A Love for all Ages (Crockett County Trilogy Book 1) (29 page)

“Ok fine, I won’t say anything to Chase, but I tell you
Stephanie you are expecting and I am going to be a Grandmother.”
Leaning back in her chair Carrie glance over at Chase, happy he has
found a woman to love and be loved.
She resists the urge to go to
him and give him a big hug.
With a grin she begins calculating in
her mind the timeframe until the birth.

Sitting at the kitchen table CJ and Archie talk, each confides
their feelings of lost when their friendship ended.
CJ admits to
missing their visits but knew they had to stop.
At the look of
confusing on Archie’s face he realizes Della had not told him the
reason.
CJ briefly apologizes then goes on to explain the reasons,
when he finishes Archie nods his head once in understanding.

After the first awkward moments the two spend the next
hour catching up on each other’s news.
Feeling shame CJ states, “I
am so sorry I didn’t visit after Della passed away.
I know this is too
soon but I hope you will be able to forgive me.”

Archie now knowing the situation both CJ and Carrie had
been in and understands the reason for stopping the visits.
“You
have nothing to seek forgiveness for.
You did what had to be
done, the children you two have helped is greater than my sorrow
for lost friendship.
My regret is I wish Della had told me the real
reason, instead I just waited until I finally knew you were not
coming back.”
Shaking his head he wonders at the logic for Della
to withhold this information.

Once they moved past that issue, they began discussing the
time since their last visit, each telling of events over the past twenty
or so years.
It didn’t take long before they were talking like old
friends again.

Having been out of town for two weeks CJ was shocked
when Archie told him about the murders and Stephanie being in
danger.
“I had no ideal this was going on and I bet Carrie doesn’t
either.”
Shaking his head he realizes his son wouldn’t want them
to worry but he feels slighted for not being told.

Realizing he revealed this without consulting Chase, Archie
tries to comfort CJ, “I am sure Chase will tell you.
As you said you
have been out of town.
I know he is the Sheriff but he loves you
and Carrie, I don’t think he kept this from you on purpose.”
Feeling a bit like a traitor to his friend he continues, “Your son is a
man of honor and he may have felt the less you know the less
danger you and Carrie would be in.
Since we don’t know the
person or person responsible for the murders he may have wanted
to keep you two safe.”

Huffing out a breath CJ responds, “I will find out the why, but
not today. Today is for relaxing and enjoying the day. With
everything happening lately I am sure both Chase and Stephanie
need to relax and not think about this.”
Holding up his hand when
Archie tries to interrupt CJ continues, “I will speak with my son
concerning this matter.
I have a right to know when someone is
threatening the people I love.”
Folding his arms across his chest CJ
leans back on his chair as he tries to figure out how he can help.

Recognizing the look of determination on his friend’s face
Archie knows he will be seeing a lot of CJ in the near future.
Smiling he says, “I can see your mind working on a solution.
I
believe we need to come up with a plan to help with the
investigation.” As CJ focus on Archie’s words he adds, “The quicker
we can solve this then the quicker Chase and Stephanie can move
forward with their relationship.”

Laughing CJ agrees, “You are right my friend.
I want
nothing but happiness for my son.
But he is sadly mistaken if he
thinks I am not going to be involved.”
Relaxing his shoulders CJ
confides, “I will discuss this with Carrie and come up with a strategy
to help.
You being here is a relief to me, knowing this will allow
me to sleep at night.”

Nodding his agreement Archie reveals his ability to move
objects now.
The stun expression on CJ’s face has him laughing.
Demonstrating Archie picks up the beer bottle in front CJ then sets it
back down.
“I can do more than just stand by like a child.
I now
have the capability to throw items.”
Lowering his voice he adds, “I
have been practicing in the attic.”

Laughing out loud CJ responds, “You my friend are amazing.”
Both men turn to look at the back door when they hear the door
knob turn.
Accepting the conversation is over for now CJ decides
he needs to ponder the complete situation before he discusses this
with Carrie.

