The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] Read Free

and brother, who had moved out years ago. So obviously, she came along later in their lives, making her folks quite a bit older than the norm. They've instilled certain behaviors in her and she realizes they might not understand the situation. Also, she's a country girl; they are much more inclined to be truthful. They have a different outlook on things from the city girls."
    Hawkman nodded.
    Jennifer raised a hand in the air. “However, if you decide to protect this young woman, you might have to touch base with the parents. I'd suggest you and Laura meet them together; that way, you can explain how her actions might not have had anything to do with this man's harassing."
    "Good idea. I'm hoping this guy saw me walk out to her car. It might make him back off."
    Jennifer frowned. “Or make it worse, if he's jealous. You can never tell about an idiot."
    He raised a brow. “True."
    "Did she mention any old boyfriends?"
    "Said she didn't have any."
    Jennifer wrinkled her forehead. “Dig deeper. This sort of sounds like a scorned lover. I can't imagine a twenty year old woman without some man in her past."
    He flopped back in the chair and threw up his hands. “All I need is some romance case to delve into."
    Jennifer laughed. “It'll be good for you. I'm sure you won't get a penny for it either."
    Hawkman shook his head and grinned. “She's already told me she doesn't have any money."
    She leaned over and patted his leg. “We've had a good year, so a charity case is okay, and this girl might be well worth it."
    Hawkman sat at his desk in the Medford office and had just spoken with a client on his cell phone. When he finished, he placed the small instrument on the wood surface while writing down some notes. Not expecting a call, he jumped when it suddenly rang. He grabbed it and placed the ear piece to the side of his head.
    "Tom Casey."
    The sound of a woman's hysterical voice pierced his ear. When he recognized Laura's voice, he dropped his pencil and stood.
    "Where are you?"
    Snatching his hat off the nail next to his work area, he shoved it onto his head and raced out the door. “Do you feel safe enough to stay there?"
    He yanked open the SUV door and jumped inside. “I'm on my way.” When the engine turned over, he gunned out of the alley and made a sharp right turn. Knowing the area, he drove down the street parallel to Main, turned into an alley and came out in front of Laura's green Toyota Celica parked in front of the store she'd named. He leaped out and ran to the driver's side where Laura was slumped over the steering wheel. Not knowing if she was hurt, he tried the door, only to find it locked. He knocked on the window and called her name. She raised her head and looked at him with red rimmed eyes, then quickly vaulted from the car, falling into his arms.
    "Oh, Mr. Casey, I'm so scared."
    He led her to his vehicle and helped her into the passenger side. Once he climbed behind the steering wheel, he pulled away and parked in a neighboring store's parking lot. He glanced around to make sure no one had followed, then turned toward her. “What happened?"
    Her voice shook as she spoke. “He called again. This time he told me he had to have me. If I didn't come to him, he'd get my mother.” Tears rolled down her cheeks.
    Hawkman frowned. “I don't like this, Laura. Where did he tell you to meet him?"
    "He said he'd call later and give me the time and place."
    "We're going to have to talk to your folks. They have to be aware of what's happening, so they can be on guard."
    She took a used tissue and dabbed her eyes. “I can't tell them about these horrible messages. They'll think I'm a terrible girl and have done something to warrant them."
    "I don't think they'll come to such a conclusion. Regardless, we're going to have to take the chance. I'll go with you. Maybe they'll see things a little differently if a private investigator is at your side."
    She glanced at him. “I don't know, they're pretty