A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1)

by Phillips, Brenda

  Watching Stephanie, Andy starts speaking, “After the phone call from Sheriff Peterson, I checked with the coroner about Mitch. I had her run another blood screen panel and requested a hair test. His blood from evidence showed no long time drug usage, his hair sample also showed no drug usage. After reviewing the scene photos I concluded your brother’s death was staged to look like an accident.” Glancing quickly at Chase and then back to Stephanie he continues, “When the facts of your “accident” came to light, my Captain and I knew then I was investigating a murder not a fatal drug induced over dose.” Seeing the pain in her eyes he stops talking, allowing her to absorb this information. He realizes he has given her a lot to consider.

  Clearing his throat Andy begins speaking again, “I did some research on your Great Aunt Della Cain’s will. Did you know that this property was left to Mitch?” At her intake of breath, he adds, “You were named the beneficiary for Mitch’s will, so this property was added to your inheritance.” He stops to allow her to process this.

  Chase informs the Detective, “You are mistaken, Della’s estate attorney told me, told the whole town the property was coming to Stephanie, he had been searching for her for three years.” Giving Stephanie’s hand another squeeze, he continues, “Brett Miller told us there was only one person listed as heir to the will.”

  Confused Stephanie looks from Chase to Andy, “When Mr. Miller came to visit he said he had a difficult time locating me, due to my last name.” This didn’t feel right, she was missing something. “What is going on? I don’t like this, don’t like it at all.” Turning to Chase she adds, “Why is this happening?”

  “I have a copy of the will. I can prove what I saying is true.” As he speaks Andy flips through the files in his brief case. Pulling the papers out, he slides them across the table to Chase. Andy leans back in his chair allowing Chase to read the will. Picking up his cup he takes a drink of the coffee, watching as Stephanie leans over to read with Chase. He observed them unnoticed. They are involved, may already be lovers. His police instinct told him Stephanie was innocent in this mess. He trusted his instincts; they had saved his life on several occasions. Not sure of the complete situation here, he is concerned for her safety. Andy watches as they lean closer to each other, do they know yet they are in love, or is it just easy for him to see.

  “Wow”, Stephanie leans back in her seat. Chase taps the papers, “Can I have copies?” Andy nods in agreement. Chase continues, “The way this is wrote, it appears Della wanted a male heir.” Picking up Stephanie’s hand he entwines their fingers. Laying their joined hands on the table, he sees Stephanie looking across the room. Glancing over he sees Archie standing in the shadows.

  Noting both Chase and Stephanie are looking across the room, Andy turns to look also. Not seeing anything he inquires, “What is so interesting over there?” As he finishes the last word, he blinks, looking again, is that a shape of a man? Looking over at Chase, he sees Chase staring at him. “What is going on?” Looking back, to stare at the spot, he no longer sees anything.

  Stephanie shrugs her slim shoulder, “I don’t know what you mean.” Glancing at Chase, “This is not ours to tell.” With that said, Stephanie excuses herself and leaves the room.

  Both men sit staring at the door long after she is gone, neither says a word. Chase doesn’t know what Andy is thinking, he is sitting on the chair just staring at the door. Not knowing the full situation would Detective Andy Rogers be a hindrance. Or is he open enough to be trusted with all the details? How do you tell someone this case started over a hundred years ago? Directing his attention to Andy, “Stephanie will be back soon, we will finish this conversation then.” Rising from his chair Chase retrieves the coffee pot and offers Andy more, at this nod; Chase pours the liquid into Andy’s cup and then tops off his own. Replacing the pot on the base he locates a tablet and a pen then returns to his seat. Picking up his cup Chase takes a drink as he begins writing key points from the will.

  Stephanie stands in the middle of the attic staring at Archie. “He seen you, you know he did. That makes him “special”. You know only us “special” people can see you. You know we are trying to help you and by helping you we may be able catch the person or persons responsible for the death of my brother.” Wishing she could touch him, she runs her hands through her hair. Frustration now in her voice, “I’m asking for your help.” adds, “Please.”

