Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] (7 page)

Enthralled by the tale, Jennifer stared at her husband. “Did you meet his wife?"

Hawkman shook his head. “Jacob said she'd died several years ago."

"Did you learn anything about Jeb and Beth?"

"Unfortunately, the old man doesn't give a hoot about either one of them. Jeb is an ex-con and he called Beth a redskin. So your observation is obviously correct; she is an American Indian. I gathered from the conversation, the only reason he let them live up there was because children were involved, and Jeb couldn't get a job."

"How did you approach the subject to get so much information?"

"I told him I just wanted to inform him someone was living on the land. He immediately acknowledged it, and gave me those details. Also he told me to tell Jeb to get his lazy butt in gear and get water piped into the house."

"Doesn't sound like he's willing to put any money into making the place more livable."

"From what I saw, he might not have any. Or he's hoarding it for a rainy day. Some of these eccentrics hide their money and die worth millions."

"And to think I almost suggested going with you. Certainly glad I didn't."

"I doubt you could have handled it. I almost keeled over. Probably would have had to carry you out."

"It sure doesn't sound like there's much love between him and his son."

"I don't think so. He didn't appear very proud of him. The first thing he wanted to know was if they were causing any trouble."

Jennifer reached over and patted Hawkman's arm. “Well, my dear, it sounds like you had quite an adventure."

He shuddered. “One I hope not to duplicate in the near future. I'll meet the old fellow somewhere before I ever enter his abode again.” Pulling a tissue from the box, he blew his nose. “I hope this horrible odor leaves me soon."

"It may take a day or two."

"That long?” he asked, in horror.

She laughed, then frowned. “You didn't tell me why Jeb was in prison."

"Vehicular manslaughter. Killed a man while driving under the influence. Sentenced to five years, but got out in three due to good behavior."

"No wonder he can't get a job. No one wants to hire a felon. So how's he getting money? Beth said he always seems have cash for ammunition. Maybe he does get some from his dad."

"My question is, how would he get to Medford? Horseback?"

"Maybe his dad has a vehicle, and comes up here?"

"I had the impression Jacob hasn't seen his son or family since they moved in. I could be all wet. I also wonder if Mr. Hutchinson drives. The garage door was closed, so I have no idea if he has a car or not."

"The mystery deepens,” Jennifer said. She rose from the computer and showed him an ad in the phone directory. “I'm going to Yreka tomorrow. I found a place closer that carries used baby items. I'll give them a call in the morning and see what they have."

"So you're really serious about helping Beth, regardless of the danger?"

"Yes."

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After Hawkman left for work, Jennifer prepared to go to Yreka. She felt a little uneasy about what she planned on doing, but decided Beth and Marcy were worth it. Climbing into her Ford Escape, she headed for town. The trip only took thirty minutes and she knew the small shop's location. She pulled into a parking place in front.

Since she hadn't shopped for baby items for a long time, the merchandise fascinated her. The last baby shower she'd attended occurred two or three years ago. Finding a clerk, she inquired where they displayed the used equipment. The woman led her to the back of the store and pointed out several items, explaining they were on consignment. Jennifer's gaze immediately stopped on a small crib which would fit in the cabin without taking up much room. She examined it thoroughly and found it to be in excellent condition, and the price reasonable. Her attention then went to a couple of highchairs, and she finally decided on the sturdy oak with the lift up tray. Once she loaded them into the SUV, plus some sheets for the infant bed, she stopped at the grocery store, bought some things for Beth and herself, then headed home.

Feeling good about the purchases, she decided to take them to the cabin that afternoon. When she arrived home, she put the perishables away, then went to the bedroom. Removing the fanny pack from the dresser drawer, she fastened it around her waist, and slipped the pistol inside.

A chill ran up her spine as she went out the front door. What if Jeb or Earl shot at her? She threw back her shoulders and exclaimed aloud. “I'll yell at them first. If that doesn't work, I'll shoot off my gun.” With a toss of her head, she jumped into the Explorer.

