The Morelville Mysteries Collection

by Anne Hagan

While we were all gorging ourselves with cake after the ceremony, Nick stood and cleared his throat for quiet, “I don’t know if you two are planning a honeymoon somewhere in the future but Jenn and I thought you might like to have a nice wedding night somewhere besides casa di Rossi now...no offense mom and dad.”

  He walked over to Dana and handed her an envelope. “You have a suite at the Omni William Penn on the Point.”

  It wasn’t long after Dana’s screech of glee and a hurried round of hugs, thank-yous’ and good-byes from both of us that she was hustling the two of us off to the hotel.

  Our wedding clothes hung in the closet, I sat waiting outside the double bathroom doors for Dana. I was already undressed, sitting in one of the two leather chairs flanking the small coffee table in what passed for the suite’s foyer. The shuttered bedroom doors were open on my right, the startlingly white covered bed the centerpiece of the room. On my left, were the closed bathroom doors and behind them, silence. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but I was hopeful.

  My fingers played with my clit, the anticipation making me antsy. Dana had promised something special for tonight. I couldn’t imagine what it would be. During the ceremony and afterwards, I’d tried to focus on everything around me instead of my wild imaginings.

  The door squeaked as it swung open. The light was switched off right as I got a glimpse of daring red lace. She hadn’t...

  “Mel?” Sitting in the dark room as I was, she could see even less of me than I could of her.

  “I’m here.”

  “Where?” I could hear the tremble of fear and uncertainty in her tone.

  “Follow my voice.” I paused. “Trust me.”

  I saw the shadow of her as she moved carefully toward me. I waited until she was within a few feet of the table. Switching on the lamp beside the chair, on the dimmest level, I heard someone, or maybe even both of us gasp. Dana was wearing a teddy, a barely-there slip of sheer lace which covered nothing. Her nipples stood erect. Her matching silk panties were already damp.

  Her own gaze wandered over me. I could only imagine what she saw. I had never before offered myself so blatantly to her observation. The night was one of many firsts for us both.

  Stare landing on my fingers’ exploration of my pussy, she dropped gingerly to her knees and crawled toward me.

  “I want to taste you.”

  Her injury flashed through my mind but, when she reached me, I stopped thinking. Sitting back, I spread my thighs wider and allowed her to kiss me, her soft lips on my labia. Moaning, I closed my eyes and ran my hands down her long strands. The gentle cascading waterfall of her brown hair was like silk. Each touch sent shudders wracking over my flesh.

  Close to coming, teetering on the very edge, I tightened my grip on her head. She lifted her hands to wrap them around mine and ease my clasp. She rose to her knees and fell upon my breasts. With hands and mouth, she pulled and teased my nipples until I writhed and squirmed in the chair. My voice was nothing except a low hum of desire.

  “Let’s go to bed, wife.”

  I opened my eyes and lifted her chin. I repeat, “Wife,” every ounce of my being glowing with the joy of being able to at last speak that word. Dana is the love of my life and I could not begin to express the depths of that emotion. Not to myself or to anyone else. It’s far too hard to explain. It just is.

  Together, embraced, we entered the bedroom. Each choosing a side, we climbed into bed and shifted under the covers. The room was cool, comfortable, and luxurious. Nick’s gift ensured that the night would be special for us.

  Dana giggled. I joined her, her joy contagious.

  “I can’t believe we’re married. It seems like a dream.”

  “I can’t believe you said yes.”

  Shock morphed her features and I laughed harder. With a shake of her head, she brushed away my sad excuse for humor and teased me in return. “I can’t believe you asked.”

  “Touché.”

  I scooted closer to her side. Wrapping an arm over her shoulder, I pulled her in tight and tucked her slender curves along my strong side. I rolled us to our sides and began to nibble at the tender skin of her neck, from the softest flesh behind her ear, down the column of her throat, to the curve of her shoulder. She arched and sighed.

