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

by Phillips, Brenda

  Laughing Archie lays his hand over hers on the counter this time not allowing his hand to pass through hers, “I truly don’t know either. Andy swears he didn’t believe in ghost but he could see me.” Even with Maria unable to hear him Archie speaks in whispers following Stephanie’s lead.

  “I think Andy really likes her and wanted her to be able too. When he left this morning he was excited about her being here. Like man to woman excited.” Smiling she looks over at Maria noticing she is staring off in space lost in her thoughts. “Do you think if you picked up a cup or a chair she would believe and then be able to see you?”

  Floating back a step Archie shakes his head no, “I will not chance scaring her. I will only try doing that if Andy tells me too.” Sadness shines in his eyes, “I don’t want to ever be considered a bad ghost. It may just be my pride but I don’t want to lose my honor.”

  Turning to face Archie, “Oh I know that, I would never ask you to do something you didn’t want to do. I was just trying to help Andy and Maria. Call it my hormones but I want everyone to be as happy as Chase makes me.” Laying her hand over her flat stomach, “Just over look me and my silly thoughts.”

  Chase sticks his head around the kitchen door, “Stephanie it’s time for you to give your statement.” Waiting by the door Chase takes Stephanie’s hand as she moves level to him. Lifting her hand to his lips Chase kisses her palm. Chase releases her hand as he moves out of her way to proceed to the living room.

  Left alone in the kitchen Maria rises from her chair; since the coffee is done she begins checking cabinets to find a mug and the condiments. Stirring her coffee she jumps when Andy comes into the room. “Would you like a cup of coffee?” Having asked the question she immediately feels foolish as this isn’t her home.

  Smiling, “I would love a cup, thanks.” Andy stands at the counter beside Maria as she prepares his coffee; he notices she put the exact sugar and creamer he uses. “The FBI wants our statements in a few minutes; I tried to tell them we showed up after the action. But they still want to ask a few questions.” Shrugging his shoulders Andy picks up his mug after he takes a small sip he smiles his thanks over the rim of the cup.

  “Has….” Clearing her throat Maria begins again, “Has the body been removed from the foyer?” Wishing Andy didn’t make her so nervous she waits for his nod before continuing, “What about the perp?” Andy nods in agreement again. Lifting her own mug Maria takes a drink, not sure what else to say she remains quiet.

  “Maria, I know your part of this mess is no longer required. However do you think the Captain will allow you to stay to help with all the paperwork? That is if you wouldn’t mind helping.” Andy finds he is actually holding his breath as he waits for her to answer. Half expecting her to tell him he could do his own reports, Andy stares at Maria’s mouth remembering the feel of her lips.

  Nodding her head, “I can call the Captain after we are questioned.” With the onset of the sensation of butterflies in her stomach, Maria advises herself not to get her hopes up, knowing the Captain he will need her to come back to start another assignment. Tired of all the undercover work and tired of maintaining all her personas Maria is tempted to confide to Andy she has considered quitting the department. Her fear of Andy’s judgmental comments prevents her from voicing her thoughts.

  Peering into her eyes Andy glimpses fear and uncertainty, not understanding Maria’s emotions he raises his hand to lay it on her cheek. The smoothness of her skin against his callus palm has him longing to kiss her again. Deciding to give in to his need Andy bends closer to her, “I want to kiss you; if you don’t want me to just take a step back.” Giving her only a second to make her decision Andy leans the rest of way to her placing his lips over hers. Using both hands he cups Maria’s face as he deepens their kiss. Maria moans softly as she brings her hands up around his neck at the same time pressing her body close to his.

  Having Maria’s supple curves pressed against him, Andy feels his lower body responding. Ending the kiss Andy steps back, with his hands still cupping her face he gazes into her eyes, “This is not the time or the place, but don’t think this is over.”

