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

by Phillips, Brenda

  As she begins to ascend the stairs Archie materializes beside her. “I will help you search for items. I know what is in most of the boxes up there. It may save some time.”

  Smiling her thanks, she continues up the stairs. Stopping on the second floor landing, she looks down the hall, not hearing anything she continues to the third floor. Opening the door to the attic, she walks to the center of the room. Hands on hips she turns to look at Archie, “I saw some office supplies when I was going through the boxes. hold the dry board. looking?”

  “Della’s supplies were over by the window, she did have some newer items as she did bookkeeping for some of the local businesses and for this place.” Floating over to the boxes stacked by the window Archie begins reading labels. “She kept her house books here.” Pointing to a box half way down the stack he continues reading labels. “This box is the supplies.” He pointed to the box under the books.

  Stephanie glances over her shoulder at Archie then turns back to finish moving the paintings out of her way to get the easel. Picking up the last painting she takes a startled breath, it is a portrait of Archie and Della standing in front of the fireplace. “Archie, when was this done?” She holds the painting up so he could see it. I will need a

  He walks

  I also think I saw a big easel; we could use to Any suggestions on where we should start Archie moves to stand beside Stephanie, “That was done years after we were married.” Gazing lovingly at the image of Della he lingers on her face, “I think the artist did a wonderful job capturing our feelings for each other.”

  Stephanie almost drops the painting, “What do you mean the artist?” the artist. Looking up at Archie she waits for him to answer.

  Bewildered he begins, “The artist was a friend of Della’s.” Frowning he continues, “Her name is Carrie, but I cannot remember her surname.” Moving closer to the painting Archie tries to read the name. “I am assuming since the signature is C. Peterson then that is her name. She could see me, both her and her husband CJ. On several occasions Della would invite them over to visit. It would give me a chance to speak with another male.”

  Straightening up, he turns to Stephanie, "They would come and we would talk for hours; then after several years they stopped coming regularly. We would only see them at Christmas time. When I asked Della why they didn’t visit anymore, she just said they were busy. The day the ladies came and cleaned; this was taken down from above the fireplace and the landscape was put in its place.” Shaking his head, he moves away from Stephanie, “I didn’t understand the reason for this.”

  Glancing at Archie, Stephanie sees the sorrow in Archie’s eyes; he had lost a friend when they had stopped coming to visit. “Maybe they didn’t have a choice. I’m not making excuses for them, but sometimes life gets in the way and we make choices, not always good ones.” Stephanie glances again at the portrait, “Can I hang this back above the fireplace?”

  Archie nods his head, “Yes, I would like it back where Della always had it.” He smiles at Stephanie.

  Returning his smile, “I think we need to take it down now, tell Chase about the office supplies and the easel. He can help hang the portrait of you and Della, and then help bring the boxes downstairs.” Decision made, Stephanie begins to walk towards the door, only to stop to look at Archie. “I think Chase’s parents were Lifting the painting she tries to read the signature of The paint is faded but she thinks it reads C. Peterson. the couple that visited here, I am going to speak to his Mother and find out. If it was them, I want to know why they stopped coming here.” Determined to help Archie, Stephanie turns walking out the door.

  Archie watches as she carefully carries the painting down the stairs. Was she right? Was it Chase’s parents? Was that why he could see him also? And if Carrie and CJ were his parents, why did they stop coming to visit? Stepping in front of Stephanie making her stop her descent of the stairs, he asks, “Why not just asks Chase? Why contact his Mother?”

  Seeing his confusion, Stephanie tries to explain, “He may not know his parents came here. I think I would be better off just asking his Mother.” Shrugging her shoulders she resolves, “You are right, I think I should speak with Chase first. He may know the situation. And I shouldn’t involve his Mother if I don’t need too.” Resting the painting on her hip she gets a better grip on it; it is heavy and she doesn’t want to drop it.

  Noticing Stephanie struggle with the portrait Archie moves aside to allow her to pass him on the stairs. When she is level with him, he whispers, “Thank you.”

