Read Online Hero's Journey by J. J. Cook, Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene - Free Book Online Page B

her grandfather.
    She saw the pickup’s headlights flash a few times behind her as John tried to signal her. She ignored him and turned on the main road, heading out of town for the Carson estate.
    It was a good night to ride the motorcycle. The weather was dry and mild for a change. It probably wouldn’t be long before they had snow and she had to put the Harley in storage for the winter.
    Back home they’d already had snow. Stella’s mother or father called every day wondering when she was coming back. She wasn’t sure what to tell them. She was committed to finding Eric’s killer. She’d put everything else on hold for that purpose.
    She knew Chief Henry wouldn’t hold her job forever. She kept hoping they’d find the answers to what had happened to Eric. But it had happened a long time ago. Many of the people involved were dead. Answers weren’t particularly forthcoming. She felt sure they were out there, but she wasn’t sure where.
    The Harley took the steep hill to the estate entrance a lot easier than it took the mountain road to the cabin. Ben had offered to let her stay at the mansion, but Stella was reluctant.
    It wasn’t only the fact that she didn’t really know him. Ben had remarried and Vivian, his new wife, was worried that Stella would take over. Vivian had a son, Marty, from a previous marriage. The two were always scheming, trying to find some way around Ben’s promise that neither of them would inherit his money, corporation, and property.
    It was a regular soap opera right there in Sweet Pepper. Too much drama for Stella, who’d grown up with her father’s boisterous, and open, Irish family.
    Bernard was at the gated entrance. He was her grandfather’s driver and took care of his collection of cars. He saluted her as he opened the gate. Stella raced through the portal and up to the house. The road was smooth and well lit. The estate was run carefully and tended like the pepper fields in the area. Nothing was left to chance. Everything went the way Ben Carson wanted it to—or there better be a good reason why not.
    There were dozens of cars in the driveway. Her grandfather was waiting at the door as Stella parked her Harley and took off her helmet. “I was wondering when we’d see each other again,” he said. “You’re always so busy with the fire brigade. No time for an old man who loves you.”
    Ben was tall and thin, stooped a little with age. His gray hair was thinning but his brown eyes, so like her mother’s, were sharp. He never missed a thing.
    â€œI’m sorry about lunch last week.” She was slightly uncomfortable with his hug and his declaration of love. The only things she knew about him were things her mother had told her. She felt like their relationship was too sketchy for him to have any real feelings about her at all.
    â€œThat doesn’t matter. Can you stay for a while? I have some marvelous new muscadine wine that you might enjoy. It was one of the first bottles corked from my new vineyard.”
    Stella didn’t want to seem rude. She’d been raised to respect her elders. “Sure. That sounds fine.”
    They walked into the mansion together. There was a huge foyer with a wonderful crystal chandelier and an ornate, curving staircase that was very artistic.
    It was also the same staircase where Barbara Carson, Stella’s mother, had found her mother’s dead body. Stella always looked away from that spot.
    â€œLet’s sit in here,” Ben invited. “Vivian has one of her charity groups over tonight. I’d rather disturb a hornet’s nest than bother them.”
    He led her into a small, private parlor and closed the door. A fire had been lit in the hearth, lending warmth to the dark paneled room. A few minutes later, one of the housemaids brought wine and two glasses.
    â€œSo, what can I do for you?” Ben uncorked the bottle and smelled it.