  Nodding her head Maria recognizes the desire in Andy’s eyes and is aware he sees the same in hers. As Andy drops his hands to his sides Maria endures the loss of his warm. Not sure she can settle for just a sexual relationship with Andy she picks up her mug walking to the table. Sitting down on the chair she had vacated earlier Maria puts her hands around the mug, hoping to hide the fact she is shaking. Maria admits the excitement from the kiss has her craving more; maybe starting with a sexual relationship wouldn’t be so bad, she lifts her mug then smiles as she takes a sip of her coffee.

  Andy closes his eyes briefly when he opens them he sees Archie staring at him. Jumping at the sight of Archie, Andy frowns as he looks over at Maria. Checking if she is looking in his direction Andy observes Maria staring at her coffee Andy whispers, “What is happening in the living room?”

  Bowing slightly at the waist Archie grins mischievously as he stands up straight, “Deputy Johnny and Deputy Nick showed up, they have been helping with the evidence and then helped the coroner’s assistance clean the area surrounding Brett. But if you ask me the living room is boring compared to what is happening in here.

  Blushing Andy asks, “Have you been spying on us?”

  Shaking his head no, “I would never spy on a friend. I came in just as the kiss was ending, so I stayed out of sight so not to upset the mood.” Archie being a romantic at heart senses the attraction between Andy and Maria has been a long time developing and would continue to become more in the near future. “But back to your original question, the FBI is about done with interrogating Stephanie. They keep hounding her about the details. How many times can they ask the same questions but using a different approach?”

  Shrugging Andy tries to explain, “It’s done that way to make sure the answers are truthful. If someone is lying they keep adding and change the story, so the more times you ask the more you discover the persons lying.” Seeing the confusing on Archie face he elaborates, “If you are lying, you will forget what you said the first time you were asked a question; hence the repeat questions. The FBI will ask about six to seven questions, different ones; then they will start over but will word each question differently. It allows them to weed out the lies from the truths.”

  “It just seemed they are trying to make Stephanie and Chase the criminals.” Rolling his eyes at the absurdity of their treatment he begins to pace the room. Stopping by Maria he notices she is deep in thought. Thinking about the scenario Stephanie had described earlier Andy opens his mouth to speak with Andy when they hear voices in the foyer. Fading from sight Archie goes to see what is happening.

  Chase shuts the front door as the last agent leaves. Moving to Stephanie he pulls her into his arms. Holding her close Chase rests his chin on the top of her head. Closing his eyes he enjoys the sensation of Stephanie’s body pressed to him. Wrapping her arms around his waist she holds him tightly. Love for her overwhelms and humbles him, knowing this wonderful woman honors him with her love.

  Sensing a presence Chase opens his eyes seeing Archie he acknowledges the need to go to the kitchen to discuss the investigation. Rubbing Stephanie’s shoulders he informs her, “Let’s go in the kitchen, I could use a cup of coffee and something to eat.” As she steps back from him letting her arms fall to her side, he bends down to kiss her forehead. Taking Stephanie’s hand Chase turns towards the kitchen as Archie vanishes from the foyer.

  Standing just inside the door, Andy turns as they walk in the kitchen. He had been watching Maria as she sat staring at her coffee. Andy wished he knew what she was thinking. Maria had responded to his kiss, he had enjoyed her body pressed to his; he had wanted to slide his hands down her womanly curves. It had taken restraint for him to break their kiss. Recognizing they had been in the kitchen where anyone could have walked in discovering them, Andy had halted his first instinct to carry her upstairs
and strip off her clothes.

  Looking at Stephanie Andy asks, “How are you doing?”

  Noting concern in his eyes Stephanie smiles sadly, “I’m fine. Upset about Brett being killed, he was a nice man. There have been too many deaths.”

  Nodding in agreement Andy watches as Chase kisses the top of Stephanie’s head. Envy for them has Andy twisting away with guilt. Striding to the table he sits on a chair across from Maria. Glancing at Maria he notices her looking at him, the passion from earlier is gone replaced by professionalism.

  Maria gives her attention to Chase, “I thought the FBI wanted to talk to us?” Determined to stop thinking about Andy and his superb mouth she opts to discuss the case.

