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

thick rubber sole, and warm socks which would not only protect her feet from hours of standing, but keep them warm from a drafty floor.
    The noise of the television ceased in a matter of seconds, and Laura returned, dragging Mr. King by the hand. Hawkman concluded the man had seen much of the outdoors with his sun-leathered skin. His eyes sparkled a light blue, and he'd maintained a set of shoulders and biceps from years of toil.
    "Mom and Dad, I want you to meet Mr. Tom Casey, a private investigator. Mr. Casey,” she motioned toward her mother, “Violet King,” and then to her father, “Oliver King."
    Hawkman extended his hand. “My pleasure."
    "Call me Olly,” Mr. King said.
    Hawkman nodded, as he felt the strong grip of the farmer's hand. Both parents then turned and gave Laura a questioning glance.
    "Sit down and I'll explain why Mr. Casey is here,” she said.
    Laura's parents took the couch, and Hawkman settled onto a tall straight back chair facing the couple.
    Mr. King suddenly pointed a finger at Hawkman. “I know who you are. You're the man they call ‘Hawkman'. You retired from the Agency, married that cute little widow who writes mystery novels, then started your private investigating practice in Medford."
    Hawkman smiled. “You're right."
    "How in the world did you run into our Laura?"
    "I'm going to let her tell you the story."
    The young woman lowered herself onto an ottoman in front of her parents and proceeded to tell them her tale. After many gasps from her mother, and frowning contortions from her father, Laura finally ended her dramatic story with the frantic call she'd made to Mr. Casey earlier.
    "Oh, my dear child, why didn't you tell us about those horrible calls?” Mrs. King said with tears in her eyes. “How terrible to suffer such a thing alone."
    Laura bowed her head. “I thought you might think I'd done something bad to warrant them."
    "Nonsense,” her father said. “We know you better than that. There are lots of weird people in this world. We see them every day on the news. An innocent bystander can get a bullet through his chest, if he's at the wrong place at the wrong time."
    Laura reached over and took a hand of each parent. “Thank you for being so understanding. Mr. Casey told me you'd be, but he had to persuade me to bring him out here to meet you."
    Olly glanced at Hawkman. “I'll pay you to help my little girl. We've got to find out who's harassing her and put him behind bars."
    Hawkman raised a hand. “This deal is between Laura and me. I've already told her she doesn't have to pay me a thing. I don't like to see women taken advantage of and am willing to do what I can to find the scoundrel."
    "What can we do to help?"
    "I have questions that I need to ask and hope you have a few answers."
    "Shoot,” Olly said.
    "You have a pretty good spread, and I doubt you take care of it by yourself. Do you have hired hands?"
    "Sure do."
    "I'd like a list of the names of your regular men. Also anyone you've hired part-time or had to fire within the last year. I'd also like to know the color, and makes of all their vehicles, plus license plate numbers if you can."
    "I can have it for you by tomorrow."
    "That will be a great start,” Hawkman said.
    He turned his attention to Laura. “I'd like you to make a list of your male acquaintances from school, and anyone you notice watching you. I also want to get your cell phone number so I can keep in touch."
    Laura quickly rose and went into the other room. She returned carrying a sheet of paper and handed it to Hawkman. “Here's my number, along with our home phone, also Mom's and Dad's cells."
    "Good, this will help immensely.” He then spoke to Violet. “Mrs. King, I know this whole thing scares you, but do not change your way of doing things. If you want Laura to stop by the grocery store, have her do it. We don't want to vary in the way she goes about her day. If so, it may raise suspicion and our culprit may find another way to