Chase answers, “We do as we were. Archie is going to continue to patrol at night. We will check out the area during the day and you will stay in the house.” He says this simply as if he was discussing a common situation.
Watching Chase Stephanie remembers her earlier thoughts, she approaches a subject she knows will put a wrench in his plan. “I think we should have a cook out.” Seeing the shock on all three faces staring at her she smiles, “Hear me out, if we are going to show the bastard we are not cowering in a corner, waiting for his next move. Don’t you think he will notice a party?”
Rising one eyebrow, Chase considers her plan. “I think you may be right. He thinks he scored a major victory tonight.” Moving to stand close to her as she fills three mugs, Chase cautions her, “Make it a small gathering. We need to make it look like we are just having a day to relax, not thumbing our noses at him.” Taking the tray from her hands he places it on the table.
Andy reaches for a mug, adding cream and sugar as he stirs the liquid he asks, “So how many people is a relaxing gathering? Not sure I like having a bunch of civilians here, protecting Stephanie outside is not going to be easy, let alone protecting others.”
Setting a platter of cheese and crackers on the table, Stephanie sits on the chair. As she adds cream and sugar to her own mug she discloses her list, “Not many, I think Chase’s parents, Marty, Nick and Johnny if they are not working, I would like to meet Karen. I don’t know many people here; we could say this is a house welcoming.” Smiling at her idea she exclaims, “We can ask the guest to bring a covered dish. I always loved pot lucks.”
Her excitement is contagious making Chase smile, “We will supply the meats, hot dogs, chicken, and ham burgers.” Andy rips out a piece of paper from his notebook sliding it over to Stephanie, he hands her his ink pen. Motioning for her to write, he dictates, “If we are doing this I want a steak; a big one.” Laughing at his expression, she writes the word steak on the paper, and puts stars behind it.
Not sure how he feels about seeing Carrie and CJ again Archie fades leaving the room. For this part of the night events he is not needed. He reappears in the living room, as he stands and gazes at Della; he allows thoughts of his forgotten friendship play thought his mind.
Back in the kitchen, Chase is at the freezer looking at the supply of meats. Stephanie writes as he rattles off a list of items they need to purchase for the cook out. When he shuts the freezer door, Stephanie looks down at the paper and in dismay asks, “So how many people are we inviting? I didn’t think we were feeding the whole town.” Laughing she holds up the list for Andy to see. Seeing him shrug his shoulders in acceptance she laughs vigorously.
Leaning against the counter, Chase observes Stephanie; she is now laughing and enjoying the antics surrounding the party planning. For now the frighten phone call forgotten or at the very least pushed to the back of her mind. Knowing from experience it would resurface, he vows to be there when it does. He can’t make her forget the ordeal, but he can help her keep it in perspective.
Wanting to keep the mood light Chase pushes away from the counter suggesting, “I think our party should be this Saturday.” On his way to the table he grabs the coffee pot, before sitting down he refills their mugs. Since the pot is now empty he sets it on the tray with the cream and sugar. As both Andy and Stephanie begin adding the condiments to their mugs he takes his place at the table.
“Is four days enough notice for everyone?” Stephanie asks before taking a drink from her mug. Placing her mug back on the table she continues, “I really want Marty to come; she may not have enough time to rearrange her schedule.” Disappointment slips out in her voice.
Watching her through half closed eyes, Chase brings his mug to lips, before he takes a drink he smiles, “I will make sure Marty is here, even if I have to find her a replacement myself.” Moving his eye brows comically he takes a gulp of coffee. As Stephanie giggles he sets his mug down.
Andy rises his hand to cover his mouth as he yawns, waiting until he is sure he can speak he tells them, “I don’t know about you two, but I am exhausted. Not sure if it’s late or early, guess it depends on how you perceive the time, but I am going to go lay down and catch a few Zzs.” Rising from the chair he walks towards the door, without looking back he mutters, “If you need me, wake me up.” Andy strolls out the door and continues walking upstairs to his room.
