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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Laughing Steven growls, “Of course the Great Sheriff Peterson figured it out. I came to that conclusion when your flunky came by this morning to ask Brett some questions.” He swiftly looks at Brett on the floor then back to Chase. “The dumbass didn’t even know I have been sleeping in his basement.” Snorting with disgust, “He thought he could just disown me and I wouldn’t care? I wouldn’t hurt him like he hurt me?” Dropping his hand back to his side, using the toe of his shoe Steven kicks Brett on his wounded leg. Hearing the moan from Brett he smiles. “After your Deputy left I went upstairs, you should have seen the shock on the old man’s face. When I got a knife from the drawer he knew I was going to kill him, the look of terror in his eyes still brings me pleasure.” Standing straight he glares at Chase demanding, “Your gun now or I will shoot him right here in front you.”

  Recognizing Steven is on the verge of losing his hold on reality Chase steps back again, “I know Brett was wrong to disown you and I’m sure he realizes his error. If you allow me to get him medical treatment I’m sure he will be the caring Father to you that you want.” Chase sees Archie appear behind Steven, with a slight shake of his head he conveys to Archie not to intrude.

  The tension eases slightly in Stephanie when she notices Archie in the foyer. Closing her eyes briefly she says a prayer of thanks for the aid sent to Chase. Wanting to help Chase herself but not knowing how, Stephanie remains quietly hidden as Chase had directed, understanding his reason as she listens to the ranting from the mad man holding a gun to her one true love. Turning back to the door she peeks through the crack. Glancing down at Brett on the floor Stephanie sees his life fading from his eyes. Sorrow fills her at his loss of life. Looking back at Chase she watches Archie move to his side. Quickly she glances at Steven to check for a reaction concerning Archie; seeing no change in his expression she breaths a silent sign of relief.

  Stephanie notices Steven is almost as tall as Chase, but his body structure is more bulky. His face is weathered looking and his eyes are just thin slits. Unable to see Steven’s eye color Stephanie resumes her study of his remaining features, his nose is long and crooked, he has thin lips and right now they are sneering at Chase. Aware this man is evil; Stephanie shivers with fright as she concludes Steven’s hatred for Chase heightens his evil persona. Distress for Chase has her nervously biting her thumbnail.

  Needing to keep Steven occupied until he can come up with a plan Chase crosses his arms over his chest. “What I don’t understand is how Daniel found out about the gold? Because all this is about the Union gold isn’t it?” Spotting the sneer on Steven’s lips Chase knows he has hit a nerve. Satisfied he has diverted Steven from his gun; Chase maintains a casual stance as his mind races to find a way to keep Stephanie safe.

  “My Granddad told me the legend. The stories passed down from Granddad William, he was the one that shot the Union coward. He had seen the man run so he followed him; seen him get into a wagon and leave. The chicken came right to this house. Granddad William knew he would, having been friends with him since they were kids.” Smiling as he remembers the tale Steven glances down at Brett, then quickly back to Chase. “Once they were in the barn the coward called the farm hands to come help him. As the men came into the barn William had fired his rifle at the Union bastard.”

  Hate rang in his voice, “Granddad Daniel said the hired help had then wrestled William to the ground. As they punched and stomped him William heard Raleigh tell his men they had to hide the trunk. He told them no matter what they had to protect the trunk. Us, Millers we ain’t stupid, William knew inside the trunk was the Union gold, his Sargent had told them they were tracking a wagon with gold to pay the Union bastards.”

  Steven focus on the floor he notices the blood pooling around Brett, striking him again Steven continues with his story. “When William was beat almost to death the men had tied him to a horse then sent him down the road. Not caring if he lived or died, they just left him.”

  “He had shot their boss, I’m surprised they let him live.” Chase responds calmly. Moving slowly he leans against the door frame. Glancing at Archie he sees him listening intently as Steven relates the events of the day of the battle. Feeling empathy for Archie, realizing he is acquiring details for the time after he had died Chase waits silently.

