Continuing beside Chase, she glazes in windows of a few of the stores as they pass. Reaching the diner they go inside, locating a booth in the back of the building. The old fashion vinyl benches are faded a light red, but looking around she sees the diner is clean, even with it being stuck in decades from the past. Inhaling deeply the smell of greasy food cooking has Stephanie’s stomach growling. Placing her right hand over her belly she laughs looking across the table at Chase, “The smell in here is making me hungry. I didn’t realize just how much I need a hamburger and an order of fries.”
Smiling over the menu, Chase folds it without really looking at the items listed and announces he will have the same. When the waitress arrives to the take their order Chase almost groans. The woman taking their order is in her late forties, has dark brown hair, with just a touch of gray, her eyes are the same green as his. But where Chase is tall, right at six feet, this woman is petite just barely five feet one inch. Of all days for his Mother to be working, clearing his throat before he speaks, “Hello Mother, I thought you were off today.” Not waiting for her to answer since she wasn’t even looking at him, her eyes are focused on Stephanie, he makes the introductions. “Mother, I would like to introduce Stephanie Tuney, Stephanie, this is my Mother, Carrie.”
Before either Chase or Stephanie could blink, Carrie leans over to gives Stephanie a big hug. “Oh my, aren’t you the prettiest little thing. No wonder Junior here has been missing supper at my house. I hope you are feeling better and can put that nasty accident behind you.” Carrie straightens from hugging Stephanie then stands looking from her handsome son, to beautiful Stephanie. She can actually picture her wonderful grandchildren. After wiping the tears from her eyes on her apron, she takes her note pad out of her pocket inquiring about their orders.
“Before we order I would like to thank you for retrieving my purse for me. I really appreciate you doing this.” Stephanie honestly was enjoying herself. Smiling she admits the fact Chase is uncomfortable makes him seem more carefree, more down to earth, observing the interaction with his Mother allows her to see him in a new situation, as a son.
Huffing out a breath, “Oh poo, I enjoyed doing it. I knew Junior here wouldn’t think about you needing it and I was just happy to help.” Glancing at Chase, “Now what can I get you two to eat? Not that this food is as good as mine, but it will fill you up, that’s for sure.” Eyes twinkling she grins as she waits for their order.
Shaking his head to clear it, his mother always did this, would ask a question but continue talking, not giving the person time to answer, over the years he has gotten used to it, but sometime when he is preoccupied it would confuse him. Today is one of those days. “We will have the deluxe burger plate.” Looking over at Stephanie he asks, “What would you like to drink?”
“I would love a diet soda," Stephanie smiles in responds. Chase returns his attention to his Mother, “The lady will have a diet soda, and I would like…..” he breaks off talking as his Mother turns to leave, over her shoulder she informs him she knows
what he wants to drink as she continues walking to the order counter. Even being in the back of the diner, Stephanie feels the other patrons watching them; at least it wasn’t very crowded, with only five or six customers at this time of day. Sneaking a peek at Chase’s Mother, she sees the resemblance; his eyes are the same shape and color. Turning her head she looks at Chase, he is leaning back in the booth watching her. “I would apologize for my Mother, but she would tan my hide if I did, she really means no harm, she is just the kind of person that never meets a stranger.”
Hearing the love in his voice toward his Mother, Stephanie shakes her head no, “You don’t have to apologize to me, and I think your Mother seems sweet. I can tell you love her, you two seem close. Those are both wonderful quality. I can’t wait to meet your father.” As she finishes speaking she looks at the door as if waiting for him to walk through it.
Laughing out loud, Chase informs her, his Dad is out of town at a tractor show, she is safe for now. Covering her hand with his, he sees the spark of laughter in her eyes.
Pulling her hand free of his, she places both in her lap, looking at him now, the laughter is gone, “The last couple of days have been fun, you have been keeping me entertained, and I appreciate you, but you haven’t talked about how the investigation is going. The first day we met you informed me my accident was no accident, since then you closed up. If someone is trying to hurt me, I need to know.” The tension is back, maybe she should have waited. But not knowing the details makes her feel out of control. And for her; being out of control is not an option.
