In for the Kill [Hawkman Series Book 9] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

the surrounding area as far as he could see in all directions. The countryside seemed mighty quiet. Not even a dust cloud appeared in the sky. Soon the falcon returned and soared above his head playing in the wind current. He observed the beautiful bird for several minutes before he pulled on the long leather glove and whistled. She took several sharp turns then came down and landed softly onto his arm.
    "You were a little messy with your dinner,” Hawkman said, as he took a soft cloth from under the driver's seat, and wiped blood specks from her chest feathers. After tethering her to the perch, he turned the key in the ignition.
    When they returned home, the sun sat low in the sky and the breeze had a cool nip. He put the bird into the aviary, gave her fresh water and filled her food tray, even though he knew she wouldn't need any nourishment tonight. Cold air whipped around the corner of the house, so he drew the tarp down over the cage. He glanced at the big window overlooking the lake and chuckled. Miss Marple sat on the inside ledge, watching his every move.
    He had to go around to the front door to deactivate the alarm, and as he headed down the steps, he noticed the cover on the electric socket stood open again. Reaching over and flipping it shut, he frowned. Jennifer knows better than to leave it open, he thought as he headed around the house.
    When he stepped inside, she glanced up from preparing some hors d’ oeuvres for their expected company. “I can see Pretty Girl looks mighty content, and noticed you flipped the tarp down. It must be getting cold outside as I definitely felt the draft across my feet when you opened the door."
    "Yep, it's pretty nippy tonight; feels like an Alaskan front moving in.” He pointed toward the deck. “Before I forget, I wanted to ask why you aren't closing the cover on the electric outlet."
    She looked puzzled as she carried a platter to the living room and placed it on the coffee table. “I haven't touched it in ages."
    "That's odd. I've closed it twice in the past week."
    "Maybe some curious raccoon has been investigating."
    He scratched his sideburn. “I doubt the animal could open it. The spring's pretty tight. But it's possible. Their nimble little paws can do lots of mischief. However, they might get quite a shock if they poke a finger into the socket."
    "I saw something interesting today."
    "Oh yeah, what?"
    "A red jeep."
    His curiosity piqued, he followed her to the computer center. She shut down the machine and reached over to move the chair she'd scooted aside.
    "Why's that clear over here?"
    "Miss Marple decided to use it to get up on my desk. The little stinker is fascinated with my fingers on the keyboard. She wouldn't leave me alone, so I removed her ladder."
    "I see. Okay, back to the jeep. When did you see it?"
    "Shortly after you left."
    "Where did it go?"
    "Up the same road you did. I thought maybe you'd spot it."
    "No, I didn't. And I kept an eye out for anything red. I stopped by the ranch, but didn't find anyone home."
    "They're all working at other jobs just to make ends meet. It's really rough on people right now. They can't make a living off the land anymore."
    "Yeah, it's sad."
    The jangle of the phone caused them both to glance toward the machine. Hawkman got up and strolled toward the kitchen bar.
    "Hello, Jim. I'm still around. You haven't seen the last of me yet. Tell your pretty little wife she better not drive on the road for awhile. It could be dangerous for her health."
    Hawkman slammed a fist on the counter. “Damn him! Why threaten you. If he's after me, come for me, not my wife."
    Jennifer edged close to him and put an arm around his waist. “Honey, he's just hassling you. He probably wouldn't do a thing to me."
    "He's a fool. Look what he did to Rita. We can't for one minute believe he wouldn't hurt you if he had the chance."

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
    Hawkman cleared off the end of the kitchen bar and arranged it so he could mix drinks for his