by Kathy Herman
Hawk looked out across the back lawn at Angel View. Guests were laughing and joking around, having so much fun, completely oblivious to the FBI’s presence or the operation in progress. He spotted Deputy Duncan sitting at an umbrella table on the back deck, having a soft drink and reading what appeared to be a novel.
“Hawk, can you hear me? It’s your mother.”
“Hey, Mama. I hear you had a bit of a scare.”
“It’s never dull,” Kate said. “Elliot and Dad had gone into Foggy Ridge to get groceries, and I was enjoying some quiet time. All of a sudden, Clarissa came into the room, her gun drawn, and locked the sliding glass door. I could hear footsteps outside, and then I saw the silhouette of a man on the deck. I froze. Then Natalie came in with a Taser gun and told me to lock myself in the bathroom. Which I gladly did. Honestly, it was all over in ten minutes. Whoever was out there ran away. He never saw the agents, so their cover wasn’t blown. Goodness, Elliot and Dad are back now. I feel a lot better. I’ll say one thing, Natalie and Clarissa had things under control. I was never really afraid.”
“That’s so good to hear,” Hawk said. “I was worried.”
“Don’t be. How are things going there?”
“Okay, I guess. It’s slow. Would you believe I ran into an old friend who used to live here? He came right up to me in the middle of a covert operation and started a conversation. I had to talk with him and not let on, but I stayed cool and he had no idea anything was going on.” Hawk laughed. “Crazy, huh? Would you call Virgil and tell him I ran into Kirby Stanfield and kept my cool? He’ll get a big kick out of that.”
“I don’t recall the name,” Kate said. “Does Virgil know him?”
“Definitely. I’d better go. It was nice of Special Agent Romo to let me talk to you. I feel better now, knowing you’re okay.”
“You take care of you,” Kate said. “We’ll wait to have dinner until you’re home.”
“Okay. Don’t forget to call Virgil. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
t
Kate took the phone off speaker and disconnected the call. She looked over at Elliot, who was lying next to her on the bed, resting his eyes. “Did you find that odd?”
“What?”
“Hawk asking me to call Virgil. He actually called him by name twice during the conversation. He’s never done that. Never. He always calls him Sheriff Granger or the sheriff.”
“Maybe they have a more personal relationship now. They’ve been through a great deal together in the past couple days.”
“Well, I wonder what’s so important about this Kirby Stanfield that Hawk would ask me to call Virgil and mention he ran into him.”
“I don’t know. Are you sure you’re not reading into it?”
Kate sighed. “No, I’m not sure. But my maternal instinct is telling me that Hawk is saying more than the obvious, and I should do what he asked and call Virgil.”
Elliot turned on his side. “Trust your instinct. Call Virgil. If you’re wrong, you’re just passing on an interesting tidbit from your son. But if you’re right, there’s a reason Hawk wants Virgil to know.”
Kate kissed his cheek. “Thanks.” She keyed in Virgil’s cell phone number. “I hope I’m not reading into it. Virgil is so busy that I hate to—”
“Hello, Kate. I’m sorry about what happened. You okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Elliot’s here and I’ve got you on speaker. I wouldn’t bother you right now, but Romo let me talk with Hawk a few minutes ago. Hawk wanted me to call and tell you that he ran into Kirby Stanfield today in the middle of a covert operation and managed to keep his cool. He thought you would get a kick out of it. Does that make sense?”
“Yes, I happened to be at the command center when it happened and watched it myself. Hawk carried on a conversation with him and never missed a beat. It was great. I’m sure Romo was impressed. I know I was.”
“Hmm … I was so sure Hawk was saying more than the obvious.”
“I don’t know about that. Since Hawk and I can’t communicate right now, he probably just wanted to be sure I knew about his Oscar-worthy performance.”
“So much for maternal instinct. How are things going there?”
“I’ve been watching everything from the command center,” Virgil said. “It’s been intense at times, especially the incident at your place, but they’re still waiting for the bounty hunter to make himself obvious enough to pick out of a crowd. I know the time must grate on you. But we have to wait it out.”
