Stephanie sits on the couch looking up at the portrait of Della and Archie. The artist had captured the couples love for each other, seeing it in their eyes. Having met Chase’s Mother, Stephanie knows the portrait had been painted with attention to each detail. Thinking back to the day at the diner, Stephanie had sensed Carrie had been aware of Chase and Stephanie attraction to each other. Was Carrie able to see things better than most or was it her wishful thinking? Knowing both Carrie and CJ could see Archie has Stephanie convinced they were “special”.
Lost in her thoughts Stephanie didn’t notice Archie until he clears his throat. Glancing from the painting to Archie she smiles. “How is it going in the kitchen?” Pulling her feet under her, she waits for Archie to answer.
Shrugging his shoulders Archie begins to pace the length of the room. Stopping in front of the portrait he turns to looks at Stephanie. She is sitting calming watching him. “I do not understand the process in there. They are reading reports, taking notes, re-reading the reports and then they trade and start over.”
Laughing Stephanie confides, “I figured it would be a long process with little for me to do; that is why I came in here.” Looking over at the box of house ledgers Chase had brought in here from the kitchen she adds, “I had thought about looking through the box. But I got distracted by the portrait and then lost in thought.”
Moving to the couch, Archie sits by Stephanie. Glancing at the portrait then back at Stephanie, “I miss her so much.” Sadness reflects in his eyes and voice. He continues, “She was my true love. I wish you could have known her. You are a lot like her, independent, strong, and yes beautiful.” Closing his eyes briefly he adds, “You look like her, you could be her sister or her daughter.” Lifting his hand, he lightly brushes her cheek.
Feeling his touch Stephanie smiles, “I saw the pictures of her, the younger ones. Your right our resemblance is there. Looking at some of the pictures of her, I felt as if I was looking in the mirror.” Leaning back Stephanie adjusts the pillow getting more comfortable, “I have been reading her diary. Do you mind?” Picking the book up from the side table, she turns it over in her hands.
Shaking his head, Archie divulges, “I had hoped you would find it and read it. I wanted you to know our love and also learn about your Great Aunt.” Looking again at the portrait, he continues, “As she grew older, she was still the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She kept her hair long, in her later years she would braid it and it would still hang down to her waist. I would dream about the silkiness.”
Stephanie hears the love in his voice. for Archie, for Della and for their situation. respond, she remains silent.
After a few seconds Archie begins speaking again, “Her parents didn’t understand her. It wasn’t their fault, how could she explain me? They tried to send her away to school, she didn’t stay. They tried to arrange meetings with young men, she would refuse. After she reached the age of twenty-five they gave up trying to make her conform to their beliefs. The stress from her parents decreased some, it was then she started helping her Father keep the books for the farm. She loved dealing with numbers and she was good at it. It wasn’t long before she was doing books for the other neighboring farms.”
Smiling at his memories Archie resumes with his reminiscence, “Della took the death of her parents hard. Her brother couldn’t make it to the funeral but she held it together until after they were buried. At night, we would talk, she hated they died without knowing about me, without knowing our secret. It was after we were married that she had made friends with Carrie. Carrie was trying to help children and wanted Della to see if they could afford to take abused children in their home.”
He takes a deep breath and releases it, “Carrie came to visit one day and I was downstairs. Not experiencing another person seeing or hearing me, I stayed in the living room. Della and Carrie walked in, Carrie’s face turned white when she seen me. But she didn’t scream or faint. Both Della and I were shocked.” Laughing softly, “I actually think we were more scared than Carrie was. Bless Carrie, she recovered quickly then became curious asking a few questions.”
“After we explained she suggested her husband could help. He was raised here too; his family farm had been around since before the civil war. We didn’t know what to say, than Carrie said if he sees me, we will ask for his help, if he can’t then we would keep quiet. A couple of nights later Carrie and CJ came to dinner, I waited until after they had eaten and were in the living room for coffee. When I appeared CJ just smiled and introduced himself to Sadness engulfs her;
Not knowing how to me. We sat and talked for hours, they would visit weekly. Then after several years they stopped coming. One day out of the blue, the portrait was delivered.” Looking away from the painting, Archie turns to Stephanie, “I missed my friend. I wish I knew why they stopped visiting.”
