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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Stephanie follows Chase to the bathroom he helps her step inside the tub and pulls the shower curtain. Putting the lid down on the toilet Chase sits down to waits for her to finish. With the water running he knows they can’t talk so he lets his mind wonder to the Millers. He will have to wait for the information from his friend concerning Steven, but he knows the timeline will be the same. Steven is involved in this; he knows his instincts are right.

  His urge to protect Stephanie is overwhelming, but he realizes he cannot go barging in without evidence. They can’t afford to put the Millers on alert. However, this theory gives them a direction to follow for the investigation; they are not just blindly searching.

  The water being shut off brings him back to the present, Chase stands to help Stephanie. Pulling the towel from the rack he pushes the curtain out of his way then begins drying her. Holding it up for her approval he smiles Laying the outfit on the bed, he goes

  Hearing the doorbell ring, Stephanie takes the towel from Chase; she begins rubbing her body quickly to remove the excess water. Stepping from the tub Stephanie squeals with laughter as Chase picks her up carrying her in the bedroom. As soon as her feet touch the floor Stephanie immediately grabs her under garments and begins dressing.

  “Chase, go downstairs. Tell your Mother I will be down soon.” Nervous but not sure why Stephanie finishes buttoning her shirt; turning she sees Chase still standing by the bed. “What?”

  Laughing Chase pulls Stephanie close quickly kissing her soft lips. “We will go downstairs together.” Looking into her eyes Chase whispers, “I want to make sure you don’t get dizzy again.” He continues when he senses she is going to argue, “Allow me to do this.”

  “Ok. But I need to do something with my hair.” Twisting from his arms Stephanie walks to her dresser, picking up a ponytail holder she finger combs her hair then places the holder at the crown on her head.

  Meeting Chase’s eyes in the mirror she sees approval. Smiling Stephanie turns to face him. “I’m ready.”

  Holding her hand Chase stands looking at her, with her hair in a ponytail and without makeup she looks years younger than her actual age. her palm. color is better. How do you feel?”

  “I’m fine. I hate your Mother came here because I am having morning sickness.” Shaking her head as they begin their descent down the stairs, “I feel like a fraud, I caused you to worry and now you’re Mother.”

  “I still want you to call a doctor. Don’t care which one; I just want you to be checked out.”

  As they step onto the foyer they hear Carrie talking in the kitchen. Smiling they walk towards the sound.

  Noticing she isn’t as pale Chase lifts her hand to kiss Still holding her hand, they walk out the room. “Your

  Several hours later Stephanie sits alone in the living room. Exhausted she lays her head on the back of couch closing her eyes. Tuning out the surrounding sounds she reviews the day in her mind. Once they had gone to the kitchen Carrie had informed them the soup was almost ready. Carrie had immediately started fussing over Stephanie, telling her to sit down she began explaining about keeping crackers by the bed, and not moving quickly in the mornings. Placing a bowl of soup in front of her she had told her to eat, not sure how but Stephanie had eaten the soup and it had stayed in her stomach.

  Since Carrie was there to keep her company the men had went outside to do a property check; Stephanie knew Chase was discussing the investigation with Andy and didn’t want to upset her or his Mother. When the kitchen had been cleaned, Carrie then decided to check the internet for natural cures for morning sickness. As she read the findings out loud to Stephanie she lectured her on making a doctor appointment.

  Deciding to get it over with Stephanie had called Marty and based on her opinion she had scheduled with Dr. Samuel Nathes, her appointment was in three days. Carrie had nodded in approval, and then had gone back to reading her findings. Understanding Carrie was trying to help Stephanie had listened and made appropriate comments.

  Interrupting Carrie Stephanie had questioned her about Della’s ancestors. Carrie had admitted to not knowing much, but was sure CJ would be able to speak with Mary Wilson again and he could ask her. Feeling like she was hitting a brick wall, Stephanie had powered up her own computer to begin searching the local history. Paging through the periodicals sites, Stephanie breathed a sigh of relief when she found Raleigh and JoEllen wedding announcement, for that time period they had to be a prominent family for the newspaper to publish an article.