  Shrugging his shoulders, Chase raises Stephanie’s hand to entwine their fingers as they sit down at the table. “Agent Angles said he will contact you in a couple of days to set up a time, he did say for you both to stay local.”

  Stephanie had been sitting quietly sensing something between Andy and Maria. Understanding their situation when both smile then glance quickly at each other, their something is sexual. Liking Maria she hopes it works out for them. “I am going to send a ‘thank you’ note to the coroner and his assistances, I really appreciate them cleaning up the blood in the foyer.” Focusing on Chase, “I think we will need to replace the floor, I am sure the blood has seeped underneath the boards.”

  Nodding Chase accepts Stephanie’s need to have the house back to before this happened, “I will get it taken care of for you.” Remembering Stephanie had walked around the spot where Brett had died; even when his body and all the blood were gone, Chase empathizes with her need for closure.

  Archie appears behind Stephanie placing his hands on her shoulders he begins gently massaging. As he tends to Stephanie’s tension he asks, “With the information from the devil man, is this now over? He was doing this on his own?”

  Chase address Archie questions to everyone so not to bring attention to him, “During the time Steven showed up and to the end of this madness he spoke of what initiated him to do this, the murder, the attempted murder, the break-ins. It is my opinion he did this all alone, just had help with the murder of Mitch. I truly believe he kept the details to himself, he didn’t trust anyone with the facts.” Looking at everyone sitting at the table he concludes, “I really believe this is over.”

  “So what was the reason for all this? Was it the legend of the gold?” Andy needs to hear the details, knowing his original investigation is linked. He requires the facts to close his case; to write the report then mark the folder “solved”.

  Stephanie nods as she answers, “He was motivated by greed. His Grandfather had told him about the Union Gold and he believed the gold belonged to him and his family.” A shiver runs down her spine at the thought of Mitch being murdered over gold.

  Removing his hands from her shoulders Archie takes a step back from Stephanie. Stephanie turns to Archie whispering, “Thank you for all your help; with Chase and now.” Smiling he bows slightly then moves to the stand by the counter.

  Mystified Maria asks, “Who are you thanking?” This house gives her a weird vibe. She had felt it when she was alone in the kitchen, just before Andy had come in. She had thought she was being watched, as if someone was standing right beside her.

  Not wanting to scare her, Stephanie turns back to Maria, “I am thanking our guardian angel.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Setting at the kitchen table Stephanie rolls her shoulders, tired muscles stretch in protest. Shifting a little she listens as Chase relates for Andy and Maria the details of the hostage situation; the facts of each crime told by Steven while he bragged about each one. Remembering the way Steven had sounded as he discussed the events, he was cold and calculating one minute then the next almost joyful at this accomplishments. Needing to get up and move around, Stephanie raises from the chair. Walking to the refrigerator she begins removing the items needed to make a salad. With everything that happened today the cook out has not been discussed. However, they have to eat and this is Maria’s first day here; they may as well follow through with the plan. Chase can grill steaks and while eating they can get acquainted.

  Glancing over at the table, Stephanie notices Archie has sat down on the chair she had vacated. Stephanie smiles at her thoughts turn to Maria and Andy acknowledging their sexual tension is obvious even now as they listen to Chase. The two of them make eye contact often and Stephanie observes they do the accidental touches then quickly apologizing when it happens. Stephanie says a silent prayer they will find their own happiness.

  Shifting her gaze to Chase she reflects about their baby, growing inside her. Their love for each other will nurture this baby; she believes while in the womb a baby is aware when its parents truly love each other. She adds a prayer of thanks for this tiny blessing within her.

  Frowning she thinks about her parents; they were so different. Her childhood would have been less complicated if her parents had stayed together. All the moving from place to place, the fact Mitch had to grow up fast to take care of her and her Mother fantasies about finding her dream; if her Father had stayed she would have grown up in a normal home. As she cuts the vegetables she halts her thoughts of the “what ifs”, determined to concentrate on this time, this place, this relationship and this baby. Feeling peace flow through her at this decision to make her life choices based on the here and now, Stephanie looks down at her stomach. Smiling with delight she continues preparing the salad.

