A Treacherous Mix

by Kathy Herman

  Kate studied her oldest. So bold. So sure of himself. “Hawk, what if something goes wrong, and they can’t stop him from getting to you and whisking you away to a place where no one can protect you?”

  “Then God will protect me,” Hawk said. “Look how He’s had his hand on this family through so many dangerous situations. I’m not going to stop trusting Him now.”

  “I assure you,” Romo said, “it won’t be necessary to rely on God. My people are the best at what they do. We’ll keep Hawk safe.”

  Kate squeezed Elliot’s hand. Such arrogance, she thought.

  “Maybe the Lord wants us to rely some on both,” Buck said. “You said yourself we need trusted teamwork. Can’t get much better than that.”

  Romo’s face turned red. “Fair enough. I’m willing to work with God if He’s willing to work with me. Okay, here’s the plan: You need to keep in mind this is an undercover operation. First, we need to install surveillance cameras and make use of our facial recognition technology. This could help us identify the bounty hunter if he or she is already in the system, which is a real possibility. Do you have surveillance cameras here at Angel View?”

  “Yes, we do,” Kate said. “Virgil talked me into upgrading them last year.”

  “Great. I don’t see any outside cameras here at your home, though. I’ll have a surveillance system installed ASAP and we’ll have it linked to our equipment. Again, think undercover. We don’t want anything to stand out. This guy’s a pro. He’ll be looking at his environment with scrutiny. Virgil, tell them how we plan to keep Hawk in our sight.”

  “We don’t think Hawk is safe doing Jeep tours until this thing’s over,” Virgil said. “In order to get him away from that and sound legit, you need to tell the staff that you have a landscaper coming to draw up plans to beautify the grounds, and that Hawk is temporarily being pulled off his tours to work with the landscaper and to train a new grounds maintenance crew. You’ll have to get with the nursery you currently use and tell them you’ve decided not to outsource lawn maintenance and have hired a crew of your own. Shouldn’t be hard for anyone to believe, since Hawk was supervising outdoor maintenance before he started the Jeep tours. This would give us a perfect opportunity to bring in a half-dozen agents posing as the new grounds crew without raising suspicion. We’ll get a couple additional agents to pose as the landscapers. Hawk could pretend to work with them too, which would give him a chance to move around and look busy.

  “Of course, you’d have to sell this to your staff without raising a hint of suspicion,” Virgil said. “If we see we need more agents, we can add some as pest control, housekeeping, maintenance, and the like. What we want is busy, normal activity a person might expect to see at a resort like Angel View.”

  “And while all this is happening here to keep Hawk moving around the premises,” Romo said, “we will have the FBI command center set up behind the empty barn on Pete Jameson’s farm, where we can operate in obscurity. I’ll be there with other agents and with the sheriff and some of his people, carefully watching Hawk and observing who else might be watching Hawk. We’ll have agents posing as guests too. And one working at Flutter’s as a busboy. We’ll be observing people from all angles. We will use drones to monitor the property from the air. We’ll have two FBI agents in your home twenty-four seven. Each agent will be awake and in charge for twelve hours and then switch off. That way, there won’t be an unfamiliar vehicle parked on your property, and no agents coming and going. That should avoid suspicion and help give you peace of mind while we try to flush out the bounty hunter and take him into custody.”

  Grandpa Buck wiped his bald head with a kerchief. “I’ll say one thing, you folks’re sure going to a lot of trouble to get one bounty hunter. Sounds like this operation will cost more than the bounty would’ve paid him.”

  Romo smiled. “I doubt that. But the FBI doesn’t put a price tag on safety. Before we get out of your way for the night, just understand that the ball is already rolling and things are going to happen at warp speed starting tomorrow morning. It’s absolutely imperative that we get our people in place so we can position Hawk where we can observe him all the time. Remember, this bounty hunter isn’t going to shoot Hawk. His goal is to get Hawk somewhere alone where he can do whatever it takes to find out where Nameless is. We need to keep Hawk moving around the premises so we can try to pick out the bounty hunter. The facial recognition technology might save us the trouble, in which case we can close in quickly. Otherwise, we’ll do it the way we’ve been doing it for decades. Our surveillance cameras will enable us to study the people who study Hawk. Shouldn’t be that hard to pick out the bounty hunter. We’re experienced in what to look for.”