  Glancing through the next several newspapers Stephanie discovered nothing important. The next paper had a short article on Raleigh joining the Union army, and right under his story was a short article of a William Miller signing up for the Confederate side. Clicking the article to enlarge it she read about the two men being friends but had argued earlier in the day and the local Marshall had threaten to throw them both in jail. Stephanie had saved the article to her computer wanting Chase to read it.

  Rising up from the couch Stephanie sees it’s after 2:00 pm and the men still haven’t come inside. Walking to the window she looks out and spots Chase and Andy talking with Jacob and another man. Turning away she decides to go to the kitchen to check on Carrie. Upon entering the kitchen she sees Carrie at the stove stirring something in a kettle. The aroma in the kitchen has Stephanie’s stomach grumbling for food. Placing a hand over her stomach she asks, “What are you cooking now?”

  Carrie glances up from the stove, “It’s just a pot roast. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine. I do want to apologize for leaving you alone in here.” Smiling Stephanie strolls to the stove then peeks inside the kettle, the pot roast, potatoes and carrots look delicious.

  “Nonsense Dear, you don’t have to entertain me, I came to help you.” Replacing the lid on the kettle she confesses, “I did nose through the freezer and the pantry. I decided to cook this; I also called CJ and told him to come here for supper.” Looking a little guilty she adds, “I hope you don’t mind.”

  Grinning Stephanie assures her it is fine. Moving to the refrigerator she gets a diet soda then walks to the table and sits down. Popping the tab she looks over at Carrie noticing her watching. “What?”

  “I know you are just short of a month pregnant but I had figured I would be able to tell you’re pregnant. I see no change yet.” Sounding disappointed Carrie moves back to the kettle checking the temperature, turning the knob to simmer she walks to the table sitting across from Stephanie.

  Laughing Stephanie places her hand over her flat belly. “I think you’re rushing me. I don’t want to end up as big as a barn.” Observing Lucky by the pantry Stephanie puts her hand down beside the chair then wiggles her fingers. Watching the kitten Stephanie picks her up when Lucky approaches to explore her hand. Hearing the soft meow, Stephanie places the kitten on her lap as she begins to stroke her fur. Lucky settles down becoming comfortable, she quickly goes to sleep.

  “You are built tiny; I guess I will just have to wait to take you shopping for maternity outfits.” Carrie laughs, “I think I started wearing bigger clothes about my third month with Chase.”

  The ringing of the phone has Stephanie setting the kitten on the floor as she rises from her chair. Picking up the receiver she says, “Hello.” After listening for a few minutes she lays the phone on the counter, moving to the back door she yells for Andy. Motioning with her hands she explains he has a phone call.

  Strolling back to table Stephanie sits back down. Glancing under the table she sees Lucky is laying across Carrie’s feet. Laughing she raises up leaning back on her chair. “I see you have a new friend.”

  Carrie grins as she nods her head in agreement.

  Andy opens the back door walking inside, he moves to the phone, gripping the receiver he begins speaking as he continues moving through to the foyer.

  Both Stephanie and Carrie look at the empty doorway, Stephanie whispers, “It’s a woman.” Then remembering his friend the policewoman is due to come in a f
ew days, she frowns.

  Concern for the change in her attitude Carrie inquires, “What’s wrong with him receiving a phone call from a woman.”

  Not sure how much Carrie has been told she begins, “Andy has a friend that is going to impersonate me to set a trap for the criminal. I think that is her on the phone and she is due to be here in a few days.” Shrugging her shoulders she continues, “I have always been independent not someone who runs and hides. I guess I am just having a hard time with this.”

  Reaching across the table Carrie pats her hand. “It seems to me you are a smart woman who realizes this is a job for a professional. You are not running away, you are just stepping aside.”

  Before Stephanie can respond she hears the back door open, shifting on her chair she watches as Chase and CJ walk in. Chase stops in front of Stephanie, leaning down he kisses her briefly on her lips. As he straightens he smiles at his Mother. “Something smells good; I think I will go shower before supper.”

