Shadows in the Night [Hawkman--Book 12] by Betty Sullivan La Pierre

our social lounge. People can gather and visit or play a game of cards. It can also be transformed into a small auditorium."
    Hawkman followed him into another area.
    "Here's the billiards room."
    Walking around the table, Hawkman ran his fingers along the felt edge. “Hey, this is luxurious. I wouldn't mind living here myself."
    Don laughed. “It's a wonderful place. Our residents are very happy."
    "I can certainly see why."
    He opened another door. “Here's our fitness center with the latest equipment; each machine is pressure fixed so the elderly have no problem operating them.” He explained how this was done and pointed out the seats on the equipment so the residents didn't have to stand for any length of time.
    Hawkman scratched his sideburn as he studied the room and ran a hand over some of the metal. “Wow, I'm impressed."
    "I'm sure you've observed our beautiful landscaped garden, courtyard and walkways."
    "Yes."
    "There's a Bistro area at the end of the social lounge, which has twenty-four hour coffee, snacks and refreshments. Then there's our dining room, where meals are prepared fresh, and it's open all day. The residents may eat at any hour they chose."
    "Mrs. Hampton told me that was her favorite place."
    "She's not the only one,” Don said as they continued down the corridor. “I'm sure you noticed the elegant fireplace in the sitting area, along with a grand piano. Occasionally, one of the residents will play, or we hire someone in for special functions. There are always events scheduled."
    "What about telephone and cable?"
    "The apartments are wired for those services, and it's up to the residents if they want to pay for them. There's also a small closet for a washer and dryer in some of the units. We do have a laundry room, for those who don't care to have the appliances in their apartments."
    On the second floor, Don pointed to an individual working on a jigsaw puzzle in a small alcove, then he gestured toward the computer center. We also have a nicely stocked library with cushioned chairs and tables on the first floor.
    "We have daily activities as well as special events; you probably noted the announcements on the bulletin board. We also have scheduled transportation for those who are no longer driving. There's normally a guest suite available for visitors, or for those who just want to try the place out before committing. You might have noticed we're situated right behind a mall. People can walk over and shop anytime."
    They ended up back where they'd begun the tour. Hawkman put out his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Jackson. This is quite a place. I can see why you don't have many vacancies."
    "I enjoyed taking you around.” He handed Hawkman a folder. “This tells you more about Morning Glory Haven and the cost. If you have any questions, my card is in the file. Just give me a call."
    "Before you go, tell me about those mobile phones I see most of your staff carrying."
    He held his up. “It makes it a lot easier to stay in contact, and in case there's an emergency, no one has to come looking for us."
    "Great idea,” Hawkman said. “What happens when there is one? How do you get into the apartment?"
    "Those on duty have a master key. We can at least open the door, if no one can let us in. We stay with the person, after calling 911, but never touch them if they've fallen, as we don't have those skills, and could do them damage. We can place a blanket over their body, but we let the paramedics do their job."
    "What if someone falls at night?"
    "The alarm goes straight to the emergency line. They have a special code to enter the Independent building."
    "Sounds like you have all situations covered."
    "We try."
    When the two men parted, Hawkman left the building and since it was still early, he decided to go back to the office where he could decipher the recordings he'd taken while talking with management. Possibly this weekend, he could contact some of the deceased's’ kin.
    When he pulled into the