Stephanie opens the back door stepping inside she
announces, “The steaks are finally ready, and I am just going to start
taking the other dishes outside.”
Smiling at both men sitting at the
table she moves to the refrigerator and begins transferring bowls to
the counter.
As she removes the third dish Marty walks into the
room.

“Need some help?”
Marty stops speaking when she sees CJ
sitting at the table.
Concerned she asks, “You ok. Mr. Peterson?”
Not able to see Archie she wonders why he is sitting alone in the
kitchen.

Rising from his chair CJ smiles, “I am fine my dear.
I just
needed to speak to an old friend.”
He taps the pocket on his shirt
hoping she would assume he had used his phone.
Seeing her nod
in understanding he picks up a bowl then turns to the door.

As CJ passes the table Archie tells him, “I am going to go to
the attic.
You should visit with the people outside.
I hope to see
you again soon, my friend.”
Archie fades before CJ can comment.

Slanting a quick look at Stephanie, CJ winks before
continuing through the door.
As he places the dish on the patio
table CJ whispers to Carrie, “I have my friend back.”
He is unable
to go into more detail as Marty joins them at the table, placing the
dish she carries beside his.

After Marty leaves to bring more food Carrie tells him, “I am
thankful.”
Not saying more she just smiles.
Allowing her mind to
wonder again to them being Grandparents, Carrie decides on the
way home to tell him.
Aware she can’t keep this news to herself.

It only takes a few trips to bring all the food outside.
Moving chairs closer around the table making room for everyone,
they finally sit down.
Chase brings the platter of steaks to the
table, setting it in the middle at the place of honor.
As he takes his
place at the head of the table Chase scans the people surrounding
him. Deciding to follow tradition Chase asks everyone to hold
hands, he then bows his head and says the blessing, echoes of Amen
join his when he finishes.

Grinning at his guests Chase announces, “Let’s eat while the
steaks are hot.”
He points at two steaks telling both Stephanie and
Marty that those are well done.
He then picks up the dish closes
to him and dips a big spoon of his Mother’s baked beans onto his
plate.

As if on cue everyone starts passing the bowls around the
table, each filling their plates.
Other than a few thank you or
please, no one speak as they all concentrate on eating.

Having hiked for two miles he is tired and even from an acre
away he can smell the food.
Hearing his stomach grumble at the
aroma from the grill, he curses.
With his field glasses he observes
the people gathered on the patio.
He can’t believe his eyes they
are having a damn party.
True there are cops present, but it is still
a party.

Is the woman stupid?
Had she not told the Sheriff he had
called and said he was going to kill her?
Did she not understand he
meant every word?

Positioning his fingers to symbolize a gun, he lines up
pretend sights.
“Bang.” He shoots Chase, than moves to line up his
sights on the woman, “Bang.”
Slowly he continues until he has
killed everyone at the table.
Laughing at his game, he starts over
with Chase. This time he pretends he shoots Chase in the head
and even visualizes his brain splattering all over the other people.

His desire to get in the house soon has him looking at the
barns.
Knowing a fire would get them out of the house as they try
to save it.
But would it give him enough time to get in and find the
other ledgers?
Knowing he couldn’t set fire to the house for fear
of burning the needed information.
He scans the rest of the
property.

Looking at the hay barn he moves to the next building, it is
further away.
They would be occupied trying to put out the fire
and would be away from the house longer.
Wondering what was
inside the building he makes plans to come back tomorrow night to
check it out.
He doesn’t want to rush this he can’t afford to make
any mistakes.
He had been waiting too long to get his hands on
the gold and have his revenge on the Sheriff.

Crawling backwards he moves further from the view of the
house. Not taking any chance of being seen, only after he knows
the people at the house wouldn’t be able to see him does he stand
up and begins walking back to his car.

Sitting at the table with his stomach full Chase listens as the
others begin to have quiet conversations.
Glancing at Stephanie
he notices her looking at him.
As their eyes meet she smiles.
The
pure love he sees reflecting in her eyes has his breath catching.
He
knows she worries about the danger she is facing, but she doesn’t
allow her fears to control her life.
For him this proves she is a
strong woman with a strong character.