Taking her hand in his, Chase suggests to Stephanie, “How about we follow Andy’s example and go lay down for a couple of hours?” Bringing Stephanie’s hand to his mouth he kisses her knuckles. Rising from his chair, still griping her hand Chase tugs her to her feet. Releasing Stephanie’s hand, Chase slides his arm around her waist and guides her beside him, walking to the living room door, he peeks in, and seeing Archie standing in front of the portrait, Chase informs him they will be upstairs. Without waiting for Archie to answer he pivots them around striding away.
Once in their room, Chase turns Stephanie to face him slowly he pulls the t-shirt she is wearing over her head, he then slides the jogging pants down her legs, when the pants pool at her feet she kicks them out of her way. Chase takes her hand and leads her to the bed, as she sits down on the edge; he lifts the comforter allowing her to lie down after he covers her he then moves to his side of bed. Removing his clothes he joins her under the covers. Chase moves across the mattress, stopping when he feels Stephanie’s body against his, putting his arm around her, he prays she will be able to fall asleep. Spooning her Chase closes his eyes as he listens for her even breathing.
Down stairs Archie begins patrolling the house. Knowing the occupants upstairs are drained he makes it his duty to keep them safe while they sleep. have been stalled for now. clears his mind of everything but his task. Moving from room to room, window to window, he scans the yard. Entering the living room for the fourth time he glances at the clock, calculating in less than three hours the sun would rise. Knowing his responsibility will end until the next nightfall, he stops at the north window again scanning the yard. Concentrating on the property line, he examines the area where he had seen the light earlier, not seeing anything he drifts to the next window. Finished with the living room, Archie begins to leave, to begin the process over; as he passes the fireplace Archie’s gaze is drawn to Della.
Stopping to stare at her portrait, he is thankful she isn’t here to see his failure again. Loving her as he does, Archie knows he wouldn’t be unable to face the contempt he knows would be in her eyes. As a soldier, he should have been able to see the deception of the intruder. He should have gone to the area with the light shining. What good is being a ‘ghost’, someone invisible? He could have observed the man and reported back to Chase. He may have been able to witness something to help in the investigation. But instead of being helpful, he had been a hindrance. Like a child he had ran to get help, had awaken the men to do his job. Feelings of depression has him bowing his head in shame.
Protecting Della’s Great Niece is his responsibility, keeping her safe his duty. How can he be a man of honor, a man worthy of joining Della in the afterlife, if he is unable to fulfill his obligation? A numbness spreads through his chest as Archie becomes conscious with the knowledge he is not worthy of Della or her love. His most appalling failure is his failure to Della, his short coming as a man.
Standing up straight with his shoulders square, he gives Della a final look then he turns away leaving the room. Reaching the back door, he lifts his hand and moves the curtain out of his way. Shock has Archie standing perfectly still; looking at his hand, it seems the same to him, the same denseness and the same solidity. The feelings of failure earlier tonight
Not wanting to dwell on his flaws, he Taking his hand he tries again to push the curtain, once again it moves, not like the wisps of wind blowing, but like when he was alive. Totally pushed aside, even now the curtain is being held back by his hand, not moving through it.
Doing a quick scan of the back yard, Archie releases the curtain, he shifts and no
tices the coffee mugs on the table; excitement has him moving to the table swiftly. Reaching for the mug Archie stops, nervously he looks around; seeing no one he clears his mind, concentrating he places his hand on the side of the mug. Grasping the mug he lifts his hand and holds the mug in the air. Eyes wide he gawks at the mug, his mind spinning as he tries to make sense of this new development or advancement in his ‘ghostly’ abilities.
Laughing at his antics, he slowly lowers the mug to the table; reaching for the mug again he grips just the handle this time, picking it up. Wonderment and bewilderment fills him. How can he do this? Why now? What changed to allow this?
