Free Shadows in the Night [Hawkman--Book 12] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

asked.
    "Gives me good luck."
    He grinned, as he watched the man flip on the machine.
    "Okay, everyone ready?” the caller asked.
    "Yeah!” they all yelled.
    When the session ended, Hawkman walked back to Maggie's apartment with the couple. “Do they have the magician's show in the same place?"
    "No, it will be in the big room with the jukebox. They set up a small portable stage so the entertainer is high enough for everyone to see. Makes it more like a small auditorium,” George said.
    "This place sure has much to offer,” Hawkman said. “No wonder you enjoy being here, Maggie."
    "It should have a lot of stuff. It's expensive enough,” George said.
    "I agree. I saw a breakdown of the costs."
    "I'm going to rest awhile,” Maggie said, heading for the bedroom.
    "You feeling okay?” Hawkman asked.
    "I'm fine, just a bit pooped. I'll see you tonight."
    "Shall I meet you downstairs where the show will be held?"
    "That'll be fine. No need for you to come all the way up here. I don't think we'll miss you. You definitely stand out in the crowd."
    "Okay, see you two tonight.” He strolled out of the room and ambled down the hallway. A couple of women stood against the wall not far from Maggie's quarters and stared at him. They had their hands in front of their mouths, talking as if he could read their lips. He touched his hat. “Hello, ladies."
    One of them pointed. “Mister. What's your name?"
    He stopped. “Tom Casey."
    "Why are all you strange men coming and going out of Maggie's room?"
    "We're her bodyguards."
    Her eyes grew wide. “Why does she need someone to protect her?"
    "Nothing for you to worry about. It doesn't affect anyone here, so please, don't let our presence disturb you.” He stepped closer. “What are your names?"
    "I'm Jessica, but everyone calls me Jessie, and this is Margy."
    "Have a good day.” Turning on his heel, he strolled to the elevator, then left the building.
    Hawkman parked in the alley behind his office, grabbed the briefcase from under the seat and hurried up the steps. Once inside, he went over his notes and shook his head. The people were all diabetic and each had died of heart failure. It sort of made sense as diabetes was not a disease you could ignore. He'd found nothing to make him suspicious of anyone at the Independent Living place. However, since George had hired him to look into the deaths of their friends, if foul play was involved at the facility he couldn't eliminate the risk of Maggie's life being in danger.
    He worked on trying to organize his notes until about thirty minutes before the magic show, then headed out the door. Driving toward the home, he thought about what the magician might be like. This place had definitely gone all out to make the life of the residents not only comfortable, but enjoyable. No wonder Maggie didn't want to go home. She had everything at her fingertips.
    He pulled into the parking lot and it surprised him to see it almost full. Several cars trailed behind him, so he quickly found a slot before they were all taken. Checking his watch, he still had close to ten minutes before show time. He observed the people as they climbed out of their cars and headed for the entrance. Several children accompanied the adults. A pleasant outing for them; not only would they be able to see their grandparents, but would also be entertained. Good psychology, he thought.
    Hawkman climbed out of his vehicle and ambled toward the entry. When he walked inside, a line of people weaved down the hallway toward a small table with a person selling tickets. The room had been roped off and people entered once they'd bought in. He didn't see the Hamptons, so decided to go up to the second floor. When the elevator door slid open, the Hamptons were waiting and stepped inside.
    "I didn't realize these were public shows,” Hawkman said, moving over.
    "They aren't,” Maggie said. “Only family members of the residents can attend and we're allowed to bring a guest. Of course,