In Darkness, A Shadow

By Sally Carpenter

As steady as a heart beat and as neat and orderly as an apple orchard, Mel Tibets feels he has the true American dream in the small country town of Clover Creek, Washington. He lives in a nice home with his loving and beautiful wife Arlene. They have good neighbors and friends. He has a job he enjoys and he couldn’t ask for more as the town marshal of a place he would describe as a little piece of God’s heaven here on earth. What happens if the wind blows hard enough to uproot the trees and the heart beat is altered? Mel is about to find out the truth of the destruction the devil can bring when suddenly his peaceful town is turned upside down by a serial killer. The small town now plagued with fear wonders if it’s a stranger passing through or one of their own. The towns people begin to suspect people they have known for years. Mel makes an arrest but the killings continue. Could there be more than one killer out there? Mel and others work feverishly to find the answer before someone else meets an untimely death. Who will be the killers’ next victim and can Mel stop it before it happens again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sally Carpenter
• Release date: Oct 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311579317

Book preview

IN DARKNESS, A SHADOW

SALLY J. CARPENTER

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, organizations, or person, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © Sally J. Carpenter 2012

Smashwords Edition

First Edition June 15, 2012

http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com

Smashwords Licensing Notes

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews.

Cover: Karen Fuller

Editor: Maxine Bringenberg

Dedication

To all those who helped in getting this book out. A grateful thanks to my husband Jerry and our kids, to Judith and Darrell, and a big THANK YOU to David.

Chapter One

The phone rang, and Mel forced his large frame out of the comfort of his recliner. The thick teal carpet compressed beneath his stocking feet as he made his way to the telephone, which was hanging on the wall just inside the kitchen doorway. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was just past 9:30 p.m. Too early for trouble from the bar, he thought to himself. Hello?

Mel, you have to put a stop to this relationship! I just won’t have it! the scornful words came from the female caller. Mel could not dismiss the distinctive sound of ice cubes clinking against the side of a glass, nor the deep inhale, as if from a cigarette.

Now Evelyn, slow down a minute. What’s goin’ on? Mel responded in a self-restrained tone. He had little doubt about her complaint, recalling his run-in with her daughter Gwen and her latest beau Bruce Nelson. Only hours ago he’d caught them parked up behind the school—right there in broad daylight, the two of them were making out like two feverish teens.

It’s Bruce Nelson! He was supposed to have Gwen back by nine, and I haven’t seen hide nor hair of them yet. Here it is, almost nine-thirty! Oh damn! Evelyn had almost spilled the rest of her drink when she turned her wrist to see the time on her watch. It made her furious with Gwen fluttering about with someone so detestable.

Mel picked his words with care, knowing how distraught she could become. He had no doubt she’d been tipping the bottle again. There isn’t a lot I can do, he began. After all, Gwen is twenty, he reminded her.

They have this crazy idea they’re gonna get married. I’m tellin’ you now, like I told them earlier, I’ll not have it! I won’t let this marriage take place! He’s just not good enough for Gwen!

But— Mel wasn’t able to get his full thought spoken.

Evelyn cut him short. Don’t you give me buts, she huffed, slurring her words. I won’t have her marrying beneath herself like I had to. You just remember who it is that signs your paycheck!

Mel could picture her in his mind as she weaved back and forth on her chair. In the background, he could hear ice clinking, and he was sure she must be lunging for the bottle to pour another drink. Mel was well aware of her opinions of men. She had stated many times, None of them are worth a damn.

Mel could feel his temperature rising and a frown deepened the creases in his weathered brown face. It made him cringe to give in. Well, I’ll talk to them, but they’re adults! In the back of his mind, he really wanted to tell her she was a cold-hearted bitch, or at least an ol’ nagging witch who drank too much. However, he knew if he did, it would only make the situation worse. He truly felt he should get a pat on the back for being as nice to her as he was.