  As the talk at the table winds down, Stephanie interrupts, “Sorry but I think we need to pause this conversation, at least for a while.” Finished with the salad Stephanie begins making the dressing. “I realize we need to make sure all the facts are documented. else for now.” staring at her. break.”

  Chase rises then moves to her side. Laying his arm across her shoulders he leans down and kisses the top of her head. “You are right. We do need a break. So much has happened today; we need to unwind, to enjoy some good food and good company.” Before he can continue his phone rings, glancing at the number he excuses himself before leaving the room.

  Maria joins Stephanie at the counter, “I am sorry we kept discussing the case, I tend to forget everything and just get totally focused on the details.” Smiling, “You were right to make us come up for air. Can I help?”

  Retuning her smile Stephanie nods her head, “Sure, do you mind preparing the potatoes for the microwave?” Andy she asks, “Would you care to start the steaks? how long Chase will be on the phone.”

  Andy watches as Maria helps Stephanie; he wonders how she spends her time when not undercover. Does she enjoy going dancing or relaxing at home? Is she close to her family? Does she have a lot of friends or just a few close ones? Realizing he wants to know everything about her, he admits he has been admiring her for years. Rising his eyes to her face he sees Maria looking at him. Breaking eye contact Andy moves to get the steaks, turning from the refrigerator he leans over kissing Maria But frankly, I just need to think about something

  Huffing out a breath she looks at the four people “Don’t look at me like I’ve gone loony, I just need a Glancing at

  I’m not sure quickly on the lips, before she can react, Andy spins on his heels then strides to the door, without a backwards glance he leaves, closing the door quietly behind him.

  As Andy exits the kitchen Maria sighs, Stephanie turns towards her, “So how long have you loved Andy?” Witnessing Maria blush Stephanie laughs, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you, I just really like Andy and I am curious. Does he know?”

  Shaking her head, “No, and I am sorry to admit this but I was hoping being here for the investigation would take a while so I could try to get Andy to notice me. I know that sounds petty and I am sorry.” Blowing out a long breath, “I feel so incompetent around him, ever since he helped with an assignment.” Holding up her hand to stop Stephanie from interrupting her, “The case was solved, the perp was arrested and to my knowledge he’s still i
n prison. The fact I had to be the prep’s love interest, I think Andy assumes I had sex with him.” As her eyes dull with sadness she whispers, “I don’t think he will ever believe me, but I have never had sex with any of the perps from my undercover operations.”

  As tears form in Maria’s eyes, Stephanie lays her hand on her shoulder, “You need to make him listen, if he is important to you, you have to sit him down and tell him the truth.” Smiling her brightest smiles, “You seem like a woman that can handle any situation, just make up your mind to do this and then do it.” Focusing back on the mixture for the dressing Stephanie tries to figure out how to help her new friend.

  Chase strolls into the room, seeing just the woman he asks, “Where did you run Andy off too?” He laughs at their expressions of surprise.

  Stephanie grins, “He’s outside cooking the steaks since I wasn’t sure how long you would be on the phone; I asked Andy to do the honors.”

  Moving to stand beside Stephanie Chase leans down giving her a brief kiss her lips. “It was Dad, he had heard the gossip. He wanted to check on us.” Finished speaking Chase smiles at Maria, giving a salute he strolls to the back door, before walling outside he turns and winks at the ladies.

  Relaxing at the patio table Chase looks over at Stephanie, she is smiling about something Maria had said. Finished with dinner they had decided to enjoy the rest of the evening outside; now with stomachs full they sit peaceful after the day’s event. Chase admits he was scared when Steven showed up, he had not been prepared and that could have cost Stephanie her life. Thinking back, he had made a stupid mistake, one he hadn’t made in a long time, he doesn’t think he will ever be able make it up to her.

  Sensing Chase staring Stephanie looks up making eye contact she gives him a quick air kiss then gives her attention back to Maria. “So did you decide on how you are going to handle your problem?”