Stepping back Chase strides to the rear of the car. Andy follows agreeing, “Most people back then didn’t wear seatbelts. No laws making them do what is for their protection.” Crouching down he moves close to the bumper, scanning the area he smiles; turning to look at Chase he tells him, “Look at this, its paint.” He points to a brownish mark on the bumper. Upon closer inspection Andy notices several places the paint had transferred when the vehicles made contact, there is a dent on the driver side along the back fender. This too has paint transfer. Standing up he states, “This verifies what we already presumed, Della’s parents were murdered.”
Chase takes a knife out of his pocket and rips a piece of paper from his notebook; stooping down he uses his knife to scrap a few fleck of paint onto the paper. Folding the paper around the flecks he places it back into his notebook. Closing his knife Chase slides it back into his pocket. “This also verifies the Sheriff did not do his job; anyone could have seen this was deliberate. This car was forced off the road.”
Archie floats to hover between the two men, leaning forward to looks at the damage. “Why would the Sheriff declare this an accident?” Straightening he turns to Chase, “Why did you remove evidence from the car? Won’t you need to send the car to have it processed?” Hearing Andy laugh, Archie turns glaring at him then turns back to Chase waiting for an answer.
Chase clears his throat to keep from laughing and receiving the same reaction from Archie. After a few seconds he feels he can respond. “This isn’t the television shows you watched with Della. We don’t send the whole car to the lab, we send these samples. It’s more cost efficient.” Glancing at Andy, Chase is thankful he has recovered and no longer laughing. Chase explains to Archie, “The FBI will process these, they should be able to tell the make and model of the vehicle, also with this much damage the other vehicle would have also had damages, and we should be able to find the owner when we know what kind of vehicle we need to look for.”
From the next stall Chase hears Andy call out, “Man, Chase you need to see this.” Chase strolls to the next stall then stands admiring the vehicle; the 1945 Chevy Truck is in mint condition. Having been covered also with a tarp, the dust and grime could be washed and waxed away. Not taking his eyes off the truck Andy asks, “Do you think it will start?”
Chase laughs, “You’ve got to be kidding. It’s been sitting for over sixty years.” Walking around the truck he wonders if it would be worth the expense to restore it. He has fantasized about restoring an antique and this truck would be perfect for that project.
Archie is confused, trying to figure out why the men are excited about this old truck. Having never ridden in a vehicle he couldn’t fathom the attention they give to this one. After seeing up close the damage to one and knowing the people had died, he was glad to have only ever ridden a horse. Remembering his Della had never driven, and would only ride with certain people. He had never questioned her about this, now he ponders why she was so determined not to drive. This being the circumstances before her parents had died. He also should have asked why she had the car brought here after their accident. Shaking his head he realizes he just accepted Della decisions, he never questioned her.
Chase calls out to Archie telling him they are ready to go back to the house. Archie floats beside them as they begin the trip back. As they pass the old horse barn Chase comments, “These barns need a fresh coat of paint and I noticed the wood in a few places needs replaced. Minor repairs, but it needs done.” He makes a mental note to call to arrange a handy man to come check out the property. Chase continues to walk observing the surrounding area. He begins reminiscing, “This place has always been a working farm, one of the biggest in the county. Even when Della leased the land this was a busy place. I remember coming here to work and talk with Della.” Stopping Chase scans the area. He doesn’t notice anything out of the ordinary, but he has a feeling something is not right.
Motioning to Andy, Chase lets him know he is going to check the property. Andy tells Archie, “You go on to the house; we are going to be a few minutes.” Not waiting for a responds Andy spins on his heels following Chase.
Archie watches the men for a few minutes then vanishes; he reappears in the living room. Spotting Stephanie sitting on the couch with her computer on her lap, Archie stands quietly.
The sensation of being watched has Stephanie looking up, “Hello, I didn’t hear the men come in. Are they in the kitchen?” She moves her laptop to the coffee table then starts to rise.