As he hung up the phone, he began ranting to Arlene as he strode heavily back to his chair. The nerve of that old biddy. Just because she’s the mayor’s wife and was a Peterson before she married him, she thinks she can tell me what my job is and just how to do it! Well, I’ll tell ya this, it’s not my job as town marshal to police her spoiled daughter—or to break up couples she thinks aren’t suited to one another. At last he took a deep breath. Just who the hell does she think she is anyway? The fucking Queen of Sheba?

Mel flopped his 180 pounds into his blue-gray recliner. Arlene arose from the large overstuffed floral sofa, walked across the room, and brushed back his nut-brown hair with a gentle touch. Her eyes held a softness, a deep compassion for his situation. Don’t let her get to you, honey, she stroked his temples softly. We all know she can be a real pain. It was times like this Arlene wished they had never come to Clover Creek.

Yeah, in the ass! he snorted. His sky blue eyes caught hers…they both laughed at the same moment. As his eyes held hers, he felt like the luckiest man alive. Arlene was the one person he knew he could always count on to cheer him up and offer reassurance. He didn’t know what in the world he’d ever do without her.

Other than for Evelyn, with her drunken, whining complaint, the evening was tranquil. Mel looked at his watch again. It was past eleven. He thought he should make a quick pass through town, but decided against it when Arlene entered the room dressed in a sheer black nightie. He felt his interest beginning to rise as the lamp behind her gave him a perfect view of her voluptuous body through the thin material. Her honey-blond hair hung delicately over her ivory shoulders, framing her high cheek-boned face in curls. He marveled that the almost twenty years they’d been married hadn’t changed her. Her waist was slightly bigger than it had been then, but was still trim above the swell of her full hips. Her firm breasts held the sheer gown from touching her stomach until it reached the gentle rise of her lower tummy. Every time he looked at her, he was amazed a woman this beautiful had fallen for a guy like himself.

Mel reached for her hand and enticed her gently onto his lap. You’re looking mighty fine tonight, Mrs. Tibbets, he whispered softly into her ear, his hand cupped over one of her firm breasts.

It’s all for you, honey. She sighed, squirming under his touch. You keep that up and you’re not gonna get much sleep tonight, she murmured suggestively, pawing at him like a playful kitten. God, he made her happy! She had never thought a woman could love just one man, until he came into her life.

I think we better get the lights off before somebody comes knockin’ on the door, Mel suggested, lifting Arlene to her bare feet. Being on call twenty-four, seven had messed up many nights of lovemaking; he hoped tonight wouldn’t be one of those.

She waited lovingly for him at the foot of the old hand-carved banister, and watched his reflection in the beveled mirror as he went through the house turning off the lights. She couldn’t get over the fact she still got a youthful tingle of wonder flooding her body from head to toe being there in the same room with him. It had always been thus, from the first time she saw him…her heart quickened and she wondered what lay in store for her. One thing was certain; she knew her life would never be the same again.

****

In darkness, a shadow loomed in a wheat field some miles away from the small peaceful town. A deadly stillness filled the night air as the shadow moved about in an endeavor to complete his loathsome movements.

Chapter Two

As the night slipped away, daybreak pushed its way into the countryside. The brightly colored curtains covering the single window moved gently in the soft breeze allowing the first light to fall across the chenille bedspread. Bill Henderson reached over and gently woke his wife Allison with a tender kiss to the back of her neck. She quivered slightly as his weathered hand began caressing her breast through the thin material of her summer nightgown.

Slowly she began to respond to his touch. With a melodious tone of voice, she shifted her body intrinsically to his. Ooh, that feels good.

Do you want to make love? he murmured quietly into her ear.

I guess, she countered, disillusioned that he felt he had to ask. Turning toward him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers traced the nape of his neck. But we’ll have to hurry. Look at the time!

Yeah, well, why don’t we just wait until tonight? He was annoyed; the clarity showed on his face and was clear in his tone of voice. It seemed to him lately there was always something coming between them. The time, the kids, or everyday life seemed to absorb their mindfulness of each other. He was too tired, or she was, the kids were sick or there was too much work to finish. It was too early or just too late. He recalled images from his mind of how it had been when they were younger, just beginning their lives together. Back then, we would have made time, he thought to himself. He wondered why they had changed over the years. Why were they putting their love life on hold?

