the information on the cat, as she's mentioned several times she needed to get in touch with you."
Hawkman left the residence, and as he drove out of the area, checked all the side streets to make sure the Buick hadn't followed. Then he headed home. When he walked in the door after deactivating the alarm, he stepped into the living room and found Jennifer on her knees, raking a long wooden yard stick back and forth under the couch. “What the heck are you doing?"
"Oh, Miss Marple batted one of her toys under here and she can't reach it. I'm trying to get it out."
He scratched his sideburn. “Pardon me. Who's Miss Marple?"
She got up from the floor with a small furry ball in her hand and tossed it toward the corner. “There you go.” Then she faced Hawkman with a grin. “I've named the kitten, Miss Marple."
"I see. Could you let me in on how you came up with such a handle. It's quite a mouthful."
She waltzed into the kitchen. “Remember Agatha Christie's books? She created a character named Miss Marple. When her stories became movies, an excellent actress who played the role was Joan Hickson. She appeared quiet, nosey, seemed innocuous, but solved many crimes.” Jennifer pointed a finger at him. “And she had intense blue eyes. I thought the description fit our new little pet to a tee."
Hawkman rubbed a hand across his mouth to suppress a smile. “Sounds like you've hit the nail on the head. Miss Marple it is."
Jennifer glanced up at the clock and frowned. “Why are you home so early? Has something happened?"
"There's been an incident that's left me concerned.” He told her about Rita Rawlings coming to see him. “I don't like this guy following her. It could be dangerous. He's a loony and might think she knows something."
"Well, if he ever approaches her, he'll go down, since she carries a stun gun."
He wrinkled his forehead. “How'd you know that?"
She grinned. “We had a wonderful conversation after the wedding."
"I obviously didn't attend, as I remember nothing about it. When did this event occur?"
"Several months ago. You were out of town. You didn't know the young couple anyway. They were Sam's friends from high school."
"Ms. Rawlings told me about her weapon at my office. Oh, by the way, I did meet Miss Marple's mother today."
Jennifer snickered. “Sounds like we're trying to outdo each other.” She pulled a pitcher out of the refrigerator. “Want a glass of ice tea?"
"I'd rather have a beer."
She set the big container on the cabinet, then stopped with her arm extended inside the cooler, and glanced at him with a questioning look. “Did you say you'd met Miss Marple's mother?"
He nodded. “You want to hand me a beer or are you just going to stand there cooling the kitchen."
She quickly grabbed a bottle and shut the door. “So you went to see Marie?"
"Yes, a very nice lady. And she said to tell you your cat, uh, Miss Marple, is six months old, has already been spayed and her shots are up to date."
"Oh, good. Of course, I'd have called her before I made the appointment with the veterinarian. At least I won't have to go through that mess.” She poured herself a glass of tea, then led him into the living room. “Now, tell me about the rest of your conversation."
They sat in their matching chairs and Hawkman told her of his visit with the cat lady.
Jennifer gnawed her lip in silence, then leaned forward. “I don't like the way things are going. Are you positive you weren't followed?"
"Pretty sure. I kept a good lookout, and scouted the area when I left."
"If this guy really wants to get you, all he has to do is kidnap one of Marie's little girls."
"He doesn't have to follow me to find out her name. All he'd have to do is call the hotel and ask about the cat breeders who attended the show."
She sighed. “You're right."
I'm going to run over to Ken and Peggy's tonight to inform them of this situation. Maybe they can keep an eye out for Jack and his Buick. Especially when I'm