  Smiling she continues down the stairs with Archie beside her. Stepping down to the foyer Stephanie moves to the living room, “Will you ask Chase to come in here, if he is off the phone.” Not waiting for an answer she keeps walking. Stephanie stops in front of the fireplace looking up at the painting hanging there, it is pretty, but it’s not the one that belongs there. Wondering why it was changed, she turns when she hears Chase enter the room.

  “Archie said you need help in here.” Smiling Chase walks to stand beside her, noticing the painting. “You need a strong male to help you?” He flexes his muscles.

  Laughing Stephanie responds to his mood, “I need a big strong man to do some heavy lifting. Do you know where I can find one?” She laughs harder when he looks hurt. “Actually, I need the paintings changed. I found this one in the attic and I want it here above the fireplace.”

  Taking the landscape off the wall Chase sits in on the floor, he turns and takes the other painting from Stephanie, holding it up he stops and looks at it, “Holy Shit.” Chase stares at the portrait of Della and Archie.

  “It’s wonderful isn’t it?” Stephanie watches Chase as he studies the painting. “Can you read the artist’s signature? I couldn’t make it out.”

  Shaking his head he replies, “I don’t need to see the signature, I remember my Mother painting this. I was young, maybe five or six years old. She said she was painting it for a friend.” Looking up from the painting he sees Stephanie staring at him. “Why didn’t I place Archie as this man when I saw him?” Frowning he looks back at the painting studying it.

  Grinning Stephanie tells him, “I have trouble remembering things from a week ago, much less when I was five or six years old.” Seeing this bothers him she continues, “Why don’t you ask your Mother about it?”

  Hanging the painting above the mantle he agrees to do that. Making sure it is straight, he turns to Stephanie. “I like it there, it looks better than the landscape.”

  Smiling Stephanie agrees she likes it better too. “We located some office supplies and an easel in the attic. I just need my strong man to help bring them down.” Trying to lighten his mood she doesn’t realize she just called him her man.

  Chase notices the wording Stephanie used and grins. Her man does sound good. He flexes his muscles again hearing her giggle. “Just point me in the direction of what you want brought down and I will be most happy to do your bidding, My Lady.” He bows slightly.

  Laughing Stephanie takes Chase’s hand as they walk out of the living room. They walk side by side up the stairs to the attic. As they climb the stairs Chase tells her that Karen found several old reports and is sending them with Johnny. He will bring the supplies and the reports in a couple of hours.

  It took four trips to bring all the boxes down stairs. Stephanie noticed the easel had a broke brace; Chase brought it down last and was in the kitchen fixing it while Stephanie was busy exploring the boxes. She repacked items not needed; those boxes would go back in the attic. The last box had the accounting books for the house. Deciding to keep them to review later, Stephanie turns to watch Chase. After a few moments she asks, “Do you know a man called CJ?”

  Without looking up, Chase answers, “If the man is local, it’s my Dad. Why?” He continues to work on the brace, having had to take the easel apart, he is finally ready to put it back together.

  Opting to be forth coming with Chase, Stephanie replies, “Archie told me earlier about the woman that paint
ed the portrait and her husband. He said they would come and visit. They would sit and talk for hours. He said the man’s name was CJ. I am just making sure it really was your parents.” As she spoke, Chase had stopped working on the easel. He is watching her now. “Did you know your parents could see Archie?” Stephanie waits for Chase to answer. Forgetting the box, she just stands quietly.

  Frowning Chase looks at Stephanie he tries to remember the timeframe this would be, “The evidence suggests that to be fact. But I can’t remember either of my parents ever mentioning Archie to me.” Rising from the floor Chase picks up the easel testing the brace for stability. Satisfied with easel, he turns to Stephanie, “Years ago, I would do yard work for Miss Della, sometimes I would sense someone watching me, and once I had a glimpse of a man standing at a window. me it was Della’s beau.” thought he was just saying that due to the rumors around town. But now it appears he knew Archie personally.”