She was unhappy about the shortness of time too. She looked into his bronze eyes, Okay, she responded, trying hard not to let the disappointment show in her voice. What do you want for breakfast? God, she thought, why can’t I be more creative than that? Some morning, she pondered, I’ll just get up an hour earlier, fix him something wonderful, and serve it to him in the raw; that’ll get his heart a pumping. We’ll have a lovemaking scene that will put the movies to shame. Nevertheless, for now she just inquired, How about some eggs?

Bill’s large hand patted her round bottom, Eggs it is.

They pulled themselves out of the bed. Allison slipped on her white robe with the big red roses, which hung on a corner of the antique mirror attached to the dresser. Pulling on her knitted slippers, she headed down the hall to the stairs. She paused for a moment as she passed the open window. A cool breeze swept across her, leaving a breath of freshness only a whisk of summer could accomplish.

Sure you want eggs? She hollered out as she stopped mid-way down the creaky wooden staircase. Eggs every morning, the same old thing. French toast or pancakes would be different, she thought, waiting for him to respond.

I really don’t care, just fix whatever you want, honey.

Damn him anyway, she muttered under her breath as she descended and entered the old kitchen. Allison almost fell when the colorful throw rug at the bottom of the stairs slipped on the new linoleum. She caught herself on the door casing. Shit! That damn rug! she muttered to herself. The thought hastened through her mind, I’d like to ask him just one time and get a real answer! She scowled with a sour look on her otherwise sweet round face. I should make him some oat meal, she huffed aloud. Next time he’d give me a straight answer! She grabbed the bacon and eggs from the refrigerator then headed to the stove.

Bill, dressed in his blue jeans, green plaid shirt and cowboy boots, made his way through the house to the kitchen. Allison stood in front of the old forty-inch range, both hands full, when Bill came up behind her and slipped his arms around her slim waist. She laid her head back against his muscled chest. He still made her feel all warm and tingly inside just like he had when they we in their teens. She felt the bulge in the front of his jeans rubbing against her ample bottom. Damn you! She snorted, wishing they’d had more time this morning. Don’t do this to me!

I’m gonna run out to the barn. I’ll milk the cows; do you want me to bring in more eggs when I’m done, honey? He whispered through her blonde hair. Bill never missed the chance to blow his hot breath into her ear softly. He knew she would make a fuss about it, but it was their game.

You always do this to me when I have both hands full, don’t you? She accused, threatening him with the skillet she was holding.

Bill chuckled, patted her soft rump, and then made a mad dash for the door before she could throw something at him. Allison had managed to hit him a time or two with raw eggs. Once she had even clobbered him with a whole chocolate cake. They would laugh about it. It seemed to be what they considered foreplay. She knew, and he did too—tonight would be filled with steamy passion. She said to herself, I can hardly wait, and gave a long sigh.

Allison watched her man through the kitchen window as he readied himself for another day of work. His six foot three frame seemed larger in the shadows cast by the early morning sun. A brilliant sunray caught him as he passed through the treed area and approached the old red barn about 500 feet away. As the breeze picked up it blew through the trees causing the leaves to glisten like silver dollars. The horse’s auburn tail gently swayed to and fro as it grazed peacefully in the green meadow. Birds chirped their lovely songs, only interrupted by the rooster showing that his crow was louder. Bill reached down and patted Lobo, their blue tick hound, on the head as he pranced out to greet him.

Morning fella. For a brief moment he played with him, allowing the dog to jump up, resting its front paws on his chest.

As Bill pulled open the heavy wooden door of the barn, it creaked and groaned, telling of its ninety years. Bill suddenly froze. My God! he gasped. His mouth was instantly drenched with a wave of nausea flooding his body. What the hell! His voice rose to a long wailing cry, echoing through the early morning like the lonesome cry of a lone wolf.

****

Allison, still standing in the old country kitchen by the sink, saw Bill push the dog back, out of the way. When she heard her husband’s voice, she dropped the skillet she held in her hand. There seemed to be an edge of fear, maybe anger; whichever, she knew something was dreadfully wrong.