  “What happens,” Kate said, “if, despite your best efforts, this bounty hunter isn’t on anyone’s radar and makes a move you didn’t anticipate?”

  “Don’t worry,” Romo said. “I will anticipate every conceivable scenario. That’s my job.”

  Chapter 13

  Kate and Abby prepared the guest room and bath for FBI Special Agents Natalie Sloan and Clarissa Ortega, who were assigned to stay with the family until the ordeal was over.

  Kate put fresh towels in the bathroom, then stepped back into the bedroom just as the special agents were coming through the door with their bags. “I’m really glad you’re staying here,” Kate said. “I, for one, feel much safer.”

  “We hope to ease your anxiety,” Sloan said. “Don’t go to any extra trouble for us. In fact, we’d be glad to help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, whatever you need. Our job is to keep you calm, safe, and informed, but there will be downtime, and we don’t mind helping. Also, we play a mean game of gin rummy.”

  Kate smiled. “Let’s play it by ear.”

  “I have a question.” Abby fluffed a pillow on one of the twin beds. “I leave here at five o’clock every morning to open Flutter’s Café. Do you think it’s safe for me to walk over to the lodge by myself, even if it’s still dark outside?”

  “We’ve already got a plan,” Sloan said. “We don’t want you changing your routine, but there’s an easy way to protect you without being seen. I’ve got the first twelve-hour shift”—Sloan looked at her watch—“from now until noon. At five a.m., I’ll slip out the back door thirty seconds before you leave by the front door. You’ll start walking toward the lodge shining your flashlight on the path, and I’ll be walking just a couple of yards behind you until you make the turn and can’t be seen from the road, then we can walk together. I’ll walk you over to Flutter’s and come right back.”

  “Okay,” Abby said. “That’s a good idea.”

  Ortega sat on the bed. “Special Agent Sloan and I will be staying here in the house round the clock for two reasons. One, we want you to feel at ease, and getting to know us and vice versa will foster that. And two, we don’t want to blow our cover by having a shift change every twelve hours.”

  Abby’s eyebrows came together. “It’s creepy to think we’re being watched.”

  “The best thing you can do,” Ortega said, “is put it out of your mind and just act normal. Remember, our people will be watching too, from the command center. And from numerous places on the property. As long as we make Hawk seem accessible, you won’t be in any danger.

  Sloan set her bag on the chair in the corner. “Abby, it’s possible the bounty hunter could even pose as a customer at Flutter’s—someone who seems nosier than your regular guests, especially if he’s overly curious about the extra people we’ve put in place on the grounds. If you’re confronted with anyone who seems to be probing for information, stay calm and answer his questions, being sure to mention that Hawk is overseeing the big landscaping project. There will also be special agents posing as customers. A special agent posing as a busboy, and he will have his eyes on you as will Special Agent Romo and Sheriff Granger, who will be watching from the command center, so there’s no need to be afraid. Al
l that will be explained to you when you arrive at Flutter’s in the morning.”

  Kate came over and put her arm around Abby. “Let’s let these ladies get moved in and go talk with Hawk before he goes to bed.” And before we scare ourselves to death.

  t

  Hawk sat around the kitchen table with the entire family, who was quickly devouring a double batch of Toll House cookies.

  “It’s so good having you home,” Jesse said. “You weren’t even gone a whole day, but it seemed like forever.”

  “To me too,” Hawk said. “I’ve never answered so many questions in my life. I think for every answer I gave, they thought of five different ways to ask the same question, just to test me.” He winked at Jesse. “So I just told the truth. That way I didn’t have to remember what I said.”

