Moonshine Murder [Hawkman Bk 14] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre Page B

pack from the dresser drawer, she fastened it around her waist, and slipped the pistol inside.
    A chill ran up her spine as she went out the front door. What if Jeb or Earl shot at her? She threw back her shoulders and exclaimed aloud. “I'll yell at them first. If that doesn't work, I'll shoot off my gun.” With a toss of her head, she jumped into the Explorer.
    Traveling up the road, then turning at the small cut, she felt uneasiness surge through her body. Maybe she should have waited for Hawkman. She knew he wouldn't be too happy about her doing this trick alone. Butterflies in her stomach, she plowed ahead over the rough terrain. When she arrived at the spot where she should turn. Earl stepped out of the trees and pointed his rifle.
    "Stop where you are."
    "Get out of my way, Earl, I've come to see Beth."
    He walked toward her, never lowering the gun. “What do you want with her?"
    "None of your business. My visit is with your mother, not you."
    He lowered the gun. “You wait here; I'll check with her."
    "I'm not going to sit here, you twerp,” she mumbled under her breath. When Earl disappeared into the woods, she gunned the Ford ahead, turned and ended up in front of the cabin where she parked. Jennifer hurried to the front door and started to knock when she heard Beth's angry voice.
    "What do you mean stopping Mrs. Casey and making her wait for you to come back. Don't you ever do that again. Do you hear me?"
    "Dad told me not to let anyone come through the property,” Earl said.
    "I don't care what your father said. She's my friend and I'm telling you what to do when it concerns people coming to see me. Now, get out there and have her come on in."
    Earl opened the door, and appeared shocked. “She's here already.” He glared at Jennifer as he brushed past her. “I told you to wait,” he said.
    "You don't tell me what to do,” she spat.
    Beth came forward. “Please forgive his rudeness. Come in, please."
    Jennifer glanced at the cot where she expected to see the injured boy. “Where's Randy?"
    "He's very restless and is out walking on his crutches. He'll be in shortly; he doesn't last too long. He says they make his underarms sore. I'm sure he's not using them right, as they shouldn't make him hurt."
    "How's the injury coming?"
    "Healing very nicely."
    "Good.” Jennifer pointed out the door. “I've brought some things for the baby. Want to help me bring them in."
    "I'd love to."
    The two women went outside, and when Jennifer opened the rear end, Beth gasped in surprise, and put her hands at her throat. “Oh my, a crib and high chair?"
    "Marcy can't sleep in the cradle for much longer. She's really growing,” Jennifer said, reaching in and pulling the bed toward her, then instructed Beth to grab the other end.
    They carried it inside, and placed it against the wall at the end of Randy's cot. Beth had a smile on her face that lit up the room.
    "It's beautiful, and fits perfectly."
    "I also brought some sheets for the small mattress, but first, let's fetch the high chair."
    "You are much too kind,” Beth said, as they scurried out the door.
    Once they'd placed the items in the room, Jennifer lugged in the sacks ladened with all sorts of goodies. As they unloaded them, Randy came swinging into the room, a big grin on his face.
    "Hi, Mrs. Casey."
    "Hello, Randy. I've got some things for you in this sack."
    "Really?"
    "You can read, can't you?"
    "Yeah, pretty good. I used to go to school, and Mom has taught me too."
    "Good.” She handed him some books and a box of pencils. “These have puzzles in them, and I've brought a few toys you might enjoy."
    She placed a paddle board with a rubber ball in his hand. “See if you can hit the ball. On second thought,” she said, as the ball whizzed by her face, “maybe you should take it outside."
    He laughed as he searched in the sack, where he found a race car and couple of different balls. “Wow, this is neat stuff.” Swinging his body on the crutches, he went