The sorrow in his voice over losing a friend broke Stephanie’s heart. “I will find out what happened to make them stop coming.”
“We think we found something.” Both Stephanie and Archie jump at the sound of Chase’svoice. They turn to see Chase standing in the door way. “Come into the kitchen, we need to discuss this with both of you.” Without waiting for a response Chase goes back to the kitchen.
Stephanie quickly follows Chase walking into the kitchen she sees Archie is already there waiting beside the table. “What did you find?” She sits down on the chair she vacated earlier.
Andy stands and walks to the dry erase board, watching him Stephanie gasps when she sees the pictures posted on it. The one of Mitch was taken after he died, he looked pale. Moving just her eyes Stephanie looks at the next picture; it’s of her, taken for her job security badge. The next picture is Della and the last picture is of a car. Written under the picture of the car is the names Lee and Rebecca Cain. Knowing that is Della’s parents Stephanie looks at Chase.
Chase begins speaking as he walks to stand by the table, “After going over the files of all the reported “accidents” for the family, we have concluded that only these four are not truly “accidents”. We know for a fact Mitch was murdered, Stephanie had an attempted murder and Della was involved in a break in. That left only Lee and Rebecca, after reading the report and reviewing the pictures, we have come to the joint decision that they were murdered.”
Letting them digest the information, Chase waits a few moments before he continues. “Wish we could see the car but even in the pictures the damage to the back of the car is consistent to being run off the road. It is almost identical to the way used to run Stephanie off the road.”
Archie raises his hand, a signal he needs to speak. When Chase nods at him, Archie informs them, “If you think you need to check the car personally, it’s in the old tobacco barn.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Andy asks Archie. Looking at Chase he can’t believe the car has been here the whole time.
Archie rises floating to the board, pointing at the picture of the car, he replies, “I kid you not, Sir. Della had the car brought here. She had the men put it in the barn; it has been covered with a drape since it was placed there.”
Stephanie asks, “Why would Della have the car her parents died in brought here?” Frowning she tries to make sense of everything she has been told since coming to the kitchen.
Shaking his head Archie answers, “I do not know why she did this, all she told me was her Father would want this. Sometimes Della was hard to figure out.” Shrugging his shoulders he moves back to the table and watches as Chase begins writing on his tablet.
Thinking this is too good to be true; Andy and him can examine the car and then know for a fact if their decision was correct. Making a note to check it out in the morning, he asks, “To your knowledge has anyone made any inquires about the car in the last several years?” Archie shakes his head no in responds. Chase then asks, “Can you show us exactly where it is in the morning?” Archie nods in agreement.
Stephanie interrupts before Chase can ask another question. She has
one of her own to ask. connected to Archie or not?” face she knows he was thinking the same thing, if this started with Della’s parents it seems unlikely this has anything to do with Archie.
With both Archie and Stephanie looking from Andy to Chase, it is Andy that answers, “Actually, we both think it does. Our reports don’t go back to your time period, nor do they document earlier deaths in the family. no problems were reported. be responsible for the murders. We are trying to connect the dots to verify if it does.” Looking at Archie he adds, “I know this “So with this timeframe, is this still Seeing the expression on Archie’s
This family lived honestly, no arrests, Someone outside of the family had to has been difficult for you, not knowing why you are stuck in this limbo. I will help you any way I can.”
Archie looks at Andy in the eye for a few minutes then nods slowly. Breaking eye contact, he turns to Stephanie, “Even if this does not involve me, even if I am unable to go to Della, I want this to be ended, keeping you safe is what is most important now.”