  “I have a question for Hawk.” Grandpa Buck took a sip of milk. “The feds don’t want us changin’ our routines. But how’re you going to get over to the lodge tomorrow to meet the phony landscapers? It’s too risky for you to go by yourself.”

  Hawk nodded. “They decided to have Connor come get me in his pickup. That would look the most natural, since he’s going to be filling in for me on the Jeep tours, and we have to talk shop on some things. He won’t know anything about what’s going on.”

  “Did Special Agent Romo or Virgil say how long they thought this ruse would take to play out?” Jay said.

  Hawk shook his head. “Not really. Based on their intel, Romo thinks the bounty hunter is on the move now, but he can’t tell me anything except that it’s imperative that we have a plan in place ASAP.”

  “Are you scared?” Abby said.

  Terrified. Hawk shrugged. “Sure, a little. But I’m even more scared of living the rest of my life afraid. I want this thing over with.”

  “Well, it can’t happen soon enough for me,” Kate said. “I’d be more comfortable if Virgil was taking the lead.”

  Elliot folded his arms on the table. “I’m proud of you for stepping out in faith, Hawk. I know God will honor it.”

  “I couldn’t get over the arrogance of Special Agent Romo saying there was no need to rely on God,” Kate said, “that his agents were the best at what they do, and that they would protect Hawk.”

  Elliot smiled. “As long as we know who’s protecting Hawk, it doesn’t really matter what he thinks.”

  “No, it doesn’t,” Hawk said. “Which reminds me, as long as we’re all together, would you pray with me before we go to bed? After tomorrow things are going to get crazy, and I don’t know when we’ll have the opportunity. Don’t faint … but I’d like to pray first.”

  The family joined hands.

  “Father,” Hawk said, “I confess to You, and to those around this table, that I have sinned. I gave in to temptation and deception and disgraced myself, Laura Lynn, my family, and most of all, You, who I love above all things. It breaks my heart that I have disappointed and hurt those I love. I’m ashamed of my behavior and vow never to put myself in a situation where this could happen again. Lord, I know I am reaping the consequences of what I’ve sown. And that the consequences may continue to play out for a long time and in many different ways. I can’t change what I’ve done. And that’s one of the biggest consequences of all, that I have to live with it. But I also know that You forgive every sin we lay at your Son’s feet, and I’ve done that with sincere remorse and sorrow …” Hawk paused to gather his composure. “So, Father, now I stand before You, cleansed of that sin by the blood of Jesus. I ask for wisdom and protection as I step out in faith and submit this situation to You. Be with Special Agent Romo and his people, and with Sheriff Granger and his deputies, as they seek to capture this vile bounty hunter and keep him from hurting anyone ever again. Protect my family as they suffer through this with me, and be their peace. When we see these things come to pass, we will give You all the glory, in the name of Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

  Elliot put his arm around Hawk. “Lord, there’s absolutely nothing I can add to Hawk’s prayer. It seemed to spring up from deep inside him where his faith runs deep. All I ask is that You protect him, that You put a circle of light around him, so that the bounty hunter cannot touch him and the authorities can do their job and get this dangerous person out of commission. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.”

  “Amen,” Kate said.

  The others echoed the amen.

  Hawk, unable to contain the weight of emotion that had been building all week, turned to Elliot and wept in his arms. He’d never expected to feel such love at a time when he felt the least lovable.

  t

  Kate sat at her vanity table, waiting for her nighttime moisturizer to soak in, and looking in the mirror to see whether those pesky signs of aging around her eyes had been visibly reduced.

  Elliot came in the bedroom and shut the door. “Have you got something in your eye?”

  “No, I’m trying to see if my night cream has kept its promise to visibly reduce wrinkles, but I can’t see well enough without my reading glasses to tell.” She smiled without meaning to. “It’s funny, when you stop to think about it.”

  Elliot came up behind her and gently rubbed her shoulders. “You’re braver than I am. This is not the week I would choose to take a close look at the signs of aging around my eyes.”

