LITMIR.BIZ

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      “The police didn’t find any evidence of the shooter in the bushes near the garage entrance,” Jacob informed Hawk.

      “I know. Was anything on the security camera?”

      “We’re still looking at the tapes.”

      Hawk turned to his old friend. Jacob and Hawk had shared a number of hard times together. Jacob had been the one who’d witnessed his ex-wife, Brandy, proposition a friend of Emory’s nephew, Todd, and had let him know what had happened. Hawk had been there when Jacob had lost his wife to cancer. They’d also worked together to stop several attempts to kidnap Emory. Together with Hawk’s old partner, Tony Ashcroft, they’d been labeled the Three Musketeers.

      “I don’t like this, Jacob,” Hawk muttered, surveying the area.

      “I understand.”

      “I have that same sick feeling in the pit of my stomach I had when David was kidnapped.” Hawk walked out of the shade of the garage and looked at the thick foliage surrounding the building. “Did you know Renee was pregnant?”

      Jacob quickly hid his surprise. “No, I didn’t.”

      “I didn’t, either, until today.” Bitterness colored his words.

      “So, I take it her news surprised you.”

      The knowledge still knocked him for a loop. He didn’t know if he was more irritated with her for keeping the secret from him or…what?

      “Yes, since I hadn’t heard from her in a couple of months. Of course, her being Emory’s daughter was just as much a surprise. Those were two bombshells dropped on me within days. I’m still trying to grasp what’s going on.”

      Jacob’s expression became solemn. “Hawk, she’s alive and healthy. Count your blessings.”

      Being reminded of Jacob’s loss pricked his conscience. Hawk had what Jacob had lost.

      “You need to know, Jacob, when I went to get Renee’s birth certificate, the locked drawer where it was kept was open.”

      “Is that why you left a message for me yesterday?” Jacob asked.

      “Yes, but because all hell broke loose, I didn’t have time to call back. That’s why I want someone with Renee constantly.”

      “I’m glad you warned me. I’ll also keep an eye on all the family members. Maybe the killer will tip his or her hand.”

      “I doubt it.”

      Hawk walked to the detectives’ squad room and spotted Tony Ashcroft at his desk. Hawk wove his way through the battered desks.

      “Hey, Hawk, what are you doing down here? Slummin’? Hey, guys, the lawyer’s come down to our level.” The detectives’ squad room was on the first floor. Hawk’s new office was on the top floor of the building, with a panoramic view of the city.

      Several comments were shouted at Hawk, none of which complimented his profession.

      “Next time y’all want your butts pulled out of a sling, I’ll remind you of your comments.”

      Laughter floated through the area.

      “You through?” Hawk pointedly asked Ash.

      “I went by the hospital this morning after you and Renee left. I thought I’d try to see if she could remember anything new.”

      “I took her to work. Julie is undercover there as Renee’s secretary. I thought I’d check if you had any leads on the shooting,” Hawk began.

      “Not a thing. There’s no pattern of robberies around that building. No muggings or thefts. It’s so squeaky clean, there aren’t even any parking tickets issued at that site.”

      Hawk didn’t think much would turn up. He pulled a chair to Ash’s desk and sat. “So, it looks like the shooter was after Renee.”

      “That’s what it looks like.”

      There was another reason Hawk came down here. “Ash, I need a favor. I need a best man this Saturday.”

      Ash leaned forward. “Best man as in—wedding?”

      “You got it.”

      “You’re kidding, right?”

      Hawk didn’t respond.

      “You’re getting married? And who’s this lucky bride?” Ash knew of Hawk’s split with Renee, and over the past two months had wisely not mentioned it.

      “Renee Girouard.”

      “I think you’ve been keeping a lot of things under your hat. You want to tell me about it?”

      Ash deserved to know what was going on. Hawk explained about Renee’s situation and how Emory had asked for his help.

      “That’s taking loyalty mighty far, isn’t it?” Ash asked.

      “She’s pregnant.”

      His bark of laughter rang through the room. “Oh, this gets better and better.”

      Hawk didn’t need Ash preaching to him. Ash had his share of women problems and knew what Hawk’s exwife had put him through. “You want to be the best man or give me a sermon?”

      Grinning, Ash slapped Hawk on the back. “It’ll be my pleasure.”

      “I hope I can say the same.”

      Ash’s grin didn’t diminish.

      “You look like a fool,” Hawk complained.

      Ash shrugged.

      “I also need the name of that friend of yours, the ex-cop who’s gone into P.I. work. I want him to check out members of Emory’s family. We’re going to need to get a clearer picture of those folks to see if there’s something we can pick up on.”

      “His name is Greyson Wilkins. Hang on, I’ve got his card here in my desk.” Ash opened the desk drawer and rummaged through it. “Ah, here it is.” He gave Hawk the card. “Grey’s a thorough guy.”

      “Thanks, Ash.”

      “When is this big event on Saturday?” Ash inquired.

      “Ten in the morning. I was also needing another favor.”

      “Shoot.”

      “I’ll also need for you to go with us to the lawyer’s office afterward. If there are any questions about legalities, I want you as an expert. Also, plan on attending the reception. Emory’s going to announce to his family about Renee. We’ll need all the cops we can get.”

      “You all are going to rattle a lot of cages, aren’t you?”

      “Yeah. Probably ought to hire every off-duty cop in the city to handle the riot those folks are going to create.”

      “You got it, pal.”

      Hawk stood. “Thanks, Ash. I knew I could count on you.”

      As he walked away, he heard Ash mumble, “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.”

      Hawk couldn’t have agreed more. But Renee’s safety and his child’s safety were more important than any embarrassment he felt.

      Once back in his office, Hawk called the P.I.

      “Wilkins Investigations, Greyson Wilkins.” The man who answered the phone wasn’t an advertisement for warm and friendly.

      “Mr. Wilkins, my name is Matthew Hawkins. I’m Tony Ashcroft’s ex-partner.”

      “Are you the partner who became a lawyer?”

      “That’s me.” Hawk quickly explained the situation to Grey. “Can you check into the activities of Emory’s family. I need to know if any of them have outstanding debts

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