Free Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page A

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."
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CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    "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."
    Jennifer patted Marcy's tummy and moved away from the crib, then turned toward Randy. “How are you doing?"
    "Real good. I tried walking a few steps without the crutches, but it still hurts."
    "I think the doctor wanted you to stay on them for a couple of weeks. You have another week to go."
    He wrinkled his nose. “Yeah, I know. Just can't go very fast on them, and I can't ride my