  Snorting Steven spits on Brett lying at his feet. “Granddad Daniel said the whole town was on the Confederate side, it was just these brainwashed few that supported the Union. Anyway, a man found William tied to the horse; he helped William get to his parent’s home. They had the Doctor come to their house and he lived. The Union coward had died. So justice was served in my opinion.” Sneering at Chase, “I guess I take after Granddad William more than I do my own sperm donor. I’m not afraid to kill to get what I deserve.”

  “It seems to me you are also like your Granddad Daniel. I found evidence he was the one who killed Lee and Rebecca. Did you know he had done that?” Chase continues speaking in a subdue tone, “Do you know why he ran them off the road?”

  “I know Granddad killed them, he had tried to persuade them to permit him to search for the gold. The Cain’s thought they were better than him; smarter too. They told him there was no gold; it was just a fool’s story.” Laughing at the stupidity of people he informs Chase, “Granddad Daniel was no fool, he proved that when he ran their big fancy car off the road. Thinking they were smarter didn’t help them.”

  “But what did it accomplish? Did he find the gold?” Chase had seen Archie tense as the death of Della’s parents was revealed, had seen the fury in his eyes.

  “Granddad Daniel, he couldn’t find the information about the gold. But he knew what to look for, he told me the year and he also knew that ledgers were kept to document everything that happened on this property. I just have to find it. That is what Granddad Daniel told me to do, find the ledger. He told me to find the ledger then find the gold.”

  “If you were told to find the ledger, why did you murder Mitch?” Loathing Stephanie is listening and will overhear all the details concerning her brother; however Chase knew he had to keep Steven talking, therefore distracting him from the gun. Chase is relying on his training, recalling the instructions concerning hostage situations; to remain calm, to show empathy, to keep the perp preoccupied and above all do not antagonize. Chase accepts the training strategies and negotiations as a professional Police Officer; however as a hostage he struggles to devise a plan to end this without casualties. Chase figures his best option to finish this is to continue to wait for the chance to reach his gun. His basic instincts are to control the situation to put an end to this madness; it’s just taking longer than he anticipated.

  Narrowing his eyes Steven snorts with disgust, “The preppy Doctor was going to come here and make this house into a clinic. I couldn’t have a bunch of people here all the time.” Keeping eye contact with Chase he scoffs, “Brett here wanted to help him with the process. As if I could allow a clinic to be here. Granddad Daniel told me a while ago that I had to keep my promise to him. The only way to do that was to kill the Doctor. I came up with the plan to make the Doctor overdose. The idiot that was holding the Doctor got too rough and killed him so I had to improvise. I had to shove the heroin in his nose. I had to do it, because I was forced to hire incompetent help. It would have been easier if he just had taken the drugs, but he struggled.”

  Kicking Brett; Steven smiles when he hears his Father groan again. “Then I discovered the Doctor had a sister, he had left everything to her. Brett’s secretary told me they had found her and she was moving here to stay. The bitch would make it difficult to search. All I had wanted was for this house to be sold so I could buy it, but everyone has made me do things the hard way.” Shrugging his shoulders, “I just have to find the ledger to find the gold.”

  “Why would you assume you would buy the house? Couldn’t someone else purchase it?”

  Anger flashes in Steven’s eyes, “Do you think I am stupid? I would have made it impossible for anyon
e else to buy this house. The love struck secretary said she could draw up fake papers giving me the first option on the house. She said it would be totally legal, it amazes me that women will do anything for a man if promised marriage.” Laughing sarcastically he looks down at the man on the floor. No longer moaning in pain, the man is lying motionless. Enjoying the thought Brett is dead he stomps on his leg, hearing a weak sound Steven frowns.

  The faint sound from Brett has Chase conscious that time has shortened for him. If he doesn’t get help soon he will not make it. Wishing he could communicate with Archie he tries to figure out a way to let him know he needs Archie to distract Steven. Chase just needs a few seconds to retrieve his gun.

