He raised his head and again peered through the limbs. She'd rested the bow against the side of the truck, removed a large beach towel from the cab, and meticulously draped it over the hood. Placing the bow on the cloth, Cindy checked her watch, then reached inside the pickup again, brought out a pair of binoculars, and dropped the strap over her head, letting the glasses bounce onto her breast. She walked toward the open area in front of the trees out of Hawkman's view. He quickly maneuvered in the same direction, but stayed out of her sight. Watching from his hiding place, he saw Cindy put the glasses to her eyes and noted how she studied the road coming from the college.
He immediately knew what she had in mind. Laura would be approaching this area within twenty or thirty minutes. Hawkman yanked his cell phone from the pouch, and punched in Laura's number. Hoping the breeze would blow the sound away from Cindy, he still spoke in a low voice when Laura answered.
“Laura, where are you right now?”
He felt a wave of relief surge through him, when she told him she hadn't left the school parking lot, as she'd been delayed in her last class.
“Stay there, don't leave until you hear from me.”
He hung up, then made his way back to the black pickup, where he removed the quiver of arrows next to the bow, and hid it behind a tree. Leaning against the rear fender, he waited for Cindy.
Several minutes passed before Hawkman heard her picking her way through the undergrowth. With her gaze fixed to the ground, she didn't see Hawkman until she got to the front of the truck and glanced up. Her eyes immediately narrowed to slivers and her mouth twisted into a scowl.
“What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” Hawkman said. “If you really want to know, I'm keeping an eye on you.”
“Who hired you to follow me?”
“No one has paid me a dime.”
She put a hand on her hip. “Then I can sue you for harassment.”
“Go right ahead.”
“You're awfully cocky.”
Hawkman shrugged and stood away from the truck. “I answered your question, now you answer mine. Why are you out here hiding in a grove of trees?”
She cocked her head. “I wanted to see what it would be like to shoot a critter with my bow.”
“When you backed this pickup in here, you probably chased anything away, or did you expect an animal to come down the road?”
She shot a look at him. “What do you mean?”
He pointed toward the pavement. “You were looking through your binoculars out there, and you sure weren't looking for a four-legged beast, more like something with four wheels.”
“How dare you insinuate such a thing. I'd never shoot at a car. That would be dangerous, and could cause someone to have a wreck.”
“Yep. Sure could.”
Cindy reached over and picked up the bow from the hood of the truck, then realized her quiver was nowhere in sight.
“Little hard to operate without ammunition,” Hawkman said.
“What'd you do with my arrows?”
He patted his chest. “I didn't want to have to shoot you with my .45, so I put them out of reach.”
She raised the bow above her head in a threatening motion.
“You sure you want to ruin your compound bow? I could break it into a hundred pieces in a matter of seconds.”
Furiously, she opened the pickup door and put it inside the cab, then grabbed the towel off the hood and threw it inside. “I'm leaving.”
“I'd advise you to go straight home and stay there.”
She glared daggers at him. “You can't tell me what to do.”
“I'm not, just advising you,” he said, stepping out of her way as she stomped around the truck to get into the driver's side.
Hawkman grabbed her quiver from behind the tree, tossed them into the bed, then jumped out of the way as she hit the accelerator hard, throwing dirt, grass and rocks from the back wheels. He turned and sprinted over the dirt hill to the Ford, jumped in, turned onto the road and raced to catch up with Cindy. He quickly punched Laura's cell number on the hands-free phone. “Get out of the parking lot now, and head straight home. If you see me on the road, keep going. I'll see you at your house in less than an hour.”
Seeing Cindy up ahead, he slowed to the speed limit and followed her to the Wallaces'. She parked next to her red convertible, removed the compound bow from the truck cab, yanked the quiver from the bed, then placed them both in the convertible trunk. Jumping into her car, she put up the top and left without ever notifying the owner she'd returned the vehicle. Hawkman thought this unusual behavior, unless they had some sort of agreement. At least he'd fouled her wicked plan of shooting at Laura.