  Archie stares back at Stephanie seeing her pain. he can tell his story again he starts floating around the attic. Stephanie follows him with her eyes. “I know Miss Stephanie you are asking for my help, I am just not sure I can do this again.” He stops in front of her, “Why can’t Sheriff Chase just tell this man about me? Why do you need me to do this?”

  Closing her eyes briefly she tries to explain, “Do you honestly think Detective Rogers will believe us telling him about a Ghost we are helping, a Ghost we know is tied to this, a Ghost that has seen the man that broke into this house, a Ghost that has been living in this house for over a hundred years?” Seeing the pain in his eyes, she stops speaking; taking a deep breath she finishes her argument, either it works or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t work than they won’t mention Archie to Andy. “You won’t have to tell your story again; we will. We are trying to get this solved for you, for Della, for Softly she

  Not sure Mitch and for myself. You know I wouldn’t ask you to do this for just me, but I need you so Detective Rogers will understand this involves more than Mitch and I. Please Uncle Archie.”

  Gazing at Stephanie, Archie sees Della; the resemblance is there, the same strong will, the same mannerisms, and yes their features are so similar they could have been sisters. His Della would want him to help Stephanie; he realizes he has to do whatever it takes to help with the investigation. Slowly he nods his head in agreement.

  Knowing this is going to be a bazaar situation, Stephanie starts down the stairs. Stopping she turns to Archie, “Do you want me to go first?” Archie nods again then fades, Stephanie continues walking down the stairs, feeling Archie’s presents beside her. In the foyer Stephanie stops and turns to Archie, “You will be fine; we will take care of you. I know you are nervous, just remember this, I love you and I will not let anyone upset you.” She smiles when she feels the soft chill of his touch on her cheek. Squaring her shoulders she continues towards the kitchen.

  Walking through the doorway leading to the kitchen Stephanie glances at Chase and nods. With a slight grin she takes her seat at the table, using her foot Stephanie pushes the chair opposite from her away from the table. Feeling Andy tense she smiles a little more as she looks at Chase. “You need to fill Andy in about our witness, who is also another victim.” Turning her head to face the vacant chair she winks then turns to stare at Andy.

  Chase glances at Stephanie, turns his head to look at the empty chair than focuses his attention on Andy. “We are about to tell you some information that will hopefully shed some light on the reasons surrounding Mitch’s death and Stephanie’s attempted murder.” Chase reaches across the table laying his hand over Stephanie’s hand.

  Watching them both, Andy decides he has waited long enough. “I need to know about this witness you say you have. I have been on the road most of the night and I am too tired to be kept waiting for the information you say you have.” Looking Chase directly in the eyes he adds, “I think I have been patient, but I do have my limits.” As he finished speaking Andy sees a shadow in this peripheral vision to his left.

  Turning his head, Andy’s eyes widen as Archie finishes materializing as much as he can, being a ghost Archie can only do so much with his appearance. Andy closes his eyes, opens them and still sees the illusion, swings his head around to look at Chase, “How in the hell are you doing this?’ Andy refuses to believe this is anything but Chase and Stephanie trying to make him look a fool. Folding his arms over his chest, he scowls at Chase waiting for an explanation.

  Stephanie winks at Archie, turns and looks at Andy, waiting for Chase to begi
n the introductions. Trying not to giggle, she reaches over and pats Andy on the shoulder. Feeling him tense she removes her hand.

  Chase not sure where to start, looks at Archie. Seeing him shrug his shoulder, he realizes this isn’t going to be easy. Taking a deep breath, he releases it, opens his mouth to speak then closes it without saying a word.

  “I am waiting.” Andy says, still refusing to look to his left, he keeps staring at Chase. He narrows his eyes, trying to look as if he is interrogating a suspect.

  Coughing into his hand to keep from smiling at the man sitting across from him, he begins, “Andy I would like to introduce you to Sargent First Class Archibald Butterworth.” As Chase speaks, he glances from Andy to Archie then back again to Andy. Noticing Andy doesn’t even look in Archie’s direction, he comes to the realization he will have to try a different approach. “Andy, neither Stephanie nor I are magicians, we are just normal people who happen to live in a haunted house with a Union Soldier.” Trying to judge his reaction, he continues, “We are not playing tricks on you.” Looking Andy straight in his eyes he adds, “I know you see him.”

