Read The Archer [Book 13 of the Hawkman Series] for Free Online Page A

liked to ask pertinent questions in person.
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CHAPTER EIGHT
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    Hawkman stopped at the first big sporting goods store and went inside. He'd been in this place several times, but had never paid much attention to the archery section. Meandering toward the guns, he figured he'd find the compound bows nearby. Sure enough, there were dozens of them from different manufacturers hanging on a slotted wooden rack. He scratched his head as he examined the row. Soon a salesclerk approached and asked if he could help.
    "I'd like to talk to someone who could help me find a class on how to learn the art of archery using a compound bow."
    "Sure,” the salesman said. “You're in luck, he's in the store right now.” He pointed toward the front of the building. “Tell the cashier you'd like to speak with Roy Summers. He'll page him for you."
    "Thanks,” Hawkman said.
    He waited behind a small line of customers, and when the last one walked out, Hawkman approached the cashier and ask for the man.
    "Hold on a minute, I'll page him.” He picked up the phone, pushed a button and spoke into the receiver. “Roy Summers, you're needed at cashier station one."
    After he hung up, he nodded and pointed toward the side. “If you'll just step over there, he'll be right with you."
    "Thanks,” Hawkman said, and moved out of the aisle.
    Soon, he spotted a tall man, close to his own height, with the physique of a football player, approach the clerk, who pointed at Hawkman. The man stepped toward him.
    "Hi, I'm Roy Summers, how can I help you."
    "My name's Tom Casey. I'm a private investigator, and would like to ask you some questions about your archery classes and the students."
    The man's expression turned somber. “Is there a problem?"
    "I'm not sure. Is there a place where we can talk in private?"
    "Let's go to my office."
    He led Hawkman to a door at the back of the building, through the warehouse and finally to a small alcove near the large sliding door for the big trucks to bring in merchandise.
    "Excuse the long walk, but I'm not here enough to warrant a fancy office in the main store. I just need a few hours a week to catalogue my classes."
    "I understand."
    Roy entered a small room and scooted behind a metal desk, then motioned for Hawkman to take the card table chair facing him. “So what's on your mind?"
    "I'm not even sure my questions are going to help, but there's the possibility you might be able to give me a lead. How long does a class on the compound bow take if a person has never been exposed to archery?"
    "It really depends on the student and how fast they catch on. I've had those who finished and could be classified as experts. While I've suggested to others they should retake the class as they're really not ready to go out and hunt."
    Hawkman rubbed his chin. “How long is your class?"
    "We meet once a week for two hours, and it goes for six weeks. I suggest my pupils work every day on what they've learned."
    "Where do they practice?"
    "There are several indoor and outdoor archery ranges in the area. Those are the safest. People can set up their own, preferably in a rural area and away from livestock. I also encourage my students to exercise the methods of how they will hunt."
    "How long have you taught?"
    "I've held classes here for the past five years, but have been in this business for over a decade."
    Hawkman stood. “Mr. Summers, I'm working on a case right now where archery is involved, and I'm trying to lay some ground work for myself since I know little about the sport, as I'm a shotgun or rifle hunter. Once I get my bearings, would you be willing to talk with me again?"
    "Sure. Here, let me give you some literature which will help you learn what archery is all about, and the processes one needs to do to become a good bow master."
    Hawkman took the booklets. “Thanks, appreciate it. I better get on my way; I have an appointment."
    He left the office feeling he had gained more