Yeah, fences are always in need of repair. We've been meaning to put a row of barbed wire on this one for some time and decided we'd get at it today.” He took off his gloves and shoved out his hand. “Good to see ya. What brings you out our way?”

  “If you've got a minute, thought it about time to let you guys in on what's going on. Things are getting a little heavy and I might need your help.”

  Both men looked at him with solemn expressions. “We need a break.” They grabbed their water canteens. “Let's go over in the shade of that old oak,” Ed said, pointing to a lone tree not far into the field.

  They sauntered over to the shadows and sat on a couple of big fallen branches. Ed and Clay took swigs from their containers, then offered some to Hawkman, but he shook his head.

  “No, thanks, I'm fine.”

  “Okay, we're ready to hear you out,” Clay said.

  Hawkman enlightened them on Laura King receiving the threatening phone calls and how he'd narrowed it down to a bow hunter.”

  “So that's why Olly showed such interest in my bow being stolen out of the garage.” Ed said.

  Hawkman nodded. “Yes, with you being an expert bowman some years back and Clay taking lessons; you both sparked my interest for a while. However, after I checked you guys out, I decided you had nothing to do with these episodes.”

  Clay wiped his sweating face with a handkerchief. “Boy, my timing wasn't good to start lessons during this mess.”

  “You had no idea of the circumstances, and taking lessons during the slack time on the ranch seemed like a good idea,” Hawkman said.

  “I doubt I'm going to last. I have two left hands and two right feet. Not a good combination to learn this sport.”

  Hawkman laughed. “I've watched them practice at the archery range. You have a point.”

  “Now I'm really wondering who stole my bow,” Ed said, leaning his elbows on his knees. “I never wanted to hang it out there, but Sophie hated the thing, and insisted I get it out of the house. When I discovered it missing, I figured one of those summer workers we'd hired took it, and they were long gone. Now, I'm not so sure.”

  “What makes you say that?” Hawkman asked.

  Ed reached over and gave his dog, Roger, a big pet. “I remember this here dog having a barking fit in front of the garage just a few days before I noticed the bow had disappeared. I thought some varmint had gotten in there. After searching the place, and not finding a critter, it sort of makes me wonder what he tried so hard to tell me. Maybe he smelled a strange scent.”

  “Approximately how long ago did you discover the equipment missing?” Hawkman asked. “By the way, what color were the fletchings on your arrows?”

  He scratched his head and screwed up his face. “Oh, my. It must have been about a month ago, maybe a little longer. Days pass so fast anymore, I can't keep track. The feathers were black and yellow.”

  “Do you remember any visitors to the area during that time?”

  “It's mighty quiet around here during the fall.” He turned to Clay. “You recall any company?”

  Clay shook his head. “Only the Higgins. Those boys are always popping in on Olly and Violet. I think one of them might be sweet on Laura.”

  “I noticed the younger one, Joey, over here a couple of days ago, loading bales of straw into the bed of his truck,” Hawkman said.

  “Yeah, they use them for targets out in the field when they're practicing their bow shooting,” Clay said. “They told me to come over any time I wanted.”

  “Those young men seem to stay close to home.”

  “Yeah, except when there's a rodeo or a dance in town. I've run into Jerry and Jim often. Those twin boys like to party,” Clay said.

  “What about Joey?” Hawkman asked.

  “I don't think John or Margy would approve of him going into town at night. He's too young.”

  “He's a strange one,” Ed said. “I think he's really shy. When you try to talk to him, he mumbles, and a body can't understand a word he says. Seems like a friendly enough kid, though.

  “How old is he?” Hawkman asked.

  “I think he just turned eighteen,” Ed said. “John tells me the boy doesn't like farm work and is talking about enrolling in college.”

  “The twins have any higher education?” Hawkman asked.

  Ed shook his head. “No, they love the farm and riding their horses. Those two will probably never leave the old homestead. Even if they marry, John will probably build them a house on the property and they'll finish out their lives right there.”

  “Nothing like keeping your family nearby.” Hawkman said as he stood. “Guess I've kept you guys from your fence mending long enough. I'm going to stop by Olly's and let him know I've let you two in on what's been happening.”

  The two men stood, put on their gloves and headed back toward the ro
ll of wire as Hawkman made his way to the 4X4. He started the engine, backed up, turned around and went back to the road the way he'd come, then made a sharp turn into the Kings’ area.

