Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] (19 page)

He reached over and took her hand. “That's all I ask."

"I sort of want to change the subject,” she said.

"Shoot."

"You said you were going to research Tami Spencer. Did you find anything of interest?"

"Strangely, no. All I found was she moved from Portland, Oregon, to Yreka and has lived there two years. Nothing on her employment or history, just sort of a ho-hum person with no significance."

"So she's been in this area about as long as Beth and Jeb. Makes me wonder if she's been keeping track of their whereabouts."

"Very possibly, if she still holds a flame for Jeb."

"Beth told me, Tami attempted to take him from her some years ago. I have a feeling it happened before he went to prison."

Hawkman scratched his sideburn. “It would be interesting to find out where Beth and the boys lived before Jeb was released. I hunted for her too, but couldn't find a thing, like she'd disappeared off the face of the earth. However, she could have been going by an alias for the boys’ sake."

Jennifer got up from her chair and paced. “I might go up there next week and see if I can find out any more. I'm afraid though, she's not going to like my line of questions."

"All she can do is tell you nothing, or to get out."

Sunday morning, Hawkman arose early and took Pretty Girl for a hunt. While she soared above him, he leaned against the fender of the Cruiser and thought about the Hutchinson situation. The whole mess had really affected Jennifer and it bothered him. He decided to let things simmer for a week or more. What did it matter if Jeb got caught this week or three weeks from now? It would give her a break from having to worry about whether the Hutchinsons’ children would have a home or not. Normally, Jennifer was down-to-earth and realistic, but this family had gotten under her skin. She needed time to sort it out, which he knew she would, in due course.

He'd calculated that last night, Jeb had only carted out about half the moonshine he'd brewed from the huge still, and therefore, would probably make another run tonight to a different customer. Before going to the detective, he should have a couple of buyers to report. When he finished with Pretty Girl, he'd go online and see if he could find the man who bought the first load. Tonight, maybe he'd recognize the purchaser.

His beloved falcon had not returned from her hunt, and his gaze studied the tree line. Moving out into the field, he whistled several times to no avail. Advancing toward the area where she'd disappeared, he saw her suddenly emerge from the top of a large oak tree and circle high above his head. She finally descended and perched on his outstretched leather clad arm.

"What took you so long, girl?"

When he checked her beak, he could see remnants of brown fur. “Looks like you found yourself a good size prey this time. Bet your tummy is full now."

The man and his pet returned home. Hawkman cleaned out the aviary, and placed Pretty Girl on the perch with fresh water and dry food, which he doubted she'd find of interest until tomorrow. Entering the house from the deck, he noticed Miss Marple had hopped onto the large ledge of the window, licking her chops as she viewed the falcon. “You silly feline, that bird would tear you apart in a few seconds. I'd advise you to quit dreaming."

Jennifer chuckled from her seat behind the computer. “You'll never convince her."

"I'm heading back to my office. Need anything before I leave the room?"

"No, thanks."

Hawkman booted up his machine, removed his hat and stuck it on the fancy hook Jennifer had supplied. She obviously hadn't appreciated the big bare nail he'd hammered into the wall. He clicked on the icon to the special search area he had privy to, then put in his user name and password into the search area. When the web page appeared, he typed in taverns and owners, in Sisikiyou County. Hoping pictures were supplied, he watched the monitor as it went through looking for the information. Soon, the names of many nightclubs popped up on the screen. Some listed owners. Hawkman started with the ones in nearby towns. Clicking on the names of the bars, he found pictures of the buildings, and a few had photos of the owners. Just about the time he was ready to give up, a fuzzy black and white picture emerged of the proprietor of a saloon in Yreka.

Hawkman enlarged the shot and studied it. Even though he found it hard to define the features, he'd swear they belonged to the man who'd picked up Jeb's load last night. He wrote down the owner's name and the place of business, then printed out the unfocused picture. Narrowing the search down to the local bars, he printed out the list, just in case this one fell through. His gut told him Tami would do business with the locals first, because Jeb had no vehicle to transport his goods, other than the buckboard. Even if Tami had offered her car, Jeb would refuse because it would set off Beth's ire.