What is it, Bill? she shrieked, heading for the barn in a dead run; her robe flapped about her knees with every stride she took.

Don’t come out here! Get back to the house and call Mel! With violence, he threw the barn door closed. Come on woman, hurry up! He grabbed his neck as if a knot was forming deep in his throat.

She stopped dead in her tracks and stood there staring at him in shock. ‘Come on woman’? She ran the phrase through her head. Give me a break, she thought. Never in the twelve years had they been married had she seen him look so shaken or had he ever used that articulation with her.

Damn it woman! Don’t just stand there, call Mel!

Allison knew he wasn’t playing a game. Anger flashed in his eyes. His face was scarlet, and the veins bulged in his neck. What do I tell him? She pleaded in desperation.

For Christ’s sake, I don’t give a shit what you tell him, just get him over here! And tell him to hurry! Arlene could tell how upset he was, and worried that his heart would explode in his chest.

Allison sprinted into the house. Out of breath, she grabbed the phone. Even before she got the receiver to her ear, she could hear Mrs. Peterson talking to Ada Johns on the party line. An unanticipated sweep of anxiety struck her. Allison knew this could go on for hours if she didn’t break in on their daily gossip session. Cora Peterson hadn’t anything better to do with her days than to tie up the phone and stick her nose in to everyone else’s business. Bill nicknamed her the scandalmonger of Clover Creek.

Allison glanced out the window. Bill was leaning against the barn door as if he were trying to hold back a raging bull.

Excuse me ladies, her voice quivered, I need to get hold of Mel Tibbets right away.

Is that you Allison? came the unmistakable voice and prying questions of Cora Peterson.

Yes! She snapped. Please! I must call Mel.

Is there something wrong, dear? Cora asked, with a fringe of excitement in her voice; not concern. She obviously wanted Allison to tell her why she needed to talk to the local deputy sheriff. Allison knew Cora well enough to imagine what she wanted to say would be, ‘Come on; come on tell me what’s going on girl’.

I don’t have time to answer all your questions. Please, I need the line! Allison demanded without taking a breath.

I’ll talk to you later dear, Allison heard one of them say, then there were two clicks. The line was now open.

With trembling fingers, she dialed the number. Three rings: why isn’t he answering, Allison wondered. Come on! she said out loud.

****

Arlene nudged Mel. Sleepily she said, The phone is ringing. She would have answered it herself but at this time of morning, it would be for him; besides, if she was to answer it, she’d have to crawl over him or actually get up. Mel, are you going to answer it?

He fumbled for the receiver. In a sleepy stupor he spoke. Hello? A woman’s excited voice came over the phone line.

Mel, this is Allison Henderson. She didn’t have a hint why she was calling him, which made it hard for her to understand why her mouth felt so dry. She could not comprehend the knot in her throat but it felt like the size of a golf ball. It made it so difficult she could hardly speak. Please, come out here right away!

What’s wrong Allison? There was a sudden echoing sound on the line…Allison knew the sound. Cora was listening-in on their conversation. She knew that she would have to choose her words with care. Cora seemed to have a knack for hearing only parts of a conversation and then being able to turn it into an hour narrative for the entire valley. Of course with only half heard bits and pieces, Cora could then attach any meaning to it she wanted.

I’m not sure, but there’s some sort of problem out here. She chose her words with care. She didn’t want Cora to fill in too many blanks. Bill’s out by the barn and told me to get you over here in a hurry! Damn her, thought Allison, why does Cora have to butt her nose into everybody’s business? She knew nothing would stop Cora from listening. She was quick to instruct Mel while not letting Cora know anything; but then that wasn’t hard to do this time… she didn’t know anything anyway. Please, just come as soon as you can!

I’ll give Ralph a call and we’ll be on our way, Mel said, reassuring her. You need a doctor out there? He sounded like he was starting to wake up now. He glanced at the bedside clock.

Oh no, nothing like that, Mel! I’m not sure what is going on, Bill just said to hurry! Allison spoke with a tranquil attitude now. She suddenly noticed her tone had changed, the rhythm of her heart was almost back to normal and the lump in her throat had dissipated.