  “Did Hawk finally go to bed?” Kate said.

  “Yes, just now.” Elliot kissed the back of her neck, then sat on the side of the bed. “He looked spent.”

  Kate turned and faced Elliot. “I don’t think I’ve seen him cry more than a tear or two since he was a little boy and our sweet yellow Lab got hit by a car. Hawk’s really sensitive, but he hides it so well that I sometimes forget.”

  “I know,” Elliot said. “He’s unusually skilled at masking his feelings. I think what we witnessed tonight was raw, unfiltered emotion, not something we ever expected to see. Only he knows how God is dealing with him. But I’m sure he’s acutely aware of the far-reaching consequences of his affair with the woman he knew as Kennedy Taylor.”

  “Your prayer was affirming,” Kate said. “I think it touched him. He looks up to you and really wants your approval.”

  “Hawk and I talked for a few minutes before he went to bed. I told him that he’s a good man and even good men can make big mistakes. That’s what grace is all about. I told Hawk I don’t think less of him because he sinned. I think more of him because he repented and took a stand against ever repeating his mistake.”

  Kate got up and sat in Elliot’s lap, her arms around his neck. “I’m so glad you’re in our lives, and that I finally had the good sense to marry you.” She brushed his lips with hers. “I love you.”

  “I love you more.”

  “I love you most.”

  Elliot smiled and held her close. “Think back on all the nights before we married, when I had to go home, knowing you were lying here alone, scared. Overwhelmed. Having to deal with crisis after crisis by yourself. Never again.”

  “I’m so glad.” She sighed. “Speaking of crises, we’re about to be right in the middle of another. We’d better try to get some sleep. Angel View will be under glass when Abby leaves for work, in less than four hours, and I want to be up. The minute she walks out that door, our lives will never be the same.”

  “Have they ever been?” Elliot said. “Just think of all we’ve been through. We weren’t the same when it was over. We were stronger. We will be this time too.”

  Kate mused, her mind flashing back over the years. “You’re right. I trust God. And I trust us. I just wish I had the same confidence in Special Agent Romo as I do in Virgil.”

  Elliot smiled. “Don’t tell either one of them, but they’re merely props. God’s in control of this assignment. And if God is for us, who can be against us, right?”

  Kate nodded. “I believe that with all my heart. But you might have to remind me. Mor
e than once. Well, a lot more than once.”

  Chapter 14

  Virgil sat at the conference table in his office with Chief Deputy Kevin Mann. They listened as Special Agent Nick Jefferson finished outlining the plan that would enable Hawk Cummings to draw the bounty hunter out in the open.

  “In addition,” Jefferson said, “we’ve had our techs working through the night putting in a surveillance system at Hawk’s home, which will be linked into our system within the hour. The surveillance system at Angel View Lodge is already linked in to ours and running with facial recognition capability. Also, the Bureau decided to bring in agents from outside the area to avoid any chance of the actors being recognized by locals.”

  “By actors,” Kevin said, “I assume you’re referring to the FBI agents playing roles?”

  Jefferson nodded. “That’s right. We understand a number of locals eat at Flutter’s, so we felt we needed to bring in unfamiliar faces to fill those roles.”

  “What’s the objective regarding Hawk Cummings?” Kevin said.

  “To do everything we can to keep him safe.”

  “Just to be clear,” Virgil said, “is that the primary or secondary objective?”

  Jefferson loosened his tie. “Sheriff, as you know, Hawk freely chose to help us with this operation. It carries with it a degree of risk.”

  “That’s a given,” Virgil said. “What I’m asking you is whether Hawk’s safety is primary or secondary.”

  Jefferson scratched his ear. “Our objective regarding Hawk is to do everything possible to keep him safe. But the primary objective of this operation is to apprehend the bounty hunter and bring him in unharmed.”

  Virgil held Jefferson’s gaze. “And if a situation arose where you could achieve your primary objective but not your secondary, what would you do?”

  “We’re capable of doing both,” Jefferson said.