  Olly stood over a dead bush with a shovel in his hand, scratching his head. He glanced toward Hawkman as he drove up. Adjusting his hat he walked toward the 4X4.

  “What's up?” he asked.

  Hawkman explained he'd talked to Ed and Clay about the situation.

  “How'd they take it?”

  “Real good. Ed is now wondering who stole his bow. He at first thought it could have been some of the summer help; now he has doubts.”

  “Does he have any ideas?”

  “No, but he's going to be much more alert at the happenings around the place.”

  “I'm glad you talked to them. I feel much more comfortable.”

  “Thought you would. I'm heading back to town. When is Laura due home today? I have her schedule, but it's in my briefcase.”

  “Today's Monday. She'll be home within the hour.”

  “Keep me informed of any unusual activity.”

  “Will do.”

  Hawkman turned around on the driveway, then headed toward Medford. He hadn't even approached the blacktop when his cell phone vibrated on his waist. Since he wasn't in town, he didn't pull over, but placed the instrument to his ear. The hysterical voice he heard caused him to jerk the wheel.

  “Mr. Casey, they're following me and trying to ram the rear of my car. What am I going to do?”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  Hawkman raced to the scene as fast as he dared. When he arrived, he found Laura's car parked on the side of the road. The personal GPS told him she should be there, but he couldn't see her. He leaped out of the 4x4 and ran to the driver's side. Laura lay on the seat completely still. She'd either been hurt or fainted. Hawkman tried the door, but found it locked, so he banged on the window and called her name. She finally turned her head, and stared at him.

  “Laura, it's me. Mr. Casey.”

  She slowly pushed herself up to a sitting position and opened the door. “Oh, Mr. Casey, I've never been so scared in my life.” She tried to get out, but her legs wouldn't cooperate, so she flopped back onto the seat.

  “Are you hurt?”

  She shook her head. “No, just weak from the ordeal.”

  “Can you identify the vehicle or driver?”

  “No, can you believe whoever drove the black pickup had on a ski mask. I tried to see the license plate when they got close, but it had been splashed with mud; probably on purpose, because no signs of dirt were anywhere else on the metal.”

  “How many were in the cab?”

  “I could only see one.”

  “Where were you when you spotted the truck tailing you?”

  “After I exited the parking lot at school, then turned onto the street to head home. I saw this black pickup a few cars behind me, and kept an eye on it through my rearview mirror. I noticed it made every turn I did. Even when I backtracked toward the school, the pickup followed. Then it disappeared until I got about a mile down the road where the traffic thinned, the truck appeared out of nowhere. That's when it sped toward me at a great rate of speed and almost hit my back bumper. It backed off, slowed down, then came at me again. It did this trick several times.”

  “Why did it quit following you?”

  “The only thing I can figure, is the person saw me making a cell phone call.”

  Hawkman nodded. “Makes sense; they thought you were calling for help.” He surveyed the area. Seeing nothing, he turned back to Laura. “Do you feel like driving home or do you want me to take you?”

  “I'm okay now since you're here. I don't want to leave my car on the side of the road. It would surely get dismantled.”

  “Okay, I'll be right behind you.”

  She scooted under the steering wheel and Hawkman closed the door. He climbed into his SUV, made a U-turn and stayed with Laura until she arrived home. It baffled him why someone kept hassling this girl. What the hell did anyone think they'd gain from this type of behavior? There'd been no blackmail notes, and obviously, this person didn't want to gain her approval. He couldn't figure a motive.

  He followed her to the back of the house and climbed out of his vehicle. Olly and Violet both came out with concern written on their faces.

  “You all right, baby girl?” Olly asked.

  “I'm okay now. Mr. Casey came to my rescue.”

  They went inside and Laura told them what had happened.

  “This has gone far enough,” Olly said, getting up and going to the phone. “I'm calling the police.”

  Hawkman stepped to his side. “Hold on a minute. I've already alerted Detective Williams about this case. So, before we get the police involved, let me tell you my plan. I'm getting closer to finding out who's doing this. Starting in the morning, I'll be following Laura to and from school in my vehicle. The GPS is great, but it seems when something happens, or Laura calls, I'm a couple of miles away and by the time I get there, it's too late to catch the culprit. If I'm nearby, the odds are much better.”