Archie stops her saying, “No they are taking a walk around the property.” Stephanie sits back on the couch her brow furrowed in a frown, “Why are they doing that?” She wanted to know about the car, she had expected them to come straight back when done inspecting it.
Shrugging his shoulders Archie confides, “I was not informed of their reasons. But if I have to guess, I think it is a walk around to make sure it is clear.” He adds, “You know young Chase is fond of you. He takes your safety seriously, that man is determined to protect you.”
Stephanie acknowledges Chase commitment to her safety; he is involved both professionally and personally. “I know your right, I just got lost in work and when I saw you, I figured they would be back too.” Hearing the buzzer for the oven timer, Stephanie raises from the couch then walks to the kitchen. Turning the timer off, she removes the roaster pan from the oven, the aroma fills the air. Checking the roast Stephanie finds it fully cooked, tender and juicy. Flipping the oven off, Stephanie places the roaster on the stove top, moving to the refrigerator Stephanie takes out the fixings for a salad. Retrieving a large glass bowl from the cabinet, she rinses the vegetables. Standing at the counter Stephanie begins to cut the vegetables into to bite size pieces. Once she is finished with the salad she decides to fix potatoes, after washing them Stephanie places them in the microwave, setting the timer she pushes start.
Stephanie is trying to decide if she should move the reports off the table or set places for them at the counter, when she hears the back door open then close. Seeing Chase she smiles enjoying the sight of him sweaty from the patrol around the property. His hair is wind blow making her itch to run her fingers through it, allowing the texture to slide between her hands. Laying her hands flat against the counter Stephanie controls her urge.
Andy walks in behind Chase. Sniffing the air he states, “Something smells great. I didn’t realize I was hungry until I smelled the food.” Striding towards the door leading to the foyer he adds, “I am going to wash up, be down soon, don’t let Chase eat all the food while I’m gone.”
Chase moves to stand in front of Stephanie he leans forward kissing her forehead. “Andy is right; I need to clean up too. I will be down in a few then while we eat we will fill you in on what we found.”
After he is gone Stephanie stands at the counter, she shakes her head slowly. Thinking she should have said something, however neither man gave her a chance. It was almost as if they had planned the encounter a few minutes ago. When the timer on the microwave beeps she begins setting their places at the counter.
Several hours later, the meal is over, the dishes are washing in the dishwasher; the men have filled Stephanie in on their findings and explained the next step in the investigation. Now finally she is upstairs in the bathtub trying to relax. Stephanie had hoped the bubble bath would take the tension from her shoulders. With her hair piled loosely on the top of her head she lays her head on the edge of the tub, closing her eyes Stephanie starts mentally emptying her mind. Feeling her muscles starting to relax, she dips her loofah into the water; raising the sponge she allows the water to drip onto her neck and shoulders. The events of today try to sneak into her mind; she quickly pushes them away, not wanting to think about anything.
Chase had left Andy and Archie in the living room. They were debating the merits of investigation procedures displayed on popular television shows. He had excused himself from their conversation; had told them to play nice, then came to find Stephanie. Now standing at the
bathroom door he gazes upon her beauty. Laying back as she is in the bathtub with the bubbles she is so fond of cover all her womanly wonders she looks totally relaxed. Moving to the side of the tub he dips his hand into the water, cupping his hand he scoops a little of the water, bringing his hand to hover just above her neck he permits the water slip through his fingers. Stephanie doesn’t open her eyes; however he sees a smile form on her lips. Softly he whispers, “You look so relaxed, I was sure you had fallen asleep.” Kneeling beside the tub he dips his hand back into the water and begins moving it back and forth causing little waves to form.
Stephanie opens her eyes, staring at Chase she sits up slowly allowing the water to glide down her torso, exposing her breasts. She watches his eyes darken with desire, knowing her own passion is shining in her eyes; she places her hands on the tub’s edge and pushes herself up. Standing in front of Chase as the water cascades off her body she waits as his eyes move down her body; Stephanie feels her body react as his eyes smolder with desire. Her nipples are now taut buds as she feels tingling in her lower body.
