Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] (8 page)

"Yes, or he'll feel my wrath."

"Boy, I want to be on your good side."

She laughed. “You are, my son, you are."

When Jennifer arrived home, she still felt angry and stormed into the house. Hawkman glanced up from reading the paper as she slammed the front door, yanked off her fanny pack and tossed it onto the counter with a clunk.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"I'm so mad I could pick up a chair and throw it through a window."

"Whoa, lady, settle down before you explode. Let me fix you a drink and tell me about it."

Jennifer sat on the hearth, and Miss Marple rubbed up against her side. “I'm really not in the mood for you. Go see the man of the house."

"Boy, you must have had a bad day,” he said, handing her a drink.

Hawkman lowered his lanky frame next to her, and she leaned against his shoulder. “I should never have gone without you."

"Where'd you go?"

"To see Beth."

He frowned, set his glass down on the brick, took her by the shoulders, and turned her toward him. “Start at the beginning."

She took a deep breath. “I found exactly what Beth needed for the baby in Yreka, bought the crib and high chair, then made a quick stop to pick up some toys for Randy, along with purchasing some staples for Beth. When I returned home, I decided to run them out to her since it was still early in the afternoon."

"Were you met by Jeb?"

"No, Earl halted me and demanded I stay there until he checked with his mom. I didn't like the cocky kid's attitude, so decided to move ahead. When I reached the cabin and approached the door, I heard Beth scolding Earl for stopping my vehicle. She seemed genuinely happy to see me. We moved in the stuff and she was so excited, until Jeb came in and made a big to do over not accepting charity. I tried to talk to him, but he didn't listen and ordered me off the property, never to come back. As I drove away, he gave my Ford a good birdshot pelting.” She dropped her head into her hands. “The man is maleficent."

Hawkman put an arm around her shoulders. “You've got to promise not to go up there again without me."

"What could he be hiding?"

"Probably something illegal. He's keeping people out on the pretense of making you think it's his private property, but we know his dad owns it. There are several outbuildings on the land. The wagon is probably stored in the barn, and the horses graze nearby. What the others contain is anybody's guess, unless I can manage to do some snooping."

She took hold of his arm. “He'd kill you in a minute and bury your body so no one could ever find you."

"I don't think so. He'd have to catch me first."

"Jeb and Earl keep a close watch on their place. You wouldn't have a chance."

"True, they keep up their guard, but you'll notice they're always checking the area where we've come in from the road. What if I follow the creek and come in from the back side. They'd never see me."

Jennifer stared at him and frowned. “Are you planning to hoof it?"

"Not all the way. I'll take the four-wheeler up so far, park it, then walk the rest."

She stood and put her hands on her hips. “Well, you're not going alone. I'll join you, as someone needs to cover your back."

He reached over and grasped her leg. “Honey, I don't want you in any danger. This will just be a surveillance run; I don't plan to meet up with Jeb or Earl."

"How do you know where those two will be? No more argument, I'm going.” She pointed a finger at him. “Don't you dare try to sneak off without me."

Hawkman released his hold and ran a hand over his head as he let out a sigh. “You are one stubborn woman."

"Better yet, what if I drive up to see Beth, which would draw the attention to the front area while you're making the trek toward the back?"

Hawkman shook his head. “Definitely not. Jeb wanted to scare you when he used birdshot, but if he discovers it didn't do the trick, he'll use a more powerful gun."

Jennifer clenched her fists at her side. “I will not let that man bully me to the point of not visiting Beth. She needs another woman in her life or she'll wither away. Randy and Marcy need her to protect them from their horrible father."

"What about Earl?"

"I gather from Beth, Jeb's got him under control."

"How old is Earl?"

"I'm not sure, but I'd assume sixteen or seventeen."

"Remember, Jeb has been in prison for three years of the boy's life."

"He must have been out a couple of years or at least a year and a half before they moved here. Marcy's only a few months old, and I'm sure she's Jeb's. So if he had any influence on Earl beforehand, he took up right where he'd left off."

"So what you're saying is, you're going to go visit Beth one way or the other."