“How’s Deputy Duncan’s vacation going?” Elliot said.
“Fine. His eyes and ears are wide open. I’m very glad he was able to take off.”
“I’m glad he’s at Angel View where he can help you keep an eye on things. Virgil, you be careful,” Kate said. “And make sure Romo and his people are watching out for Hawk.”
“I will.”
Kate disconnected the call and laid her head back on the pillow. “Virgil’s not telling us everything.”
“Sweetheart”—Elliot took her hand—“he tells us what we need to know, when we need to know it.”
Kate smiled. “You’re right. We’ve been doing this so long, you’d think I’d know that by now.”
t
Billy Gene continued to follow the man he suspected had his eye on Hawk. Without being too obvious, he tried to get a facial shot of the guy. He finally managed to get one decent shot and sent it to the sheriff.
If the man was on vacation, he sure didn’t know how to have fun. All he’d done all day was stroll around the grounds and talk on the phone. And change his clothes—twice. Because he was hot and sweaty? Maybe. Or was it because he didn’t want to stand out if the area was under surveillance?
Billy Gene was uncomfortable that the FBI had him on video as Kirby Stanfield. If his true identity were ever found out, it would point back to Sheriff Granger. If Romo wanted to be nasty about it, he could charge them both with interfering with an FBI operation and make sure neither of them ever worked in law enforcement again.
Although Billy Gene did what he had to do under the circumstances, he was anything but under the radar now. And if they questioned Hawk about this fictitious friend, would he be able to do as good a job of covering it up as he’d done earlier?
“Billy Gene, can you hear me?” Virgil said.
“Loud and clear, Sheriff.”
“Kate just called. She said Hawk insisted that she call and tell me he ran into his old friend Kirby Stanfield in the middle of today’s covert operation—and kept his cool. Hawk thought I’d get a kick out of it. Kate thought it was odd, but I told her I watched it live, and he did great. And then we dropped it. I think it’s a nonissue.”
“Well, that’s good. It’s all I could think to do at the time. I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite us both.”
“I don’t think it will,” Virgil said. “Romo lost interest once Hawk acted like he knew you. Everyone at the command center turned their attention to the incident at Kate’s. To me, it still seems just a little too coincidental that the man showed up at Kate’s just as you thought the guy you’re tailing was closing in on Hawk. Then again, what was your guy going to do with Hawk while he was surrounded by the landscapers and grounds crew? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
“I can’t figure that one either, Sheriff. Maybe it was a bad call. Did you take a look at the picture I sent you?”
“I did,” Virgil said. “That is the guy whose face has shown up on the surveillance cameras off and on all day, and no one here flinched.”
“So he’s obviously not the guy. You want me to stop following him?”
“You were sure when you called me,” Virgil said, “that this guy was going to move on Hawk.”
“Yes, sir, I was. Guess I was wrong.”
“Billy Gene, I’ve known you a long time. I�
��d be a fool to blow off your hunches. I think there’s more going on here. I just can’t put my finger on it yet. Stay on this guy until Hawk goes home, and then see what he does. I’d sure like to know his room number.”
“Oh, I already know he’s in 215. I followed him there earlier when he went back to his room to change clothes. For the second time.”
Virgil chuckled. “Did you? And …?”
“I got his license number when he went out to his car to get his briefcase. He’s driving a rental car—a red Nissan Sentra. Arkansas plate: XTL0926.”
“Excellent work,” Virgil said. “Once Hawk goes home for the day, treat yourself to a nice steak dinner on me. Then get a good night’s sleep before we start this all over again tomorrow. Meanwhile, I’m going to do a little detective work of my own.”
Chapter 22
Virgil was itching to get home to Jill Beth’s Swedish meatballs, but he wasn’t quite ready to end his day. He stared at the picture Billy Gene had sent to his phone. That was definitely not the bounty hunter, aka Herbod Jalili. This man was a few years older. His eyes were steely cold like Jalili’s, but his features were more refined.
