Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] (5 page)

Beth scowled. “No need. Jeb won't care.” She tossed her shawl onto the bed next to the baby.

Jennifer's bewildered gaze followed her, as she headed for the bathroom.

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When Jennifer heard the shower running, she picked up the phone and dialed home. Hawkman answered after the second ring. “Hi, Hon. Thought I better let you know what's going on. We saw Randy and he's doing good. He'll probably be moved into a regular room tomorrow, and could possibly go home in a couple of days. Right now, Beth and I are at a motel."

Jennifer listened for a moment. “No, she said it wouldn't be necessary, as Jeb wouldn't be worried. Beth actually said, he wouldn't care."

She remained silent for a few seconds. “I'm not sure how long we'll stay. I'll let you know."

After hanging up, she lay across the bed next to the baby. She glanced toward the bathroom as a beautiful soft melodic voice, singing what sounded like an American Indian lullaby, drifted through the door. “What other surprises am I going to learn about your mom?” she said, touching Marcy's chin.

The baby waved her arms and kicked her feet, knocking off the light cover across her legs. Jennifer laughed as she replaced it. “I think you recognize the song."

Wrapped in a towel, Beth emerged from the bathroom and glanced at Jennifer. “Sorry I took so long, but you were right, I really enjoyed the bath. Just wish I'd brought some fresh clothes. I had no idea we'd spend the night."

Jennifer smiled. “Me either, so we're in the same boat. You have a beautiful voice. Marcy kicked and waved her arms like she'd heard it before."

Beth laughed, as she rummaged through the pockets of her jeans and brought out a large comb which she ran through her wet, thick black hair that extended past her hips. “Not so sure I sound good, but I enjoy singing to her."

While Jennifer took her turn in the shower, she thought about Beth's long tresses, high cheek bones, dark brown eyes and bronze skin. She came to the conclusion the woman had Indian blood in her veins, especially after hearing the haunting melody from her lips. She'd also gathered there was little affection between her and Jeb. What about the older boy? Beth had not mentioned him.

When Jennifer returned to the room, she found Beth and the baby curled up in their bed, both with closed eyes. Flipping off the lamp, she crawled under the covers and discovered she felt very tired.

The next morning, the two women were awakened by the cries of Marcy. Jennifer rolled over and faced Beth, with only the large shawl wrapped around her body, rocking the baby in her arms, as she tried to get her to take milk.

"I'm sorry she woke you. I think she's sick. She seems very warm, like maybe running a fever."

"Oh, no,” Jennifer said, crawling out of bed and slipping into her clothes. She moved over and sat next to Beth, then touched Marcy's head. “She's burning up. What do you think is the problem?"

"She keeps putting her hand up to the side of her head, like something hurts."

"Sounds like she might have an ear infection. When we get to the hospital, we'll have a doctor check her."

Beth continued to rock the baby, as Jennifer used the last of the groceries to make sandwiches, then took Marcy so Beth could dress. They were ready to leave in just minutes. When they arrived at the hospital, Jennifer scurried to find a doctor who would look at the baby. She soon found one and he verified Marcy had an ear infection, wrote out a prescription for a liquid antibiotic, also drops for the ear.

Jennifer picked up the medications at the hospital pharmacy, and they hurried up to the ICU, only to find Randy had been moved. Soon, they located him in a double bed room. When he saw them walk in, his face lit up in a big smile.

"Hi, Mom and Mrs. Casey. The doctor might let me go home today."

"Really,” Jennifer said.

"Yeah, he said I was healing like a strong man. I'll have to be extra careful and use crutches for a couple of weeks. I told him I could do that. He said to have Mom talk to him."

"Thank goodness you're doing so well,” Beth said, reaching over and patting his arm. “Our little Marcy has an ear infection."

Randy frowned and sat up to peer at his baby sister. “Hey, little girl, can't have you sick. I'm coming home to help Mom take care of you."

A man in a white coat walked into the room. “Is one of you Mrs. Hutchinson?"

"Yes,” Beth said.