He wondered if she just wanted to scare her, or actually planned on killing her.
Hawkman followed Cindy home, where she drove her car into the garage and closed the door. He then continued to the Kings’ ranch and parked at the rear of the house. Laura ran out the back door to greet him.
“What in the heck happened?”
He told her about Cindy and Greg that morning trying to cause her to go off the road, and then about the incident in the grove of trees. Laura listened in horror.
Doubling her hands into fists at her side, she closed her eyes. “I knew something like this would happen after Saturday night.”
“Why do you say that?” Hawkman asked.
She shook her head. “Brett and I entered this restaurant where he had reservations and there sat Cindy's parents. They both looked up and saw us. I told Brett we couldn't eat here. He saw them, too, and agreed, but by then it was too late. I'm sure they could hardly wait to tell Cindy.”
“Laura, we're dealing with a very sick girl. She's quite unsettled and so jealous it warps her thinking. I'm not sure what she'll try next, but I want you to keep your distance from her. Tomorrow, I'll come here to the ranch to follow you in my own vehicle, and will park beside your car in the parking lot. I don't want you to accept any food or drink from Cindy.”
Laura looked at him with fear in her eyes. “Do you really think she wants to kill me?”
[Back to Table of Contents]
* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Laura grabbed Hawkman's arm and shook it. “Can't you arrest her?”
“We don't have one iota of evidence that would warrant an arrest.”
“What about this morning, when she and Greg tried to run me off the road? All those horrible phone calls she made with the voice changer? Also, what about the arrows shot at your office building?”
“For one, how could we prove they deliberately tried to cause an accident? Or who made those harassing calls? The lab could only pull partial prints off the shafts, even though they felt they had female qualities. In a court of law, we have no proof Cindy was behind any of it, and a judge would throw the case out. Remember, her parents have a lot of money and there's no way they'll let their precious daughter's name be run through the mud. They'd hire the best lawyers around to defend her. We need concrete proof to put her behind bars. Remember, Cindy knows this. She can take us right to the wire.”
Laura looked at him, pleading. “What do we need to do to determine her guilt?”
“Catch her in the act.”
She stepped back and put her hands to her throat. “You mean trying to kill me?”
Hawkman took her by the shoulders. “Don't worry, I'm not going to use you as bait. I'll think of a plan to draw her out. Tell me, how did Cindy treat you today?”
“I didn't even see her. Our class together is tomorrow.” She pushed some stray hair out of her face and bit her lower lip. “This is a nightmare. I'm even scared to go to school now. Maybe I should go to my uncle's ranch where I'd be safe.”
“It won't be necessary. Cindy is about to drop over the edge. She'll make a mistake. I just need to be there to witness it.” He opened the door to the Ford. “Don't leave in the morning until I'm here. We'll caravan to the campus.”
Hawkman traveled home with a plan forming in his mind. He'd throw it out to his mystery writing wife and see if it made sense. When he walked in the door, Jennifer sat at her computer and put a finger to her lips to hush him.
“Okay, but hit a stopping point, I need to talk to you.”
She nodded, then her fingers flew across the keys. Soon, she stood. “Got that scene finished. Sorry about shushing you, but if I get interrupted and don't get it on paper, the thought disappears.”
He grinned. “Understood.”
She moved around the table and put her arms around him. “Now, what did you want to talk about, big boy?”
He gave her a kiss, then moved to the refrigerator and took out a beer. “Can I fix you something?”
“A gin and tonic would be delicious.”
They retired to the living room, where Jennifer swiveled her chair around and gave Hawkman her full attention.
“How would you like to help me in this case?”
Her eyes twinkled. “I don't know why you ever ask me such a question. You know I'd love to.”
He told her what had happened during the day, then explained the strategy he had in mind. “What do you think?”
“Have you talked to Laura about this?”