"Yes. If I get shot at again, they may get a big surprise when I shoot back."

[Back to Table of Contents]

Hawkman observed Jennifer as she got up, walked to the sliding glass door and stared out toward the lake. “How's Randy doing?"

She whirled around, as if suddenly brought out of a deep sleep. “Real good. I took him some books and a few inexpensive toys. He loved them. I asked if he knew how to read and he told me he did; he'd attended school at one time and his mom also taught him."

"He should get enrolled."

"I'll approach the subject later. Classes will be out in less than a month, I doubt it would do any good to register him now. Next year would be better. It won't take much for him to catch up to his grade level, as he's plenty smart."

He reached over and closed the draft to the fireplace. “I better go check on Pretty Girl. Seems like it's gotten chilly, I can feel a cold breeze coming down the chimney."

He went out on the deck and decided to cover the falcon's cage since a shivering wind had kicked up. He refreshed her food and water while she squawked and beat her wings. “Calm down girl, I know you feel the change of weather. I'm going to close you in so you'll stay cozy and warm.” After securing her pen, he went back inside, rubbing his arms. “Man, feels like a frigid front is moving in."

Jennifer stood at the kitchen counter shaving off thin slices of a large prime rib roast she'd cooked the night before. “We're having sandwiches tonight, so you can fix your own."

"Sounds good to me,” he said, sliding onto one of the stools at the kitchen bar.

"I wonder if there's smoke coming out of the chimney at the Hutchinson's?” she asked, slicing pickles, tomatoes and cheese, then putting them on a plate.

"It always amazed me how women could cook on one of those wood stoves. How the heck do they know the temperature is right when they put food in the oven?"

Jennifer smiled. “Mostly by feel. They learn from practice how hot it should be and when to add more wood."

He shook his head. “I've seen beautiful cakes, pies, and breads pulled from those iron monsters. I thought it amazing."

"Beth hates the cabin because it doesn't have running water or electricity. I have the impression she lived in a more modern place before now."

Hawkman cocked his head. “Did she tell you that?"

"Yes, she doesn't like the cabin, but she never said where she lived before."

"It would be interesting to know."

"Maybe one of these days she'll tell me."

"I know you don't want to let this friendship to wane away. However, you might have to. It's dangerous for you to go up there alone."

Jennifer exhaled loudly. “Don't harp at me about it. I'm not afraid and may go on a whim."

He slapped a piece of cheese on a slice of bread. “Will you let me know?"

"All depends."

"On what?"

"If I decide to go at the spur of the moment, I'll leave you a note."

He glared at his wife. “I don't like your attitude."

She shot him a look. “Then quit treating me like a child. You know I'm capable of taking care of myself. I don't need a chaperone."

They finished their meal in silence, then retired for the night. Miss Marple had the middle of the bed to herself.

The next few days a heavy cloud hung over the Casey household.

Wednesday afternoon, on his way home from work, Hawkman thought about their petty disagreement and decided it had gone on long enough. He realized he'd not made clear his concerns, causing her to feel belittled. Tonight he'd apologize and try to explain.

Jennifer sat at her computer, but instead of writing on her book, she stared into space brooding about the silly argument between them. She still bristled at his talking down to her, yet she knew in her heart he only cared for her well being. Her husband didn't understand the workings of a woman's mind. He never had. Smiling to herself, she remembered the many times he'd worked on cases involving young women, then come to her for advice. It still didn't excuse him for treating her like a young girl.

Maybe she should make another trip to the cabin on her own. It would prove she could do this. She'd carry her gun as usual, and be very cautious. The thought of checking on Beth and Randy intrigued her enough to get up from the computer, head for the bedroom, where she put her weapon in the fanny pack. She fastened it around her waist. If things went right, she'd be home before Hawkman.

She hurried out the door and went to the garage. The sun glinted off the paint of her Ford and she noticed several minute dents caused by the buckshot. Biting her lower lip, she climbed into her vehicle. If Jeb or Earl shot at her again, she'd definitely shoot back.