He did a few more searches and still found nothing on Tami Spencer, nor on Beth Hutchinson. It made him wonder how Beth made a living while Jeb did time in prison. Maybe Jennifer could find out, but he doubted it. It would probably remain a mystery forever. Shutting down the computer, he stacked the printed copies at the side and left the room.

Going to the refrigerator, he rummaged around until Jennifer finally said. “What are you looking for?"

"Sandwich makings"

"Hold on a second and I'll come in."

"Didn't want to bother you."

"It's okay, I'm ready for a bite to eat too."

After saving her work, she put the computer into sleep mode and came into the kitchen. Without hesitation, she took out leftover roast, cheese, tomatoes, pickles and other needed condiments.

"You're something else,” Hawkman said. “You pulled everything out like magic."

She smiled. “That's a woman for you."

"Glad I have you,” he said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

She put a hand on her hip and looked him in the face. “Why do I have this dark feeling you're going out tonight?"

"Why do you say ‘dark'?"

"Because it's been like a black cloud hanging over my head all day. I kept waiting for you to say something, but you never did."

"Guess I just assumed you'd know. I'd bet my last dollar Jeb didn't take all the hooch last night. That still will brew double what he had in the wagon. He'll make a run tonight to sell to another buyer."

"Did you find out anything about the one last night?"

"I think I've found my man, but the picture is hazy, so I'm going into town next week and see if I can spot him in his tavern."

"Is he local?"

Hawkman nodded. “Yreka"

They ate their sandwiches, and made small talk as twilight fell. Hawkman prepared for his trip into the woods, then left on the four-wheeler. He made a quick run by the back of the Hutchinsons’ place to make sure the buckboard was hitched to the horses. Finding it as he expected, he journeyed on to the spot he'd gone the night before, parked the machine and waited in the moonless night for Jeb to come rolling by.

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Hawkman didn't have to wait long before he heard the snorting of horses, and the rolling of wooden wheels over rough ground. He hunkered down in the shadows until Jeb passed, then ran behind the wagon, grabbed the tailgate, swung himself into the wagon and slipped under the tarp. Everything went as routine until suddenly bright lights lit up the whole dirt road.

"What the hell,” Hawkman muttered. He stole a peek from under the tarp and two cars appeared, one on each side of the road, equipped with spot lights pointed at the wagon. The horses became frightened. One reared, as they yanked against the reins, causing the buckboard to jerk back and forth.

"Turn those damn things off,” Jeb roared. “You're scaring the horses.” He fought to get the animals under control, when finally the beams went off.

Hawkman quickly scooted over the rear and dropped to the ground. He stayed crouched for a second behind the carriage, then hightailed toward the wooded area. Car doors slammed, and suddenly, Hawkman spotted a shaft of light sweeping across the area. Dropping to the ground behind some brush, he lay very still and watched the flash pass over him. Fortunately, it kept going, and didn't move back toward his hiding place.

"Thought I heard a rustling sound,” the man said, fanning his flashlight beam behind the buckboard.

The horses had settled, and Jeb jumped down from the seat. “There're all sorts of animals out here. You probably frightened one with those bright lights."

"You sure no one followed you?” he said.

The other man tapped his shoulder. “Quit worrying, Claude. Who the hell would trail a horse-driven cart?"

"Can't be too careful, Luke,” the man said, walking to the side of the wagon, and peering under the cover.

Hawkman could hear the men's conversation clearly, and figuring they were preoccupied with the hidden contents, he took the risk of raising his head. The lantern glow reflected off the tarp, and made the men's faces look distorted, but he recognized both men.

Feeling a cramp forming in his neck, Hawkman quietly crawled back to the tree line where he rose to his feet behind a cedar. He could watch the men's actions between the thick limbs. They went through the ritual of tasting the brew, nodding their heads, handed Jeb a roll of bills, then carried their merchandise to the trunks of their cars.

"We'll let Tami know if we want more,” Luke said, as he slammed the lid, and climbed into his vehicle.

Jeb gave a wave, and climbed back onto the bench seat of the wagon. The whole meeting took all of twenty minutes, and Jeb was on his way back to the cabin.

