by Kathy Herman
Virgil kept his eyes on the screens. The bounty hunter—the deadly assassin wanted all over Europe and the Middle East—was now walking his turf. Jalili looked out across the back lawn, just like he knew exactly what he was looking for.
“I think he may have spotted Hawk,” someone at the computers said.
The bounty hunter squinted and kept looking in Hawk’s direction.
A chill crawled up Virgil’s spine. This was the real deal. It was so hard not being the one in command.
“Sheriff, I’ve spotted the bounty hunter,” Billy Gene said. “He’s comin’ up the path from the pier. I’m just yards from Saman. He’s standing in the shade, talking on the phone, Flutter’s about fifteen yards directly behind him.”
Virgil put his hand to his mouth. “You’re on one of the monitors now, Billy Gene. Look relaxed, like you’re on vacation …”
Billy Gene said something to two little boys, then picked up a Frisbee that had landed next to them and tossed it back to the sender, a big grin on his face.
“That’s it,” Virgil said. “Blend in.”
“Hawk,” Romo said, “the bounty hunter has spotted you. He’s playing it safe. Still walking with people all around him. We need to draw him out of that crowd after he makes the turn and comes this way. I need you to move over to where Special Agent Barron is. Pretend to be talking to him about something.”
Virgil’s heart raced, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Barron was less than a foot from the paved path the bounty hunter was on. Hawk was walking over to him, as instructed.
Virgil held his hand to his mouth. “Billy Gene, how close are you to Hawk?”
“Ten yards. Saman is to my right, about fifteen yards from Hawk. He hasn’t stopped lookin’ at him. But he’s not movin’ in.”
“Can you see the bounty hunter?”
“Yes, but it’s hard to keep him in my line of vision with all the people around him. They’re probably all-day boat renters comin’ up from the pier to have lunch.”
“You’ll be able to see him better after he makes the turn. Let’s listen …”
“The bounty hunter is testing the waters,” Romo said. “He’s not going to get drawn out until he feels safe. He’s looking for anything or anyone that seems out of place. So stay cool, people. Everybody, do your job.”
t
Hawk stood next to Special Agent Gary Barron. He pointed at the ground and then folded his arms across his chest. “The bounty hunter’s getting closer. My knees feel like Jell-O, man.”
“Yes, but you’re surrounded with FBI,” Gary said. “We’ll cover you. All you need to do is be Hawk Cummings, head of the landscaping project.”
“Yeah, right. That’s me.” Am I really doing this?
“Hawk, it’s Romo. I want Gary to get down on this knees and act like he’s measuring. You just stay where you are and talk to him, nice and relaxed, so the bounty hunter will see your lips moving. Maybe an occasional smile.”
“Okay,” Hawk said. “I can do that.” This is for you, Kennedy. “So, Gary. Are you as hungry as I am?”
“Starved.”
“I think once we get the bounty hunter into custody, we should order the biggest, juiciest, totally loaded pan pizza we can think of.”
“You really know how to hurt a guy. We may not be eating for a while, you know.”
Hawk laughed nervously. “Just making conversation, friend. Just doing as instructed.”
“Hawk, it’s Romo again. The bounty hunter has made the turn and is about twenty-five yards straight in front of you. Don’t look over at the sidewalk. I don’t want him making eye contact. I want you to walk about ten yards to your left, away from the sidewalk, and squat down, facing Gary. Take out your tape measure and pretend to be measuring.”
Hawk did as he was told. His heart was pounding like it would explode. He wanted to look up at the sidewalk, but he resisted the temptation. If he had known when he met Kennedy that the relationship was going to result in this moment, he would have run as fast as he could. Lord, help the FBI to get this guy. I just want it over with.
t
Virgil pretended to blow his nose. “Are you there?”
“Yes, sir,” Billy Gene said. “I’ve got eyes on the bounty hunter and on Saman. They’re both takin’ some measured glances at Hawk. Sure looks to me like they know who he is.”