He keyed in Kate’s number.
“Hello, Virgil.”
“I didn’t interrupt your dinner, did I?”
“No, not at all. Hawk just got home safe and sound, and he’s taking a shower before dinner. What’s on your mind?”
“Two things. One, I wanted to check up on you and see how you’re feeling after today’s scare.”
“Not too bad. Elliot is checking every lock and feeling very protective, but Natalie and Clarissa were wonderful. I’m really fine. What was the second reason you called?”
“Promise you won’t laugh?” Virgil said. “Billy Gene left his expensive new sunglasses and his wallet out on one of the umbrella tables, and a real nice guy in 215 turned them in. Billy Gene couldn’t believe every nickel and his credit cards were still in his wallet. He wants to go thank him and invite him to dinner, but he forgot the guy’s name. Could you check your computer and get that for me? Billy Gene didn’t feel comfortable bothering you with it, with all you’ve got on your mind. Of course, I’ll bother you anytime.”
Kate laughed. “You know I don’t mind. Let me get to my computer, and I can pull that right up. Let’s see … guest roster. Second floor. Room 215. Mr. Javed Saman. First name is spelled J-a-v-e-d. Last name: S-a-m-a-n. Says here he’s a New Yorker.”
“Thanks,” Virgil said. “I’ll call Billy Gene and give him the guy’s name so he can thank him personally and offer to buy him a steak. Did Hawk feel good about today?”
“He did. He’s so proud of himself for keeping a poker face when his friend came up to him today—and in front of all those agents present and at the command center.”
“He handled himself like a pro, Kate. Never missed a beat. Be sure to tell him I said so. I’m going to scoot. Jill Beth’s got Swedish meatballs with my name on them.”
“Enjoy,” Kate said. “Give her my love.”
Virgil chuckled. “Will do. Thanks again.”
Virgil disconnected and then keyed in the number for Deputy Kevin Mann.
“Hey, Virgil. How’re things going at the command center?”
“So-so. I guess it depends on whether you enjoy spending time in Fed City with most everything classified. Romo is definitely running the show. I trust you have the department running smoothly?”
“Yes, it’s been quieter than usual. Nothing we couldn’t handle. How’s Billy Gene’s vacation going?”
Virgil told Kevin everything that had happened that day, including the attempted break-in at Kate’s and Hawk’s amazing response to Billy Gene’s brilliant performance as Kirby Stanfield. “I’m telling you, Kevin. It was something to see. I thought for sure Hawk would blow it, but he never missed a beat. The feds bought it hook, line, and sinker.”
“I’m confused,” Kevin said. “Which one is the bounty hunter?”
“It can’t be the guy Billy Gene was following because the feds didn’t react to his face on camera. They won’t admit it to me, but they know what the bounty hunter looks like.”
“So it’s the man who tried to break in at Kate’s?” Kevin said.
“We can’t be sure since he had his face covered.”
“Don’t you hate it when you get a smart one?” Kevin said. “So what now?”
“The agents out at the house will need to be vigilant because the guy could come back. He never saw the agents when the sneeze scared him off, so he might try it again. My guess is that tomorrow Romo will have Hawk take a greater risk and move away from the actors posing as landscapers and grounds crew. He’s going to want to draw the bounty hunter out where they can ID him and then move in to apprehend him.”
“What about the guy Billy Gene was following? Have you eliminated him?”
“Well, here’s the thing. Billy Gene and I both feel there’s something more going on here. The guy is definitely not the bounty hunter, or they would’ve been all over him. But he was definitely watching Hawk. I want to know why. Which is where you come in.”
“How can I help?” Kevin said.
“Grab a pencil and something to write on. I want you to get me everything you can on the guy Billy Gene is following.”
Virgil told Kevin everything he’d obtained on Javed Saman and what he’d done to get it.
