A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) (33 page)

Chase stops writing as he looks up at Archie, “So you came
up as soon as he went inside the barn?”
Archie nods his head as
Chase documents in the note book.
asks, “Can you describe the person?
statue?”
Rising his head again Chase

Archie thinks a few minutes before he replies, “He was
wearing all black, it was too far away so couldn’t see his face.”
Looking directly at Chase he says, “But I know it’s the same person
from before.”

Curiosity has Stephanie asking, “How could you tell that?”
Not sure how far the house is from the barn but knowing it’s a good
distant has her questioning, “You said he was in the shadows, how
can you be sure it’s the same person?”

Chase concurs with Archie, “It’s the same person, who else
would it be?”
Turning his attention to Archie he clarifies, “So this
person was dressed all in black, stayed in the shadows and then ran
into the barn?”
When Archie nods Chase continues with his
thoughts, “I think my earlier assessment of the circumstance is
accurate, he started the fire deliberately to get us out of the house,
hoping to give him time to get in to search the house.”

Andy chuckles, “But he didn’t plan on Archie doing the
patrolling at night.
He either doesn’t believe in ghost or hasn’t
heard the stories.
And if he hasn’t heard about Archie then that
throws our theory of local family out the window.”

Smiling Stephanie injects, “I vote for not believing in the
legion.
After all, just about everyone in the area knows about this
house.” Looking at Andy she asks, “Before you came here did you
believe in the supernatural?”

Andy glances at Archie then back to Stephanie, “Well no,
actually I always thought people who believed in the supernatural
were nut cases or crooks trying to con the nut cases.”
Chuckling
softly Andy shrugs his shoulders turning to Archie he confides, “I for
one am no longer a non-believer.
But I can relate to anyone who
doesn’t believe.”

Chase having been listening to the other’s speculations
decides to interrupt, “It may just be my opinion but I agree with
Stephanie; the person is local but doesn’t believe in the ghost
stories.”
Pushing the note book to the center of the table he
resumes with his thoughts, “Now this is my theory for tonight’s
crime.
The person thought we wouldn’t see the fire for a while,
maybe until it was a full burn.
I think he had planned to search for
something tonight.
If he just wanted to kill us he would have set
the house on fire not the barn.”
Hearing Stephanie sharp gasp
Chase pauses as he reaches across the table laying his hand on top
her hers.
Keeping his hand over hers he continues, “The way I see
this, it’s not going to stop, we either have to catch the person or
figure out what he is after and set a trap.”

Andy rises from his seat moving to look out the back door
window.
Seeing the firefighters leaving he strides back to the
table, placing his hand on the top slat of his chair he says, “I agree
with you Chase, but I don’t think we should wait for us to figure out
what this person wants.”
Holding up his hand to stop Chase from
interrupting Andy continues, “My friend Maria can be the decoy for
our trap.
I know she will agree; she owes me.”
Looking at
Stephanie he mentally compares the two women, Maria is a little
taller about 5’6”, and she is more curvy.
Maria would need a wig
because her hair is short but it is about the same color.
To
Stephanie he says, “Maria would be able to pull off being you, she
does undercover work all the time.”

Frowning Stephanie asks, “How can we pull off the switch,
he has to be watching the house.
Wouldn’t he know if I leave and
she comes back?”
Normally she would have insisted to being part
of this trap, but she realizes this requires a professional.
Murders
have already been committed and he told her he would kill her and
Chase.
Now with her pregnant she doesn’t want to take any
chances with the baby growing inside her womb.

Chase pushes back his chair going to the counter he grabs
the coffee pot; refilling his mug he walks back to the table and
begins filling the other mugs sitting there.
Placing the pot on the
mat setting on the table he takes his seat again.
Tired to his bones
Chase looks at Stephanie noticing the fatigue on her face.
Understanding her need to stay and help figure this out he didn’t
insist on her going to bed.

Sliding the note book back in front of him Chase flips it open,
as Andy sits back down Chase asks, “When do you think Maria can
get here?
I don’t want to put off the trap any longer then we have
too, keeping Stephanie safe is my top priority.
I can’t emphasize
that enough.”

