Hearing footsteps again above him, he opens his eyes and looks at the ceiling. take on an evil glare. how to kill him and make no mistake he will kill him. Does he want quick or long and suffering for the man that spawned him? The bastard had disowned him, cut him off financially. Not caring if he ended up homeless. If it hadn’t been for his Granddad Daniel, he would have been homeless and begging for food. His Granddad was the only one in the town who believed him when he said he hadn’t done the crimes he had been accused of. He had been an up and coming defense attorney, why would he try to bribe the judge and tamper with the witness?
Thinking back to the day he was arrested, he knew the Sheriff had already judged him. Sheriff Peterson had put the handcuffs on him after church, while he was still talking with the other parishioners. He had asked the Sheriff to wait until he got home, he could follow him to his house. But the big badass Sheriff Peterson, had informed him he was under arrest and then made him turn around and be handcuffed in front of the whole town. Having been arrested that way he knew he didn’t have a chance for a fair trial. you were. of this hick county.
Even though he had only gotten thirty-six months in prison and then probation for a year, it was the fact he was disbarred that made him hate the Sheriff. He will make sure the Sheriff suffers for that.
Not hearing footsteps any longer, he lies down and tries to plot how he was going to get back inside the Cain’s house. He thought he had gotten the right ledger, but looking through it, he hadn’t found any useful information. His Granddad Daniel was certain he needed the ledger from 1863. But his Great, Great, Knowing it’s his Father, the bastard. His eyes
Thinking about his Father, he tries to decide In this town if the Sheriff thought you were guilty then Thank goodness his Granddad had the trial moved out Great, Grandfather William hadn’t been mentioned. He had gone through the ledger over a hundred times to make sure he hadn’t missed anything. Thinking his Granddad Daniel had the year wrong, he plans to take the year before and the year after 1863.
Closing his eyes too tired to plot his next plan of action he resolves to start fresh tomorrow. The last week had flown by, with everyone busy. Chase had taken the paint scrapping to a friend at the FBI, explaining about the investigation and stressing the importance of urgency. Andy had contacted his Captain requesting more time away from his other duties, he had to do some fast talking to receive the Captain’s permission to stay to pursue the evidence here. They had reviewed reports making numerous notes. They had compared their findings, only to start over again. Stephanie had worked on her assignment, completing it ahead of schedule and received her bonus check within hours of submitting the design to the author. The delivery company had finally brought her belongings; however not in the mood to deal with sorting through the boxes she had Chase store them in the attic.
Archie had tried to keep out of everyone’s way; he had stayed in the attic most of each day. At night he would patrol the house, concentrating on the down stairs area. He had spoken to Chase about his plan to help keep Stephanie safe while allowing the men to sleep without concern. Chase had consented to the proposal, as long as Archie agreed to wake him if he suspected something was wrong.
This being the seventh night of his patrolling, Archie moves through each room downstairs, stopping at the windows to observe the estate. Entering the living room he glances at the portrait, smiling at his Beloved Della, floating to the far side of the room he stares through the glass at the darkness. He is only able to make out the outlines of the two barns and the garage. The moonless night would provide a perfect cover for an intruder. Keeping his guard up, he moves to the next window, scanning the yard. With no moon, he is unable to see past the glow from the porch lights, yet he continues to do the sentry. Fatefully he makes his walk-throughs of the house, checking each room and each window.
Shifting from the window at the front of the house, Archie begins moving towards the door leading to the foyer; it is time to start the rooms again. Each night he begins checking room by room, when they have been cleared he starts the process over. Feeling a sensation at base of his neck he turns back, looking around the room, he observes nothing out of place. Floating to the far window, he stares out at the night. Not seeing anything out of the ordinary Archie starts to turn away, stopping when he notices a small flicker of light. The light is tiny and from this position it looks too small to be a flash light. The distance from the house he judges to be less than an acre away.