“No, I wanted to go over it with you first, but I don't think she'll object. She's scared to death right now. I could escort her to class, but then people would know who I'm protecting, and I just think it would be best for a female to be with her. It won't draw as much attention as a one-eyed, good-looking cowboy.”
Jennifer laughed. “Right. However, I'm not so sure I can pass for being close to her age.”
“You don't have to. People of all ages go to college. Anyway, you've got a beautiful figure, mischievous eyes, and no gray in your chemo hair.” He grinned. “Oh, a few wrinkles around your eyes won't matter; you can cover those with make-up.”
“Thanks a million,” she said, sarcastically.
“The main thing is to look hip. Wear jeans and a sweatshirt, even a ball cap. You're an older distant cousin of Laura's, thinking about going back to school, and she's showing you around. I just want you to be with her, especially in the class with Cindy. I don't think anyone will recognize you as my wife. You won't be able to carry your gun onto campus, but have it with you in the car.”
“Got it. So what are you going to be doing all this time?”
“I'm guarding her car. I want no more letting air out of tires, or anything else to happen to her vehicle. I'm now at the point of not letting her or her possessions out of my sight.”
Jennifer raised a finger in the air. “One more question. What happens if there's a confrontation between Cindy and Laura over this Brett guy?”
Hawkman frowned. “I'm hoping that won't happen. Cindy will not want to be seen in front of her peers as someone who can't hold her man. If it does, you're the one who knows the female mind much better than me, so I'll leave it to you to take the appropriate action.”
She let out a sigh. “Let's hope Cindy keeps her mouth shut.”
“Laura's no dummy; she could probably take care of any situation. However, if you see it's drifting out of hand, you take over.”
Jennifer nodded and stood. “I'll go lay out the clothes I'll wear, then I'll fix us a sandwich. We better hit the sack, as I know we'll have to get up mighty early to get there in time to explain this plan to Laura and get her to class on time.”
“While you're taking care of those things, I'm going to switch my stuff out of your Ford and into my four by four.”
Tuesday morning, Hawkman and Jennifer were up and ready to head toward Medford before the sun came up.
“Hey, you look great,” Hawkman said, eyeing his jeans-clad spouse.
“I hope Laura thinks so.”
“Your attire looks exactly like what she wears when she goes to class. So you'll fit right in. I think she's going to be very happy to have a chaperone.”
By the time they reached the Kings’ ranch, they could see the dark clouds forming in the sky.
“Oh, dear, it looks like we're in for a storm,” Jennifer said, gazing out the passenger side window.
“Let's hope it holds off, at least until we get to the college,” Hawkman said, turning into the driveway.
As he pulled around to the rear of the house, Laura and her father came out the back door. Olly didn't appear happy, and marched to the driver's side of Hawkman's vehicle. When he saw Jennifer in the seat, his expression softened.
“Mr. King, I'd like you to meet my wife, Jennifer. She's going to escort Laura to her classes, while I guard her car. We will be with your daughter every minute.”
Jennifer held her hand across Hawkman's body. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. King. Before you ask, yes, I know how to protect your daughter. I've been trained in martial arts and know how to shoot a gun.”
Laura walked up to the side of her dad. “I told the folks about the situation yesterday. I couldn't keep it from them; since they know me so well, they knew I was really worried.”
“I'm glad you informed them. We all need to be very cautious.” He turned toward Olly. “Be sure to have Ed and Clay keep an eye out for strange cars or people on the property.”
“I'll do that,” Olly said, stepping back as Hawkman opened the door.
Jennifer slipped out the passenger side and they met at the back of the vehicle. Hawkman introduced Jennifer to Laura, and then explained the plan. “I hope you find this agreeable, Laura.”
She smiled. “I like the idea of having a visiting distant cousin who wants to go back to school. It should be no problem taking her to my classes.”
“Good,” Hawkman said. “You gals go ahead and get in the car. I'll follow shortly.”
Laura jogged back to the house. “Got to get my backpack.”