Traveling up the road, then turning at the small cut, she felt uneasiness surge through her body. Maybe she should have waited for Hawkman. She knew he wouldn't be too happy about her doing this trick alone. Butterflies in her stomach, she plowed ahead over the rough terrain. When she arrived at the spot where she should turn. Earl stepped out of the trees and pointed his rifle.

"Stop where you are."

"Get out of my way, Earl, I've come to see Beth."

He walked toward her, never lowering the gun. “What do you want with her?"

"None of your business. My visit is with your mother, not you."

He lowered the gun. “You wait here; I'll check with her."

"I'm not going to sit here, you twerp,” she mumbled under her breath. When Earl disappeared into the woods, she gunned the Ford ahead, turned and ended up in front of the cabin where she parked. Jennifer hurried to the front door and started to knock when she heard Beth's angry voice.

"What do you mean stopping Mrs. Casey and making her wait for you to come back. Don't you ever do that again. Do you hear me?"

"Dad told me not to let anyone come through the property,” Earl said.

"I don't care what your father said. She's my friend and I'm telling you what to do when it concerns people coming to see me. Now, get out there and have her come on in."

Earl opened the door, and appeared shocked. “She's here already.” He glared at Jennifer as he brushed past her. “I told you to wait,” he said.

"You don't tell me what to do,” she spat.

Beth came forward. “Please forgive his rudeness. Come in, please."

Jennifer glanced at the cot where she expected to see the injured boy. “Where's Randy?"

"He's very restless and is out walking on his crutches. He'll be in shortly; he doesn't last too long. He says they make his underarms sore. I'm sure he's not using them right, as they shouldn't make him hurt."

"How's the injury coming?"

"Healing very nicely."

"Good.” Jennifer pointed out the door. “I've brought some things for the baby. Want to help me bring them in."

"I'd love to."

The two women went outside, and when Jennifer opened the rear end, Beth gasped in surprise, and put her hands at her throat. “Oh my, a crib and high chair?"

"Marcy can't sleep in the cradle for much longer. She's really growing,” Jennifer said, reaching in and pulling the bed toward her, then instructed Beth to grab the other end.

They carried it inside, and placed it against the wall at the end of Randy's cot. Beth had a smile on her face that lit up the room.

"It's beautiful, and fits perfectly."

"I also brought some sheets for the small mattress, but first, let's fetch the high chair."

"You are much too kind,” Beth said, as they scurried out the door.

Once they'd placed the items in the room, Jennifer lugged in the sacks ladened with all sorts of goodies. As they unloaded them, Randy came swinging into the room, a big grin on his face.

"Hi, Mrs. Casey."

"Hello, Randy. I've got some things for you in this sack."

"Really?"

"You can read, can't you?"

"Yeah, pretty good. I used to go to school, and Mom has taught me too."

"Good.” She handed him some books and a box of pencils. “These have puzzles in them, and I've brought a few toys you might enjoy."

She placed a paddle board with a rubber ball in his hand. “See if you can hit the ball. On second thought,” she said, as the ball whizzed by her face, “maybe you should take it outside."

He laughed as he searched in the sack, where he found a race car and couple of different balls. “Wow, this is neat stuff.” Swinging his body on the crutches, he went out the door with the paddle and ball in his hand.

Jennifer removed a toy with colored plastic animals hanging on a colorful string, and attached it to Marcy's cradle. The baby immediately grew excited and kicked her feet.

"She loves it,” Beth said, touching the items so they wiggled.

Jennifer glanced at Beth who'd become silent, with an expression of concern on her face.

"What's the matter?"

"We can't accept these things."

"Why not?"

"I can never repay you."

"I don't expect any payment. These are gifts from one friend to another. Just seeing the pleasure on your faces makes me happy."

Beth ran her hands over the baby's crib, and tears welled in her eyes. “I love this."

"When Marcy outgrows her cradle, she'll be able to sleep in it for at least a year."

Both women turned on their heel when a voice boomed from the doorway. “What the hell's going on here?"

"Mrs. Casey has brought some lovely items for Marcy."

"You can't keep them. We don't take no charity."

