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

guest. Placing several glasses and an ice bucket on the cloth, he noticed Jennifer's eyes sparkling with anticipation.
    "You really like Peggy, don't you?"
    "Yes. I'm glad they're our friends. She's not only charming, but you'd never know by looking at her five foot, three petite build, that she totes a gun and serves as a law officer for Siskiyou County. And when I think of all the things she's done, like learning how to fly a plane and becoming an accomplished horse rider, I'm amazed how she's packed all those things into her life."
    "Yeah, she and Ken are a good pair. Remember when I asked him one time who he called if he needed a back-up? He told me, ‘Peggy'."
    Jennifer laughed. “Shows they trust each other."
    Soon a knock sounded on the door and Hawkman greeted the Bronsons. He gave Peggy a hug and shook Ken's hand. “Good to see you two. It's been awhile since we've gotten together."
    Ken took off his cowboy hat and placed it on a bar stool. “What a day!. Traveled from one end of the county to the other.” He took a handful of almonds, then flopped his lanky six foot frame down on the leather easy chair. “Oh, man, does it feel good to sit in something besides a patrol car."
    After Hawkman fixed cocktails, he joined the group in the living room. He noticed Miss Marple went right to Ken, then to Peggy, giving each a loving rub. After showing her approval, she flopped down on the rug in front of the hearth as if she were a guest.
    "Oh, my gosh,” Peggy exclaimed. “When did you get that adorable cat?"
    "Meet Miss Marple,” Jennifer said, waving a hand at the kitten. She gave them a quick rundown of the story about how she'd acquired the pet.
    "Now, she's a pretty little thing,” Ken said. “And did you say, she's a Ragdoll breed? Never heard of it."
    "Yes,” Jennifer said, as she picked up the feline and handed her to Ken. She will just lay over your arm like a rag."
    "Well, I'll be damned,” Ken said. “Peggy, look at this,” as he lifted his arm with the cat's body dangling over each side. “She's just like a limp noodle."
    Peggy laughed. “Ken, put her down. You're going to scare the poor little thing."
    He gently placed the animal on the floor and immediately, Miss Marple wound herself around his boots, purring."
    "She definitely likes you,” Jennifer said, smiling.
    "You want to take her home?” Hawkman asked. “She really knows how to shred toilet paper."
    Ken guffawed. “I'm not so sure how she'd like our big black lab, Du."
    "That little cat could make up to anything,” Hawkman said, as he pointed toward the window where their dog had her nose pressed against the outside glass.
    "That lab is such a lover, she'd probably protect Miss Marple with her life. However, I'm not giving my cat away,” Jennifer said, with a toss of her head. “So don't get any ideas, Ken Bronson."
    "Wait a minute. He just asked me if I wanted her."
    "She's not his to give away."
    Ken shrugged and glanced at Hawkman with a mischievous grin. “Okay, guess I'll leave her here. You heard the boss."
    Hawkman chuckled. “Can't say I didn't try."
    After several more minutes of small talk, Hawkman brought up the dilemma he faced. Then walked over to the phone and punched on the latest recording.
    Both officers scooted forward on their seats, as their interest piqued.
    Peggy turned toward Jennifer. “You should not be left alone. This man could be dangerous, especially after hearing his threatening message and what you've told us about Rita. Has he bothered Marie?"
    "Not that we know of,” Jennifer said. “I'm sure she would've called, and so far she hasn't."
    "If you see me in the Sheriff's vehicle out front, think nothing of it. I'll stay close by and patrol the area. If I get a Code 3, emergency call, and have to leave, I'll let you know. Otherwise, I'm on Code 5 which means ‘stake out'."
    "I hate for you to have to do this,” Jennifer moaned.
    "That's what your tax dollars pay for; we're here to protect you.