  “Chase, I am sorry.” Seeing him coming to terms with this new development Stephanie allows him to deal with knowing his parents had been friends with Archie. After a few minutes she adds, “Maybe they kept their friendship a secret due to Della asked them too. After all the whole town thought Della was crazy, maybe they did this so people wouldn’t come and do the whole haunted house exorcism.”

  When I said something to my Father he told Closing his eyes briefly he continues, “I

  Walking over to stand by Stephanie Chase responds, “I will ask my Mother about this and about the painting. Why did she change it when she helped clean? This is just all so confusing now.” Turning Stephanie to face him, Chase puts his forearms on her shoulders resting his chin on the top of her head.

  Sliding her arms around his waist, Stephanie feels his strength. Chase is a strong honorable man. He makes her think about their future. But before they can have a future they have to work through the past. Pushing this thought aside, closing her eyes Stephanie enjoys this moment.

  “I could stand here all day, but unfortunately we need to get finished with the set up. Johnny should be here soon.” Hearing her sigh, he frowns, “By the way, where is Archie? I told Andy I would keep him with us. And I haven’t seen him for a while.”

  Leaning back to look at Chase Stephanie tells him, “Archie is in the living room. He hasn’t left since you hung the portrait. He misses Della so much. I feel sorry for him.”

  Seeing the sadness in her eyes, he brushes a kiss across her forehead. “I think we need to give him time to deal with some issues. Let him have his space so to speak.” Noticing her smile he continues, “I also think we need to fix something to eat. This big strong man is hungry; the coffee and cookies are gone from this morning. And, I am sure when Andy wakes up he will be hungry too.”

  Chapter Seven

  Opening his eyes Andy looks around the room, observing it for the first with clear vision. He had been too tired when Chase has brought him in here; he hasn’t noticed how feminine the room is. Smiling he sits up, turns and swings his legs over the side of the bed, admitting to himself a less confident male would be intimated by this room. The walls painted a pale pink, with a darker pink border at the top; the trimming is stark white, same as the closet and entrance door. The curtains draped over both windows are made of white lace. The dresser, nightstand and bed frame is all painted white. The only furnishing in here not white is the wooden chest sitting in front of the window across from the bed. Even done in rich redwood it was feminine, having hearts and flowers carved across the top and on the front panel.

  Shaking his head Andy decides to get up, he needs to take a quick shower. Grabbing his suitcase he searches for clean jeans, a t-shirt, and underwear. Hoping Chase and Stephanie don’t mind him showering Andy opens the door stepping into the hall he begins his search for the bathroom.

  Chase hears the water being turned on in the upstairs bathroom. Knowing Andy is now up and should be down soon, he take a look around the kitchen. Both Stephanie and he had been busy. She helped him organize the supplies from the attic and the items Johnny had dropped off when he brought the reports from Karen. Now they are just finishing up fixing the late lunch as he hears Andy’s movements.

  Archie materializes beside Stephanie as she begins filling bowls with homemade potato soup. With her wrist still wrapped she carefully ladles the soup in each bowl. Chase moves to the stove and takes the tray of hot ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches from the oven. He transfers the sandwiches to a platter and places it on the counter. Stephanie removes the silverware from the drawer, then goes to retrieve the napkins from the china cabinet by the back room.

  On her way back to the counter, Stephanie sees Andy standing in the doorway looking at the command center. Smiling she asks, “How did you sleep, Detective?” Stopping at the counter with the food she places the napkins beside the silverware.

  Taking his eyes from the dry erase board Andy responds, “I slept like a log; which just goes to show I was exhausted because I wasn’t sure I could in a haunted house.” Smiling he looks at Archie.

  Stephanie opens her mouth to defend Archie but snaps it close when Archie begins speaking. “I would never haunt as you put it. I am not a ghoul; I am a man of honor, even in this state of being.” Archie finishes with a returning smile.