"I'm Dr. Freedman. I operated on Randy's wound. We feel he can go home today, if he promises to be careful. His wound is deep, but he's doing well. He's not to put full weight on the leg for a week. We'll lend him a pair of crutches, which you can return in a month. His stitches will dissolve, but if you notice he's torn the gash open or any signs of infection, get him back here as soon as possible.” He ruffled Randy's hair. “You have one brave lad here."

She smiled. “Thank you."

"If you'll come with me, we'll get the paperwork done. I'll give you some samples of pain pills, then you can take him home."

Beth appeared bewildered and shot a look at Jennifer.

"I'll come with you."

With Jennifer at her side, they followed the doctor down to the main desk. He handed Beth a couple of sheets of paper on a clipboard, and a pen.

"Just fill these out and give them to the nurse who will be out shortly. She'll get the crutches and fit them to Randy."

Moving to a couple of chairs at the far side of the room, Beth whispered to Jennifer. “You have to help me. I don't know how to answer any of these questions."

"Can you read?"

"Yes, but I never learned how to write, except to sign my name."

Jennifer took the clipboard and the two women huddled as she read the questions aloud, then wrote Beth's answers. “What's your address?"

"I don't know."

"I'll put mine down,” Jennifer said.

The rest were fairly easy, and Jennifer took the baby while Beth signed the last paper. She then turned it over to the nurse who brought out a wheelchair, and they journeyed to Randy's room.

He handed his mother a small bubble pack of pills, then made a face. “Why do I have to get in that thing, now that I have the crutches?"

"Hospital policy,” the nurse said, helping him.

When they reached the front door, Jennifer dashed to get the Ford and brought it around to the entrance. Once they loaded Randy inside, along with the crutches, they headed for home.

Before they arrived at Copco Lake, Jennifer worried about driving up to the Hutchinson's. “I'm going to stop and pick up Mr. Casey. I don't want any trouble with your husband and older son when we drive to your place."

Beth shook her head in disgust. “If it weren't for Jeb's and Earl's shenanigans we wouldn't be in this mess."

Jennifer glanced toward the back and noticed Randy had fallen asleep. “Earl seems to have a completely different personality than Randy."

"Jeb taught him to be mean and cunning. I won't permit him to do it to Randy."

"How can you stop him?"

"I have my way."

They approached the bridge and Jennifer drove into her driveway. “I'll be right back."

She jumped out and ran into the house. Hawkman stood at the sliding glass door.

"I saw you coming, and wondered about your plans."

"I want you to go with me. The hospital released Randy early, but he has to be very careful for the next couple of weeks. I think it best we take him home in the SUV, instead of him riding home in a rickety wagon."

"Okay, I'm ready."

When they climbed into the vehicle, Randy had awakened and grinned when Hawkman crawled in beside him.

"How's it going, trooper?"

"Doctor said I'm healing really good."

"Great. You just gotta be careful for a few days."

"Yeah. Look at these.” He held up the crutches. “The nurse showed me how to walk with them and said it was very important for me to keep the weight off my leg, or I could end up back in the hospital with bigger problems."

"You heed those words."

"I will."

Jennifer drove out of the driveway and turned west. After traveling a couple of miles, she turned her head toward Beth. “When Mr, Casey and I came up here trying to find your cabin, we took what looked like a trail up ahead. Is it the right way?"

"Yes. It's very rough. The wagon and horses do fine. I hope your vehicle can make it."

"I think it will; it has a four-wheel drive if I run into any problems.” She glanced back at Randy.

"You hold on good so you don't jiggle your leg."

He grabbed both sides of the seat as Jennifer turned onto the bumpy terrain. Even though she drove slowly, she cringed at every bump. When they reached the area where Jed had shot over their head in the four-wheeler, Hawkman eyed both sides, not knowing what to expect.

Suddenly, Jeb stepped out of the shadows with his gun aimed at the front of the Ford. Beth quickly rolled down the window and stuck out her head.

"Put that gun down, you stupid man, it's your wife and son."

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When Hawkman saw Jeb step out in front of the truck, he rested his hand on the butt of his gun in the shoulder holster. Twisting in the seat, he surveyed the area behind them, figuring Earl would bring up the rear. Surprised at Beth's comment to her husband, he glanced at Randy. The boy's mouth twitched as if holding back laughter. Hawkman wondered what kind of life these people led. The big question that lingered in his mind, was why Jeb seemed to be so obsessed with not letting anyone through the area. What was the man hiding?