Hawkman jogged along the bank behind the cart, but stayed in the shadows, as Jeb kept turning around and looking into the bed of the wagon. Something bothered him. Hawkman wondered if he'd noticed the mussed up tarp. When he'd jumped out in haste, the rope tied to the cover had tangled on his boot, and he didn't have time to toss the end back into the bed. He hated to think he'd have to hoof it all the way to the Polaris, but it might come to that.

Suddenly, Jeb stopped the horses, reached around and tried to pull the canvas toward him, but it hung up on the tailgate. He finally climbed from the seat, carrying his rifle, and walked around to the back of the trailer, untangled the rope, then rolled it several times until it rested against the front board. Hopping back into the seat, he placed his gun next to his leg, picked up the reins and continued his journey.

Hawkman didn't dare hitch a ride now, as Jeb would shoot him before he could get one leg hitched over the tailgate. He had a long walk ahead. Keeping the buckboard in sight, he took long strides, but kept just enough behind it so Jeb wouldn't catch a glimpse of movement from the corner of his eye. It didn't take long before they came to the dogleg in the road where Jeb cut off to go to his place and Hawkman veered in the opposite direction to find the four-wheeler.

Relieved to turn into his home driveway, he parked under the lean-to, and went inside. Jennifer left the computer and gave him a hug, then stepped away and turned him around.

"Oh, dear, don't sit on anything, your whole backside is covered in dirt and grass. What happened?"

As he undressed in the laundry room, he related the story of the men with the spotlights on their cars. Checking the pockets of his clothes, while Jennifer swept the floor where he'd traipsed, he continued his tale.

"Do those men carry weapons?” she asked.

"I'm sure they do. I recognized the two men tonight. They own the sleazy joint on the outskirts of Yreka called ‘The Hut'. They're a couple of rough slime balls, and have been in trouble with the law several times, but it doesn't seem to sway these two men to keep their noses clean. Regulations mean nothing to them. You'd never know it by Claude's and Luke's looks, they appear as innocent as newborn babes."

"I'm certainly happy you came out unscathed. We can handle dirty jeans much easier."

Hawkman took her hand. “I know you're worried about Beth and the kids. So I've decided not to go to the detective just yet."

"Thank you. I know you have to do what has to be done, but I'm glad you're going to give it a little more time. Maybe, just maybe, this is to get the family on their feet. Then it will stop."

"Honey, how am I going to convince you that it won't. This is easy money for Jeb."

She grimaced. “It's so hard for me to think that way. I know you're right; I just don't want to believe a man could put making white lightning more important than his family."

"You're going to have to come to grips with it eventually, and I'm hoping a little more time will help."

She left Hawkman to start the washing machine, and went to the bedroom. He soon followed, crawled into bed and folded his arms around her.

Monday morning, he quietly slipped out from under the covers, and decided to go to the guest bathroom to take his shower, so as not to disturb Jennifer. Today he had several things on his mind, and wanted to check out the first guy Jeb made connections with on Saturday night, as he wasn't sure it was the same person he'd found on the computer search. The name, Moss Atkins, didn't ring a bell, nor did the tavern, “The Big Mug", but he'd recognize the man if he saw him again.

When he headed for the kitchen, it surprised him to smell coffee perking. “Good morning, my sexy lady. Did I wake you?” he said, coming up behind her and kissing her neck.

She turned and grinned. “No, I have a full day; thought I'd better get up and moving."

"What are your plans?” he asked.

"I'm going to visit Beth and possibly find out how she survived while Jeb did time."

"You think she'll confide in you?"

"I have no idea. She may kick me out, and tell me to mind my own business."

"What will you do?"

"I'll leave, and mind my own business."

He chuckled. “Good thinking.” Pouring some of the hot brew into a thermal cup, he pulled her close to him with his free hand. “I'll see you tonight.” Then he gave her a passionate kiss.

"Have a good day, and please, stay out of trouble,” she said, giving him a swat on the butt as he headed for the door. “I know you're going to buy a bear claw at Clyde's donut shop, but I'll forgive you this time."