Jennifer narrowed her eyes and glared at Jeb Hutchinson. “This isn't charity. These are gifts."

"We don't want to owe no one."

"No payment is due, if the item is a gift,” Jennifer said.

"I want the stuff out of here,” he said, advancing toward the crib.

Jennifer stepped in front of him. “Don't touch it. It stays in here for Beth and Marcy."

He pushed Jennifer aside, picked up the bed and carried it toward the door.

"Mr. Hutchinson, you're the most unreasonable man I've ever met, not to mention very selfish. These items make less work for Beth. Instead of making life miserable for your family, why don't you spend some time working on that windmill, so you'd have running water in this place?"

Dropping the bed, he whirled around and pointed a finger at Jennifer. “Don't tell me how to run my family. I want you out of here, now!"

"Only if you allow Beth and Randy to keep these items will I leave in peace. Otherwise, I'm calling the authorities to let them see how you treat your children."

The fire in his eyes and the contortion of his mouth would have caused most people to flee in terror, but Jennifer bravely stood her ground.

"So what's your answer?” she asked.

Jeb looked Jennifer in the face. “You drive a hard bargain. I'll let Beth and Randy keep the items, but I don't want you back here."

"I'm not promising such a thing. Beth is my friend, and I'm concerned about her, Marcy's, and Randy's welfare."

"I take care of my own, they're not your concern.” He pushed open the door. “I'd advise you to go, before I lose my temper completely."

"I'll go, but I'll be back; you can bet on it.” Jennifer said, leaving the cabin and climbing into her truck. The flush of anger burned her cheeks as she stuck the key in the ignition. She backed up and turned the Ford around. As she left the premises, she glanced in the rear view mirror. “Oh, dear God, no!"

Jeb had a shotgun pointed at her vehicle. Jennifer hit the accelerator in hopes of putting as much space as possible between him and her. The boom echoed through the air, and the sound of being peppered by pebbles made Jennifer breathe a sigh of relief when she realized she'd just been blasted with birdshot. Thank goodness she'd put distance between them. She might have a few tiny dents in the metal, but there would be less damage than if she'd been at close range.

What possessed him to shoot at her? She knew the man didn't like the idea of Beth having a friend, especially one who didn't take his guff.

"Did he think he could scare me off with a little birdshot,” she mumbled.

She finally bounced onto the paved road and headed toward home.

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Randy followed Jeb into the cabin and hurried across the room where he stood wide eyed as his mother met his father with fiery eyes, and a long dagger raised in a threatening manner.

Jeb stood the shotgun in the corner. “Now Beth, put that thing away."

"How dare you humiliate me in front of my friend. You acted like a jackass,” she screamed, her voice shaking.

Marcy began to cry and Randy hovered in the corner on his crutches, clutching his gifts to his chest.

"She was so good to us when I fetched our son from the hospital. I couldn't have done it without her. Then she comes to see me, bearing gifts, and you treat her like dirt. Have you no compassion?"

Jeb held up his hands in defense. “I just don't hanker after charity, and I don't want people nosing around here."

Beth lowered the knife and narrowed her eyes. “Why? What are you doing that you don't want anyone to see?"

He shrugged. “Nothin'."

"You're lying.” She waved a hand at him. “Just get out. I don't even want to look at you."

He put his fists on his hips. “You can't kick me out of my own house."

"It's not yours. It belongs to your father."

"Beth, settle down. I'll be nicer to Mrs. Casey if she comes back."

"I doubt I'll ever see her again. After being shot at, she'll be afraid to come visit me."

"Sure sorry I've upset you so. What can I do to make it up?"

She stared at him. “Are you serious?"

He nodded.

Pointing at the kitchen sink, she said, “Get the pump to working, so I don't have to haul water."

"I can probably do that, but it might take awhile."

"I don't care. Just do it."

He walked out the door, and she heard him yell at Earl to get a couple of shovels out of the shed and meet him at the side of the house. She smiled to herself, put the dagger away, and picked up the crying baby.

"Mom, do you think Dad will really fix it so we have water in the house?” Randy said, stumbling out of the corner.