Sensing her anxiety as much as seeing it, Chase feels like kicking himself. He had been trying to keep her mind off the accident but instead he made the situation worse. Leaning forward he rests his elbows on the table. “I don’t know any more than what I have already told you. I would never keep information from you. After having had your account of the accident I didn’t really need any further information from you, unless you know something you didn’t remember before.” At the shake of her head he continues, “The witness is reliable, no reason to doubt his account of the event. I did show the photos to a state police officer, he feels this is random, maybe someone with road rage, you being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Reaching across the table he lays his hand against her cheek. He needs the physical contact with her. He wasn’t sure the state police are right but he would keep an eye out for the SUV and he would make sure Deputy Johnny adds Stephanie’s farm in his nightly patrols.
Feeling the tension drain away as she listened to Chase she leans back on her seat making Chase remove her hand from her cheek. Rising her eyes to look at Chase she asks, “Do you think this was random?” She cannot allow letting her guard down if she is still in danger. Having lived in small towns and in a couple of big cities, she realizes crime exists everywhere, gangs in the cities and good old boys in the towns, they all have crimes, murders and drugs. With the power of the news systems you just hear about it more in the cities.
Waiting for Chase to answer her mind drifted back in time, she was sixteen years old, she watched as her boyfriend was gunned down by a gang member trying to prove he was worthy of his colors. A useless crime against a young man, a boy actually, a boy that worked, went to school and tried to help his family pay bills. Violence was everywhere a fact she knows first-hand.
“Stephanie, honey, I won’t lie to you.” Watching as her eyes focus on him, “I don’t know if the state police are right or if someone in my county or surrounding county did this. I don’t want to believe someone I know could do this to another human being. But I am honest enough to know through my police training that people can change, snap as lack for a better word. People can snap causing them to do things they normally wouldn’t do. I am not making excuses, because if I find the person or persons responsible for doing this to you, I will make damn sure they pay for their crime.” Keeping eye contact, he tries to read her face, what is she thinking?
Taking a deep breath then blowing it out, Stephanie knows in her heart he is telling her the truth, he would never allow her to be in danger if he could help it. He takes his oath to protect very seriously. She allows the rest of the tension to seep away. Knowing she will have to remain alert, at least until her ribs and wrist healed; once they were healed she will feel better equipped to protect herself. Having lived alone for most of her adult life, she learned to know her surrounding, know the best escape route, how to use items in her home to defend herself. She had been taught this in the self-defense classes at the local YMCA. When Mitch moved out he knew she would be alone most nights; he made her promise to take the classes. Now years later, she may actually need to use the training.
“Thank you for telling me everything. I feel as long as I know the situation I can be prepared to handle it.” She places her right hand on his arm, when she does he covers her hand with his. Looking down Chase sees how tiny Stephanie’s hand is; he knows he has to solve thi
s crime, keeping her safe is now his top priority. Because she may think she is prepared but he doesn’t think she could hurt a fly.
At that moment they are interrupted with their food being delivered. His mother takes notes of them holding hands and smiles, not realizing this is not a romantic moment. She deposits their meal before them without saying a word. As she walks back to the counter she gives a thumb up sign to the other customers.
Very little is said while they eat, both enjoying the greasy burgers and fries. When they finish; Chase takes out his wallet, removing several bills he leaves a nice tip for his Mother, catching Stephanie’s eyes he winks smiling when she grins. Taking their receipt to the counter he pays for their meal. Holding her elbow he escorts Stephanie out of the diner Chase feels all the customers watching them as they head back to the drug store to pick up Stephanie’s prescriptions.
After they leave the drug store with her medicine in their possession Chase helps Stephanie in his car; again he adjusts the seatbelt away from her ribs. Feeling pampered she smiles at Chase, upon seeing her smile; he leans over kissing her lips. As he walks around the front of his car he senses his Mother watching from the window of the diner.
