In for the Kill
by Betty Sullivan la Pierre

EXCERPT

CHAPTER ONE

Jennifer sat at her computer, concentrating on the next book in her mystery series. When the phone rang, she let the answering machine pick up.

“This call is for Jim Anderson. If you’re there, please answer.”

She immediately jumped to her feet with a pounding heart. No one had used Hawkman’s birth name since Dirk Henderson, the double agent who wanted to kill her husband several years ago. Trembling, she stared at the instrument’s blinking red light. This could be another nemesis out to get him.

After a slight pause, the voice said, “I’ll call back later.”

The click of the hang-up left her reeling. She paced the floor and ran trembling fingers through her short, curly brown hair. This would definitely upset Hawkman. When he quit the Agency, he dreaded the day when someone from his past would find him. After Dirk had been caught and put into prison, he’d finally relaxed, figuring too much time had gone by now for him to be in danger.

Jennifer wrung her hands. How’d this person find our number? The telephone bill was in the name of Tom and Jennifer Casey. He obviously knew more about Hawkman than she cared to think about. The gnawing in her stomach told her she should call her husband right away. This man could be searching for him right now, and Hawkman needed to be on guard.

Jennifer picked up the phone and punched the number to his office.

“Tom Casey, Private Investigator.”

“Hi, how’s it going?”

“Just fine. Don’t tell me you forgot to add something to this long grocery list?”

“No, but I just received a phone call for Jim Anderson.”

A silence hung over the line for several moments.

“Who was it?”

“I don’t know. I let it ring because I was busy and the machine took the message. He said he’d call back.”

“This is very interesting. There’s someone still out there looking for me. Maybe I’ll recognize the voice.”

“It’s possible; the recording is fairly clear. No voice changer. Do you want to hear it now?”

“No, I’ll wait until I get home.”

“Do you think it could be just an old school buddy looking for you?”

“Hard to say. But I doubt it. Be sure to lock up and turn on the alarm after we’ve talked. I don’t want to scare you, but no sense in taking any chances.”

“Okay. Honey, watch your back. And remember I love you.”

“I love you, too. I’ll see you soon.”

* * * *

Hawkman hung up and tapped the receiver with his finger. It’d been a long time since the name Jim Anderson had entered his mind. A part of his yesteryears had come to haunt him again.

He opened the desk drawer and withdrew his shoulder holster. Lately, the habit of wearing it had not seemed so urgent, but the phone call from Jennifer had changed his perspective. As he buckled the gun around his chest, he could feel the old lessons taught at the Agency moving forward in his brain like a back-up computer disc. He forced it open and let the information flow into his mind, so he could recap all his training and be prepared.

It worried him this person had called the house and not his office. It meant he knew Jim Anderson had an alias. The message struck fear into Hawkman when he thought about Jennifer being home alone. Shutting down the computer, he decided to leave. He wanted to hear the voice on the recording, and needed to discuss this situation with his wife.

He strolled over to the window, stood back, and surveyed the parking lot. All the vehicles looked empty, and no one appeared to be waiting to gun him down. But if this person had Agency experience, he could be parked down the street with a high-powered rifle and a pair of binoculars.

Hawkman took a deep breath, then exhaled loudly. Life had been mighty quiet and peaceful. He should have known it couldn’t last forever. After unplugging the coffee pot, he stopped in his tracks when a knock sounded. He pulled his gun from the holster, moved to the side of the jamb, and flung open the door.

Hearing giggles, he glanced out in time to see two little girls running down the stairs, and turn the corner. He holstered his weapon, stepped forward and almost kicked over a covered basket sitting on the top step, but grabbed the handle before it tumbled down the stairs. A small beige and white head with sharp blue eyes peeked out from under the checkered cloth.

“What the heck!” Hawkman said, carrying the container to his desk.

When he pulled the cloth back, a well-fed kitten rolled onto its back and playfully swatted at the corner of the towel. Hawkman noticed a card attached to the side with a blue ribbon. He laughed when the cat batted at his fingers as he pulled the bow loose and opened the envelope.

“Hey, hold on a minute, you little critter. Let’s see what you’re all about.”

Dear Jennifer,

In appreciation for all you’ve done for my family. She will give you hours of pleasure.

God Bless, Marie and Girls

Hawkman put the note away, pushed back his hat, and eyed the young animal. “I must say, you’re one cutie. But I don’t know any Marie or the story behind you. I’m sure your new mistress will know what this is all about. At least, you’ll give her something to think on besides a sniper.”