Having second thoughts as she drove up the hill to the turnoff, she took a deep breath. “I can do this,” she muttered aloud.

Just before she arrived at the place to make the turn, an old pickup emerged from between the trees and bounced onto the road. As he passed, she frowned and studied the face of the man driving. Jennifer didn't recognize him or the vehicle, and wondered what business he had up here. Looking in the rearview mirror, she watched him putt down the road. She waited until he disappeared from view before entering the rough path which led to Beth's cabin.

Keeping a close lookout as she drove, it surprised her no one stepped out of the shadows before she reached the turnoff to the cabin. Yet she could feel eyes upon her. She parked in front and hastened to the entry. Beth opened the door before she had a chance to knock.

"I'm so glad to see you. Please come in."

"I won't be long. I just wanted to check on you and see Randy."

"Hi, Mrs. Casey.” Randy, sitting on the cot, held up the books she'd brought him. “I really like these puzzles. Mom has only had to help me on a couple."

"Wonderful,” Jennifer said. “How are you feeling?"

"Really good, I think I'm almost healed and can get rid of these crutches."

"Don't discard them too soon. We don't want any problems,” Jennifer said, as she glanced in the cradle and noticed Marcy had been moved to the crib. “Oh, my goodness, you've already transferred her."

Beth smiled. “Yes, I caught her trying to roll over in the cradle, but the sides didn't give her enough freedom, so I put her in the new bed and she loves it. She likes it better than being held."

When Jennifer twirled the toys strung across the top, Marcy squealed in delight. “She's so adorable."

Beth looked at her with concern. “Did you have any trouble coming in this time?"

"No, I didn't see a soul."

"Good."

"You sure don't want to be on Mom's bad side,” Randy piped in.

Beth shot him a look. “You mind your manners, young man.” She turned to Jennifer. “I want to show you something."

She followed Beth to the small sink where she took hold of the pump handle and worked it up and down. Within a few short seconds, a stream of water spewed out the spout.

Jennifer patted her on the shoulder. “Fantastic. Now you can get a bathroom inside, instead of having to go to the outhouse."

Beth held up a finger and grinned. “That's my next project."

"I think I saw the workman leave just as I came up,” Jennifer said.

Beth gave her a puzzled glance. “We can't afford to pay anyone to do this work. Jeb and Earl fixed the water."

"Did the person you see have an old green clunker of a pickup?” Randy asked.

"Yes."

"That was Grandpa."

[Back to Table of Contents]

"It must be nice having a grandpa to visit,” Jennifer said.

Randy shrugged and made a face. “He never comes inside the cabin. He doesn't like us. I just saw the truck out the window."

Beth ruffled his hair. “Grandpa loves you and Marcy, it's me he despises."

Randy frowned. “Just because you're an Indian maiden. Sounds crazy to me."

Not knowing how to respond, Jennifer picked up a colorful blanket hanging on the end of the crib. “This is beautiful, and it's handmade. Did you make it, Beth?"

She nodded, then moved toward the center of the room. “Excuse me for a moment; I need to stoke the stove."

Jennifer watched as Beth first poked wadded paper and kindling into the fire chamber, then tossed a lit match inside. She opened the chimney damper to allow the smoke to escape, then went outside, and returned shortly with an armful of wood. Placing a couple of small logs inside, she put the others on the floor beside the stove, dusted off her hands, and wiped them down her apron, then smiled at Jennifer.

"There, got that out of the way. Once it heats up, I'll start supper."

Jennifer shook her head in amazement. “I wouldn't have the vaguest idea how to cook on a wood burning stove. Your talents amaze me."

Beth laughed. “One of these days I'll teach you. It's really easy, once you get the hang of it."

"What are you fixing for dinner?"

"We're eating well tonight. Earl shot many quail this morning, and from the bag of potatoes you brought me, I'll make some crispy fried silver dollars. We'll go to bed tonight with full stomachs."

"Since you have no refrigeration, how do you keep the game the men shoot?"

"We have a smokehouse behind the cabin. Keeps it all perfectly; no fly will land on smoked meat."