  Hearing the details of why Mitch was murdered fills Stephanie with loathing for the man standing in her foyer. Wanting him to pay for his crimes she closes her eyes trying to figure out how to help Chase. Feeling a chill on her cheek she opens her eyes to see Archie standing in front of her. Knowing he detects the revulsion in her eyes Stephanie whispers, “We have to help Chase. Brett Miller is almost dead; I see his life slipping away. I’m afraid Steven will stop relating his accomplishments and will shoot Chase.” Shriving with fear she lowers her voice more, “I think you should make a noise, get him to look somewhere besides at Chase. If you throw something behind him, he will turn around, that will give Chase time to get his gun.”

  Thoughtfully Archie considers this plan. Nodding he fades as he moves to the foyer. Studying the items available to utilize, Archie appears behind Steven. points to a vase by the stairs. demonstrates he will drop the vase behind Steven.

  Before Chase can respond Steven demands, “I am tired of waiting and I am tired of you.” Taking a step towards Chase he scowls, “I want you to yell for the bitch, I know she is hiding somewhere. I watched as her other bodyguard left this morning. So don’t deny she is here, as I pointed out already I am not stupid.” Glaring at Chase he takes another step closer. Rising the gun higher Steven points it at Chase’s chest.

  “I have just one more question, why do you think the gold belongs to you?” Not moving Chase gives the impression he is unruffled by the gun as he leans against the door frame. Concern for Stephanie has him attempting to distract Steven with questions.

  Grunting Steven sneers, “The Union bastard ran from battle; he was a coward. Granddad William killed him; therefore, the gold belongs to the Millers.” Rolling his eyes as if Chase was too simple to understand he scoffs, “The treasure goes to the victor of the battle.”

  “That brings up another question, how did you get here without a car and with Brett hurt?” Knowing the situation is escalating Chase tries to change the direction of the questions.

  Giving Brett a dirty look Steven grimaces as he turns back to Chase, he takes a deep breath then releases it as if he is dealing with a simpleton, “I drove until about half a mile away, then I stabbed the asshole. I think I did good and nicked an artery because blood squirted when I pulled the knife out. I made him walk here with me. I was hoping the walk would make him lose blood quicker, and as you can see I was right. But I needed him I figured you wouldn’t be concerned when you saw Brett at the door, so I hid out of sight until you opened the door.” Smiling superiorly, “The old Seeing Chase glance at him Archie Motioning to Chase he

  man here is already dead to me that just leave you and the bitch to kill.” Waving the gun he yells, “Bitch I am going to shoot the Sheriff if you don’t come out here. I am going to count to ten; if you’re not in here I am going to pull the trigger.”

  Stephanie believes Archie can distract Steven, knowing he will help Chase; she steps away from the door, afraid with the gun being waved around it will go off. Unable to bear putting the life of their child in danger Stephanie knows she has to stay hidden. Praying Archie does something soon she steps further from the door, moving slowly she walks to the pantry slipping inside she closes the door and waits.

  Archie realizes he can’t keep delaying; he floats to the vase, picking it up high over his head he moves to the far side of the room. Holding it there he sees Chase nod once. Releasing the vase he watches as it crashes to the floor.

  Jumping at the sound of glass breaking Steven spins around firing his gun as he turns. Seeing no one behind him, he screams.

  Giving the nod of approval to Archie Chase watches Steven for his chance to get his gun. As Steven turns his gun goes off, that is the chance Chase has waited for, however instead of reaching for his own gun, Chase quickly jumps on top of Steven, knocking him to the floor. As they wrestle Archie grabs the gun from Steven’s hand; with him disarmed Chase gets the advantage; while sitting on Steven’s chest Chase begins punching him on his face.

  Andy and Maria burst through the door, both with their weapons drawn. Establishing Chase has everything under control, Andy moves to Brett. After checking his vitals Andy uses his fingers to close the dead man’s eyes. Looking up he sees Maria hand Chase a pair of handcuffs.

  Chase has to stop beating Steven to take the cuffs offered to him. Chase adjusts his weight slightly to roll Steven onto his stomach wrenching his arms back Chase snaps the handcuffs on him. Rising to his feet Chase instructs Archie to go get Stephanie.

  When Archie fades Chase turns his attention to Brett. The shake of Andy’s head has Chase feeling a deep loss in his chest. Brett had just wanted to do his job as attorney for Della. He did not know his son and his father had become crazy with greed. This man had died by the hands of his only son. Shaking his head at the shameful madness of this situation Chase strides towards the kitchen needing to check on Stephanie.

