Read Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] for Free Online Page B

don't jiggle your leg."
    He grabbed both sides of the seat as Jennifer turned onto the bumpy terrain. Even though she drove slowly, she cringed at every bump. When they reached the area where Jed had shot over their head in the four-wheeler, Hawkman eyed both sides, not knowing what to expect.
    Suddenly, Jeb stepped out of the shadows with his gun aimed at the front of the Ford. Beth quickly rolled down the window and stuck out her head.
    "Put that gun down, you stupid man, it's your wife and son."
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CHAPTER NINE
    When Hawkman saw Jeb step out in front of the truck, he rested his hand on the butt of his gun in the shoulder holster. Twisting in the seat, he surveyed the area behind them, figuring Earl would bring up the rear. Surprised at Beth's comment to her husband, he glanced at Randy. The boy's mouth twitched as if holding back laughter. Hawkman wondered what kind of life these people led. The big question that lingered in his mind, was why Jeb seemed to be so obsessed with not letting anyone through the area. What was the man hiding?
    Jeb lowered his gun and approached the vehicle. “Is our boy alive?"
    "Of course,” Beth said. “I need to get him home and into bed. He needs rest and has to stay off the leg for two or three weeks."
    About the time Jeb waved the Ford through, Earl ran up to the window. “Good to have you home, Mom. Sorry the gun went off and hit you, Randy."
    "Happy you missed us.” She looked him up and down. “You certainly don't look any worse for wear."
    "Had to eat what he put in front of me.” He nodded toward his dad.
    She shook her head, then turned toward Jennifer. “Keep going straight. I'll tell you where to turn."
    Jeb and Earl stepped out of the way as Jennifer slowly guided the SUV past them. She hit a few bad bumps that made Randy groan.
    "Sorry, I'm really trying to be careful."
    "I know; it just caused a pain."
    Beth turned in her seat. “We'll be home soon and get you to bed."
    Just when Jennifer thought she couldn't go much farther as a thick forest lay ahead, Beth pointed to the right.
    "Go this way and you'll see our cabin to your left."
    Jennifer pulled up to the front door as close as she could, then Hawkman climbed out and went around to the side where he could lift Randy from the vehicle.
    "I can use my crutches,” the boy said.
    "Tomorrow will be soon enough. Let's get you to bed. You've had a hard day.” Careful not to put any pressure on the wounded leg, he gently lifted Randy from the seat.
    Holding Marcy, Beth hurried ahead of Hawkman, and pushed open the door so he could get through without hesitation. She quickly laid Marcy in the homemade cradle, then guided Hawkman to a cot near the window, and pushed back the covers. “Put him here."
    Heedful of the injury, he placed the lad on the bed. “There you go. Now, I advise you to get some sleep."
    Randy snuggled under the covers. “Yeah, I'm tired."
    Jennifer had followed the group inside. “Use your crutches like the doctor explained. I'll come and visit you soon."
    "Randy glanced at her with heavy lids, and smiled. “I'd like that."
    "We're going home now. Your mom will take great care of you.” Jennifer placed the crutches at the end of the cot, then handed Beth a sack which contained medications and fresh bandages, along with the bundle of diapers.
    "How can I ever thank you for all you've done?” Beth said, clutching the sack.
    "Just take care of our boy,” Jennifer said. “I'll be out to see you soon."
    As Hawkman and Jennifer strolled out of the cabin, they met Jeb and Earl coming in.
    "Hope this is the last time we have to meet with you folks,” Jeb said.
    With fire in her eyes, Jennifer whirled around on her heel and pointed a finger at him. “Mr. Hutchinson, get used to seeing me. I plan to come out here often to see Beth and Randy. If you so much as fire that gun of yours in the air, I'll have the law down on you so fast you won't know what happened."
    Jeb stepped back