Chapter 29 — The Intruder

The door was open,” Stephanie said, oblivious to the chilly response. “I need to talk to you.”

“I don’t think this is the time or the place,” Tess said. “When you want to have a conversation with someone, you call first. How did you know I was here?”

“He was gone. I had to find him. He broke it off with me. Said I ruined his chance with you.” Stephanie’s words tumbled out, confused and chaotic. Tess saw the desperation in Stephanie’s face. Her beautiful face ashen, her eyes dull. 

“What did you say to him?” Her look changed to one of accusation. When Tess didn’t respond, Stephanie continued. “You must have said something because he was going on about how toxic our relationship is.”

Tess took in Stephanie’s disheveled appearance, the smudges of dirt on her jeans, the unbrushed hair. “I was about to put on a pot of tea,” Tess said, trying to remain calm to avoid what she thought could become a disastrous situation.

Stephanie folded her arms and followed Tess into the kitchen.

“Sit down,” Tess said as she grabbed the teapot and held it under the spigot while the fresh well water filled the pot. Then she lit the gas burner using the time to formulate the best approach. She decided to be direct.

“What is this about, Stephanie?”

“You ruined my life,” Stephanie hissed. “At the dinner party—you pretended to be my friend while you took my husband right out from under my nose. You already had Sawyer, but you wanted Richard, too.”

“That’s not true, Stephanie,” Tess protested. “You’re distorting the truth.” The teapot whistled, and Tess jumped. Stephanie’s demeanor had turned hostile in seconds. It hit Tess that Stephanie could be dangerous. Even her father thought Stephanie was insane. Tess noticed Stephanie was trembling uncontrollably.

“What do you want, Stephanie?” Tess asked, setting the mug of tea in front of her. “You came here for something.”

“You out of my life,” Stephanie snapped. “Sawyer back, and the two hundred acres that Richard took in the divorce settlement. He paid me twice what it was worth, but I regret giving up my land. It has sentimental value. There’s a creek on the property, and Sawyer and I used to go there to be alone.”

“I know nothing about the divorce settlement,” Tess said. “Richard has never mentioned it. That’s between you and Richard.” Tess ran her finger around the rim of the mug. “It isn’t over with Sawyer, is it? If you’re hanging on to the land because of a memory, you’re still in love with him.”

Stephanie raised her chin. “I love him, but he doesn’t want me. “Once Sawyer met you, he didn’t have time for me,” she said bluntly. “There isn’t anything Sawyer wouldn’t do for you.” She paused; her eyes full of hate. “If you think you’re getting a prize with Richard: you’re wrong. He’s arrogant and egotistical; He hounded me over everything to get his way. He’ll do the same to you. Men don’t change just because they change partners. I’ll bet he’s showering you with gifts and loving attention. He did that to me in the beginning. I should have known. Animals have a sixth sense. My cat tried to tell me. Richard hated my cat. And he kicked my dog.”

Tess shook her head in disbelief. “I find that hard to believe, Stephanie. Richard has never mistreated my animals.”

“Why would I lie?” Stephanie spat. “And it seems that Richard wants to build you a house on my property. He’s been holding out for the property, and the pressure has been almost more than I can take.” Stephanie paused and took a sip of tea. “He knows when I can’t take the pressure, and that’s when he pushes me. I’ve reached my limit.” She pointed her finger at Tess. “Richard will find every weakness you have and use it against you. And I swear on my grandmother’s grave I’m telling you the truth.”

Tess was feeling uneasy. Stephanie looked dangerous as if she was about to explode: her green eyes flashed pure unadulterated hate. It was unnerving. “Sugar?” Tess asked, setting the sugar bowl in front of Stephanie, forcing herself to present a calm facade.

Stephanie’s eyes narrowed as if Tess had asked her if she’d like a lump of arsenic. “No. Sugar is bad for your heart. It will kill you.”

Tess flinched at Stephanie’s choice of words.

“My attorney is a mouse compared to Richard’s,” Stephanie wailed. “Richard is using his friend, Bradley Taylor. He works for Richard. I thought he was my friend, too. I’ve made dinner for him tons of times. We used to play chess together. But when things went sour with Richard, he turned on me. He’s used every trick in the book against me.”

Tess knew Bradley and thought there must be a reason he turned against Stephanie. “I understand,” Tess said, not wanting to upset her further.