Flexing his shoulders to loosen his muscles Andy answers, “I
can call in the morning.
But I won’t know how soon until I check
with our Captain.
I can stress the importance due to solving the
murders, but I know he won’t pull her if she is on an assignment.”
Picking up his mug Andy takes a sip then sets it back down.
Clearing his throat he continues, “This plan is going to have to be
fool proof.
We can’t just throw it together and hope it works.
If
this doesn’t work, I just don’t think we will get a second chance.”

Having been listening for a while Archie finally joins in on the
conversation, “I don’t understand why Stephanie just can’t leave
and go stay with Carrie.
That way she and the baby will be safe.
Why do we need a big plan with decoys and undercover police?”
Needing this explained he looks at Chase.

Chase hates to discuss this in front of Stephanie however he
knows her need to be aware of the reasons also; these precautions
are necessary due to the crimes that have already been committed.
“We need to do it this way due to the offender said he wanted to kill
Stephanie and I, plus he has already murdered one person we know
of.
If he sees Stephanie is gone and we pretend to leave, the only
crimes he will be executing is breaking in and robbery.
We need
him to try to kill the undercover police officer or me.”
Briefly
glancing at Stephanie he continues, “I realize this is a long shot; he
may not even try again for a while.
But we have to try.”

Not wanting to think about the person trying to kill her she
asks, “When this gets set up will I just hide out here, or will I need to
actually leave the property?”
The complexity of the situation feels
like it is spiraling out of control.
Or it could be she is just too tired
to consider all the angles.
Viewing the clock on the wall Stephanie
sees it is almost three o’clock in the morning; this has her pushing to
her feet.
Glancing at the three men sitting at the table she informs
them, “I am going to go lay down.
Since I am going to do what is
decided for me, I don’t really need to be this involved with the
discussion.”
Looking directly at Chase she says, “All I ask is you
don’t take unnecessary risk.
We both have a baby to consider.”
Turning Stephanie marches out of the room not waiting for a
respond to her earlier questions.

The men sit in silence after Stephanie leaves.
After a few
minutes Chase raises from his chair, addressing both men he says,
“Stephanie is right, it’s late and we are all tired.
Until we find out if
or when Maria can come, the planning stage can wait.
I think I
need to take a shower then go to bed.”
Picking up his and
Stephanie’s mug he moves to the sink, pours the liquid down the
drain and places the empty mugs on the counter.
As he turns to
leave the kitchen Chase hears Andy tell Archie to start his patrol,
and if he needs Andy to come wake him.

As Chase climbs the stairs he thinks about skipping the
shower, however he lifts his shirt sniffing the smoke in the fabric.
The decision made for him he knows he cannot lay in bed beside
Stephanie smelling this bad.
Opting to not take a chance of waking
Stephanie if she is already asleep Chase decides to use the guest
bathroom. Hearing footsteps he turns and sees Andy at the end of
the hall, as he opens the bathroom door he nods once to Andy then
enters the room shutting the door behind him.

After his shower he wraps the towel around his waist then
walks the short distance to their room.
Opening the door he sees
Stephanie lying on her side facing the wall.
Moving to his side of
the bed Chase lets the towel fall to the floor as he slides onto the
bed, pulling Stephanie close he kisses her lightly on the temple.
As
she snuggles closer to him Chase places his arm around her waist.
Within minutes he is asleep.
Chapter Thirteen

Chase remains motionless as Stephanie slides her right leg
across his stomach; as she sits astride his waist Chase opens his eyes
watching as she leans forward allowing her hands to rest on the bed
beside his head.
Gazing into Stephanie’s eyes he sees her pupils
dilate with passion as she bends lower permitting her breast to
softly tough his chest.
Chase feels her nipples harden against his
skin as she moves closer kissing his neck.
Rising his arms Chase
places his hands on her back sliding them up to her shoulders.
As
Chase begins his slow descent down her back he hears Stephanie’s
husky laugh just before he feels her playfully bite his neck.
His
laughter turns to a sigh of desire when she licks the spot she had
just bitten.

Placing her hands on Chase’s shoulders Stephanie pushes
backwards gliding down his body she feels his hands fall to the bed.
Lifting her hips she moves over his manhood as she positions her
hands beside his waist on the bed as she continues progressing
backwards. When she reaches Chase’s thighs Stephanie adjusts
her body compelling him to shift his legs to provide her space on the
bed.
On her knees between his thighs Stephanie places her hands
around his hard shaft squeezing gently, bending forward she takes
his length into her mouth.
Chase grabs the bed comforter in his
fists as Stephanie’s mouth slides up and down his shaft, groaning he
clinches the comforter tighter.
After several minutes of her
continuing her attention to his manhood Stephanie moans in
pleasure as her caresses has him swelling thicker and longer.
Gliding her tongue up the underside of Chase’s shaft Stephanie
sucks hard once she reaches the tip then with a teasing nibble she
releases him.

