Chapter 2

A few days later, Hawke contacted Kim to find out exactly what was going on and how he could be of help to her. After hearing her situation he shared the information with Dom and Caitlin to see if they would still agree to go and help out.

Dom and Caitlin were sitting at the desk sorting through some paperwork when String came out of the back office. "So, what did you find out?" asked Dom. "Does she still want your help?"

"Yeah, she does," replied Hawke. "It seems that ever since she declined this offer on her land, they've had a lot of accidents there."

"What kind of accidents?" Caitlin asked.

"Just some odd occurrences like tools being mysteriously left out which caused one staff member to be impaled in the arm as a result. There was also a fire that was started in one of the staff's quarters as well as one just on the outskirts of the property," replied Hawke. "She said several of her workers have quit as a result."

"Sounds kind of dangerous," replied Dom. "How come the police aren't involved?"

Hawke sighed. "They are but there's no proof that these things aren't just accidents so they told her there wasn't much they could do at this point," he replied.

"Almost sounds like this land developer has someone on the inside helping out," said Caitlin.

"Exactly," replied Hawke. "That's why I told her we would come in as hired help and see what we can find out."

Dom stood up and pointed a finger a Hawke, "Oh no, I'm not going to be some ranch hand and work out in the hot sun," he replied. "I'm getting too old for that."

Hawke laughed. "Don't worry Dom your job will be to work with the staff cook."

Caitlin laughed. "There you go Dom, that's the perfect job for you."

Dom flashed them a dirty look before smiling. "You're right. That sounds perfect."

Caitlin stood up and put her arm around Hawke's waist. "What about me?" she asked.

Hawke smiled. "You'll be one of the caretakers for the horses."

"Okay, I can handle that easily," she replied.

"That's the idea," he said. "Her staff manager quit so she wants me to act as temporary manager working with her to keep things running."

"What about all the kids?" asked Dom.

"That's why this is so urgent," replied String. "They are on a month's hiatus from the kid's day camps they run. We need to get a handle on all this before the kids return in two weeks."

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAA

The next morning, the three headed down to Kim Miller Ranch. It was just under a two hour drive and to be less conspicuous, they took Caitlin's car.

"String, how in the world did you meet Kim in the first place?" Caitlin asked.

"Dom and I were doing stunt work about a year before I met you. The production company was using her ranch as a backdrop for their movie," replied Hawke. "We were introduced and just hit it off."

"Yeah, until she got too clingy," Dom spoke up. "She was nice enough and she does a great job with the kids but she always wanted to monopolize String's time."

"Well, that and the fact that it was a long distance relationship caused the relationship to end kind of quickly," Hawke replied. "She was really upset. I guess that's why I was so surprised to get that letter from her."

"Did you tell her about you and Caitlin?" asked Dom.

"Yes, I did," replied Hawke. "But I asked her not to tell the staff that we are a couple. That will make it easier for Caitlin to make friends with them and help find out what's going on."

"Looks like we're almost there," said Dom. "Wait until you see this place Cait, it's a beautiful piece of land. I can see why someone would want to buy it."

A few minutes later they pulled up to the front entrance of the ranch. It was apparent to Caitlin that the place was very well taken care of.

"Wow," said Caitlin. "You're right Dom. This place is phenomenal. I wouldn't want to sell it either."

Kim was waiting for them up at the main house as they pulled up. She walked over to the car and greeted Hawke as he got out. "Right on time Hawke," she said, giving him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. "It's so great to see you."

"You too," he replied then gestured to his friends. "You remember Dom and this is Caitlin."

She walked over to Dom and gave him a hug as well. "It's great to see you again Mr. Santini and it's nice to meet you Caitlin. I really appreciate you all coming out to help."

Caitlin smiled at her. "I hope we're able to," she said.

"Oh, with Stringfellow Hawke by my side," she replied. "I have no doubt we'll get this taken care of in no time."

Caitlin wasn't sure if she liked the sound of her last comment but she played along. "Yeah, String's known for recuing women in distress."

Hawke laughed. "You two make me sound like Superman." Changing the subject he said, "Kim how about showing us where we'll be staying."

"Certainly," she replied while taking Hawke by the arm and leading him out to the staff quarters.