Shadows in the Night [Hawkman--Book 12] Read Online Free PDF Page B

entering Mrs. Hampton's room, and ask for identification. I notice most of you wear name tags, which will help a lot. It will take us a few days to recognize the regular employees; but once that's accomplished, things should get back to normal and hopefully, we'll blend into your daily routine. We'd like your cooperation and patience while we provide Mrs. Hampton with protection. Thank you."
    Hawkman stepped back and Mr. Mackle thanked him. The men left the conference area and headed back to Maggie's room. Hawkman flipped on his recorder as they again sat around the living room and discussed the plan.
    "Kevin will start the surveillance at noon Friday and stay until six, or until George arrives,” Hawkman said. “I'll take the alternate days, but you might see me around at other times, as I'll need to question the staff."
    George turned to Maggie. “Does that sound okay to you?"
    She sighed. “I guess. So much for privacy. I'm afraid this is going to get very old."
    Hawkman turned to her husband. “Tell me about your checkers buddy, Eddie Parker. Did he have family in the area?"
    He screwed up his face and put a finger in his ear. “I don't remember him ever talking about his family."
    Maggie slapped his thigh. “Oh, George, he talked about his old maid sister all the time."
    He furrowed his brow. “I don't remember him saying a word about such a thing."
    She waved a hand. “Talk about getting senile, you're at the top of the hill and sliding down fast. Why, he talked about her constantly. You were too interested in getting into the checkers game. He called her Gracie. She'd visit him about once a week and he brought her in to meet me one of those times."
    George looked surprised. “Really? Where was I?"
    She glanced up at the ceiling and rolled her eyes. “In another world, I guess, or you could've been sitting right here."
    "Maggie, did Eddie and Gracie have the same last name, or were they stepsister and brother?” Hawkman asked.
    "Of course, they had the same last name,” she said indignantly. “In our day, parents weren't out screwing around like they do today. All kids came from the same two parents."
    "Just thought I'd ask,” he said. “Does she live in Medford?"
    "I couldn't tell you, but I'd assume nearby, because she did come often."
    "Did Eddie have any children?"
    George raised his hand. “No, that I do know. His fiance was killed in a freak accident on her parent's farm years ago, and he never got over her."
    Maggie pointed a finger at Hawkman. “I think Eddie and Gracie shared a home. It got to the point where she couldn't take care of both of them, so he made the decision to move in here."
    Wrinkling his forehead, George stared at his wife. “How do you know so much about my checkers buddy?"
    She flitted her fingers. “I'm a social butterfly. I don't stay in bed all day and get sores on my butt. I like to get out, walk around and talk to people. Eddie liked to do the same thing, so we'd walk the halls together."
    George's face turned red. “Why that old fart. Making out with my wife while I'm not here. How come you never told me about these rendezvous?"
    "You two can discuss your marital problems later,” Hawkman said, chuckling. “Right now I need to ask a few questions."
    "Sorry,” George said, and glanced at Kevin. “We get carried away. We do it mostly in fun. So what do you need to know?"
    "Maggie, how often is your apartment cleaned?"
    "Once a week."
    "Does an outside firm do this?"
    "No, they're in-house people."
    "How about laundry facilities?"
    "I have my own washer and dryer.” She pointed to a small closet next to the refrigerator. “They also have a laundry room for those who don't have appliances. In this area, we take care of ourselves. That's why it's called Independent Living."
    "Understood. What about mail?"
    "We have our own mail boxes in a designated area. Now, in Assisted Living, they have volunteers who come in and help with those little jobs. I've seen them