Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Read Free Book Online

and narrowed his eyes. “Don't get smart with me, young lady. I don't take to that kind of talk coming from a woman."
    "Then mind your manners,” Jennifer said, as she stalked around the Ford and climbed into the driver's seat.
    Hawkman slipped into the passenger side with a smirk twitching at the corners of his mouth. Jennifer fired up the SUV, turned around, and headed toward the road.
    "Simmer down, my bold wife. Take those bumps a little slower."
    "How does Beth live with such a man?"
    "He's all she's got."
    She let out a puff of air, causing her bangs to rise. “You're probably right. I wonder if he can read and write?"
    Hawkman frowned. “Why would you ask such a question?"
    She shook her head. “I've learned so much about Beth. It's a good thing I was at the hospital with her or she'd have been humiliated."
    "How come?"
    "Well, the only thing she knows how to write is her name, which saved us a lot of explanations. I could fill out all the forms, and then she could sign them. She has a beautiful voice and crooned a very haunting lullaby while she showered. After seeing her long black hair, hanging past her hips, bronze skin, along with those dark eyes and high cheek bones, I drew the conclusion she's an American Indian or at least has Indian blood."
    He nodded. “Very possible. Did you ever find out why they moved to the cabin?"
    "No. I tried to be careful questioning her, as I wanted her trust. If I got too close to something she didn't want to tell, she hushed up or made the comment, ‘I've said enough'."
    "Interesting. You said she couldn't write, what about read?"
    "Yes, she knows how to read simple stuff, like some of the questions on the forms, but big words threw her. I found it odd, she could only write her name, as you'd think she would have taught herself by just copying words. Of course, it could all be a ploy, so I wouldn't find out too much. She speaks well, but I gather she's had little education. Oh, she doesn't know her address, so I just put ours down. Maybe not such a good idea, but I didn't want getting Randy out of the hospital to become a big problem."
    "If we get a bill, we'll just take it to them, if we don't get our heads shot off."
    Jennifer soon turned into their driveway and pulled into the garage. “How'd Miss Marple do without me here?"
    "She missed you, and hunted through each room trying to find where you'd gone. I even caught her crawling under the bed. Soon, she gave up, then wouldn't let me out of her sight."
    When they walked into the house, the feline greeted Hawkman, but completely ignored Jennifer.
    "Uh, oh, I'm getting punished. Wonder how long she'll tune me out?"
    Hawkman laughed. “Enjoy it."
    "These last few days have been quite an experience,” Jennifer said, flopping down in her chair. “It's good to be home."
    "How about a gin and tonic?"
    "Sounds wonderful."
    "I guess you're wondering how come things went so smoothly at the hospital since they'd just admitted a boy with a gun wound?"
    "Yes, it did enter my mind. I assumed you had something to do with it."
    "I filled out an accident report and faxed it to the doctors in charge."
    "It certainly saved us from unnecessary questions."
    "How bad is Randy's injury?"
    "A clean wound. The doctor put in a few stitches, and didn't want him breaking it open. He warned him not to put any weight on the leg and to use the crutches for a couple of weeks."
    "How'd the baby do during your stay?"
    "Marcy's a doll. One of the best infants I've ever come across. However, she did come down with an ear infection, and we had a doctor check her. He prescribed ear drops and antibiotics, so she'll be fine in a few days. I worry about Beth. She'll have her hands full, and won't get any help from her sorry husband."
    Hawkman brought her drink and took his chair. “There's something fishy about this whole scenario. Since I haven't had a chance to get to the courthouse, I'll go tomorrow and find out who owns the property. If I can contact him