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

four and six played on the floor. “This is Megan and Scott."
    "Hello, Megan and Scott,” Hawkman said.
    They both said a meager “hello", picked up their toys and left the room. Shortly, a young slim woman with long dishwater blond hair pulled back in a pony tail, stepped into the room. She wore faded jeans, a green plaid long-sleeved shirt and scuffed boots.
    "Meet my wife, Paula. Honey, this is Tom Casey, the private investigator John and Margy told us about."
    She held out her hand. “Nice making your acquaintance. Have a seat. Can I get you a cup of coffee?"
    "No, thanks. I'll only be a minute. I just need to ask your husband about bow hunting."
    She laughed. “You won't need me in here; I know nothing about it. So please excuse me, as I need to tend to dinner."
    "You go right ahead,” Hawkman said, sniffing the air. “It smells delicious."
    A coy smile formed on her lips, “Thanks. It's been a pleasure meeting you.” She turned and disappeared into the kitchen. The two children skipped behind her.
    "What do you need to know?” Bob said.
    Hawkman quickly ran through the story of the arrow hitting his office door, then the flat tire. “I think I'm dealing with a person who is on the brink of being dangerous. On your hunting trips, have you run across any reckless bowman?"
    "I don't know if John mentioned we've only been here a couple of years. Trying to get our place in order and get established in the community has been mighty time consuming. I only got to hunt twice and went out with John and his boys. Those guys are considerate and very cautious with their bows. So I'm afraid I can't help you at all."
    "I understand,” Hawkman said. “If you see anything or notice anyone carelessly using a compound bow, will you give me a ring?” He handed him a business card.
    "I certainly will."
    Hawkman stood. “Thanks for chatting with me. I wish your family the best in getting your place fixed up."
    "Thanks. It's been a lot of work, but we're making headway."
    Hawkman drove out of Riley's property and onto the road. He didn't think he'd gather much information out of Bob, since Laura had told him they were a young family and had only been in the area a couple of years. Next he needed to talk to the two students from the college Laura had mentioned. He'd jotted down their names, and since she thought they were local, he might be able to find them in the phone book. Also, tonight he'd call Summers and set up an appointment.
    He didn't feel so pressed, now that Mr. King had lifted the time frame on the investigation. It definitely relieved his mind, and he believed Laura's too. Now with the GPS tracker on her car, he'd know immediately if she veered off the normal track from school to grocery store or home. He felt confident she'd let him know if she went to a friend's house or another venue. She obviously didn't date or attend many social events, and this made him wonder if she was shy around her peers. Her looks were fine, she had a good figure and seemed comfortable enough around adults. Something must have happened earlier in her life to make her keep an arm's length from men. He'd ask Jennifer what would make a young woman do such a thing.
    He soon arrived at his office and glanced toward the door. “What the hell!” he exclaimed as he climbed out of the 4X4. Putting a hand on his hip, he studied the three arrows sticking in the wood of the building leading up the steps. Ribbons in yellow and black, hung from each shaft and flipped in the breeze. He glanced up and down the alley, then grabbed the briefcase, and headed up the stairs. Not touching the arrows at the moment, he hurried into his office. At least it had been left untouched. He slipped on a pair of latex gloves, picked up a paper sack beside the filing cabinet, went back outside and carefully removed the arrows, trying not to touch where there might be a fingerprint. Bringing the booty into his office, he placed the bag on his desk. Before looking over