As Archie continues to concentrate on the light, it moves, seemingly to appear closer. Remembering his promise to Chase he takes one last look at the light then vanishes. Archie reappears in the guest room, standing beside the bed he looks down at Andy. Not wanting to frighten him, Archie stands looking down trying to figure out the best way to wake him. Deciding he didn’t have time to waste, he leans closer to Andy and says, “Andy, you need to wake up, now.”
Stepping back when Andy opens his eyes, he tells him, “I saw a light outside, it was about an acre away, but now it’s drawing closer.”
As Archie relates the details to him, Andy raises up sitting on the side of the bed, he puts his shoes on, moving to the dresser he picks up his gun. On his way to the door Andy tells Archie, “Go wake up Chase, tell him I am going out the back door, he can go out the front.” Not looking back Andy jogs down the stairs.
Chase is sliding his feet in his shoes when Archie appears in their room. Without looking up Chase tells Archie, “Talk fast, what did you see?”
Glancing over at the bed Archie see Stephanie is now sitting up with the covers pulled under her chin; not wanting to scare her he looks back at Chase, “There is a light out by the property line on the north side, less than acre away.” Chase leans over Stephanie giving her a quick kiss. He straightens then begins walking to the door as Archie informs him, “Andy said for you to go out the front door, he went out the back.”
Nodding in understanding, Chase grabs his gun from the bureau then continues on his way out. Stopping at the front door, he reaches for the porch light switch. His hand rises to flick it off; he drops his hand to the door knob instead. The porch light will give away his presence but so will the light being turned off. Deciding to just walk outside and pretend he is doing a scheduled check, Chase opens the door and steps onto the porch. Preceding with caution Chase moves away from the front door, realizing standing in the light he is a visible target.
Walking to the north side Chase stops at the railing, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness. Now with the light behind him, Chase is able to make out the barns and the garage. Chase scans the property line as he tries to see the light Archie saw, he hears a whisper saying his name. “Did you see anything?” Not waiting for Andy to answer Chase vaults over the railing landing on the ground a few inches from him.
Andy puts his hand on Chase’s arm stopping him from moving. “When I came down stairs I looked out the window, I saw a light of some sort. It was just as Archie said. As I watched the light it flickered then went out. I think the person or persons are gone.” Releasing his hold on Chase, he glances at the window behind them; he sees Stephanie and the faint outline of Archie. Shifting his attention back at Chase he shares his theory, “I think tonight was to observe only. He knows we are here with Stephanie, I think he wanted to check our schedules.” Turning he scans the property line again.
Chase rakes his fingers through his hair, his frustration apparent, “I still want to check the area.” He walks away, not waiting for Andy. He acknowledges to himself he is grateful to Archie doing the sentry at night, he is grateful he seen the light, and he is grateful no one was hurt. But what if the person had made it to the house, with him and Andy both sleeping, it would take time for Archie to wake them. Maybe they need a plan for action, not just Archie sentry at night. Maybe they need to take turns, each man taking a couple of hours. As Andy falls in beside him Chase shares his thoughts.
Turning to Andy he sees the same determination as his own. Chase experiences
an overwhelming feeling of urgency to find the person responsible. The perpetrator has to be stop. The break-ins are minor; however the person or persons have committed at least three murders and in his opinion will kill again. Walking beside Andy, Chase lost in his thoughts he flinches when he hears Archie’s voice.
Archie appears beside Chase, “I was thinking I messed up tonight.” Shaking his head at his mistake he explains, “I should have come out here when I saw the light. I may have been able to see his face. Find out if this is one person or more.” The feeling of dread fills his chest, he has failed again. It would seem he was always failing people he cares about.
Andy hears the self-contempt in Archie’s tone; Andy stops on the path he waits until both men turn to face him, scratching his cheek he tells them, “This is not your fault Archie and it’s not Chase’s fault either. This is the fault of the bastard who is causing this.” Looking straight at Archie he asks, “Did you do exactly as Chase told you do?” Seeing Archie nod he continues, “You followed orders. It was your job to patrol the downstairs. You did that, when you saw the light, you came and reported it.” Still looking at Archie he continues, “None of us thought about you investigating on your own. Look, man…we are a team. We now have to come up with a different plan of action.” Focusing his attention to Chase he inquires, “Did you want Archie to come out here and investigate? Not waking us?”