  Licking my fingers, I wetted them and then stroked over her nipples. Back and forth, round and round, I tormented and tortured her breasts until she shoved a fist in her mouth to silence her muffled screams.

  “Kiss me,” I demanded.

  Twisting her neck, Dana stretched for my lips and pressed feather light kisses to them. I seized hers in a passionate conquering and stroked my lips across hers building delicious friction.

  Together, we moaned.

  My hands caressed lower down her stomach. I touched her everywhere. I felt her body warm under my palms. Her thighs fell open. I lifted one to rest atop my legs and eased a knee between her own. I flexed my muscles and teased her drenched folds with the gentle pressure of my leg. Backing off just I bit with my knee, I snaked in with my hand as she writhed for more intimate contact. My fingers dipped within her core and caressed her inner walls. I could feel her tighten on my digits. She was close.

  Dana bucked and spasmed in my arms. Her body was shaking. She panted. Tossing her hair, she repeated my name over and over as a litany.

  Urging her to ride out her climax, I quickened the pace of my thigh and fingers. I dared her to hold back. Leaning forward, I bite her pulse point. She whimpered, coming.

  I didn’t give up until she settled. Slipping my fingers from her pussy, I captured her cheeks in my palms and rose over her to kiss her silly. She pulled back at first, fighting for oxygen.

  “I love you, Mel.”

  “I love you more.”

  Chapter 28 – Tied

  Saturday, October 11th, 2014

  The weather was perfect for a wedding. Lance looked out at the guests already gathered and seated in the rows of white chairs facing the fall trees and pond on the farm.

  “You ready for this?” His brother Tyler asked.

  “More than ready.” Lance replied. Kris had wanted the black tuxes and he’d obliged, but when he found out the rental cost, he almost reconsidered. A cow bawled for her calf out in the pasture. Then the shrill crow of the rooster split the air. Kris had arranged to have the chickens penned in their coop for the day because she didn’t want them wandering through the ceremony at an inopportune moment.

  A light breeze rippled through the trees. Kris had been worried they’d lose their leaves before the ceremony, but they were still holding on, in vivid shades of red, gold and orange.

  “I’d better go see what everyone else is doing.” Tyler said. “They must be almost ready.”

  “I hope so,” Lance said.

  Tyler headed for the house, and the Preacher came to stand beside Lance. “I just checked with everyone else, and they’re almost ready to go,” he said. “Are you nervous?”

  “A little, I guess.”

  “Everyone is, but don’t worry, it will be just fine.”

  The music began to play. Lance looked up at the house door by the wraparound porch where he knew everyone would be entering from. First came Kris’s parents, escorted by their two grandchildren. They were followed by his mother and father, escorted together by his brother. Tyler saw that their mother was seated, then he took his place beside Lance.

  The music changed and the preacher asked for everyone to rise. Lance looked up at the porch. Melissa came first, dressed in a stunning, deep purple pants suit. Kris had relented on having her wear a dress. She walked gracefully and carried a bouquet of miniature sunflowers and daisies that had grown at the farm over the summer. As she reached the bottom of the porch stairs, then Lance looked back up and caught his breath.

  Kris had let him see the catalogue picture, but she had refused to model the dress for him. It was worth the wait. It was strapless, with sparkling beads sprinkled over the bodice, making her practically shine wi
th beauty. Her hair was braided on one side, and pinned back, while the rest of it fell free. She practically floated down the aisle until she reached him. Just like they had rehearsed, he stepped forward and took her arm. Together, they faced the preacher.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Lance and Karissa would like to thank you for coming to celebrate with them today, as they join together as husband and wife. A marriage is more than a contract; it is a covenant between two people who wish to pledge their unending love for each other.”

  The Preacher stopped to take a breath, then looked at Lance. “Lance, will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

  “I will,” Lance said.

  Turning to Karissa, the Preacher spoke again. “Karissa, will you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

  “I will,” Kris said softly.