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* * *
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Laura parked in the school lot, and as they climbed out of the car, Jennifer removed her fanny pack and slipped it under the seat.
“Oh, you better not leave that in the car. Let me put it in my backpack.”
Jennifer grinned. “I don't think so. It's my gun. All we need is for you to be arrested as a terrorist.”
Laura's eyes grew wide. “Oh, my gosh, you carry a gun?”
“When I'm helping my husband, yes. I have a permit, but not one for the campus. Besides, Hawkman will be here soon, and no one's getting in this car.”
“Who?” Laura said, jerking her head around.
Jennifer laughed. “Mr. Casey; his nickname is Hawkman.”
Laura threw her hands up and rolled her eyes. “Boy, I learn something new every day. How'd he acquire such a handle?”
“I'll tell you as we walk to your class,” she said pushing the lock down and shutting the car door.
The two women took off in the direction of the campus grounds. Jennifer checked over her shoulder and spotted Hawkman parking near the green Toyota.
“Okay, first of all, what last name should I give when I introduce you to my friends?” Laura asked.
“How about Jones? Jennifer Jones has a good ring to it.”
Laura grinned. “That'll do. Now, tell me how Mr. Casey acquired the Hawkman nickname.”
Jennifer told her the story of how the locals had stuck the name to him before they'd met. She explained his love for birds, and how he'd rescued his first falcon. “After the bird died of old age, I found him a female which he calls Pretty Girl. She stays in an aviary he built out on our back deck. Falcons love to hunt, so Hawkman tries to take her out in the wilderness at least once a week. When his schedule is hectic, I'll do it for him.”
Laura glanced at Jennifer as they walked. “Really? Do you wear a leather glove?”
“You bet, or those long claws would dig into my arm.”
Laura led Jennifer into the classroom, and introduced her to the professor.
“Ms Jones, you're more than welcome to sit in on the cl
ass. I hope you'll decide on attending our college.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer said, and followed Laura to a couple of empty desks.
Before class began, Jennifer leaned close to Laura's ear. “Is Cindy in here?” she whispered.
“No, next hour.”
“Do you have an extra pen and paper? I might want to take some notes.”
“Sure.” Laura handed her the items just as the last bell rang. The students grew quiet, and the professor started his lecture.
At the end of the period, Jennifer thanked the instructor for an enlightening hour, then the two women walked to the next class, where Laura again introduced her to the teacher. After they were seated, Laura pointed out Jason Calderidge, Blake Russell, and Joey Higgins.
“Where's Cindy?” Jennifer asked.
“I don't know, she hasn't come in yet.”
Just as the last bell rang, Cindy flew into the class and took a seat. “Sorry,” she said. “I got delayed.”
The scholar nodded and started the lesson.
Cindy turned in her seat and stared at Laura. Jennifer could tell from the fire in her eyes, the glare was not one of kindness. Laura squirmed in her seat, and Jennifer knew she felt uncomfortable from the heat of the threatening look. Leaning toward Laura, she whispered. “Don't let her worry you. I'm here and Hawkman's outside.”
Laura partially covered her mouth with a hand. “She's up to no good. I can tell.”
“We can handle her.”
The students settled as the discourse began. Jennifer found the lesson intriguing, and even scribbled a few notes. She understood why Laura liked this class above them all. As the talk wound down and the teacher pointed out the next assignment written on the chalk board, Jennifer took the moment while everyone was copying it, to study Cindy. A beautiful young woman, but like Hawkman had stated, she wore heavy makeup. She had lovely, natural blond hair which cascaded down her back in soft silky waves. Many women would kill for that look. In spite of her prettiness, Jennifer noticed a harsh side in Cindy's body language. She sat with a stiff back, yet her fingers silently and continuously drummed the desk. Her frown caused a deep wrinkle between her eyes, which would soon make a lasting flaw. There were no happy lines around her mouth nor a sparkle in her deep blue eyes. Jennifer came to the rapid conclusion; this girl showed signs of depression or anxiety.
The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] Page 19