Needing to assess his strength along with this new ability Archie returns the mug to the table. Staring at the chair he slowing lays his hands on the back, wrapping his fingers around the top slat; he puffs out his chest and lifts. Extending his arms above his head he watches as the chair rise with his hands. Inspired to continue with his experiments he decides to fade. Focusing on the chair he begins vanishing, mindful of the weigh in his hands. Standing as he is, with the chair above his head, he knows to humans this would look as if the chair is floating. Laughing with glee, Archie lowers the chair back to the floor; he reappears as his ‘ghostly’ persona.
With these new discoveries his depression has vanished. He will be able to assist with the investigation. He will be able to He will once again be redeem himself as an honorable man. worthy of Della. Grinning he resumes his patrol. room, window to window eagerness flows through him as he waits for his friends to awaken.
As he moves room to Chapter Nine
At dawn Archie lingers in the living room, scanning the area he tries to decide how to demonstrate his new abilities. Should he surprise them? Should he be casual about it? Would it be best to tell Chase alone? His excitement is turning into nervousness. He is no closer to figuring out what to do. Rising his eyes to Della, he yearns to ask her advice.
Hearing footsteps Archie grins, feeling like a kid at Christmas time he floats to the door. He studies them as they walk to the kitchen, trying to anticipate their reactions when he exposes his newly acquired skills. The time is here, electing to show them now when they are all together, Archie fades.
Reappearing in the kitchen, Archie stands behind a chair facing his friends. He sees Stephanie fixing the coffee pot; Chase is beside her, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back and Andy is standing at the back door, looking out at the yard. Clearing his throat Archie draws their attention to him. Chase and Stephanie turn to face him smiling. Andy just turns his head to focus on Archie over his left shoulder. Returning their smiles, Archie begins, “I need to tell you…no, I need to show you…well actually I….”
Seeing his nervousness, Chase tells him, “Calm down Archie. Is something wrong?” Concern fills his voice; Chase walks closer to the table, bringing Stephanie with him. They lean against the counter as Andy turns from the door; folding his arms across his chest he rests against the wall.
Having their full attention Archie stands straight, he places his hands on the chair; curling his fingers around the top slat. Rising his eyes to Chase he lifts the chair; hearing the gasps from everyone he continues to lift the chair as he fades. The chair seems to be floating by itself. Archie laughs at their expressions of disbelief.
Replacing the chair to its original position Archie reappears, he stands quietly observing his friends. The enthusiasm he feels for his new achievement or gift is reflected on his face. Grinning with delight he waits for their response.
Chase is the first to recover from the amazement he has just witnessed. “When did you…how did you….Wow Archie.” Straightening he moves to stand by the table, he stares at the chair and then back to Archie. Knowing he is sounding rattled, Chase tries to absorb the meaning of this new development for Archie.
Andy having seen the demonstration by Archie; stands perfectly still, his eyes moves from the chair to Archie and back again. Standing by the door he considers fleeing outside, away from this haunted house. Seeing the excitement in the other’s faces; has him wondering of their sanity. Andy’s body jolts at the sound of Stephanie’s laughter. Flabbergasted at the acceptance by the others, he forces his legs to move; he opens the door and without a backwards glance walks outside. Not sure why this disturbs him, he continues to walk the property; his mind trying to put in perspective the current occurrence.
Out of her peripheral vision Stephanie sees Andy leave. Not allowing his attitude to blemish Archie’s triumphed accomplishments, Stephanie moves to stand beside Archie. Smiling with glee, she exclaims, “Oh Archie, this is wonderful. When did you discover you could do this?” She sits down on the chair closes to Archie then motions for Chase to sit. With both seated, they focus on Archie waiting to hear the details.
Archie sits on the chair he just lifted and moving his hand across the table he picks up the empty mug from earlier. He begins to explain the events from last night as he lifts the mug in his hand and then replaces it back on the table. Neither of them interrupts as he relates his discovery from the night. He leaves none of the details out, he explains his depression, the feelings of failure, the knowledge he needed to do more to help keep Stephanie safe and about him needing to be a man of honor for his Della. His eyes light with eagerness when he describes the progression of his discovery. Finishing his accounts of last night, he remains quiet as he allows them time to grasp the information.