Kevin laughed. “Good for you. Okay, it’s my turn. Let me see what I can find out. If this guy is using his real name, I shouldn’t have too much trouble running down some information on him. I’ll do my best.”
“Thanks, Kevin. I know you will. Let me know the minute you have something.”
“Definitely. And, boss … I take back what I said about you rolling over. I should’ve known you wouldn’t let Romo shut you out.”
“I took an oath to protect the people of Raleigh County, Kevin. He didn’t. And I intend to do my job.”
“If I start right now,” Kevin said, “I may have something for you by morning.”
t
Hawk got out of the shower and dried off, then wrapped a towel around his waist and stood at the bathroom sink. His eyes looked tired. He could hardly believe he was working with the FBI on such an important operation. It was a little scary, but he was doing it for Kennedy. To honor her memory. He could hardly wait until they captured the man who sought to murder her in cold blood for the five million dollars. But would he ever know who had actually done it? Or why? It was one day short of a week since Kennedy disappeared, but it felt like a lifetime ago. He was a changed man on many levels.
At this time last Friday night, he was on the phone with Kennedy, excited about spending all day Saturday with her. Lies. So many lies he told to protect his time with her. He deceived Laura Lynn. His parents. Himself. Even Kennedy. He’d confessed it all, sincerely sorry for the way he handled it, for all he had thrown away. So why was he dredging it up? Perhaps because tomorrow would mark one week since Kennedy disappeared from his life.
So much to handle in a week’s time. So much pain. And sorrow. Death. And regret. Regret not only for his wrongdoing, but for all he had lost. And not just Laura Lynn. He did love her and always would. But he was finally able to see that his relationship with Kennedy was more than physical. It was still confusing. But he was beginning to understand that the inexplicable emptiness he now felt was the consequence of his having partaken of the pleasure God intended for marriage, completely unprepared for how the oneness of that intimate union would impact his soul and spirit.
“Mama said dinner is almost ready.” Jesse stood outside the bathroom door, holding the orange-and-white-striped kitten that was still without a name.
“Good grief, Jesse. Don’t sneak up on me like that,” Hawk said. “Next time whistle or something so I know you’re coming.”
“Sorry. Dinner’s almost ready
.”
“Remind me what we’re having,” Hawk said.
“Chicken parmigiana, those little brown potatoes, asparagus, salad, and sourdough rolls. Chocolate pudding for dessert. Yum.”
“Guess I’d better get dressed and get down there.”
“You look worried,” Jesse said.
“I suppose I am. I’m letting the FBI use me for bait to catch a vicious killer. It’s not exactly a safe place to be.”
“Home isn’t all that safe either.” Jesse put the kitten down and let him play with the shoelace on Hawk’s Nikes.
“Yeah, I’m really sorry about what happened today. At least Natalie and Clarissa were on top of it.”
“Elliot tightened the locks on all the windows,” Jesse said, “and bought a special lock for the sliding glass door. He insisted that we have the alarm system turned back on, and he’s going to give us the new code at dinner.”
Hawk sighed. “More consequences. None of this would be happening if I hadn’t gotten involved with Kennedy.”
“Probably not.” Jesse picked up Hawk’s clean clothes and tossed them to him, then flopped on the bed. “But don’t forget what Romans 8:28 says, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ I’m pretty sure that in all things means even when we mess up.”
“I can’t imagine what good could possibly come of this.”
“Well, even if it’s just a lesson that changes you and makes you more like Him, it’s pretty cool.”
Hawk smiled as he pulled his shirt on. “You have an answer for everything. I don’t know how you do it.”
“My youth pastor gave me the formula,” Jesse said. “One, read the manual. And two, follow the instructions.”
“In other words, read the Bible and do what it says.”
Jesse grinned. “Yep. It’s simple. But not always easy.”
Hawk swung his wet towel like a lasso and threw it at Jesse, evoking a deep, husky laugh befitting an almost-eighth grader. “Come on, Saint Einstein. Let’s go pig out on chicken parmigiana.”