  Chase clears his throat drawing their attention to him, “I think we should eat before the food gets cold.” Picking up a bowl he walks to the table, setting it down, he goes back to the counter picking up the platter of sandwiches and his soup spoon. Taking his seat at the table he waits as Stephanie and Andy bring their food.

  Once they are all seated Archie turns to Chase asking, “When do you think you will be able to review the reports?”

  Chase has his spoon raised ready to take another bite of soup, looking up he sees three pairs of eyes watching at him. Returning his spoon to the bowl, he replies, “I will start reviewing the files as soon as I can.” Looking at Andy directly he continues, “While you were sleeping, Archie had an idea for us to check the other family members deaths, to make sure the accidents were actually accidents and not murder.” Before Andy could interrupt Chase concludes, “I had Karen send over all the reports on the past relatives deaths, at least all she could locate.” Picking up his spoon Chase resumes eating.

  Leaning back in his chair, his food forgotten for the moment Andy asks, “When were you going to fill me in on the new development?” Raising his eye brows he waits for a responds. Hating this situation, Andy is used to being in charge and making the decisions, he admits he despises being left out of the loop.

  Stephanie glances at Archie and smiles then goes back to eating her soup. Taking a bite of her soup, she realizes both men are used to being in control. An image of them ripping off their shirts and fighting for the top position flashes through her head, trying not to giggle, Stephanie keeps her head down as she continues to eat.

  Chase mimics Andy’s position leaning back in his chair, “I was not leaving you out of the loop, I had the reports sent here so WE could go over the files and maybe make sense of this mess together. While you were sleeping, Archie brought up a good lead, I acted on it. End of story.” Keeping eye contact with Andy he adds, “Finding out who is responsible for these crimes is important to me, but I want you to know my first priority personally and

  professionally is to keep Stephanie safe.”

  Sensing the tension between the two men Archie sits quietly. Stephanie raises her head and regards Chase when he finishes speaking. She sees his determination in his eyes. Deciding to follow Archie’s lead she remains quiet. After a few moments she goes back to eating. The men will work this out, she knows from dealing with Mitch and his friends it is never good to get involved when male testosterones are in the equation.

  Andy realizes he has missed judged Chase, he hadn’t kept him out of the loop; Chase had just done his job as Sheriff. Going where his evidence takes him, or in this case where the leads go, he will pursue. “I understand Chase. You’re in your jurisdiction. I am the i
nterloper here.” Andy rolls his shoulders to loosen the tension. Deciding he may have over stepped his boundaries, Andy nods his head in acceptance of Chase actions.

  Chase extends his right hand towards Andy as he replies, “Its fine, we are working together to solve what would seem multiple felonies.” As Andy grips his hand in a firm handshake, Chase knows his first impression of Andy was right. Andy is man determined to find the truth, a man use to being in charge.

  Deciding the men have reached a compromise; Stephanie ask, “You two going to finish eating? Rising from her chair she takes her empty bowl to the sink, rinses it then places it in the dishwasher. Turning she sees both men have resume eating. She glances at Archie and sees him watching Andy.

  Not sure he trusts Detective Andy, Archie tries to judge his reactions to Chase and Stephanie. Will Detective Andy hinder the investigation here? Is he too focused on the murder that happened in his town? Will he accept the evidence that all this is related? Does he realize Stephanie is in danger? The person or persons responsible for the death of Mitch tried to kill her also. Deciding to hold his judgment of Detective Andy for now, Archie looks over at Stephanie and smiles, trying to reassure her.

  Stephanie walks to the table and removes Chase and Andy’s empty bowls. Taking them to the sink she begins to rinse them, sensing Chase behind her, she turns, seeing the sandwich platter in his hand she takes it from him. Before he can comment she places it in the dishwasher then adds the bowls, closing the door and straightens up then looks at Chase. “Now that you two have eaten, I think it’s time for you to fill Andy in on Archie and then to take a look at the reports Karen sent over.” Rising on her tip toes she gives Chase a quick kiss on the lips. Stepping back she tells him, “I am going to go to the living room, give you some space to work.” Stephanie turns leaving the kitchen.