All right, on my way! He didn’t even say good-bye.

She hadn’t even gotten the words out, Thanks Mel, when she heard a click. She was not sure if it was Mel who had hung up or if it was Cora. Then she heard a second click. She hung up the receiver and headed back to the barn where Bill was still standing against the door.

****

Mel flipped out of bed. Glancing at the clock, he thought, This is even before God gets up; just past six. Dressing hastily he asked Arlene, Hon, would you call Ralph and tell him I’m on my way over to pick him up? There seems to be a problem out at the Henderson’s place. Mel pulled his boot on.

Sprawling across the bed, Arlene reached for the phone, I hope they are all okay, she remarked as she did what Mel asked. Arlene almost began to laugh watching Mel dancing about the room trying to slip the other boot onto his foot.

As it slid on, he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss to the top of her head. I’ll call you when I get back in town, he stated, heading out of the room.

****

I just called Mel. He and Ralph will be here in about twenty minutes. Allison tried to study her husband’s face for a hint of what the problem was.

Get back to the house, and don’t let the kids out here! he demanded.

Bill, what in the world is going on?

Just trust me! And damn it, do as I say!

He never spoke to her that way. Okay! But darn it, don’t yell at me! She snapped, letting him know she was not at all happy with his tone of voice, or his attitude.

He heard the anger in her voice, but it was even more apparent on her face. I’m sorry, honey. He threw his hands up in the air but continued to lean against the door. I just need you to do as I ask. Okay?

All right! She retorted, half disgusted, her green eyes flashing with anger. This is unlike Bill, but then if there is a wild animal out there, he might need some help, she thought. On the other hand, if that were the case, she wondered just why he hadn’t asked her to get his gun. Bill, do you want me to get your gun for you? She thought that maybe he just hadn’t thought about it.

Her offer seemed to make him angry. Bill grew distressed as Allison stood there, in what seemed to him to be a challenging way. Just get back to the house, sweetheart! he repeated, growing increasingly frustrated with her. His face became stone like. What was her problem with doing what he asked?

She spun around and stormed back to the house. The old screen door slammed closed behind her. The way he was acting, she was glad they hadn’t made love. He’s acting like a total jerk! she muttered to herself. He’s treating me like a damn servant or something!

Thumps and thuds echoed through the old house. The pipes shook and rattled as water ran in the bathroom. It was a sign the children were beginning to get up. Allison went ahead and began to prepare breakfast as she did every morning.

First down the stairs was Jason, their oldest, only ten, followed by Timmy, eight, and as always the last one, Christy, four.

Morning, Mom, each little voice echoed.

Allison tried not to alarm them. She greeted each of her children with a warm smile, a big hug and a kiss on the top of their heads.

Jason was the only one who pulled away from her embrace. Aw Mom, he complained, I’m too old to be hugged like that.

She let his remark pass. Okay kids, sit down and eat your breakfast before it gets cold. Her mind was not on the breakfast but out at the barn door with Bill. With her mind otherwise occupied she almost over filled Christy’s glass of juice.

Momma, it’s full! shouted Timmy, stopping her just in time. He looked at her as if to figure out what was wrong with her; she never spilled anything.

Oh! gasped Allison. She really hadn’t been paying attention to what she was doing.

But Mom, I have chores. Jason headed for the back door. See ya in few—

Allison grabbed him by his shoulder with one hand, turning him back, and placed the juice pitcher on the table with the other. No way boy, you sit yourself down and have your breakfast, right now!

She was stern enough that Jason knew, even though he always did his chores first, he wasn’t to fight with her about it right now.

Allison looked into the face of her son. She could see the questions in his eyes. Somehow, he could see no answers in her eyes. He started to pull away but she stood firm. Don’t push it, Kiddo! Just eat! She ushered him to his chair and almost thrust him into it.

Allison kept going to the old wood framed window, pulling back the stiff, starched cafe curtains, and gazing out at the yard. Where were they? It had been close to twenty minutes now and Bill was still standing out by the barn. Why hadn’t he moved for over thirty-five minutes? Allison was really going crazy now, not