He picked up the basket and headed down the stairs to his vehicle parked in the alley. After sliding it onto the passenger seat, and closing the door, he lifted the hood to assure himself no one had tampered with the engine. Confident everything appeared okay, he climbed into the driver’s side and drove to the pet shop.

When he placed the container on the counter and the little kitten poked out her head from under the cloth, the cashier called the other employees. “Come look at this darling Ragdoll.”

Everyone gathered around touching, and handling the cat.

Hawkman stepped back and rubbed his mustache. “Huh, I just need some food and a couple of toys. I have no idea what she eats.”

One of the girls glanced up at him. “Where did you get this precious thing?”

“A gift from Marie.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, you’re so lucky. Her cats are the best in the world.”

Hawkman looked puzzled. “Does she raise them?”

The young lady stepped back in awe. “Yes, didn’t you know? She’s the greatest Ragdoll breeder around; known all over the country.”

He shrugged. “I’m not into felines, this is my wife’s deal. The animal is for her.”

“Oh, she’s just going to love it.”

He soon edged his way out the door trying to hold the cat in the basket with a bag of food and toys under his arm. “I think you’ve excited my pet.”

They all laughed and gave him a wave as he struggled toward the SUV.

He sat the cat on the passenger seat, then took the newly bought food and two bowls from the sack. Setting the containers on the inside floorboard, he poured a little water from his own bottle into one, then sprinkled some food into the other. Gently lifting the cat out of the basket, he placed her next to them. While she lapped up the liquid and ate a hefty amount of the dry crunchies, Hawkman scrutinized the area. He found nothing to cause suspicion, so climbed into the driver’s side and waited for the cat to finish. When she started to preen herself, he picked up the animal and gently placed her into the basket.

“Okay, girl, we haven’t got all day. We’re heading to Copco Lake and you can take care of your personal hygiene when we arrive home.”

On their way, Hawkman had a time keeping the little tiger from climbing out onto the seat, and ended up steering most of the way with one hand while rubbing her back with the other.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he drove into the garage. “Okay, wiggle worm, you ready to meet your new mistress?” He gently lifted the receptacle and carried it to the entry. He found the door locked and the alarm system set. So, he placed the basket between his feet, punched in the code and stepped into the house, then tried to grab the animal as she leaped from her confines.

Jennifer turned the corner just as a streak flashed across the living room floor.

“Oh, my gosh, what was that?”

“A bag full of energy for you, from Marie.”

She clamped both hands over her mouth as she stared at two big blue eyes looking out from behind the chair. “She’s beautiful!”

He frowned. “You act like you were expecting this little bundle of dynamite.”

Reaching down and picking up the ball of fur, she nodded. “Yes, but I didn’t know when. And I didn’t think it’d be you who’d have the honor of bringing her home. I wanted it to be a surprise.”

He plopped the basket on the counter. “Don’t be disappointed. It took me totally off guard, and this little beast definitely kept my mind off snipers or someone stalking me.”

A guilty smile twitched the corners of her mouth. “Good timing.”

“The employees at the pet shop went bonkers over the sight of this creature.”

“I can imagine. Marie’s Ragdoll cats have the reputation of being the most beautiful in the area.”

“I want to hear the whole story. But first, I’ll bring in the food and stuff I bought for the new member of our family.”

Once Hawkman deposited the items on the counter, Jennifer fussed over where she should put the litter box and then produced a good sized wicker pet bed she’d somehow stored away without his ever seeing it. She placed it in the corner near the fireplace.

The little cat had not let Jennifer out of her sight since she’d arrived and acted like she understood her instructions. Hawkman shook his head and meandered over to the phone. Staring at the flashing red button, he finally punched it and listened to the message.

Jennifer glanced at him when it finished. “Do you recognize the voice?”

“No.”

“I pray it’s not Dirk.”

“We don’t have to worry about him. He’s in prison for the rest of his life, unless someone killed him. I’ll ask Bill when I call.”

“You’re going to call Bill Broadwell, your old boss?”

“Yes.”

“You believe it’s someone from your Agency years?”

“I’m highly suspicious, because of his using the name, Jim Anderson. We’ll see if he calls back. Screen the calls if I’m not here, and don’t answer if you don’t recognize the caller. I want you to keep the alarm on at all times and get your gun ready. We’ll go out and do some practicing within the next day or two.”

Jennifer stared at him with fear in her eyes. “You’re serious aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

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