Feeling tears form in her eyes, Stephanie blinks. “I know you mean that and I really do appreciate this, but we need to help you too. There has to be a connection to you, we just haven’t found it yet.” Smiling through her tears she lays her hand over Archie’s on the table, passing through his hand has her hand on the bottom while his hand shimmers on top. The soft whisper of coolness from his hand helps calm her nerves.
Chase clears his throat to get their attention when everyone looks at him he states, “The timeframe is what has us stumped. According to the reports we have, the first murders happened 1950, then nothing until three years ago, now in the last four months there has been another murder and one attempted murder. We have to figure out why the long absence of activity surrounding this house and this family." Looking at Stephanie Chase notices her face pale and her eyes widen as she listens. Softly he tells her, “Honey, I know this is about you and your family and hearing this is stressful for you. But we have to deal with this, you know that. You also need to know just how dangerous this remains.”
Andy agrees adding, “We both feel this isn’t over. You continue to be in danger until we can solve the crimes and arrest the person responsible.” Looking at Stephanie he tries to stress the importance to her, “There is a reason this family is targeted. Until we know the answer, you will need to be careful. Don’t go outside alone; no matter the reason. Either Chase or myself will go with you.”
Listening to them, Stephanie realizes she has two bodyguards, three if you count Archie which she did. Thinking about her life before she came here, she was a loner, she did what she wanted when she wanted. She was independent, now she is a prisoner in her new home. Bringing up her hands she covers her face as she grasps her circumstances. Pondering on the past isn’t going to help; she must put her basic character aside and adjust to depending on others. Admitting this isn’t going to be easy she drops her hands in her lap, turning to face Chase she says, “I know I have to stay safe, I am an adult, I understand this. I just don’t know how to be the Damsel to your Knight.” On a nervous laugh she concludes, “I may need reminding at times that I am under police protection.”
Empathy for her fills him, “I know this is difficult for you. We will get through this together.” Chase smiles tenderly.
Archie moves to stand beside Andy, noticing Andy’s slight flinch Archie smirks asking, “So what is the next move?”
All attention turns to Andy as he responds to Archie, “I think we should check the car in the barn, this is just to re-verify the conclusions we already made. Then I think we need to concentrate on finding evidence to solve Lee and Rebecca’s murders. My instincts tell me, we need to start there.”
Turning to Chase Stephanie suggests, “Why don’t you two go check the car now? It’s still daylight, in fact will be for a while.” Rising from her chair she goes to the freezer and begins searching for supplies, “I think I am going to start supper.” Turning from the freezer she uses her hip to shut the door, placing the pork roast in the sink she moves to the cabinet to retrieve the roaster pan. Figuring keeping busy is her best choice of action right now. Looking up she sees Chase watching her.
Andy agrees, “Your right. We can go now, check out the car then be able to have that part done and over with.”
“Now remember this is a cold case, it’s been over sixty years, I don’t expect us to find much evidence. But like Andy I think we need to stay with this direction.” Having said that, Chase moves to stand in front of Stephanie, leaning down he kisses her lightly on her lips. Raising his head, he winks. Turning on his heels Chase tells Andy and Archie, “Come on men, we may as well get this done.” Before leaving both Chase and Andy retrieve their weapons from their holsters, they slide the guns in the back of their jeans. Without a backward look, they walk out the door.
With the men gone, Stephanie finishes preparing the roast; she puts it in the oven at 300 degrees to thaw as it cooks. Knowing this process takes longer she sets the timer for four hours.
Walking back to the table, Stephanie glances at the reports laying there. Leaving them as they are, she picks up her computer deciding to work in the living room. As Stephanie moves towards the door the phone rings, changing direction she goes to answers it.
Hearing the voice on the other end of the receiver Stephanie leans her hip against the counter waiting for Michael to take a breath; allowing her to answer his questions he is rapidly asking. Hearing a brief pause Stephanie injects, “It’s nice to hear from you. Yes, I did send the rough draft to the secretary. No, I haven’t heard from the author. Yes, I am almost done with the final product. And yes, thank you I am feeling better.” Laughing she adds, “Did I get all your questions answered?”
