Read Online Storming the Kingdom by Jeff Dixon - Free Book Online

Jonathan, Shep, and Al. The sheriff was seated at the far end with Renner and other security people Hawk didn’t know.
    “Hawk, it’s been a rough night,” Cal McManus began. He and Hawk had met on a number of occasions over the past few years. Hawk respected the sheriff, thought he did a good job, and had even voted for him. “I wish this wasn’t happening, but it is. The Magic Kingdom is now part of a murder investigation. We’ll do our best to stay out of the wandering eyes of tourists, but we’re going to need your cooperation on a lot of levels.”
    “You have it, as always.” Hawk pointed toward Al. “Al can coordinate with our security, and we’ll do whatever we need to do to help.”
    “OK, good. Somebody wants you dead. Why?”
    Nothing like getting right to the point , Hawk thought. “I don’t really know, Sheriff. In the past, there has been a certain group of people who have attempted takeovers to move me out of my position here at Disney, but nothing like this.”
    “I am aware of those cases.” Sheriff McManus smiled gravely and leaned forward. “I am also aware that there is a lot of your story that is not included in my case files. You are a man with secrets, Hawk…and I am good with that, as long as those secrets are legal and they don’t get anyone hurt. But now people have been killed. All of you are in danger, and this is extremely serious. Your full cooperation isn’t optional—if I make myself clear.”
    “As I said, you have it.” Hawk sat back in his chair and rubbed his chin. He stopped as he brushed up against one of the bandages on his jaw from the glass the night before. “What do you want us to do?”
    “You are going to have to let us keep you safe. In the past, you have not made that easy.” Cal curled his lip and narrowed his eyes at Hawk. “I would consider it a personal favor if you made it easier on my team this time.”
    “I’ll behave and make your life easy.” Hawk stared back at the sheriff. “I want you to do whatever you have to. Find out who is behind this.”
    “Rest assured, I will.” Cal pushed back from the table and stood to his feet. “Media people are descending on this place in droves. They want to hear from you, they want an update from you, and they want to see your smiling face…I suggest you stay away from the cameras. The media is something that we are going to have to work around. They’re a nuisance, and we’ll try to keep them out of the way.” He paused and looked at Kate. “No offense, Ms. Young.”
    Kate tilted her head, and her dark mane of hair drooped slightly over one eye. She smiled at the sheriff and brushed back the stray strand of hair. “None taken.”
    Hawk knew she was lying. He, however, agreed with the sheriff that the media would get in the way—but since he was dating one of the most well-known media personalities in the world, he would never admit it either. He could be reckless, but he wasn’t foolish.
    Juliette assured the sheriff. “We’ll get out an official statement for the media and update them with information concerning theme park operations.”
    “We will keep them updated as needed on our investigation. I appreciate your willingness to work with us.”
    “We’ve staged the news organizations in one of the Epcot parking areas,” she continued, forming her hands into a steeple. “That keeps them a long way from Hawk, the Magic Kingdom, where you are currently investigating, and out of our guest resort areas. If you can have your public information officer coordinate with our staff there, it would help us as well. If there’s any problem, feel free to call me directly.”
    “I will. Thank you.” The sheriff moved to leave, along with some of the deputies assembled in the room. “We’ll talk soon.” He nodded and walked out the door.
    The group sitting around the table watched him leave, and then Mitch Renner cleared his throat. He smiled slightly. Looking down at the notebook he had in