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

place."
    Hawkman heard a noise and glanced toward the kitchen window. “Looks like the guys are here to install the glass in the broken window. Get the bell while I run in and throw on some clothes."
    Jennifer tightened the belt around her robe and ran her fingers through her hair. She deactivated the alarm and opened the door. Her knees felt weak when she looked at one of the men. “Are you guys here to replace the broken window?"
    "Yes, ma'am."
    "Just a moment, please. I'll get Mr. Casey.” She closed the door, threw the dead bolt and dashed to the bedroom. “One of those men looks like the guy in the picture."
    "Are they from the glass place?"
    "That's what they said. I told them to wait outside and I'd get you."
    He snatched his gun from the holster and slid it into the waistband of his jeans, covering it with his tee shirt. “I'll go take a look."
    Jennifer trailed him to the kitchen. He moved to the window, and glanced out. “The logo on the truck matches the company I called."
    "The shorter man is the one who looks like the photo,” Jennifer said, pointing.
    The two men had meandered out to the center of the driveway and Hawkman took a moment to study them.
    "His body build doesn't match Clyde and Ms. Rawlings’ description of Hargrove. That guy's not as tall. And the pot belly hanging over his belt, doesn't match what I'd call buff.” Hawkman removed his gun and handed it to Jennifer. “I don't think I'll need this. Would you put it back?"
    "Sure.” Jennifer retreated to the bedroom to get dressed. She slipped the gun into Hawkman's shoulder holster and put her hands on her hips as she observed Miss Marple curled up on his pillow. “You little squirt. I think you're more fond of the mister of this household.” She ran her hand down the silky fur. “Hey, I'm the one who feeds and plays with you."
    The cat gently batted Jennifer's hand, then turned and rubbed her head along Hawkman's pillow.
    "Come on, time to get off the bed.” Jennifer picked up the kitten, placing her on the floor while she smoothed out the covers and tucked in the spread.
    She showered, dressed, and came into the room where the men were installing the new pane. Hawkman had brewed some coffee and sat at the kitchen bar reading the paper while sipping the hot liquid.
    "Looks like they're almost done,” she said, pouring herself a cup.
    "Doesn't take long once they've removed all the old glass. I'd given them the measurements, so they had the piece cut. Just a matter of setting it into place."
    The men soon finished the job and Hawkman handed them a check. “Thanks, fellows, nice work."
    Hawkman turned to Jennifer after they left. “I talked with them awhile, and both have been with the company for over five years. So, he definitely wasn't Hargrove."
    "Thank goodness. My heart almost stopped when I saw him. He really resembled the picture."
    "Yeah, but his eyes weren't green, they were more hazel and not near as piercing as Hargrove's."
    When the phone rang, he stood back and listened to the beginning of the message.
    "This is Detective Williams. If you're there, give me a buzz."
    Hawkman punched on the speaker phone. “Yeah, I'm here."
    "I had the feeling you might be monitoring your calls, so thought I'd better identify myself."
    "Glad you did. What's up?"
    "Got the lab results on your hat. The techs found some rust embedded in the leather and came to the conclusion you were hit with a metal pipe of sorts. They figured a tire iron from the looks of the crease it left in the leather."
    Hawkman reached up and touched the bandage on his head. “Good Lord, no wonder I have such a horrible headache. Did they find the weapon?"
    "No, sorry. Not a sign of it on the property, or in the garbage bin."
    "Should have the rental place guy check the inside of the car."
    "My lab men are going over there today. They'll search it from stem to stern. Do you want your hat back?"
    "Is it wrecked?"
    "I doubt you'll wear it again. Got a big hole in the