Jeb lowered his gun and approached the vehicle. “Is our boy alive?"

"Of course,” Beth said. “I need to get him home and into bed. He needs rest and has to stay off the leg for two or three weeks."

About the time Jeb waved the Ford through, Earl ran up to the window. “Good to have you home, Mom. Sorry the gun went off and hit you, Randy."

"Happy you missed us.” She looked him up and down. “You certainly don't look any worse for wear."

"Had to eat what he put in front of me.” He nodded toward his dad.

She shook her head, then turned toward Jennifer. “Keep going straight. I'll tell you where to turn."

Jeb and Earl stepped out of the way as Jennifer slowly guided the SUV past them. She hit a few bad bumps that made Randy groan.

"Sorry, I'm really trying to be careful."

"I know; it just caused a pain."

Beth turned in her seat. “We'll be home soon and get you to bed."

Just when Jennifer thought she couldn't go much farther as a thick forest lay ahead, Beth pointed to the right.

"Go this way and you'll see our cabin to your left."

Jennifer pulled up to the front door as close as she could, then Hawkman climbed out and went around to the side where he could lift Randy from the vehicle.

"I can use my crutches,” the boy said.

"Tomorrow will be soon enough. Let's get you to bed. You've had a hard day.” Careful not to put any pressure on the wounded leg, he gently lifted Randy from the seat.

Holding Marcy, Beth hurried ahead of Hawkman, and pushed open the door so he could get through without hesitation. She quickly laid Marcy in the homemade cradle, then guided Hawkman to a cot near the window, and pushed back the covers. “Put him here."

Heedful of the injury, he placed the lad on the bed. “There you go. Now, I advise you to get some sleep."

Randy snuggled under the covers. “Yeah, I'm tired."

Jennifer had followed the group inside. “Use your crutches like the doctor explained. I'll come and visit you soon."

"Randy glanced at her with heavy lids, and smiled. “I'd like that."

"We're going home now. Your mom will take great care of you.” Jennifer placed the crutches at the end of the cot, then handed Beth a sack which contained medications and fresh bandages, along with the bundle of diapers.

"How can I ever thank you for all you've done?” Beth said, clutching the sack.

"Just take care of our boy,” Jennifer said. “I'll be out to see you soon."

As Hawkman and Jennifer strolled out of the cabin, they met Jeb and Earl coming in.

"Hope this is the last time we have to meet with you folks,” Jeb said.

With fire in her eyes, Jennifer whirled around on her heel and pointed a finger at him. “Mr. Hutchinson, get used to seeing me. I plan to come out here often to see Beth and Randy. If you so much as fire that gun of yours in the air, I'll have the law down on you so fast you won't know what happened."

Jeb stepped back and narrowed his eyes. “Don't get smart with me, young lady. I don't take to that kind of talk coming from a woman."

"Then mind your manners,” Jennifer said, as she stalked around the Ford and climbed into the driver's seat.

Hawkman slipped into the passenger side with a smirk twitching at the corners of his mouth. Jennifer fired up the SUV, turned around, and headed toward the road.

"Simmer down, my bold wife. Take those bumps a little slower."

"How does Beth live with such a man?"

"He's all she's got."

She let out a puff of air, causing her bangs to rise. “You're probably right. I wonder if he can read and write?"

Hawkman frowned. “Why would you ask such a question?"

She shook her head. “I've learned so much about Beth. It's a good thing I was at the hospital with her or she'd have been humiliated."

"How come?"

"Well, the only thing she knows how to write is her name, which saved us a lot of explanations. I could fill out all the forms, and then she could sign them. She has a beautiful voice and crooned a very haunting lullaby while she showered. After seeing her long black hair, hanging past her hips, bronze skin, along with those dark eyes and high cheek bones, I drew the conclusion she's an American Indian or at least has Indian blood."

He nodded. “Very possible. Did you ever find out why they moved to the cabin?"

"No. I tried to be careful questioning her, as I wanted her trust. If I got too close to something she didn't want to tell, she hushed up or made the comment, ‘I've said enough'."