“Since everyone’s watching the bounty hunter, keep your eyes on Saman. Keep listening.”
“Copy that.”
“Hawk, it’s Romo. The bounty hunter is on the far side of the sidewalk and seems to be keeping his distance. You’re not in any danger. I want you to stand up and stretch, and wipe your face with the red kerchief in your right back pocket. That’s it. Great. Now fold your arms and hold that pose. Gary, call his name, like you’re trying to get his attention. Perfect. The bounty hunter should be there any second. Hawk, don’t react. Stay cool. He’s just going to do a walk-by … Easy … easy … He should be visible any second … Where’d he go?” Romo said. “I don’t see the bounty hunter. Number six, let me see a headshot. He’s not there! Anybody? Has anybody got eyes on the bounty hunter? Come on, where are you …? We’ve lost him!” Romo spit out an expletive, then yanked out his earpiece and stormed over to the computers, his voice raised. “He didn’t disappear into thin air! Find him. Get him back on camera.”
Virgil heard loud voices arguing over technical issues, but he didn’t understand what they were saying. He kept his eyes on the guests coming up the sidewalk. The bounty hunter was nowhere in sight. “Billy Gene, do you have eyes on the bounty hunter?”
“I did till he closed in behind that tall man in the Rangers ball cap a few yards back. I’ve lost him. Saman hasn’t moved. He’s watchin’ every move Hawk makes and then looking out at the folks walking on the sidewalk. I’m tellin’ you, Sheriff, there’s something cookin’.”
“Okay, keep watching Saman,” Virgil said. “I don’t think there’s any way the bounty hunter made us. He’s out there. He’s just testing.”
t
Kate threw up her arms and sat back in her chair. “How could they lose him?”
“I know it’s unsettling,” Clarissa said, “but this is pretty standard. The guy’s a pro. He is going to test and retest before he breaks away from a crowd to speak to Hawk.”
Natalie leaned on her elbows. “Clarissa’s right, Kate. People are his cover, his safety. If our actors are consistent, he won’t suspect a thing. He has no real reason to think we’re waiting for him anyway.”
“Then I sure don’t understand all his testing,” Buck said. “What reason does he have to act so paranoid?”
“Just the nature of his profession,” Natalie said.
Elliot’s eyes narrowed. “Why? What has he got to be paranoid about? Isn’t the bounty hunter hired by a bail bondsman to go after a person who jumped bail? He would be the only one who could collect the bounty, providing he brought the fugitive in, right? So Buck’s got a point. What is there to be so paranoid about? Why all this testing?”
Natalie glanced over at Clarissa. “It’s just the way it’s done.”
“Is this guy really a bounty hunter?” Elliot said. “Or is that a code name?”
“That’s classified,” Clarissa said.
Elliot arched an eyebrow. “So it could just be a code name?”
“What we know for sure is the guy is coming to get Hawk to tell him where Nameless is. He’s dangerous. And we need to get him into custody without hurting him.”
“Why such pains to keep from hurtin’ the fella?” Buck said. “If he’s that evil, like y’all say he is, couldn’t you just shoot him in the leg and stop him?”
“Again, Buck, we aren’t told everything. Our job is to take him in unharmed.”
“I sure hope you have the same regard for Hawk,” Kate said.
&nbs
p; Natalie smiled. “We do. We’re going to protect him with everything we’ve got.”
“So you think this bounty hunter will come back?” Kate said.
“Honey, he’s just testin’ the waters. He’ll be back. You can count on it.”
Chapter 26
Hawk looked at his watch. It had been over two hours since the bounty hunter had evaded them. It was getting hotter, and harder to look busy. One of the FBI actors brought Gary a cart of petunias to plant.
Hawk picked up one of the plastic crates and set it on the ground where Gary was working. “I don’t know how you can get into this with the bounty hunter out there somewhere, maybe even watching us.”
“Believe it or not, it helps to keep me focused,” Gary said. “You feeling antsy?”