  Slowly Andy turns and gawks at Archie, he tries to speak, coughs and tries again, “I don’t believe in ghost, the supernatural, or any of the voodoo crap.” Not taking his eyes off Archie, he continues, “I am thirty-five years old, why am I now faced with experiencing poltergeist?”

  Andy jumps in his seat when Archie floats above him yelling, “I AM NOT A POLTERGEIST. I AM A SPIRIT!” Archie’s fury causes his eyes to glow eerie red with emotions.

  Stephanie jumps to her feet, “Uncle Archie, calm down. We know you are a ghost, not something evil.” Looking at Chase, he nods his agreement. Turning to Andy she tells him, “You need to apologize to Uncle Archie. He is an honorable man. And as you can see does not take kindly to having his character brought into question.” Placing her hands on her hips she waits.

  Eyes wide, Andy clears his throat, “Sir, I am truly sorry for anything I have said to cause you to feel slighted. I did not mean any harm.” Clearing his throat again he adds, “I am honored to meet you, and ask for your forgiveness.” Glancing at Stephanie, she nods and sits down, as Andy tries to rationale him apologizing to a ghost or spirit.

  Archie floats back to his chair, “I am also sorry Sir. I over reacted to your words. I have been here in this state of limbo a long time and I should have realized not everyone that can see me would understand. I too apologize.” Smiling a little, he turns to Chase. “Not my best first impression.”

  Returning the smile Chase replies, “I agree, not having had the pleasure of seeing you angry, you were awesome and a bit scary. Too bad the man that broke in here couldn’t see you. He would have pissed his pants.” Chuckling Chase leans back on his chair as he hears Stephanie giggle.

  Clearing his throat, Andy asks, “So this is your witness?” Staring at Archie, Andy raises his eyebrows, “I don’t think your statement will hold up in court.” Shaking his head he realizes he is speaking to a ghost, or whatever he wants to be called. Flipping open his notebook, he clicks his pen, “Not sure where to start asking questions.” Raising his hand he rubs his eyes; feeling the fatigue to his bones, not sure his brain will comprehend the information. Flexing his shoulders, he puts both hands above his head stretching. Bringing his arms down, he stands and begins to walk around the kitchen. Stopping at the back door, he turns to see three pair of eyes staring at him.

  Chase sees how tired Andy is, “Why don’t you go upstairs to the guest room and lay down. You need to be rested when we go over the information we have discovered. You are too tired to do this now.” Rising from his chair Chase moves to stand in front of Andy. “I will help get your suitcase then show you to the guest room. After you rest, we can eat and discuss everything.”

  Hating to admit he is too exhausted to do this now, Andy just nods in agreement. Slowly he follows Chase thought the house to the front door. Once outside Andy turns to Chase, “I don’t think I can sleep in the house with the spirit.”

  Smiling Chase informs him, “Archie is part of Stephanie’s family, he is a man of honor, and he will not bother you while you rest. But if you want to drive to town, there is a motel.”

  Looking down the road, Andy decides he is too exhausted to drive anywhere. He pops the trunk and grabs his suitcase. “I will crash here, if you promise me the “ghost” will stay out of my room.” Standing in the driveway, Andy holds his bag waiting for Chase’s assurance.

  Laughing Chase slaps Andy on his back, “I promise. If you want I will keep Archie downstairs with us.” Turning Chase walks towards the house; he leaves Andy to follow.

  Chase returns to the kitchen after showing Andy to the guest room. He stands at the door watching as Stephanie writes notes in a tablet; Archie is leaning over her shoulder as she writes. “What are you two up too?” Seeing them jump, he smiles as he walks to the table to lean in to see what they are doing.

  Stephanie shrugs her slim shoulder as she replies, “We just thought we should write down some of the information so when the Detective is ready we don’t forget anything.” Archie floats to the other side of the table as Stephanie explains to Chase.

