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

at the curb in front of a white house with pale brown trim. Two little girls, turning cartwheels on the lawn, ran giggling to the side yard as he approached the front entry.
    A woman in her early forties, wearing jeans, tennis shoes,and a long-tailed denim shirt with rolled up sleeves, answered the door. Raking loose strands of her short brown hair behind her ears with her fingers, she smiled. “Hello, Mr. Casey. I'm Marie. Please come in.” She led him into a small living room, cleverly furnished so it appeared much bigger. A large Ragdoll cat scurried from under the couch and headed down the hallway.
    "I'm sure you're wondering what I want to talk to you about,” Hawkman said, as he sat on the edge of an overstuffed chair.
    She chuckled. “Yes, I must say, you've certainly aroused my curiosity. Can I get you something to drink?"
    "No, I'm fine, thank you."
    Marie made herself comfortable on the couch, where another cat sauntered in, hopped upon the cushion, and snuggled against her side. “I'm very pleased Jennifer likes her new pet. Has she named the kitten yet?"
    "No, but she's thinking about it."
    "I should have known,” she said, smiling. “So like a mystery writer to concentrate on picking out the right name."
    Hawkman shifted in his seat. “I don't want to take up your time, so I'll get right to my question. This may sound frightening, but I don't mean to scare you. It's hard to describe the information I need without causing you a bit of apprehension."
    Marie knitted her brow. “Please go on."
    "Jennifer and I are being harassed, and I'm in the process of trying to find the man who's doing it."
    "I don't know how I can help, but I'll try."
    "This person knew you were giving Jennifer the kitten."
    Her mouth dropped open. “How?"
    He shrugged. “I'm hoping you can tell me. Before you gave her the cat, did you have other customers looking at the litter, and by any chance tell them you were saving a certain one for my wife?"
    Marie looked thoughtful for a moment. “I took Misty, the mother of Jennifer's feline,” she pointed at the cat beside her, “to a show at the hotel downtown. I'd kept her litter about a month after they were weaned because of the upcoming show. I normally sell them shortly after they're off the mother's milk. That's why Jennifer's kitten is close to six months old.” She threw up her hands. “Sorry, I got off on a tangent. But do tell Jennifer the cat has already been spayed and her shots are up to date. Anyway, the place was packed and several people were interested in the Ragdolls."
    "Do you recall a man with brown hair, gray at the temples, a nose that appeared to have been broken at one time, and intense green eyes, asking questions?"
    She snapped her fingers, causing the cat beside her to stand up for a moment, then she settled back down against Marie's thigh. “Yes, I do remember a man of that description. He had a strange twitch to his mouth when he spoke. And yes, he had very intense green eyes. Sort of spooked me. He asked about the kitten I gave to Jennifer. I told him she was saved for someone very special. And he asked me who in the world could be so lucky. I remember just laughing, and said a mystery writer married to a private investigator. I wouldn't have told him her name. But I didn't dream such a little bit of information could cause any harm."
    Hawkman raised a hand. “Don't worry, Marie, you did what any normal person would do. But you have verified information very important in this case.” He rose from the chair. “And I want to add, Jennifer is going to be thrilled when I tell her I met the beautiful mother of her little panther."
    She laughed as she stroked the cat's back. “Yes, she's the prettiest one I have. And has an excellent disposition. I think you'll both be happy with her offspring."
    "Thank you for seeing me. And if you should ever spot this man again, please give me a call.” He handed her his card.
    "I certainly will."
    "I'll tell Jennifer