A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) (39 page)

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

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 in 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?”

Shaking her head Maria nervously peeks at Andy seeing him
staring at his beer she whispers, “I come up with different scenarios
in my head but then I find fault with each one.
I think it’s hopeless,
I think I’m hopeless.”
Picking up her beer glass she takes a sip.

Leaning closer to Maria, Stephanie’s eyes sparkle, “I think
you should go with your first thought that is usually the best
choice.”
Hearing Chase telling Andy about JoEllen’s diary
Stephanie turns to the men.
“So are we going treasure hunting
tomorrow?”