Book 1 of the H&K Series : Path of Knowledge

Chapter 18

Karen's children were playing in the yard with baby Julia. Hank sat across the patio from Katharine and Karen as they chatted. He watched their body language and picked up part of their conversation from reading their lips. Hank gathered that Karen was relaying her experiences with Martin and how the task force under Sarasin had rescued her from a frightful encounter with the monster. He watched to make sure Karen didn't mention him or his involvement. To Karen's credit, she kept her word and didn't tell Katharine anything about Hank or their adventures together. Hank felt more than a little apprehensive not to tell Katharine. He thought it was for her safety and wellbeing.

Then Hank caught what Katharine was telling Karen concerning Samantha Craig. Katharine first swore Karen to secrecy before telling Karen how Katharine hoped Samantha Craig would disappear. "I'm worried about Hank though," Katharine confided in Karen.

"Why are you worried about Hank?" Karen asked.

"He knew we were in danger, but he chose work overcoming with us to protect me if nothing else. Instead, he left it up to Bob to do it. Then when he comes back, his clothes have strange smells on them, including perfume," Katharine said, looking toward Hank who acted as if he was watching the children play in the yard.

"Are you saying you think he's having an affair?" Karen asked. "I don't know what I'm saying, but it's not like him not to worry about my safety. This is the man who walks between me and traffic so I don't get accidentally hit, and he insists on sleeping closest to the door so if there is an intruder, he can confront the intruder first. Haven't you noticed that he has to sit where he can watch all the doors at a restaurant or even in the house? He has to sit at a table where he can be the first to get up if something happens." Katharine began to choke up.

"Hank explained that he had to work. How could he explain taking time off? He'd lose his job, and besides, he trusts Officer Roy to look after your safety," Karen countered.

"Maybe, but I get the feeling he's hiding something. He's on edge. I can feel it," Katharine said.

"Who isn't on edge?" Karen asked. "I'm on edge just sitting here after all that's happened."

"I understand that, but look at him," Katharine said as the two women looked over at Hank sitting and relaxing. "He looks relaxed if it weren't for the fact that his eyes are always looking around. His head doesn't move, but his eyes are always looking around. Look how his body is tensed up. He looks as if he's ready to leap out of the chair any moment," Katharine observed.

Karen looked at Hank. She had already noticed his posture and the set of his jaw. She had seen everything Katharine had said and more. She saw the slight bulge of the HK45 in the shoulder holster which seemed to go unobserved by Katharine.

"You say you're worried that Hank is having an affair because he went away for his job while all this was going on and now you are telling me how he's on edge and watching everything? You've got to make up your mind. Do you think he's having an affair or not?" Karen asked Katharine.

"Tell me this, why are you wearing the same perfume that I smelled on Hank's suit earlier?" Katharine eyed Karen.

"Are you accusing me of having an affair with Hank, your husband while being attacked?" Karen asked aghast at her friend.

"I'm asking. I don't know when Hank got back into town. All I know is that he knew exactly where your house was when he drove us here. He didn't need directions or the GPS. Your kids seem to know him without having met him. Why is that?" Katharine began to raise her voice.

"Katharine, I am not, and I repeat, I am not having an affair with your husband. If my perfume smells the same as you smelled on Hank's suit, then maybe you should remember I wear the same as you do. I asked you what your perfume was, and I've been wearing it ever since remember? We're wearing the same perfume right now," Karen shot back at Katharine.