Breaking eye contact with Stephanie he turns towards his
Father leaning close he hears his parents discussing remodeling
their home.
“What are two planning?”
Curiosity sounds in his
voice.

Appearing uneasy Carrie glances at Stephanie then at Chase,
“We just want to make a few changes to a couple of rooms nothing
too extravagant.” Picking up her glass of ice tea she takes a sip
then sets it back down.

Stephanie stares at Carrie frowning, sensing she has told CJ
of her suspensions.
Feeling the situation is snow balling out of
control she raises from her chair.
Moving to stand beside Marty
she asks her to help clear the table.
Picking up a few dishes
Stephanie walks inside the house.

Excusing herself Marty grabs a dish then follows Stephanie.
Inside the kitchen Marty asks, “What’s wrong?”
Placing the dish
on the counter she crosses her arms over her chest as she waits for
Stephanie to explain.

Raking her hands through her hair Stephanie blurts out,
“Carrie told CJ I’m pregnant and now they are remodeling their
home.” Closing her eyes Stephanie counts to ten.
Opening her
eyes when she hears Marty soft laughter.
“This is not funny.
I
am not pregnant.”
Picking up the dish she had sat on the counter
she dumps the remains in the trash.
Placing it in the dishwasher
she reaches for the next dish as she turns towards the trash she
stops suddenly, looking back at Marty she asks, “How soon can a
test tell if I am pregnant?”

Unfolding her arms Marty walks over to Stephanie, “The
good ones over the counter will tell in as little as seven days after a
missed cycle but the ones at the hospital will show within a few
days.” Seeing Stephanie pale Marty asks, “How many days are you
late?”

Walking to the table Stephanie picks up her cell phone,
opening the calendar application she counts, “I’m not late; I still
have a week and half before I am due.”

“Oh honey, you know you’re pregnant, the middle of your
cycles is the best time.”
Not sure why Stephanie is refusing to
believe the facts she suggests, “Why don’t you just buy a test?
Or
go to the health department?”
Shrugging her shoulders Marty
advises, “Take a test and stop worrying.”

Shocked to her core Stephanie feels like crying, “I can’t be
pregnant, I don’t know anything about babies.
My role model is
my Mother; she always worked and never was around.
The
youngest child I ever babysit was four years old.”
Shuttering she
continues, “Babies scare the hell out of me.”
Blowing out a breath
she leans over the counter and puts her head on her hands.

Trying not to laugh Marty pats Stephanie on her shoulder.
“You are going to worry yourself to death.
If you are pregnant you
will have time to adjust and plan for the baby.
But if you’re not
you have wasted time worrying about nothing.”
Trying for her
calm nurse voice she adds, “Just call the Doctor Monday morning,
make an appointment and try not to stress.”
Grinning at
Stephanie Marty smirks, “Stress is not good for the baby.”

Straightening as she hears the door open Stephanie tries for
a smile when she sees Chase and Nick walk in.
Picking up a dish
she notices her hand shaking and quickly turns to the trash to empty
its content.
With her back to the men, Stephanie takes a few deep
breaths to calm her nerves.

Chase isn’t sure what they interrupted but he doesn’t like
the feeling something is wrong with Stephanie.
With her back to
him he can’t see her expression.
won’t make eye contact with him.
Glancing at Marty he notices she

Deciding he intruded on girl
talk, he moves to the refrigerator grabs a couple of beers, hands
them to Nick then grabs a few more for him to carry.
As Chase
moves to leave the kitchen he bends down to Stephanie kissing her
temple.
As she raises her head to look at him he sees her
expression is serene.
Smiling Chase straightens and walks out the
door.
Joining the men at the edge of the patio Chase admits he
will never understand women.

Carrie and CJ carry dishes inside.
Seeing the tension on
Stephanie’s face, Carrie looks at CJ.
Understanding the meaning
his wife is conveying CJ sets the dishes on the counter then excuses
himself, he decides to go outside to speak with Johnny.

After CJ leaves Carrie assesses the women, taking a deep
breath she releases it, “Stephanie I am sorry I have caused you so
much stress today. I apologize and ask you to please forgive me.”
The look of distress on Carrie’s face had Marty coming to her rescue.