“More like stressed.” Hawk sighed. “Man, I hope we don’t have to do this for days. I feel like I could lose my lunch.”
“You’re doing great, Hawk. Really. I’m not just saying that.”
“Thanks. I really want to help. But how long can we keep up this ruse of the landscaping project?”
“Until we run out of flowers.” Gary smiled and looked up at Hawk. “The bounty hunter had a successful walk-by or disappearing act—whatever it was. He’s probably feeling safe now. That’s a good thing.”
“Safe to do what, though?” Hawk said. “He can’t approach me this way, with all of you close by. Obviously, I’m going to have to man up and move away from you where he might actually feel comfortable making a move.”
“Are you eager to do that?”
Hawk rolled his eyes. “What do you think? But I can’t stand around with this mounting stress, wondering where he is. I’d rather just get it over with. I’m willing to be the bait because I know you’ve got my back. But let’s get on with it.”
“Stay put,” Gary said. “I’ll talk to Special Agent Romo and see what the plan is.”
Gary walked away, his phone to his ear.
Hawk got down on his knees and dug a small hole. Gently, he placed one of the petunias into it and scooped dirt around the flower. As he patted down the dirt, he had a flashback of Kennedy’s soft hands pulling the dead leaves off a green plant she had in the kitchen. He still couldn’t believe she was dead. I can do this for you. I know I can.
“How’re you holding up?”
Hawk looked up into the face of Special Agent Ryan Ziegler. “Not as well as I’d like. I was telling Gary I need to move away from you guys if we want the bounty hunter to approach me. He’s never going to do that as long as I’m this close to anyone.”
Ryan squatted down next to Hawk. “We know that. We just want him to get far enough away from the guests that we can grab him. He’s smart. He’s doing exactly what we expected him to do. Once he gets brave enough to do a walk-by without a bunch of people around him, we’ll make our move.”
“What if he sees you or reacts faster than you do?” Hawk said. “You’ve already said you can’t hurt him. What if he’s got a gun?”
“You let us worry about the bounty hunter. You just keep doing what you’re—”
“We’ve got eyes on the bounty hunter!” Romo’s voice came through loud and clear. “Actors, get into your positions. Hawk, I need you to stand up and let Gary plant the flowers. Number six, zoom in on the bounty hunter’s face. Oh yeah, there you are, Mr. Houdini. What’s his twenty?”
“Sir, he’s sitting by the playground. There’s at least two dozen children and almost that many parents. He’s got sunglasses on, so he could be watching the actors.”
“Hear that, people?” Romo said. “Look believable. Hawk, walk around to each actor and pretend to be giving instructions. Point at the ground while you’re talking. Look positive and not too intense.”
“Okay, here we go,” Hawk mumbled to himself. He started with Gary and then walked over to Ryan. “They really pay you guys to do this?” Hawk flashed a crooked smile. He pointed to the ground and then moved on to another actor, who was about ten yards away.
“That’s it,” Romo said. “Great. The bounty hunter is over there watching. Keep it real, people.”
t
Virgil stood behind the two rows of agents crowded around the surveillance monitors. “You there?”
“Copy that,” Billy Gene said. “I’ve got eyes on the bounty hunter. I’m sitting in the shade, my back leaned against the shade tree, about forty yards directly in front of the playground. I’m pretending to read Black Hawk Down.”
Virgil put his handkerchief to his nose. “What about Saman?”
“Oh, I’ve got eyes on him too. He’s watchin’ every move Hawk makes. I just can’t figure him out. Do you think he could be workin’ with the bounty hunter?”
“Don’t think so,” Virgil said. “No one here is paying any attention to him.”
“Well, I sure am.”
“Good. Keep me posted,” Virgil said.
“Will do.”
t
“Special Agent Romo, this is Hawk.”
“I’m here. What’s up?”
“Sir, I feel like I should be doing something to draw the bounty hunter out in the open. With all this waiting around, we could lose him. You can see him right now. And I’m not in danger. Why not let me get out there away from all the actors and see what he does?”