Chase pushes himself to his feet; grabbing a towel from the rod he begins drying Stephanie’s lush body. He gently rubs the towel across the silken mounds of her breast, enjoying the sight of the texture as it makes her nipples tighten more. Watching Chase as he moves the towel lower across her stomach Stephanie feels the tingling between her legs intensify. A moan escapes her throat as he lowers the towel; taking his time he uses the towel to rub the junction between her legs. Stephanie places her hands on his shoulders, grabbing his shirt in her fists, she allows her head fall back as she enjoys the sensations Chase is creating.
Removing the towel, he tosses it to the floor as he helps her step from the tub. With Stephanie now standing before him, Chase kneels on his knees. Leaning forward he kisses her stomach, then moving lower he sticks in tongue in her belly button giving it a quick lick. Rising back to his feet, Chase picks Stephanie up into his arms then walks to the bed; he lays her gently on the comforter. With Stephanie gazing at him, Chase removes his shirt letting it drop to the floor. His hands move to the button of his jeans, unfastening it he then slides the zipper down. Stooping down he removes his shoes and socks then shoves them out of his way. Standing Chase pushes his jean and underwear down over his thighs continuing downward, he then kicks his clothes over by his shoes.
Seeing Chase standing naked before her, Stephanie admires his body, her eyes marvel at the sight of his shaft, hard and erect. Stephanie sits up swinging her legs over the side of the bed; she takes Chase’s hand pulling him closer to her. Leaning forward slightly Stephanie releases his hand then curls her fingers around his manhood. As she stokes Chase’s shaft gently Stephanie takes the tip of it inside her mouth. Hearing him groan; she pushes forward taking more of his length inside. Using her tongue Stephanie begins stroking the underside of his shaft as she moves back and forth; she fondles him gently with her mouth and hands. Taking her time she savors the sensation as his shaft grows harder and thicker. Moving her hands slightly she cups his jewels, giving a slight squeeze; she hears his moan of desire.
Bringing his hands to her head, Chase removes the hairpins holding her hair up, he watches as Stephanie’s hair falls in waves down her back. Grasping her head he begins helping with the rhyme of her back and forth motion. As Chase guides Stephanie with his hands he takes pleasure in the caress of her tongue as she strokes the length of his shaft. Aware he is on the point of exploding; Chase tenderly pushes Stephanie backwards until her mouth is no longer encircling him.
Falling backwards on the bed, Stephanie watches as Chase leans over her. He cups one of her breast in his hand, squeezing lightly he takes the nipple deep inside his mouth. He begins to suck and bite the taut bud. Stephanie arches her back feeling the need to be closer to him. Grabbing his shoulders she clinches her hands into fists, digging her nails into his skin. The moan deep in her throat seeps out loudly.
Chase releases her nipple, raising his head he smiles as he moves to the other breast and sucks the nipple inside his mouth. He does the same technique to this one as he had the other taut bud. Taking his right hand he slides it between her thighs, moving his hand upwards he finds her erotic button, gently he starts rubbing in a circular motion. When she starts moving her hips to meet his hand, he increases his pressure and his pace. Feeling her muscle contract, he raises his head, releasing her nipple. As he slides to his knees on the floor, his hand stops rubbing her pleasure point. Moving her legs further apart, bending forward he uses his tongue to lick the wetness of her womanhood. Stephanie jumps slightly as her muscles intensely tighten. Moving upward a little he grasps the top of her womanhood sucking it inside his mouth, using the same suck and bite technique he had used on her nipples he begins savoring the excitement he feels building inside her. As her hips launch into a bucking motion he sucks harder taking her deeper inside his mouth.
Gasping she says, “Oh Chase, please. Please I need you now.” She grabs his hair pulling slightly. Chase releases his hold on her raising his head he looks at her. She has moved and is now resting on her elbows. As they gaze into each other’s eyes they see the same passion reflecting back. Not breaking eye contact Chase moves above her; Stephanie lies back on the bed. As she spread her legs wider Chase allows his shaft to tease her opening. The wetness of Stephanie’s passion covers the top of his shaft; Chase moves his hips slightly sliding further inside her. Her muscles contract around him, surrounding him with her juices.