Not having to think about his answer Chase immediately responds, “Hell no, I don’t.” Directing his words to Archie he concurs with Andy, “You did great tonight. I don’t want you to think about what you should have done. You did exactly as I directed.” Huffing out a breath he tries to express his own inadequacies, “I need to keep Stephanie safe. The fact the bastard was again watching makes ME feel I failed her.” Holding up his hand to stop them from interrupting he resumes, “I know I am missing something important, something that will help solve this.” Flexing his shoulders he concludes, “We have dots on paper, just no way to connect them. It drives me crazy knowing Stephanie is not safe until all the dots are connected and the S.O.B is behind bars.” Skimming the property line again with his eyes, he begins walking again. Both Andy and Archie flank him; they move silently towards the edge of the property, each lost in their own thoughts.
Stephanie stands at the window watching the men as they walk across the yard, speculating about what they are discussing. Laying her forehead against the window’s glass, she feels the cool surface. She wonders about the time, but doesn’t move to check the clock on the wall. She is tired, she feels as if she had just dozed off when they were waken. Knowing with her nerves feeling wired she wouldn’t be able to sleep; she allows her mind to wander as she stands surveying the yard.
Remembering Chase professing his love to her, she smiles. Wishing she had a girl friend to share news with, she quickly thinks of Marty. Maybe she needs to call her, see if they can have lunch. She needs to find out how she is doing since Nick took her home. Making a mental note to call Marty, she turns her thoughts back to Chase.
Chase, just thinking about him makes her giddy as a girl on her first date. She thinks about him all the time and enjoys spending time with him. They talk for hours, about all topics. They debate issues while respecting each other’s opinions. Closing her eyes, she recalls their love making; Chase makes her feel as if she is the only woman in the world for him. The expression of his love is in each touch, each look, and each kiss they share.
Hearing the phone ring, Stephanie cuts her thoughts off; turning from the window she sprints to the kitchen to answer it. Before she can say hello she hears a male voice on the other end. “You are dead bitch, you and your boyfriend the asshole Sheriff.”
Unable to move or speak Stephanie flinches when the other phone is slammed down ending the call. After a few minutes she hears the dial tone, slowly she hangs up the receiver. Standing in the kitchen Stephanie feels a chill, as a shiver runs down her spine she remember a saying her Mother use to say, “A shiver of cold, means someone has walked on your grave.” Not sure she understands what her Mother had meant, but she knows this explained how she feels at this very moment.
Shaken Stephanie staggers to the table, pulling a chair out she sits down. Wishing Chase was here she stares at the pictures of her brother Mitch. Tears form and trickle down her checks; she knows the man on the phone is the same person who killed Mitch. The same man who just threatened to kill her and Chase had already committed one murder, had already tried to kill her once, and was going to try again. Admitting she is terrified, Stephanie covers her face with her hands allowing the tears to flow.
The men enter through the back door, as they walk through to the kitchen Chase runs to Stephanie, “Honey, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?” Worry fills his voice, as he kneels in front of her.
Removing her hands from her faced Stephanie turns tears filled eyes to Chase, “I…I…he called here. The awful man called here.” Tears streaming down her face she throws her arms around Chase and burrows her face into his neck.
Looking over at the men, Chase rubs Stephanie back, telling her she is fine. Gripping her shoulders he pushes her back away from him so he can look into her eyes. Hating the fear he sees there, he tries to keep his voice calm and soothing, “Honey, who called here?” Not taking his eyes off Stephanie he senses the men move to the table sitting down, waiting.
Wiping her eyes with her hands, Stephanie sniffs. “The phone rang and I answered it. A man said he was going to kill you and me.” Shivering, she feels tears forming again.