Stephanie jerked her hand away. “Don’t patronize me,” she hissed. “You told me at the dinner you wanted to help me, but I never heard from you. You don’t know what it’s like to live in two worlds. It’s the eighteenth century at Ludwig Castle—women have no rights. I fight my demons every day both here and at Ludwig.”

“I want to help you, Stephanie, but I’ve been fighting my demons lately.” Tess gestured to the splattered blood at the doorway. “That blood is mine. My stepfather tried to murder me. I’ve never been more frightened.”

Stephanie’s green eyes grew wide. “That’s your blood?” she asked with a look of disbelief. “How did you escape?”

“It was an unseen force that saved me—ghosts—that’s what the man who attacked me told the sheriff before he died.”

“Can your ghosts help me?” Stephanie asked, her voice holding a slight glimmer of hope.

“I doubt it,” Tess said. “I think everyone has their own family of ghosts around them. All I know is that when Mac attacked me, every cell in my body screamed to live. If it meant killing him—I didn’t care. I knew I had to do whatever I had to do to survive,” Tess said. “And that’s what you must do.”

“There is a way,” Stephanie said in a low, confidential voice. “I must spend three nights with Lucifer. He’s been kind to me. Either way—I’m damned. No man would want me again after I’d been with the devil himself. And the world would shun me.”

“No higher power is going to judge a woman who is fighting to survive,” Tess said with conviction.

“You would do it?” Stephanie asked, her tone full of disbelief.

“I didn’t say I would do it, but the exchange of sex for some form of remuneration has been evident throughout history. The circumstances are quite different because I’ve never heard of a woman having sex with the devil himself.”

Stephanie’s green eyes turned dark. “I think you know more than you’re telling me. If you know about ghosts, you’ve probably delved into the dark. You could be a witch for all I know. Are you a witch? Have you come to torment me and make my life miserable?”

“Of course, I’m not a witch! I’ve delved in the supernatural, but not anything to do with the devil,” Tess said, wishing for nothing more than the conversation to be over. “When the time comes, the strength will come. I didn’t think I could fight my battle either, but I did. And I won. You must believe, and you must never give up. Not ever.”

Tess watched the internal struggle as Stephanie looked up at the ceiling, her face full of pain and anger. You know the supernatural exists, but I saw the disdain on your face at the dinner. You think I’m crazy, too, don’t you?”

Tess swallowed hard. Anyone would think Stephanie’s behavior bizarre. It seemed that Stephanie wanted more—wanted a magical solution. And she didn’t have one. Tess said nothing because she didn’t want to make the situation worse. She waited for the calm in the storm, but it didn’t come.

There was a clang of metal against china. Without even looking, Tess knew it was the sound of a spoon hitting her Aunt Nettie’s mug. Why was Stephanie testing her? Tess tried to tamp her rising anger. 

“You should go,” Tess said. “If I don’t go home soon, Richard will come looking for me.”

“I’ll be happy to leave, but you should go, too. Leave Brier Hill County and never come back,” Stephanie demanded. “I’ll pay you two hundred thousand dollars if you will leave immediately. I know I can get Sawyer back if you’re gone.” Stephanie’s thoughts were running away with her. “And Richard won’t want the land if you break it off with him.”

“Brier Hill is my home, and I’m not leaving. I’m marrying Richard whether you like it or not.” The words tumbled out of Tess’s mouth before she knew she was saying them. She glared at Stephanie. “How many men does it take to make you happy? You told me yourself you don’t love Richard, you profess to love Thomas, and you want Sawyer even though he doesn’t want you.”

Stephanie’s eyes narrowed. “You love Sawyer, too,” she said accusingly. “A girl doesn’t get over a man like Sawyer in a day. You still love him. I saw you with him today. I followed Sawyer to the river.”

The feeling that Stephanie was dangerous resurfaced. Oh God, she had stalked Sawyer. Whether Stephanie was delusional didn’t matter. Her behavior alone told Tess that Stephanie was mentally ill. How much did she see? And would she tell Richard?

Stephanie’s green eyes glittered. “I hid behind the trees and watched it all. After you were out of sight, Sawyer stood there for a long time, looking as if he had lost his best friend. I went to him, threw my arms round him, and he pushed me away.”