  As Chase walks away he pulls his phone from his pocket. Dialing the number to the Sheriff office he briefly relates to Karen the situation, advising her to contact the coroner and to call the FBI. As he finishes speaking Stephanie runs from the kitchen then jumps in his arms. Burying her face in his neck Chase rubs her back as Stephanie wraps her legs around his waist. Holding Stephanie tightly Chase changes direction to sit on the bottom step of the stairs.

  Shifting back a little in his embrace Stephanie gazes into Chase’s eyes. Seeing his strength Stephanie smiles as she leans forward kissing Chase on his lips; loving the instant he takes control deepening the embrace. After several seconds they hear Andy clear his throat, looking up they see him and Maria staring. Chase grins as Stephanie slips from his arms. Rising to stand beside her, Chase extends his hand to Maria as Andy makes the introductions.

  Stephanie smiles at Maria then turns her attention to Brett; with him lying motionless she knows he is now deceased. Overwhelmed with sorrow Stephanie twists to glare at Steven, he is seated on the floor with his back resting on the far wall gawking at the broken vase.

  Maria brings Stephanie attention back to them, “We were concerned when we heard the gun shot. Without thinking we busted in here with no regard to our training.” Shaking her head, “We behaved like rookies.” Giving a nervous laugh she glances at Andy.

  Andy coughs into his hand as he tries hiding his

  embarrassment. “Chase, I am glad you and Stephanie are safe, but Maria is right, we reacted inappropriately.” Not liking the scenario that could have unfolded Andy’s eyes softens as he considers Stephanie.

  Chase knows the feelings both Andy and Maria are experiencing, having done the same thing before; sometimes the adrenaline overrides the training. Shrugging his shoulders, “Sometimes a surprise attack works just as well as any careful preparation. Don’t stress over this, in fact it was a distraction that allowed me to get the jump on him.” Smiling he confesses, “And I did a rookie mistake today too, I opened the door to Brett without checking to see if it was a trap. In this case it was and I fell right into it.”

  Hearing murmuring from Steven they turn to stare at him. “Who did this? How did the vase fall with no one there? Turning vacant eyes to them he keeps asking the same questions.

  Andy laughs out loud when Archie appears beside Steven then nudges him in the leg. Steven screams as he jumps to the side.
Looking around but not seeing anyone he screams again as Archie again push his leg.

  “What is he screaming about? Good grief he is acting like a scared child.” Confused Maria turns to Andy.

  Unable to explain his disappointment over Maria’s inability to see Archie, Andy replies, “I think he is just working on his insanity plea.” Glancing over at Steven then back at Maria he smiles thinly.

  Observing Andy’s regret Stephanie asks Maria, “Do you believe in ghost or in haunted houses?”

  Before Maria can answer they hear several vehicles pulling into the driveway. As Chase walks to the door Stephanie tells them she is going to go make a pot of coffee, turning to leave she asks if Maria would like to join her in the kitchen. Shrugging her shoulders Maria follows behind Stephanie.

  Since Stephanie is busy preparing the coffee Maria checks out the room. Noticing the giant dry erase board on the easel she moves to stand in front of it. Looking at the pictures Maria spots the resemblances to Stephanie in her brother and the person labeled Della. Glancing at the picture of the damaged car Maria leans closer to the board studying the wreckage. Turning from the board Maria observes Stephanie talking quietly to herself; understanding some individuals do this to work through problems Maria doesn’t judge. Hooking her foot on a chair she pulls it out sitting down.

  Resting her chin on her hand Maria reflects on Andy. She had been advised this assignment would take about two weeks. That would have given her time to persuade him to notice her as a woman.

  Stephanie whispers to Archie, keeping her eyes on her task, “I am telling you the truth; Andy was disappointed Maria couldn’t see you. I saw his reaction when you were kicking that mad man.” Finished with the preparations Stephanie keeps her attention on the counter as she continued, “I wish I could understand what it takes to see you, is it a deep subconscious belief or what?”