Chase scratches his head, bewildered for an explanation for the manifestations happening to Archie. objects both astonishes and stuns him. releasing it he addresses his concerns, “Archie, I don’t want to dampen your enthusiasm, but I don’t understand why you are able to do this now.” Holding up a hand to stall interruptions he continues, “I am sure over the years you have been stuck here in your ghostly state you have felt the same feelings as you did last night. All I am says is, what happened to allow you to do this?” Looking from Archie to Stephanie he sees different emotions in their eyes, from Stephanie’s expression he knows she is determined to solve this puzzle, for Archie it seems he is mystified but invigorated by the transformation.
Clearing his throat, due to the lump of fear resting there Archie asks softly, “Does this now make me a demon, a poltergeist, an evil spirit? Rising his eyes to Stephanie he sees sympathy not fear. Giving a weak smile not wanting to hear the revulsion or the fright but knows he will have to deal with their reactions. No longer does he feel enthusiastic about his future, he is once again a failure.
Before Chase can comment, Stephanie declares, “I don’t want to hear you say that again. You are most definitively not an evil ghost, a poltergeist or a demon. You are a man of honor, why would you think otherwise? You would not hurt me, would you?” Seeing Archie shake his head no she continues, “We don’t understand this ability you have now, none us can help explain it. But that does not make it bad.” Looking at Chase she adds, “You don’t think this is a bad thing do you?”
Rising from the chair Chase addresses his answer to both, “No I don’t.” Walking to the coffee pot, he fixes two mugs then brings them to the table handing one to Stephanie; sitting back down at the table he continues, “For some reason, you have advanced to do this. We are defiantly not afraid of you. We Archie’s ability to lift
Taking a deep breath and know you would never hurt us.” Hearing the back door open he looks over at Andy, Chase regards his posture. Motioning for him to get a cup of coffee, Chase turns back to Archie. “You will need to keep trying different processes, testing your abilities. Find out what you can do easily and what you need to concentrate on.” Chase stops speaking and lifts his mug takes a sip of hot coffee. Placing the mug back down on the table he turns to Andy.
Sensing Chase watching him Andy strides to the table and takes a seat. Placing his mug on the table he wraps his hands around it. Staring down at his mug he begins speaking, “I am sorry for leaving the way I did.” Clearing his throat he confides, “I am not sure I am comfortable with this new situatio
n.” Thinking about his life before coming here, he never believed when people said they seen, spoke to, or witnessed ghost activities, to be honest he would mock them, figuring they were either crazy or attention seekers. Now, here he is, staying in a home with a ghost; a ghost that is advancing to being dangerous; he just doesn’t understand why he is the only one to see this.
Stephanie opens her mouth to express her feelings, she snaps it shut when Chase puts his hand over hers laying on the table, shaking his head no, he looks at Archie. Archie looks from Chase to Stephanie, seeing her fury in her eyes he holds back a chuckle. Turning to Andy he speaks with confidence, “Detective, I realize you are leery of me and this situation. I can only give my word as a soldier and a gentleman I would never hurt an innocent person.” Leaning back in his chair he continues, “I don’t understand this happening myself, but I feel in my heart that I am able to do this to help Stephanie. Right now she is the most important; she is the one that needs to be protected. By everything that is me, I will NOT allow anyone to hurt her.” Determination brings an edge of hardness to his voice.
Rising his eyes to Archie, Andy expresses his concerns, “I hear the ruthlessness in your voice.” Not wanting to show weakness Andy straightens his shoulders, “You know you could hurt a person if provoked. The part that has me worried is what it will take to provoke you to the point where you could and would hurt someone.” Swinging his head to look at Chase he asks, “Do you really feel safe in this house now?”
Seething over the implications Archie would hurt them Stephanie declares, “I am not scared to be here with Archie. Nor will I tolerate your accusations about him and your callousness for his feelings. If you have a problem with Archie, you may leave. We are not forcing you to stay here.” Finished speaking she crosses her arms across her chest glaring at Andy.
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 19