Michael joins in laughing; he knows he talks fast and doesn’t give a person time to interrupt. This is a joke through the office, he blames this on being the youngest of eight children, he always tells people he learned to talk like this growing up; otherwise he would never get a word in the conversations.
After a few more minutes discussing the colors changes to the book’s cover, Michael bids her goodbye. Hanging up the phone, Stephanie resumes her earlier quest heading to the living room. Sitting on the couch she opens the computer turning on the power. As she waits for the system to load Stephanie glances at the portrait speaking to her Aunt. “Well Della, I feel as if I am getting to know you, with help from Archie and your diary. You were a remarkable woman. The love you and Archie shared transcends time and space.” Sighing she admits, “Your love is the kind I want with Chase. A special kind of love; the kind of love that last through the ages."
Checking the computer screen she notices it is loaded and has started updates. Scooting back on the couch, Stephanie raises her eyes again to the portrait. Since she has to wait for the updates to finish their process, she decides to continue her one sided conversation with her Aunt.
“Archie loves you, even now with him still stuck here and you gone. I feel he is here due to his guilt over his mission, he feels as if he failed his men and his superiors.” Not wanting to put blame on Della but wanting to continue with this train of thought she adds, “After meeting you he fell in love and then didn’t want to leave because of you and his feeling. Or I could just be wrong and for some reasons only known to the power above, he is here.”
Shifting on the cushion Stephanie reveals to the portrait, “I am in love with Chase. Having given up on finding love, this came fast and total unexpected. I know he has feelings for me, I just don’t know if he is in love with me.” Closing her eyes briefly Stephanie inquires, “How will I know if this is true love? How do I give my love to a man then trust him to care for it?” Laying her head against the couch, she adds “I wish I had met you, I would have enjoyed getting to know you as a person. I could sure use some advice right now.”
Noticing her computer is done with the updates; she places it on her lap and accesses her email account, needing to check for messages from the cu
rrent author she is working for. After reviewing the message with the change in colors and the lay out, she closes her email account. Opening her work folder with the images saved for this book, she begins to edit the design.
As the men walk toward the barn none speak. Archie floats beside Chase with Andy slightly behind them. Once they reach the old tobacco barn, Chase slides the door open allowing light to flow inside. Archie leads the way to the back of the barn. He stops at the stall furthest from the door, inside is a car covered by a tarp. Both men walk inside the stall moving to the front of the vehicle they reach down lifting the tarp up and back from the car.
Whistling at the sight of the car Chase expresses to Andy, “This car was a piece of work back in the day.” He stands admiring the 1948 Cadillac; even after decades of neglect the vehicle paint would shine with a coat of wax and elbow grease. With the same kind of care the chrome would glisten like new. Before the wreck this was a classy car. It showed the world the owner had money. Back in the day this car represented wealth and power.
Both men walk to the front of the car, Archie stays just outside of the stall, not wanting to interfere with their work. Both men look at the car now with trained eyes, seeing the front of the car mashed in, they know from the pictures the car had slammed into a tree. However, the pictures did not prepare them for the damage inflicted on the car and in turn the victims. The passenger side of the windshield glass was missing; a clear indication the victim had indeed been ejected from the car.
Through mutual agreement they walk to the driver side of the vehicle Andy opens the door and squats down to view the scene in front of him. Chase leans in over Andy; he notices the dark dried blood on the steering wheel. Observing out loud he states, “The steering wheel kept the victim in the car, but unfortunately for Lee it also killed him in the process.” The size of the steering wheel, huge by today standards, would keep a man from being ejected through the windshield, but with the momentum of a car going from 50 to 55 mph to a dead stop, the force of hitting the steering wheel would crush a man ribs, causing fatal sever internal damage. Noticing the steering wheel knob, Chase voices his speculation, “This would have cause the most internal bleeding. I think him hitting his head on the wheel is the cause for the dried blood.”
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 16
