Free In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page A

husband.
    When the phone jangled, Jennifer hurried into the kitchen. Her full attention focused on the answering machine.
    "Guess I didn't hit you hard enough. I saw them take you to the hospital and your pretty wife brought you home. The police think I've disappeared. But have no fear, I'm still around. So watch your back, Hawk Man . I'm not through with you."
    Jennifer hit her fist on the counter. “Who are you and why are you doing this?” she asked aloud. She left the phone and booted up her computer. Her nerves felt raw and stretched like tight rubber bands. It would take awhile to unwind, and that message didn't help.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
    The next morning, Hawkman awoke to see two big blue eyes peering at him. “What the heck are you doing in my bed?” he quizzed the cat.
    Jennifer rolled over and took Miss Marple into her arms. “I didn't have the heart to make her go to her room. She's so worried about you."
    He sat up and groaned. “Did she tell you this?"
    "Not in so many words, but her actions speak tons."
    "You know, you're spoiling her. Now, she'll never be happy sleeping anywhere but right here."
    "How are you feeling?"
    "Much better. I have a very sore scalp."
    "The doctor said not to get your stitches wet. So I'll help you wash around them."
    His eyes lit up. “You gonna take a shower with me?"
    "I don't think I could reach your head,” she quipped.
    "Darn. You're such a party pooper."
    He climbed out of bed and looked over the lake from the sliding glass door. “Looks like a much nicer day than yesterday. At least the sun is shining."
    "April is unpredictable. It could cloud up and snow tonight."
    "You're right. I remember a couple of years ago when it snowed in May.” He turned and stretched his arms. “Man, I'm sore all over."
    "You took a bad blow and probably fell hard."
    "I better give Williams a call."
    "Before you do, you might want to listen to the message we received last night."
    He jerked around and stared at her. “Why didn't you wake me? I didn't even hear the phone ring."
    "There wasn't anything you could do about it."
    Hawkman padded into the kitchen in his bare feet and underwear; went straight to the phone and punched the play button. After he heard the man's voice, he mumbled. “Who is this guy?” Scowling, he punched in the detective's number, then put it on speaker.
    "Williams, Hawkman."
    "How are you feeling?"
    "Sore and have a headache. We received another threatening phone call from our mystery man."
    "Interesting, I found out his name."
    Hawkman stiffened. “What is it?"
    "J. Hargrove. The car rental had the information, along with the motel where he'd been staying. When I talked with the management at the inn, they informed me he'd checked out. So I hurried to the airport. Another futile trip, along with checking the bus depot and taxi drivers. It's like he disappeared into thin air. I also checked the other car rentals in the area. Nothing."
    "He's obviously still around; listen to this.” He hit the play button.
    "When did that come in?” Williams asked.
    "Late last night, after we got home from the hospital."
    "It appears our guy wants to play games."
    "He can't get far without wheels. Have you checked the used car lots?"
    "In the process right now. Leaving a picture at each one. I'll let you know if anything turns up. Also, Ms. Rawlings filed a hit and run report this morning after they dismissed her from the hospital, so we've got our eyes peeled."
    "You've got a picture?"
    "Yeah, off the license. Want me to fax it to you?"
    "Please."
    After Hawkman hung up, he prepared to receive the fax and within minutes it came through. He lifted the paper from the tray, studied the photo, and shook his head. “I've never seen this guy."
    Jennifer looked over his shoulder. “Isn't that one of the names Bill gave you?"
    "Yes, but I've never met this man. I'd remember those eyes, if nothing else."
    "If he worked for the Agency, how come you don't recognize him?"
    "It's a big