The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page A

sure don't like the appearance of this hoodlum. You could end up getting hurt or killed."
    "I've discovered there's more than one."
    "That makes it worse. Do you have any idea who they are?"
    "Not yet. Couldn't even get a make on the pickup tonight because of the darkness, and they were too far away, running without lights."
    She shook her head. “Where's the Highway Patrol when you need them?"
    "Probably just as well they weren't around, as I would have ended up with a hefty speeding ticket."
    She stood and folded her arms. “This is getting dangerous. I worry about Laura; as these idiots seem to be getting bolder."
    "Me, too. I'm going to find a GPS she can wear on her body in case they do get her cornered and take her in their vehicle."
    "That's a great idea."
    "By the way, I've got a question for you."
    Jennifer sat back down on the hearth. “Okay?"
    Hawkman shifted around so he could look at his wife. “Why would an attractive young woman not have anything to do with men of her age?"
    "Are you speaking about Laura?"
    He nodded. “Yeah. She doesn't have a boyfriend, and doesn't appear interested in getting one. She goes straight to and from school without any sort of social life that I can detect."
    "Does she have girlfriends?"
    "One or two, but not a bunch. I found one girl's phone number on the records of her cell phone. You'd think there would be a constant hubbub back and forth with girls around her age."
    "Hmm,” Jennifer said. “There could be a multitude of reasons. She could be extremely shy."
    "She sure doesn't have trouble talking to me."
    "You're different. You're more like a father figure or a protector."
    "I'm glad you added protector. Otherwise, you'd make me feel mighty old."
    She laughed. “There's also the case where she could have been in love with someone and he dropped her. It could have made her not trust men, therefore, she avoids them to keep from getting hurt again. There could be other causes, but from what you've told me about Laura, those two peeled right off the top of my head. If I think of any more, I'll let you know."
    "Thanks, you just might be right on both."
    Hawkman left for Medford Saturday morning, in hopes he could get the back window of the 4X4 fixed in a couple of hours so he wouldn't have to leave his vehicle; otherwise he'd have to rent a car. He had a shop in mind that he'd used before to replace glass and found them reliable.
    As he entered the outskirts of Medford, his cell phone vibrated and he pulled to the side of the road to answer. It turned out to be Laura telling him she and her mother were on their way to town.
    "Okay, hold on a minute."
    He switched on the GPS, did a couple of adjustments, and smiled. “Yep, you're heading into town.” When he gave her the exact location, she laughed and said she couldn't believe it.
    "While I've got you on the phone, tell me something. Who's Cindy? I found her number on the phone report."
    "She's a friend of mine, and we share a class. She called a couple of times for assignments she'd missed due to illness."
    Hawkman bade Laura farewell and turned into the glass repair shop. He recognized several of the workmen, and rolled down his driver's side window.
    "Hi, Brad and Jake."
    Both men raised their heads and moved towards the vehicle. “Hey, Mr. Casey, who threw a rock at you?"
    "Long story, I'll tell you about it sometime. Do you by some chance have a back window that will fit this baby?"
    "I'll check,” Brad said, walking into the storage area, as Jake examined the shattered glass.
    "Boy, this was done by a lot of force; surprised the glass stayed in place,” Jake said.
    "Good thing you taped it down."
    Hawkman climbed out of the 4X4 and joined the man at the back. “Surprised me too."
    Brad reappeared carrying a large, thin cardboard box. “Yep. We can fix you up."
    "Great,” Hawkman said. “How long will it take. I really need my wheels by this afternoon."
    "We can have you ready to go by noon."
    He handed them the