  Beth and Cole quietly made their way to the front, and stood behind the podium. Beth spoke first. “On this happy occasion, we would like to read you a short poem celebrating love and the memories to come.”

  Lance and Kris smiled at each other. Kris’ daughter had written the poem herself, and read it flawlessly. Next was her son’s turn.

  “I would like to read a short scripture,” he began, before starting some of the familiar verses of first Corinthians thirteen.

  When they finished, they walked back to their seats and sat down. The Preacher spoke again, this time to the guests. “A marriage cannot thrive in isolation. It needs support and nurturing from those around it. The two people joined in marriage need helpers who will support them. Please stand.” He waited while the guests stood up. “Do you pledge to help this couple, in whatever ways possible, to experience marriage in its fullest capacity. To celebrate with them in their joys, and mourn in their sorrows. Answer by saying ‘I will’.”

  The crowd replied with a resounding “I will.”

  “Thank you, you may all be seated.” He invited Kris and then Lance to read the vows they had written for each other.

  When they’d finished, he looked toward Tyler and asked, “Could I have the rings please?”

  Tyler handed Kris’ ring to Lance.

  “These rings symbolize never ending love and commitment. Please exchange rings as a token of this commitment.”

  Lance took Kris’ hand and gently slid her ring into her finger. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he said softly.

  I passed Lance’s ring to my sister. Kris smiled at him as she slid his ring onto his finger. They both looked back at the Preacher.

  “By the exchanging of these vows, and these rings, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Lance looked deeply into Kris’ eyes, then put his arms around her, slowly leaned down and kissed her.

  Moments later, they turned to the guests. Everyone was smiling, even the Preacher, as he said, “With your permission, I’d like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Lance Miller.”

  The party was rocking. We’d all gone together and hired a band that expertly played a good mix of old and new country and a little bit of rock. Hannah had made two beautiful but very different cakes and her boss had set them up on opposite ends of the banquet serving tables for the guests to admire separately.

  We were all gorging ourselves on a mix of great Italian foods from Adornetto’s and a little bit of barbecue thrown in by my dad who’d done a traditional hog roast in his big homemade roaster for the occasion. Barb had brought huge serving pans from the kitchen of the boars head for him to use and had hung around with him all night as the hog roasted to help him out. We topped it all off with a whole lot of cake from both ends of the table.

  I caught myself laughing several times through the afternoon and early evening as Tyler flirted mercilessly but fruitlessly with Dana. She took it all in stride and egged him on even dancing with him once or twice on slightly slower numbers her injured leg could handle but she saved the romantic slow dances for me.

  During a break in the action, I looked over at the table shared by three sets of parents. My dad and Marco Rossi were drinking beer and stuffing their faces while they both rolled their eyes at their own life partners who were chattering away like long lost friends. Richard and Kim Miller were, meanwhile, working up a sweat in the area cleared for dancing.

  Cole tapped me on the shoulder, “Aunt Mel, there’s someone here that wants to talk to you.”

  “Who? Tell them to come on over.”

  “He doesn’t want to talk out here with all these people. He’s in the house.” Cole turned and started away. Curious, Dana and I both got up and followed him.

  A very thin, gaunt Nevil Harper Jr. was sitting alone in the darkened living room on the sofa where Cole had left him. I was at a loss for words. He’d been missing for weeks. Without him, my investigation into the death of Olivia Stiers was at a standstill.

  He started to stand on shaky legs but I waved him back down. “When’s the last time you ate?”

  “I, I had some beans...”

  “Don’t lie to me. Cole, go fix him a plate. Make him a sandwich and get him some of the pastas too.”

  Once Cole was gone, Dana and I took seats.

  “I’ve been worried about you.”

  “Worried ma’am?”

  I nodded, “Yes worried. I’m going to get right to the point here; I know that you’re the one who reported the death of Olivia. After that, you disappeared. I need to know what happened.”

  He looked from me to Dana and then back to me again. “That’s just it, I don’t know what exactly happened...I think I know, but...well, I’m just not sure.”