Once on the road he heads out of town. Stephanie’s place is just at the outskirts of city limits. It only takes a few minutes and they turn onto her driveway. Not sure what to expect she can’t believe her eyes; the house is beautiful, an old house, estimating over a couple hundred years. Turning to Chase her excitement visible, “Oh my goodness, it’s wonderful. I love it; I can’t wait to explore the house and the grounds.”
Feeling like a kid at Christmas, Stephanie doesn’t wait for Chase to open her car door; she exits on her own, standing in the front yard she surveys the most beautiful house she has ever seen. The house built in the 1700’s still has most of the original wood; it is painted white with the trim a dark forest green. The house is a box farm house; it has three levels with a wraparound porch on three sides. Windows in the front are floor to ceiling. The porch has flower pots at each corner and the two wicker rocking chairs to the left of the front door add to the old fashion charm. The lawn has recently been mowed and trimmed, presenting a beautiful area surrounding the house. The two weeping willow trees standing tall and graceful at the end of the driveway seem as old as the house; the numerous flower beds scattered throughout the yard add color to the landscape. The cobblestone walk way leading to the house shows signs of age, giving the impression the stones were placed the same time period as when the house was built.
This house has charm, giving it character and adding to the ambience of past generations; Stephanie feels out of place standing in the yard dressed in her jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes. She imagine being dressed in a long flowing hooped dress while waiting on the porch for her beau, Stephanie smiles at her whimsical thoughts.
Chase joins her by the car, together they stand looking up at the house as he begins telling her a little about the history of Della’s farm. It is a working farm of 300 acres, mostly tobacco, corn and added more recently soy. The land is leased with the contracts being redone every five years. The house was built in the early 1700’s, the barns and outbuilding around the same time. The inside of the house has been remodeled over the years; usually done by the next generation to claim ownership. He explains the house is sturdy and has stood tall and proud through all types of weather.
Fascinated by the history Stephanie stands quietly listening, when Chase stops speaking she turns to look at him; he is staring at a window upstairs. “What’s wrong?” concern in her voice.
“Stay here, the curtain at the attic window moved.” As Chase begins walking towards the house he pulls the key to the front door from his jeans pocket. Looking at Stephanie over his shoulder he tells her, “May not be anything but I want to check this out; you stay out here if you hear anything, you get in my car and drive to town.” Giving her a stern look, Chase turns climbing the steps leading to the porch; stopping to unlock the door he pushes it open moving inside, walking directly to the stairs.
The man standing at the tree line at the far end of the property; raises his field glasses focusing on the woman standing by the car. He mutters under his breath, he’s sure this is the woman who inherited the property; he thought he had killed her. Now she has showed up and ruined his plans to search for the information. Since the Sheriff is with her he can’t approach her. He will have to find a way to get inside the house. Bringing the field glasses down to his side he turns and walks slowly back to his car, after a few minutes of walking over the uneven ground he wishes he had parked closer.
Outside waiting Stephanie keeps an eye on the window Chase had seen the curtain move, not daring to blink she tries to hear Chase inside the house; trying to track him with his steps. Unable to hear anything she decides to walk up on the porch; she could help if he needed her. Even with only one good hand she can still throw things or run for help.
Jumping at the sound of Chase calling the all clear signal Stephanie lets out the breath she was holding. Watching Chase walk down the steps she notices he is smiling therefore, she smiles too. “You won’t believe what has moved in upstairs.” At that moment she spots something small in his hands; Chase has them cupped around a ball of black fur.
Meeting Chase at the bottom step Stephanie peeks at the fur ball, seeing black eyes staring back at her, she laughs and takes the kitten from Chase’s hands. Hugging the kitten close to her chest Stephanie begins rubbing its back. The kitten is shaking, understanding the kitten is nervous Stephanie begins humming softly hoping the lullaby will soothe it.