Tess had the grave realization that she was in a precarious situation. She tried to remain calm. “Hiding behind trees and listening to private conversations is not normal, Stephanie. You should not have been there. I’m sure Sawyer shoved you out of surprise. I think you should talk to your doctor. You’re not well.”

“Stop pretending that you care,” Stephanie spat. “I heard what you said to Sawyer. You think I’m crazy. Now he never wants to see me again.” Stephanie’s fists were clenching and unclenching. “Sawyer said you were right. We have a toxic relationship. He said it was over. He warned me that if I ever set foot in his cabin again, he would tell my father what happened between us. He made me feel like a tramp. I’m not!”

Stephanie looked so pitiful that Tess softened. They’d loved the same man, and Tess could feel her pain. God knows what a hold Sawyer had on both of them. Stephanie had spoken the truth—she still loved Sawyer—but she couldn’t act on it.

“You’re not a tramp,” Tess said gently. “Sometimes our heart wants things that are wrong for us. Sometimes we must fight what the heart wants. There’s usually a little voice inside of us telling us it’s wrong, but we don’t listen.”

“Don’t tell me about the heart,” Stephanie blared. “I know what the heart wants, and you ruined it for me.”

They both jumped when they heard the door open. Daniel and Richard strode into the kitchen.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Richard asked, pointing his finger at Stephanie. “I might have known you would try something before the divorce is final. Why are you here? You’re getting more than your share.”

“Tess has nothing to do with your divorce. You need to leave her alone,” Daniel said gruffly. “Sawyer called and said he saw your car here. You have no business here. I’m taking you straight to the psychiatrist.” His face held disappointment. “I’m thinking you’re beyond help.”

“She did nothing wrong,” Tess said, worried they would take Stephanie back to the institution. “She came here, and I invited her to have tea. There’s no harm done.”

“Stop trying to cover for her,” Richard chastised. “Stephanie should not be here, and you should be home resting.”

“Should, should, should,” Stephanie taunted. “You’re such a control freak, Richard, as well as arrogant and egotistical. And when you lose your temper—you fly into a rage. I thank God every day I’m done with you.” She paused her eyes hard, directing her gaze at Richard. “You take tiny truths and twist them, and plant seeds of destruction to make people believe your lies. I have a lot of demons and monsters in my life, Richard, but you’re the worst. I would put my trust in Lucifer before you. Lucifer is not the destroyer of lives you are. All you care about is winning.”

“I swear, you’re possessed,” Richard said, anger rising. “You’ve done enough damage. I want you out of this house now.”

“I don’t have to listen to you. Tess needs to know the truth about you, Richard. And you need to know the truth about her. She met with Sawyer at the river. She broke it off, but Sawyer still loves her, and she loves him. He’s going to carry a torch for her forever. You’re always going to wonder when she’s not home on time—is she with Sawyer? Is it really over?” Stephanie laughed wickedly and taunted, “How’s that for a seed of destruction? A little something to keep you awake at night. And I didn’t even have to twist the truth.”

Tess’s mouth gaped. She had genuinely tried to help her, and Stephanie had turned on her.

“Tess lost her balance and fell in the creek,” Stephanie gloated. “You should have seen the look on Sawyer’s face when the current carried her away.”

Tess folded her arms. Was the girl going to tell every little detail?

Richard’s face turned dark. “Are you okay, Tess?”

 Daniel’s expression was one of grave concern. “That’s a dangerous creek when it’s high. You could have drowned.”

“Let’s not talk about it. I lived. It’s over,” Tess said as she clutched Richard’s arm. And she meant it. It was over in more than one respect.

“Let’s go home, Tess,” Richard said. “There’s blood on the floor. You shouldn’t be here.”

“I need to pack a few things,” Tess said.

“Later,” Richard said, beads of sweat on his forehead. “I can’t spend another minute here.”

Daniel gripped Stephanie’s arm as she objected vehemently, dragging her feet and cursing. He threw her in the back seat. Her face pressed to the window like a caged animal who wanted to escape. They sped away. 

Tess and Richard watched the car fade away.

“Poor Stephanie,” Tess said. “She really is unwell, isn’t she?”

“Poor Stephanie, nothing. She’s a menace. Let’s lock up and go home.”

“Home?” she said, her eyes glistening. “I don’t know where home is anymore.”

“It’s with me,” he said. “Wherever we are…as long as we’re together is home.”