“You sure you’re up for it?”
“Truthfully,” Hawk said, “it couldn’t be any more stressful than just waiting out here with a big target on my back.”
“Fair enough. Actors, you can’t react to whatever happens unless I tell you to. Hawk, you have to do exactly as I say.”
“I will.”
“Okay, pick up a shovel and walk across the back lawn toward the playground. Go to the big oak tree with the hummingbird feeder hanging on it and stop.”
Hawk, butterflies in his stomach, left his safe haven and walked across the lawn, stopping at the big oak tree.
“Now lean on the shovel, and look like you’re thinking about building a circular flower bed around the base of the tree. Look as natural as you can. I want to see what the bounty hunter does when you’re there by yourself.”
“He’s getting up,” Romo said. “The bounty hunter is on the move! Heads up, people. Everybody, stay cool. Assume your roles. Number five, give me a head shot. Number six, bring him in a little closer. That’s it. Hawk, you okay?”
“I’m shaking on the inside and my knees are ready to give out, but I’m okay. What do I do if he talks to me?”
“Answer him,” Romo said. “We’ve got your back. Just stay calm and don’t blow this. I think we’d all like to get this guy and go home.”
“You’ve got that right. Where is he?”
“He’s on the phone, walking in your direction. Remember, he’s not going to shoot. He wants to talk. He may ask a question about the lodge. About anything. This is an icebreaker. Just be natural.”
Hawk exhaled a nervous laugh. “Right. How close is he?”
“About twenty yards. He’s got his phone to his ear. But he’s coming to you. That’s what we want. You’re a hero, Hawk. We all respect you for what you’re doing.”
“You sure you’ve got my back?” Hawk noticed his hands were shaking a little.
“You are surrounded with FBI. Relax. This is your moment.”
t
Kate tapped her fingers on the kitchen table and shifted in her chair. “This is making me crazy. Hawk, be careful. Lord, protect him. Put a circle of angels around him and don’t let anything evil touch him.”
Elliot whispered, “Amen.”
Buck put his hand on hers. “Baby girl, God’s got this. Just like He always does.”
Kate nodded. “I know, Dad. I really do. But my wits aren’t cooperating.”
Elliot chuckled. “Now that’s a good one. Sounded like something Riley would say.”
>
“I guess we’re not going to meet the camp bus tomorrow afternoon,” Kate said. “I miss that little munchkin.”
“Clarissa, why are they lettin’ the bounty hunter walk over to Hawk?” Buck said. “Couldn’t they just shoot him with a rubber bullet?”
“Special Agent Romo knows what he’s doing. And you heard Hawk. He wants to get this done.”
“Poor guy is probably exhausted,” Elliot said. “Look at what’s happened to him in a week’s time. First he’s knocked out with a chemical, and when he wakes up, Kennedy is gone and her house totally empty. He owns his affair and tells Laura Lynn, and they break up. Then he faces the humiliation of telling the family about the affair. Then Dennis tells him what Brody saw, and he realizes Brody was talking about Kennedy and him, and the drone attack. He’s told that Kennedy was kidnapped by eight men. Brody thinks he’s being followed, then is killed when his car goes off the road and down an embankment. Hawk and Dennis get up the nerve to report everything to the sheriff. Then he’s detained by the FBI, questioned for hours, and enlisted for this unnerving assignment. Romo said Hawk was a hero. I think so too.”
Kate wiped a tear off her cheek and linked arms with Elliot.
“He’s done everything he can to make things right,” Buck said. “But that’s a whole lot of hurtin’ inside of a week.”
Clarissa held up her palm to quiet them. “The bounty hunter stopped. He’s writing something on what appears to be a business card. He’s just waiting to see if Hawk reacts to his presence.”
“I hope not,” Kate said. “But I sure am.”
t
Virgil’s heart pounded as if it would explode. Everything was about to play out. He put his hand to his mouth. “Where are you?”