With the kitten still laying on her chest she turns viewing the foyer for the first time, looking at Chase her eyes sparkle delight. The staircase is wide made of the same mahogany as the banister; looking up she sees the steps go to the third floor. Shifting to stand beside her Chase asks if Stephanie wants a tour of her new home. Not waiting for her to answer Chase motions for her to follow him.
Off the foyer and to the left is the living room the walls are done in a rich gold color. The focus point of the room is the fireplace; it dominates the room, built into the back wall it is in the middle of two floors to ceiling windows. The fireplace and hearth is made from creek rocks and the solid oak mantle is beautifully designed to accents the rustic look.
Glancing quickly around the room Stephanie sees the same set of windows to her left; understanding the builder had intentionally designed this room to be filled with sunlight most of the day. The furnishings are traditional, the sofa and matching loveseat are covered in a deep rosy red plush fabric; the overstuffed pillows look comfortable. The four side tables scattered around the room are overflowing with stacks of magazines and old newspapers.
To the right is an archway opening leading to the dining room; the table in here takes up most of the space with seating for twelve. The table with the rich medium brown finish beautifully covers an exquisite cherry veneer; with matching chairs, the chair cushions have a rich striped chenille fabric cover. Turning to leave the room Stephanie doubts she will be using the dining room much, if ever.
Continuing to the kitchen, Chase tells her it is modernized it has the latest in appliances. Following him all the way in the room she views the oak cabinets, the island in the middle of the floor and the small kitchen table; oak with a marble top, the same as the counters for the sink and island. This room will be ideal for cooking, having always loved to cook; she can’t wait to try her skills in this spacious area. Completing the tour of the kitchen she quickly glances in the mudroom by the back door, functional and spotless.
Back in the foyer, he shows her the half bathroom under the stairs, they both smile, not sure if he knows about the little boy whose room was under the stairs at his relatives house Stephanie remains quite. However she does check to see if a pair of broke eye glasses are lying anywhere inside.
Once they are upstairs, Stephanie sees Chase check his watch, not wanting to detain him any longer she did the fast tour;
master bedroom, two spare bedrooms, full bath, and huge closet. Later she will explore but at this time, the glance inside each room will have to be enough. Telling him the attic was not necessary, they descend the steps side by side.
Having finished the tour Chase announces he must go check in at work, placing his hand under her chin he raises it just enough to lean down kissing her lightly on her full lips. Lifting his head he smiles then turns striding out the door. Moving to the door, Stephanie looks out in time to see Chase’s car tail lights disappearing down her driveway. Dropping her hand to the door knob, she turns the lock. The feeling of loneliness embraces her body; turning around she almost steps on the kitten, stooping she picks it up and decides they both need a drink.
During the tour of the kitchen Chase had confessed he had purchased a few groceries for her, he had known she would be without a vehicle until tomorrow when they pick up her rental. His Mother had brought the food this morning when she retrieved Stephanie’s purse. The feeling of loneliness was replaced with gratitude to the Peterson clan. Looking in the refrigerator she finds a gallon of milk, getting a bowl down from the cabinet she fills it then places it and kitten on the floor. Moving back to the refrigerator she grabs a bottle of water; she twists the top off while using her foot to close the refrigerator door. Not really hungry she decides to wait to check the rest of the food supply.
Deciding to unpack a few things while she thinks about the best place to put a mini office, she looks down to check on the kitten, seeing it curled up on the floor sleeping she smiles as she walks out of the kitchen. She heads to the stairs; thoughtfully Chase had put her suitcases in the master bedroom. At the top of the stairs to the second floor, she has a feeling to continue to the third floor. Shaking her head to clear it, she strolls to the end of hallway stopping at the door leading to the master suite. Looking over her shoulder at the stairs, the feeling to go to the attic is there in the back of her mind. Shrugging her shoulders, Stephanie turns the knob opening the door she walks into the bedroom of her dream.
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 4