Rising her head Stephanie looks into his eyes, enjoying the
fire of his desire reflected there.
Stephanie smiles before she
bends forward to suck and kiss his inner thigh.
His sharp intake of
breath has her grinning as she repeats the same technique on his
opposite thigh.

“Stephanie, Honey you are making me crazy!” Rising up on
his elbows he watches as she lifts her head to look at him.
“Come
here.”
Chase says the words softly.

Stephanie laughs seductively as she crawls up his body,
stopping when she is nose to nose with him.
She giggles when
Chase wraps his arms around her then falls back on the bed.

Chase moves his hand to the back of Stephanie’s head
gliding her lips to his.
Deepening the kiss Chase removes his hand
from her head; using both hands he maneuvers her body so she is
again straddling his waist.
Hooking his arms around her knees
Chase breaks the kiss as he pulls Stephanie forward.

Amused Stephanie raises onto her knees as Chase positions
her above his head.
Grabbing the headboard tightly, husky moans
escape when Chase’s tongue licks her wet essence; Stephanie’s
head falls back as his tongue slips inside.
Chase feels Stephanie’s
muscles tense as his tongue repeatedly moves in and out of her
womanhood.
Chase holds her intimately as he continues his love
making he senses her organism building.
Raking his teeth over her
sensitive area Chase hears Stephanie yell out his name during her
passionate release.

Stephanie experiences her body trembling as Chase
continues to slide his tongue deep inside her while her organism
subsides.
Moaning she feels the tingling building again inside her
as her muscles constrict.
Recognizing Stephanie is almost ready to
climax again Chase grabs her hips as he guides her down his body.
Once Chase positions Stephanie he lowers her down onto his shaft.

Chase groans as he feels Stephanie’s moist silkiness slide
around him, placing her hands on his shoulders he thrust up moving
deeper inside her.
Using his hands on her hips Chase directs her
up and down matching each of his thrusts to her rhythm.
The
throbbing inside him builds, recognizing he is about to explode with
his need for her, Chase thrusts one last hard time as he feels
Stephanie’s organism coincide with his.

Stephanie gazes into Chase’s eyes glimpsing his love for her,
she knowing her eyes mirror the same feelings; smiling Stephanie
lays her head on Chase’s chest then closes her eyes as she listens to
his heartbeat racing in her ear.

Feeling her body temperature cooling Chase reaches for the
comforter pulling it over them.
Still joined together Chase wraps
his arms around Stephanie gently holding her.
“Now that is a
wonderful way to start the morning.”
Hearing her soft laughter
Chase tightens his hold on her, rolling he allows them to separate as
they lay facing each other.

“It was wonderful.
forward Stephanie kisses Chase on his chest then turns rising up she
sits on the side of the bed.
Bending over she grabs her night shirt
off the floor, straightening she stands.
Feeling woozy Stephanie
closes her eyes, swaying slightly she puts her hand out to steady
herself. Hearing something fall to the floor Stephanie opens her
eyes as she feels Chase’s arms slide around her.

Concerned he asks, “Honey, you alright?”
Noticing
Stephanie’s face is pale, all her color gone he tightens his told on
her.