  “Won't people notice you?” Laura asked. “I'm sure whoever it is knows what your SUV looks like.”

  “Not if I drive my wife's new Ford Escape, which is a metallic blue color with a smaller frame.

  “What if she won't let you drive it, afraid you might get a scratch on it?” Laura asked.

  Hawkman grinned. “Since I bought it for her, I don't think she'll mind.”

  Laura put a hand over her mouth to stifle a giggle. “Oh.”

  Olly turned away from the phone. “If you think you're close to capturing the scallawag, then I'll give you a few more days. However, one more incident involving the safety of my daughter, and I'm calling the authorities.”

  “Fair enough,” Hawkman said, then turned to Laura. “Fix me a schedule giving me the time you leave here each morning and where's the best place to catch you when your classes are over. I will be there, but you might not see me, so proceed normally. The same with the mornings; just head out for school as usual and somewhere along the way you'll probably spot me in your rearview mirror.”

  Laura nodded and left down the hallway. Violet had listened intently to the conversation, but had remained silent.

  “Mrs. King, you've been very quiet during this whole discussion,” Hawkman said.

  “Yes, because my mind is on those Wallace boys. If they're the ones harassing my daughter, I'll have their hides. I know they have a black pickup. I've seen people jump out of their way as they barrel down the street. They're two rowdies and need to be stopped.”

  “I understand, and they will be halted in their tracks, if they're the culprits.”

  Before Violet could respond, Laura came back into the room and handed Hawkman a sheet of paper.

  He glanced through her figures. “This will do it. You may not see me on your route to school, but don't worry, I'll be there.”

  Hawkman said his goodbyes to the family and left. He decided to head home, so he could inform Jennifer of his plan, and load her SUV with his stuff. When he arrived and explained to his wife what he intended to do, she gazed at him, biting her lower lip.

  “Is there a problem?” he asked.

  “Do you think there's the possibility you could get into a high-speed chase?”

  “Possibly.”

  “What if you wreck my new vehicle?”

  “Well, you just have to trust me at being a good driver.”

  She looked at him sideways. “Put that in writing.”

  He suppressed a smile. “Seriously, honey, I've got to use your Ford tomorrow; otherwise, the culprit will spot me in mine, and won't try anything. No one knows what yours looks like. It'll be a beautiful cover.”

  She sighed. “You're right. Let's just hope they don't try anything on me, since I'll be driving yours into town tomorrow.”

  He jerked up his head. “B
e sure to take your cell phone and if you run into anything unusual, give me a call. If I can't get to you, I'll contact Detective Williams.” He looked at her closely. “Be sure to carry your gun.”

  Her hazel eyes grew wide. “Do you think there's a chance of their spotting your 4X4?”

  “I have no idea. I think our offender comes from the college, so I doubt you'll be in any danger.”

  She gave him a skeptical look. “You know who it might be?”

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  * * *

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  The alarm went off, jarring Hawkman out of a deep sleep. He hit the snooze button, rolled over, and covered his head with the blanket. When the buzzer rang again, he smacked it off and crawled out of bed. He glanced over at Jennifer, who didn't appear to have heard a thing, but he knew she played possum very well. Lordy, it's not even light out yet, he thought. Kids sure start classes early. He jumped into the shower, dressed, put on the coffee pot and dumped some dry food pellets into Miss Marple's dish before she let out a yowl. “You little mess, I want you to behave yourself. We don't need any of your shenanigans today.”

  He poured some of the hot brew into a thermos, placed the keys to the 4X4 on the counter and grabbed Jennifer's. Hitting the garage door opener, he high-tailed it out to the garage, and felt thankful he'd loaded everything into her Ford last night. When he slid under the steering wheel, his legs felt cramped, and he had to maneuver the seat back far enough to accommodate his long limbs. The butt warmer felt great on this chilly morning.

  Driving toward Medford, he had the feeling there wouldn't be any events today, as two in a row might be pushing the harasser's luck and Laura would definitely be on the lookout. However, he couldn't take the chance. Laura had told him her route to school, assuring him she never varied, as it was a straight shot to the campus, and she returned home the same way.

  He finally arrived in Medford, and rolled toward the Kings’ ranch looking for a good place to park alongside the road.

  Laura combed back her hair and tied it into a pony tail, donned her jeans and a sweatshirt, then gulped down some dry cereal.