Page 33 of Hawk and the Cougar

Lyons’ leaned back in his chair. “Ms. Williams told you we had a witness?”

Hawk nodded. “Yes.”

“Then you know that witness saw you get rough with her.”

Hawk had wondered when the detective would get around to what happened between him and Liz. The detective’s attitude had been subtle but aggressive. “We had a disagreement. I thought Reid sent her.”

“You think it’s okay to get rough with the women Mr. Reid sends your way?”

“No,” Hawk answered honestly. Saying more would only play into the detective’s hands.

Lyons stared for a long moment, then glanced down at the small notebook sitting on the table in front of him. “You were carrying a falling-block rifle when the rangers found you.” Lyons looked up at Hawk. “Do you carry a rifle with you everywhere you go?”

“The rifle stays in my truck. When Liz and I found her slashed tires and my cut brake line, I kept it close. Good thing I did.”

“Yeah?” Lyons said.

Hawk kept his gaze locked with his. “Yeah. Reid’s thugs came back—and shot at us.”

The door opened and another detective entered with a woman. “Professor Hawkins, I’m Detective Marlow, and this is Assistant DA Brenda O’Malley.”

Hawk stood and shook hands with them.

“We’ve been trying to find solid evidence against Vance Reid for five years,” Brenda said. “Could you identify the men who shot at you in a line-up?”

“Yes,” Hawk said.

“Good. Come on.”

Lyons stood, and Hawk followed the three of them from the room. They reached a small room with a one way glass. Liz was there with a female detective. She gave him a tremulous smile. He crossed to her, and she nearly fell into his arms.

Hawk hugged her tight for a moment, then pulled back. “You ready for this?”

She nodded. “It’s gotta be done.”

“Okay,” Hawk told Brenda.

The men were filed out, and Hawk and Liz each picked out their two attackers. He saw the fear that flickered in Liz’s eyes before she was able to hide it, and he knew what he had to do.

* * *

“This is ridiculous.” Liz looked from Emma to Hawk. They sat across from her at the kitchen table that evening.

“You’re the one being ridiculous,” Emma said. “Professor Hawkins is right. You can’t stay here alone tonight.”

“Emma,” Liz began, but Hawk cut her off.

“Liz, if you’re not going to think of yourself, think of Emma. What happens if Reid sends someone to your place while she’s here?”

That stopped Liz cold. “Em, you have to go away until this is over.”

“What? No way.” Emma shook her head. “You’re staying. I’m staying.”

“This isn’t a game.” Liz looked at Hawk. “I’m right. You know it. Tell her.”

“Maybe,” he said.

“No way,” Emma exploded.