Staring into Chase’s eyes she whispers, “I need to go to the
bathroom; I’m going to be sick.”
Quickly Chase scoops Stephanie up then carries her through
the door setting her down in front of the toilet.
Dropping to her
knees Stephanie empties her stomach. Chase grabs a wash cloth
wetting it with cool water; hearing the toilet flush he hands it to
Stephanie as she leans back against the bathtub.
Looking up at him she smiles weakly and says, “Thank you.”
Using the cloth Chase had given her Stephanie holds it to her face.
Leaving the bathroom Chase returns within seconds with
Stephanie’s night shirt in his hands.
He helps her put it on,
“Feeling better?”
Distress for her has his voice sounding husky.
When Stephanie nods Chase gently helps her to her feet, moving
slowly they walk back into the bedroom.
Sitting on the side of the bed, Stephanie notices she had
knocked the antique clock off the night stand.
Reaching for the
But I now need a shower.”
Leaning
clock she sees the base has popped open as she raises it up a
wooden object falls to the floor.
Chase bends down picking it up, turning it in his hands he
reads, “JoEllen’s Hope.”
Glancing over at Stephanie he tells her,
“This looks like an old fashion key.” Shrugging his shoulders he
hands it to her as he lifts the clock from her hands.
Turning the
clock upside down Chase notices the base just slips back in place.
When it is fixed Chase places it back on the night stand.
Stephanie rotates the key in her hands. The smooth finish
shows signs of wear and the words look hand carved at the top.
“I
wonder what this key is for.
I agree it looks old.”
Chase sits down beside Stephanie looking at the key he says,
“It was hidden in the clock for a reason, we just have to figure out
why.”
Closing her eyes briefly she retorts, “Great like we don’t have
enough to try to figure out.”
Still staring at the key she continues,
“I have finished reading Della’s diary.
There is no mention of a
JoEllen, but then she really didn’t write much about anyone else,
just her and Archie mostly.”
Removing the key from Stephanie’s hand Chase tells her,
“You need to rest; we will deal with this later.”
Rising from the
bed, he places the key on the night stand.
“I want you to lie back
down; I will go fix you toast and some juice.”
Seeing Stephanie is
about to argue Chase continues, “I mean it, I won’t be gone long.”
He helps her lie back and tucks the comforter around her shoulders.
Leaning over Chase kisses Stephanie’s forehead; straightening he
walks out the room.
Stephanie pushes the comforter aside and rises up when
Chase leaves the room; sitting on the side of the bed again she waits
checking if she feels sick.
Not feeling queasy Stephanie stands up
slowly.
Smiling when she doesn’t get dizzy she walks to the
bathroom, the need to brush her teeth and rise with mouth wash
overrides Chase’s orders to stay in bed.
While brushing her teeth
Stephanie thinks about Della’s diary, remembering an entry Della
had written about her Mother telling her why is was important to
keep records.
Stephanie turns from the vanity to look longingly at the tub;
standing there she debates if she has time to bathe when she hears
Chase clear his throat.
Whirling Stephanie sees him standing at
the door holding a tray with her breakfast.
Shrugging her
shoulders Stephanie tells him, “I had to brush my teeth.”
Stepping away from the door; Chase motions for Stephanie
to get back in bed.
Grinning she walks to the bed and sits down,
scooting back she leans against the headboard as he places the tray
across her lap.
Gazing up at him, “I feel better.
I can go
downstairs to eat with you.”
Selecting a piece of toast Stephanie
takes a bite.
Watching her eat Chase sits down beside her, “You need to
rest.”
Laughing Stephanie tries to explain, “Chase, I’m pregnant not
sick.
I don’t have to be treated like an invalid.”
Finished with the
toast she picks up the juice taking a sip.
“You were sick just a little while ago.
So that means you
stay in bed and rest.”
Crossing his arms over his chest Chase gives
her his stern look.
Seeing Stephanie’s grin he soften his voice,
“Honey, let’s see how your stomach handle the toast, if you don’t
feel sick you can get up.”
“While I was brushing my teeth I remembered Della had
written about her Mother telling her that the women in the family
would keep a diary and it was her duty to keep track of events and
so forth.”
“So maybe this JoEllen woman kept a diary too.
It may be
in the attic; I will go up to check in a little while.”
Stephanie opens her mouth to respond but is interrupted by
a knock on their door.
Chase utters, “Come in,” as they wait for
the door to open they both watch as Archie appears in the room.
Surprise has Stephanie gasping, “Wow, Archie you’re
amazing."
Bowing slightly at his waist he responds, “How are you
feeling? Chase told us you are sick. I was worried, but didn’t
want to be rude, so I tried knocking and it worked.”
Pleased he
explains.
“It seems I can do quite a few things I had no ideal I