  CJ sits down at the table as Chase leaves the room. Picking up Carrie’s hand he kisses her palm; he laces their fingers together resting their hands on the table. “How has your visit been?”

  “Lovely.” Carrie’s eyes sparkle with happiness.

  Watching them together Stephanie realizes Chase has been privileged to grow up with these two wonderful people as his parents. Their love for each other is evident just by observing them. The way their eyes follows the other’s movements and the way they touch often as if they crave the contact. Understanding Chase loving nature comes from the example set by his parents; Stephanie feels tears forming in her eyes, blinking rapidly she rises from the chair. Going to the stove she lifts the lid to the kettle to inspect the food, giving herself time to recover enough to face the two people sitting at the table.

  Andy strolls back into the kitchen he replaces the phone back on the base then he informs the individuals in the room he is going to go shower. Excusing himself he leaves as quickly as he had come in.

  Replacing the lid on the kettle, Stephanie moves to begin setting the table. Placing plates, napkins and cutlery on each placemat, she half listens as Carrie tells CJ about her day. Not wanting to intrude Stephanie continues silently selecting the items needed for the meal. Since Carrie had done the cooking she felt it was only fair for her to help.

  Chase stands at the door surveying Stephanie. She looks as if she feels better. After the scare this morning he hopes her morning sickness isn’t a regular occurrence. He doesn’t think his nerves will handle the stress of worrying about her health. Shifting from the door he ambles into the room stopping at the stove he lifts the lid inhaling the aroma from the kettle. He flashes his boyish grin when he hears his Mother tell him to put the lid down.

  Replacing the lid Chase spins away from the stove, moving to the table he sits down on a chair across from his Father. Glancing at Stephanie he winks as she makes eye contact.

  Carrying the rest of the condiments to the table Stephanie sets them on the tray in the center. Finished with this part of the meal preparation Stephanie sits down on the chair she had vacated earlier.

  Upon seeing Andy step into the kitchen Carrie rises from her chair; with CJ helping she transfers the pot roast and vegetables from the kettle to a deep dish. CJ carries the dish to the table as Carrie announces the early supper is ready.

  As everyone eats they exchange information about their day. Chase and Andy seem truly interested in the newspaper articles Stephanie had discovered, wanting to view them after supper. CJ informs them he had gone to see Mary Wilson today and she thinks JoEllen’s Dad had built her a chest, made of redwood, a “hope chest” for lack of better word. Andy tells everyone Maria will arrive around July 4th. And Chase reports the fire had been set by a match thrown on the hay pile, confirming it was indeed deliberate.

  Chase shares with his Father his theory about Steven Miller then expresses he is unsure if Brett is involved. CJ admits he can see Steven being a murderer but Brett has always been an upstanding citizen and even had disowned Steven when it was proven he had broken the law and was disbarred.

  When everyone is finished eating, CJ volunteers the men for kitchen duty. He tells the ladies to go in the living room and relax. Aware the men want to discuss the investigation and theories in greater detail Stephanie follows Carrie from of the room.

  With the ladies in the living room Chase confides to the men his gut is telling him Steven is involved. Steven has always been mean, aggressive and holds grudges, the fact the person had call telling Stephanie he was going to kill both her and Chase made this seem personal; otherwise, Andy would have also been threatened.

  Archie appears beside the table. Smiling at CJ he nods at his old friend. “I have tried to figure out why someone from a wealthy family would rob and kill. What could be here that would make someone do this?”

  Andy answers with just one word, ‘Greed.” The other men nod in agreement but remain silent.

  As Archie sits down at the table, Chase rises up from his chair to begin to pacing. Stopping by the back door he turns to face the others, “I need to get Stephanie hidden.” Raking his fingers through his hair he continues, “I think I can get her in a safe house.” Before Chase can explain his cell phone rings, taking it from his pocket he checks the number, sliding the screen up he puts the phone to his ear answering at the same time.