  Dana got up and sat beside the boy, “Nevil, I’m Dana. You might not remember me but I was at the fair.”

  The boy nodded, “I saw you hanging around with Beth and Cole and the Cranes.” He tipped his head toward me.

  Dana continued, “I know you’re scared. We want to help you. We need to know everything you know for that to happen.”

  Nevil Jr. swallowed hard. We were all silent for a minute as we heard the screen door off the kitchen slam and someone come through the house. Cole appeared in the doorway with a plate loaded with food. I instructed him to put it down in front of his friend and then to go and keep everyone headed our way out of the house for a few minutes.

  When Cole was gone, I instructed Nevil, “Go ahead and eat and while you do, please tell me what happened that day.”

  The boy attacked the sandwich hungrily and took a few bites before speaking. “I told my dad about me and Olivia the day after you and I talked. He got really mad. He called me and her all sorts of names and then he tried to hit me. I backed away from him and I left the house.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “Just to the hay loft. I needed to cool off and so did he. I snuck back into the house in the morning and changed, then I went to work.”

  “I finished Olivia’s car that day. My manager called her to tell her it was done, but she didn’t answer. I went over there Friday after work to see her but she was on her way out to see her dad when I got there. I told her that her car was done. She said she’d come by the shop in the morning to get it. She kissed me real quick and she left. I went back to the hay loft.”

  He paused for more bites of food. “I saw dad pull out in his pick-up pretty early Saturday morning. I went into the house and got a shower real quick and got changed for work.”

  “Olivia...she never showed up that morning. The guys I work with, they were all talking bad about her. They told me she’d been dating a few guys at a time and stringing them all along. I didn’t say anything, I just kept quiet. At lunch time, I asked my manager if I could take the car to her; sort of to test drive it. I told him I’d have her bring me back so she could test the car too while I was with her.”

  “So you did go over to her condo that Saturday?” He nodded and ate some more. So far, the timeline is r
ight... “What happened when you got there?”

  “The lot was pretty empty. I was all set to pull in right in front of her place when I realized the pick-up truck that was parked there in one of her spots was my dad’s. I didn’t know he even knew where Oliva lived. I was scared when I saw the truck. I pulled the car in down several slots while I tried to decide what to do.”

  “I decided I was going to go in there and try to talk to both of them when...when I saw him come out and get in his truck.”

  Dana asked softly, “Is that when you went in?”

  “Yes.” The boy’s lower lip started to tremble. “That’s when I found her...”

  Dana put a hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye, “Was she alive then?”

  “N...no. She was lying on her bed without a shirt. It looked like she was just asleep but she didn’t answer me. She wasn’t breathing.” He started to cry, tears streaming down his face.

  “I didn’t know what to do...what to think. I was so scared. I was worried that my father did something to her. I called 911 and then I left. I took her car and I just drove.”

  “Did you see your father again after that?” I asked him.

  “No ma’am. I never went home. Haven’t been there since that day.”

  “You’ve been on the run for seven or eight weeks now. Where did you go?”

  “We get paid on Friday’s. I cashed a paycheck I had then I stayed with a buddy for a couple of days. My buddy’s girl didn’t like me being there though so I drove down to Chillicothe and stayed with one of my cousins.”

  “How long were you there?”

  “Only a few days. My cousin’s stepdad didn’t seem to like me hanging around. He started asking questions so I just left. I found cheap places to stay and I ate fast food until my paycheck money was gone a couple of weeks ago then I drove the car back to the shop and I hitched a ride.”

  “Where did you go?”

  Nevil Jr. hesitated but then gave in, “My grandpa, mom’s dad, has a fishing shack that nobody much uses after Labor Day. I’ve been staying there. There was some canned food and stuff there but it’s mostly gone now. Grandpa didn’t leave a single pole there even. I knew I couldn’t stay there and, while I was there, it was so quiet, I had lots of time to think. It isn’t right to keep running and not face up to stuff.”