Pulling Stephanie back into his arms, Chase rubs her hair as he makes calming cooing sounds. Raising his eyes to Andy, Chase allows him to see his anguish.
Rising from the chair, Andy walks to the phone, pressing the ID button, he tells Chase, “The last call is ‘unknown’.” He hits the recall button, listening for a few seconds he hangs up the receiver. Shaking his head he says, “Call back is blocked.” Hitting the counter with his fist he exclaims, “Nothing, we have nothing.”
Andy begins to pace while Chase continues to soothe Stephanie. Thinking of the threats, Andy characterizes the man as crazy and crazy is dangerous. Why did he call here? Did he know Chase and he were outside and Stephanie would be the one to answer? Walking to Stephanie he stands behind Chase, he understands Chase’s priority is Stephanie. Nevertheless, he needs to question her, hating to put her through this but knows it is necessary. Clearing his throat he takes on his persona of Detective Rogers, “Stephanie, I realize this is difficult for you, but I need to ask you a few questions.”
Chase moves Stephanie back a little; having her lean back in her chair, as he moves behind her he places his hands on her shoulders. Appreciation reflects in his eyes as he glances at Andy. Chase massages Stephanie’s shoulders, he feels her tense as she sits up straight and turns to look at Andy.
Andy looks into her redden eyes seeing tears still developing, he also see determination and strength. Both qualities he would wager she didn’t fathom came from her; she is assuming Chase is responsible for her capabilities. Understanding a witness is a requirement for a good Detective. He knows she can do this, he knows once she talks about it, she will be able to work through it. Years of experience made him confident with his assessment.
Sitting down across from her, Archie remains silent. Not wanting to intrude with the Detective. Feeling helpless to assist her, wanting to do as Andy had done and hit something, instead Archie waits giving an outwardly appearance of calm as Andy begins to speak.
“Stephanie, I need you to tell me exactly what was said, word for word.” Flipping open his notebook Andy pauses briefly, “Need to know what you said and what the man said.” Flicking his eyes quickly to Chase he conveys his sympathy for their circumstances.
Taking a deep breath than releasing it Stephanie begins, “I was watching you all walking outside, I starting thinking about friendships.” A slight twitch of a smile touches her lips as she continues, “I heard the phone ring and I came in here to ans
wer it. I didn’t say anything; as soon as I placed it to my ear he began talking.” A chill runs down her spine as she concludes, “He said, “You are dead Bitch, you and your asshole boyfriend the Sheriff.” Then he slammed down the phone. I was still holding the phone when I heard the dial tone.” Having the information out in the open relief floods her system; wiping tears from her eyes she turns to Chase, a slight smile conveying her thanks.
Chase moves to sit on the chair closes to Stephanie. He takes her hand in his; giving it a slight squeeze then releases it. Shifting his eyes from Stephanie he looks at Andy, “You realize he called knowing Stephanie was in the house alone. He knew we were outside and he would be speaking to her.” Fury at the bastard for causing her fright he declares, “I will kill him before he ever gets close to her.”
Having been quietly listening Archie asks, “If he knew she was alone in here, why call? Why didn’t he try to get to her tonight?” Stephanie’s sharp gasp has him feeling guilty for voicing the questions.
Andy addresses Archie, “He accomplished his goal, tonight was about letting us know he is watching all of us. The threat to Stephanie is just that, a threat. He knows she is protected. He also knows we are not going to leave her alone long enough for him to get to her.” Emphasizing for Stephanie, “The bastard thinks if we are concerned for Stephanie we will overlook evidence, make mistakes. Giving him more time to do whatever it is he is doing.” Rising his eyes to Chase he notices Chase has also come to the same theory.
Nervous energy has Stephanie rising from her chair; she moves to the coffee pot and begins to get it ready to brew, sensing it’s going to be awhile before she can sleep, Stephanie decides she needs coffee. Once the pot is perking, she turns to the look at the men, “So what do we do now?” Determined to not be a victim she stands with her shoulders straight, ready for battle.
A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) Page 18