  With Chase on the phone the men sit openly listening to his side of the conversation. Ending the call Chase strides back to the table. His frustration is apparent when he hits the table top with his fist. “Steven was released about six months ago. He was working for his Grandfather Daniel but hasn’t been seen since Daniel died. The day of the funeral was the last time he reported to his probation officer.” Closing is eyes briefly Chase opens them and stares at Andy. “The FBI said it’s like he’s disappeared.”

  “Damn, do you think his Father knows where he is?” Being a detective Andy recognizes a person that doesn’t want to be found can hide for a while, however eventually he will need money. Contacting family is the quickest way to get money while remaining under the radar.

  Shrugging his shoulders Chase shares his strategy, “I am going to go visit Brett. I will tell him Stephanie wants a copy of Della’s will.” Sitting stiffly on his chair Chase outlines the plan. “I think if I go to his home I will be able to sniff around, see if I can catch him off guard. Once in his home, I can check the situation without over stepping my rights as Sheriff.”

  “Son, what if Steven is there?” Worry for Chase has CJ voicing the question upmost on his mind, “Steven is dangerous. Even if it turns out he is not responsible for this, he has hated you for years. Hatred can make a person crazy, and it’s my opinion Steven has advanced to crazy where you’re concerned.”

  “I agree with CJ, you don’t need to go alone, take Johnny or Nick with you.” The more Andy hears about this Steven person, the more he develops the same gut feelings that Chase has.

  As the four men remain at the table discussing Chase making contact with Brett, they try to plan out actions for different scenarios if Steven is with his father. None of them are aware of being watched through field glasses an acre away.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Lowering the binoculars he curses his situation. With people always at the house he is at a loss on how to get inside to get the needed ledger. For hours the Fire Marshall had been there today, and now the Sheriff’s parents are visiting. At no time has he observed the woman left alone, either one or both men are always with her.

  Wiping sweat from his brow he begins crawling backwards. Admitting tonight is wasted he decides to just go back to his basement. Thinking about his Father makes him as angry as thinking about the damn Sheriff. Both men shamed him, a kind of shame no man can get over. But he will get even; he will make them both sorry they ever wronged him.

  Far enough away from the house he raises to his feet, walking back to his car he plots his revenge. Electing to make both men suffer he figures he will
make the Great Sheriff Peterson watch as he kills the woman and then he will stare the Sheriff in the eyes as he kills him. Wanting the Sheriff to realize he is dying and unable to stop it from happening. And for his wonderful Father he figures he will cut him allowing his life to bleed out slowly, wanting his useless Father to beg for his life. Snickering at his fantasies he comes to the conclusion even if he never finds the treasure he will be content with their deaths.

  Calculating his next move he resolves he will visit the house the next time just the woman and the Sheriff are alone at the house. He could show up on pretense of needed to speak with the Sheriff about something. No one suspects him of the past break-ins, and then once he is inside the house he can make his move. With the Sheriff caught off guard he can kill them both and afterwards search for the damn ledger his Granddad talked about.

  As he drives closer to his Father’s house he considers hiring a couple of thugs for help, changing his mind he shakes his head as he realizes he has to be the one to do this; otherwise his satisfaction wouldn’t be as fulfilling, also remembering the past mistakes have proven he can only trust himself with important details.

  Hiding his car several blocks away he walks quickly to the house, sliding the board aside he enters his home for now. Quietly he moves across the floor listening for sounds from upstairs, not hearing any movements he flops down on his mattress. After lightening a candle he grabs the ledger turning it over in his hands, thinking about his mistake, he should have taken all the ledgers when he was there the last time. He had been so sure his Granddad had known the correct year he had only grabbed this one, now it has been over three weeks and he still doesn’t have the information he needs.

  Laying the book beside him on the mattress, he leans back against the wall closing his eyes. He is tired of living like this, he needs to get the treasure so he can move away from this hick town and start a new life. He wants some place tropic, some place where he can buy a villa to settle down. Smiling he decides to do his surveillance daily, he will leave early in the morning then wait for his chance to confront the Sheriff.