Laying under Chase, Stephanie feels his shaft glide deeper inside her. As their passion grows they continue to gaze into each other’s eyes. Stephanie begins to move her hips, matching his rhythm as Chase thrusts fast and hard. With each thrust Stephanie get closer to her release, as passion consumes her she wraps her legs around his waist. Chase slides his hands under her buttocks lifting her slightly as he thrusts vigorously one last time as they climax together.
Still inside her, Chase moves his hands to brace himself on the bed; he leans over and kisses her lips lightly. Not wanting to crush her, he straightens his arms as he once again gazes into her eyes. The smile on her lips reflects in her eyes. Thinking she is the most wonderful woman he has ever known, he declares, “I love you.”
Stephanie’s smile grows as she responds, “Oh Chase, I love you too.” She giggles when Chase rolls to his back taking her with him. Staring into his eyes she sees the truth of his words. Pushing up Stephanie moves to sit straddled him, with Chase still inside her she looks down at him.
Before she can speak Chase tells her, “I have known for some time my feelings for you have grown to love.” Glancing at their bodies still joined he adds, “I hadn’t planned to tell you while we were enthralled with passion.” Looking back into her eyes, he sees her understanding.
Nodding in agreement she expresses her joy, “Your timing is perfect to me.” Smiling Stephanie moves her hips a little to adjust her position.
Her movements through slight, has him groaning, “Honey you need to sit still.” Laughing when he sees her expression as the meaning of his words sink in and awareness shines in her eyes. He sits up and sliding his hands under her buttocks he lifts her as he rises from the bed. At the loss of their connection Chase brings Stephanie’s face eye level, leaning forward he kisses her nose as he begins walking to the bathroom. Standing by the tub he allows her to skim down his body until her feet touch the floor. Stepping back he bends down to release the water from the tub, as the water drains Chase turns the faucets on then adjusts the water to the correct temperature. Pulling the shower curtain he steps inside the bathtub, and extends his hand to Stephanie.
Stephanie places her hand on top on Chase’s hand joining him inside the tub. She pulls the shower curtain to complete their enclosure as Chase hits the knob that compels the shower to rain water down on them.
Chapter Eight
Sliding the broken window open he crouches low to allow him access to enter the dark basement. Once inside the room he straightens
and looks around, mentally checking for intruders. He chuckles softly at the situation, since he is the intruder, but still he has to reassurance himself his hiding place is still a secret. Walking quietly he moves to the other side of the room, unable to turn on lights he moves slowly not wanting to bump into anything.
Hearing footsteps on the ceiling he stops moving and holds his breath. He releases his air and continues walking when the footsteps fade. Finding his sleeping area, he sits down on the old mattress then scoots across it, stopping when he bumps the wall he leans back trying to relax. Closing his eyes, he thinks about the day’s events.
The Cain farm was overrun with people. He had thought after her “accident” she would have went back to where she came from. But today he saw the Sheriff and another man walking around the property. Hell, he needed to get back inside the house. And now he has the problem of figuring a way to get the men off the property. The woman doesn’t matter, he can take care of her if need be, but both men had guns with them today, he had seen them tucked into the back of their jeans. They hadn’t even tried to hide them. He didn’t know the other man, but the Sheriff has always been a cocky asshole. Thinking about the Sheriff made him want to hurt someone or something, the hatred for the Sheriff is almost greater than his hatred for the Cain family.
Both acted as if butter wouldn’t melt in their mouths, they think of themselves as high class and everyone else is below their standards. Well he knows for a fact the Cain family is thieves, they had stolen from his family years ago. Their wealth belongs to him; he knows the information is accurate because his Granddad Daniel had told him the story. Everything the Cain family has was brought with ill- gotten money. For generations the family has cheated him and his Granddad out of what is rightfully theirs. His Granddad has passed away, so it only left him to correct the injustices done to his family.
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 17