  Standing tall and straight looking like a soldier waiting for orders, Archie stares at Chase. Chase can sense his anxiety, knowing he hates talking about his death. “Archibald, you can stay in the attic if you want, I will relate your account of the events to Andy. I know you are reluctant to keep telling the information over and over again.”

  Allowing his shoulders to relax a little Archie address his reply to both of them, “I appreciate what you both have done and are doing for me. I am a man not a child. I don’t like discussing my life or my death, but I know I have to do this.” Tenderly he looks at Stephanie, “You are so much like my Della; wanting to make this easier for me.” Breaking eye contact, he floats to the door, with his back to them he continues, “I cannot hide from this, it no longer is about just me. This, whatever this is, has turned into burglary, murder and attempted murder. I would not be a man of honor if I hide in the attic.” Turning to face them he adds, “Chase you need to check past break-ins, past deaths of Della’s family. I just don’t think this started a couple of years ago, my instincts tell me this has been going on since my death.” Moving back to the table he sits on the same chair he had earlier.

  Chase and Stephanie look at each other then back at Archie. Chase asks, “What do you mean? You have been dead for over a hundred years, the person or persons from that time would be dead also.”

  Rising from the chair, Stephanie begins to pace around the kitchen; speaking as she does, “He’s right, Della’s parents death could have been murder, it was a car accident. There could have been other accidents no one investigated.” Stopping she adds, “If no witness had seen my “accident” you would have thought I had just driven off the road and flipped my car.” Seeing the realization in Chase’s eyes Stephanie continues, “We have to figure out who, what, where, and the how.” Placing her hands on her hips she waits for Chase to acknowledge this theory.

  Chase sits down at the table, taking the tablet Stephanie was using earlier, he begins writing. Stephanie walks to stand behind Chase she leans over his shoulder as he begins to explain, “You are both right, I think. I will have to call Karen have her pull past records, any police reports that pertain to this family or this house. I will also go online and try to access the periodicals for this area.”

  Aware Chase is in police mode, Stephanie smiles at Archie over Chase’s head, “You are brilliant. I think we are going to get this figured out, I can feel this is the direction we need to take.”

  Laying the pen down Chase raises from the chair, “I am going to call Karen; I will have her make copies of the reports and have Johnny bring them to me.” He picks up the phone, dials Karen’s number waiting for her to answer.

  While Chase talks to Karen, Stephanie remains at the table waiting. Neither she nor Archie speak. After Chase leaves the guest room,
Andy grabs a pair of jogging pants from his suitcase; glancing around the room he makes sure he is alone then quickly changes his clothes. Looking longingly at the bed, Andy decides to try to get some rest, not sure he will be able to accomplish this, due to the house being haunted. Andy turns back the covers and slides onto bed. Pulling the covers up to his chin, he tries to relax.

  Letting his mind wonder, Andy attempts to make sense of the last hour. Having never believed in the supernatural, he is having a difficult time accepting Archie. However, having seen him with his own eyes, Andy knows Archie is a real ghost. He feels overwhelmed coming to terms with supernatural beings at this time in his life. Why now? Why here? Thinking about his past, Andy never had any awareness of ‘spirits’ or ‘ghosts’ or any unnatural experiences.

  Closing his eyes Andy resolves he is just too worn-out to deal with this now, he begins to count backwards from one hundred. Before long he is asleep.

  Hanging up the phone Chase gives them the news, “Karen said to give her a few hours to gather the information. The recent years will be on the computer, but the past will need to be pulled from the archives in the basement. She is going to call Deputy Shane to help.” Raking his fingers through his hair he continues, “We need to make a chart to post the information; it may help to find a pattern.” Snapping his fingers, he adds, “I am going to call Johnny, have him bring me a huge dry erase board. printer, markers, magnets and a few other supplies.” back to the phone.

  Smiling Stephanie tells Archie, “Chase is in his element. He loves the whole cop thing.” Looking around the kitchen she adds, “I think we should make this room the command post. We spend more time in here, and with the long island over by the pantry, we can use this table for the computers, and eat at the counter.” Rising from the chair, Stephanie begins walking to the door, “I will be back, I think I seen a few things in the attic we can use in here.”