Shadows in the Night [Hawkman--Book 12] Read Free Page B

pocket, and headed out the door.
    When Hawkman arrived at Morning Glory Haven, he realized he didn't know Maggie's room number. He was very impressed with the outside appearance as he strolled into a large open foyer that looked like an elegant living room. A woman was working at an oak desk, her head bent over a bulky ledger. He stopped and observed a nurse pushing a man in a wheelchair toward an elevator.
    After several moments, he crossed the room toward the person at the desk. She wore a suit, instead of a white uniform, and looked more business oriented. When he stopped in front of her, she glanced up and her eyes widened.
    "Uh, may I help you?"
    "Yes, I'm looking for Maggie Hampton's room."
    She started to thumb through the papers on her desk, then laughed. “I'm sorry, she's not in this section. This is the assisted living group. Maggie is in the independent building.” She pulled another book toward her. “Mrs. Hampton was just moved into a one bedroom unit on the second floor, room 202. She pointed toward a double glass door. “Go through there to the next building. The elevator is on your right. Is she expecting you?"
    "Yes.” Hawkman touched the brim of his hat. “Thank you.” He walked briskly through the doors into a beautiful area lined with river rocks, a large fish pond and a waterfall splashing down a stepping stone structure. Luscious green plants surrounded the border. He couldn't help but stop and admire the sight before him.
    Going through the next set of swinging doors, he walked into a lovely alcove furnished with overstuffed couches and an oak coffee table. A large fireplace and high hearth took up one wall. Straight ahead and facing him was a huge comfortable living area with a colorful jukebox in the corner. Several round tables with white iron cushioned chairs filled the right side of the room. To the left, a large couch and a couple of leather mini sofas separated by another oak coffee table, also faced a fireplace. The walls were lined with colorful paintings, and vessels filled with real flowers of different hues were scattered throughout the room. It surprised him to see the space empty; then it dawned on him it was near dinner time. More than likely, everyone had gathered in the dining room.
    He quickly located the elevator and took it to the second floor. Stepping out on the carpet, he glanced at the door numbers and soon found Mrs. Hampton's quarters. He flipped on the voice activated recorder in his pocket and softly knocked. George opened the door and ushered him inside.
    "Maggie, this is Tom Casey, the private investigator I told you about."
    She held a vase of flowers in one hand as she maneuvered her walker toward the table in front of the large window overlooking the fishpond. She glanced his way. “I'll be right with you. I just moved into this smaller unit and it's taking me a while to get things the way I want them."
    "It's very pleasant,” Hawkman said, as he glanced around the interior. The doors were open where he could see into a large bathroom, and a bedroom big enough for a king size bed along with two bedside tables on each side.
    Maggie moved toward him and stopped within a foot of his body and glared up into his face. “So you're a private investigator. Bet you scare the hell out of anyone who approaches you."
    Hawkman stared down at the frail woman. She wore a dark green pantsuit which emphasized her sparkling hazel eyes. Her short, thin silver hair clung softly to her head, but separated over small ears adorned with tiny emerald earrings. Artfully applied make-up with a touch of soft pink lipstick gave her a delicate appearance. She raised her hand.
    "A pleasure meeting you, Mr. Casey. May I call you Hawkman, like George does?"
    He took hold of the small fingers. “Of course."
    She gestured toward the chair. “Please take this seat. I have many questions."
    "I hope I have all the answers,” he said, sitting down.
    She plopped on the couch, folded and pushed her