could do.”
Before either can comment there is another knock on their
door.
Grinning Chase says again, “Come in.”
Andy opens the door just wide enough to stick his head
inside the room, looking at Chase he says, “Sorry I hate to intrude,
but your Mother is on the phone. She says it’s important.”
Glancing over at Stephanie he notices her grinning.
Returning her
smile Andy excuses himself as he closes the door.
“Tell your Mother I said Hello.”
Stephanie informs Chase as
he moves from the bed and walks to the door.
Winking at her Chase leaves the room.
As he shuts the
door Stephanie turns to Archie, “Did Della ever mention a relative
named JoEllen?”
“I think that was her Great, Great Grandmother, but not
really sure.
Why?”
Archie moves to hover closer by the bed as
Stephanie explains why she asked about Della’s relatives.
As he
listens Archie begins to thinking about the times Della reminiscence
about her ancestors.
Coming back to the present Archie hears Stephanie ask, “Do
you know where the diaries were kept?”
“I don’t remember Della ever mentioning other diaries, she
just spoke of hers.”
Stephanie removes the tray from her lap then moving as
quickly as she can sprints to the bathroom.
Once again she
empties the contents of her stomach, flushing the toilet Stephanie
hears footsteps running in the hallway.
Sitting on the floor she
waits for Chase, knowing he will be there soon.
Chase stops at the bathroom door seeing Stephanie pale
again he helps her to her feet.
Picking her up in his arms Chase
carries her back to bed, gently laying her down he goes into the
bathroom within a few seconds Chase comes back with the wash
cloth.
Folding the cloth he lays it on Stephanie’s forehead.
“Better?”
“Yes, thanks.”
“Honey, I think you need to call the Doctor.”
Sitting beside
Stephanie he lifts her hand holding it.
Laying with her eyes close she grips his fingers, “Chase, this is
normal.
At least I think it’s normal.”
Opening her eyes she sees
his face taut with worry.
Giving him a slight smile, “I think I just
need to not eat until I have been awake for a while.”
“You may be right, but I would feel better if you would call
and have a checkup.” Chase lays his right hand over her stomach.
“I have a list of Doctor’s in my purse.
I was waiting to ask
Marty which one she recommends before I make an appointment.”
Realizing she got the list over a week ago, she agrees with Chase, “I
will call Marty and then make the appointment.”
Wanting to
change the subject she asks, “What did your Mother need?”
“She called to tell us Dad had spoken with Mary, Mr.
Wilson’s older sister.”
Seeing her confusion Chase explains, “Dad
had volunteered to speak with her about Rebecca and Lee’s
accident.
She is in her ninety’s so he figured she may remember
some gossip or know who was driving what kind of vehicles.”
“And?”
Smiling at her excitement, “Well Mary told Dad the local
gossip about the accident was the Sheriff had been bought and
ruled it that way for a large amount of money.
This by the way is
what Andy and I had already figured out.”
Lifting her hand Chase
brings it to his lips giving it a brief kiss; he continues to hold her
hand.
“Mary also said the best she can remember the person that
owned a car Dad described was Daniel Miller.”
“Who is Daniel Miller?
Is he related to Brett Miller?”
Moving slowly Stephanie rises up to lean against the headboard,
smiling when Chase adjusts the pillow for her.
Nodding his head Chase explains, “I think he was Brett’s
Father, but what has me curious is Brett’s son Steven.
He has had
a grudge against me since I arrested him years ago.”
Shrugging his
shoulders, “I may just be jumping to conclusions too fast.
But the
Millers are now my prime suspects.
As soon as I spoke with Mom,
I called Daniel at the FBI, he is going to check the dates Steven was
in jail and when he was released.”
Frowning Stephanie asks, “Do you think Brett is involved?
He seemed like a nice man when he came to see him about Della’s
will.”
Thinking back to the meeting she had been upset over the
death of her brother and Mr. Miller had seemed sincere when he
offered his condolences.
Had it been an act, was he the one
responsible for her brother’s death?
Not liking her being upset Chase changes the subject, “Mom
is on her way over, I told her you were sick so she is bringing her
famous chicken noddle soup.”
He smirks when he sees her eyes
widen with shock.
Pulling her hand free of his Stephanie scoots to the side of
the bed, “I have to get dressed; I don’t want your Mother seeing me
still in my night gown, lying in bed.”
Standing beside the bed
Stephanie looks down at Chase as he laughs she punches him in his
arm. “This is not funny. I need a shower.”
Sobering when he sees her walking slowly to her dresser,
“Baby, let me help.” Moving to the closet Chase picks her a pair of
capris and a yellow shirt.
when she nods her head.
into the bathroom, turns on the faucet then adjusting the water
temperature.
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.