Threefold

By Teresa Keefer

Teagan Summers has a secret that she thought she had tucked away forever. That is, until she was summoned to her home town of Lakewood to help with banishing an ancient evil that had come to pay a visit to the sleepy town. Then, she was faced with another woman whose secret wasn't so secret anymore.

Devon Brock knew he had to help his friend, Logan Farmer. Logan had helped him out too many times to turn his back and say no. However, he didn't realize that he would be called upon to pull out his law license to defend a poor woman who had killed and mutilated her husband on Halloween night. And he sure never expected to have to deal with spoiled Teagan Summers as part of it.

Devon and Teagan join forces as they work valiantly to not only defend a murderess, but to help Teagan's sisters and Logan Farmer as they battle an unseen evil that threatens to destroy the small town of Lakewood. And as they work together, they also form a tentative truce that they both know could lead to more.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Teresa Keefer
• Release date: Jan 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386836735

Teresa Keefer

Teresa Keefer is an indie romance author with an avid love of books since the tender age of 4. She started writing poetry in high school and after encouragement from her best friend, wrote her first full length romance novel in 2007. Coming Home was finally released as a self-published book in 2011 and was intended as a stand-alone until several readers contacted her to ask for more on the secondary characters which was the beginning of the Possum Creek series. In addition to writing under her own name, she also writes erotica under Autumn Drake and will be releasing her first political thriller in 2018 under the name of Ann Nevada. Teresa holds an MBA in Human Resources and attended law school for two years and has been in the human resource profession for over 25 years. She has also served on several boards of directors for human resource professionals and has taught human resource classes at the college level as an adjunct instructor.  Her ultimate goal is to become a full-time author and have the time and resources to contribute to various community functions to raise awareness about domestic violence, human trafficking, and substance abuse/addiction issues. In addition to reading romantic fiction, she enjoys reading a variety of other material including horror, thrillers, mysteries, and non-fiction.  As a woman with many interests, she balances out her life by doing crafts, gardening, cooking and studying spiritualism.  A lifelong resident of Indiana, she presently lives in a rural area with a menagerie of animals close to her three adult daughters and seven grandchildren.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Teagan stood by the door to the gymnasium and watched the dance floor which was filled with vampires, witches, zombies, a dead president or two and a variety of other costumed partiers, all oblivious to the flutter of activity brought about by the arrival of Deputy Brent Castle.  Teagan could see his grim expression as he talked with Logan, whose dark eyebrows furrowed together as his deputy spoke.

Her oldest sister, Alana stood by with Georgia Monroe and Laura Hamaker and as she scanned the rest of the gym, she saw the ghostly spirit of a man weaving walking through a wall. Then she felt them. Her spirit guides, sending a prickle of awareness down her spine. She turned slightly toward the door and saw the pair of women standing off to the edge of the field beyond the parking lot of the gymnasium.  Dark haired beauties with flowing peasant gowns and flowers in their hair.  Her intake of breath was sharp as she watched the women smile gently and nod their heads in unison.  It had been several years since she last saw them.  They were the ones that gave her the strength and push she needed to remove herself from the unfortunate circumstances of her marriage.  Ever present during some of the hardest days of her life.  Lyuba and Nadya.  Love and hope in ancient Romanian.  Your strength is needed in this situation. Do not be afraid. Speak from the heart.

She watched as her sister, Riana, extricated herself from one of the older residents of their peaceful little town and looked up to lock eyes with Alana.  Without hesitation or pause, she moved fluidly across the floor toward the other three women with a purposeful stride. Teagan gathered up her own skirts and made her way to the group gathered in the corner of the gym.

What has happened?  Her green eyes darted back and forth from woman to woman.  "I can feel that something is amiss here."

Yeah, me too.  What the hell is going on?  Riana was pushing into the circle and she wasn’t being quiet or discreet about it. 

Alana put a hand on each of her sisters’ arms and spoke in her quiet and composed manner. Stop. The last thing we want is to draw attention to this situation. She pulled them toward the main doors and urged Georgia and Laura to follow.  Let’s not draw attention over here.  It’s important that our friends and neighbors enjoy this night.  She held up a finger as Riana tried to interrupt her and continued in a soft voice.  Stanley Franklin is dead and it appears that his wife may have had something to do with it.

Probably served the sorry bastard right.  I heard he beat on Barbara all the time.  Riana let out an exaggerated growl.  I have no respect for some damn pussy that can’t pick on someone his own size.

Logan put a possessive hand at Alana’s waist.  I don’t know what we are going to find out there.  Brent said that the dispatcher said that Barbara was really calm and matter of fact when she called in and said that Stanley was dead.  He shook his head.  The paramedic that just called in said that it is a real mess.  I can’t imagine what would cause Barbara to do something like this after all these years.

Teagan, who had been quiet for the most part spoke up.  I can.  She stepped toward Logan, her mind made up despite the questions it may raise later.  I’m going with you.

The angular face with the strong jaw tightened.  I don’t think...

I don’t care what you think Logan Farmer.  I know how Barbara Franklin feels and I want to help her get through this.  She looked over at her older sister with a plea in her eyes.  None of them knew everything that she had been through with her former husband. She had purposefully kept it that way until she had a chance to work through the issues that had left her emotionally scarred for a long time.  She needs someone who understands.  And she’s going to need a damned good lawyer.

Teagan didn’t wait.  She started toward the door leaving the others staring after her.  Just like the time in Mexico on vacation when she had to walk through the crowded lobby of the resort hotel after Parker had too much to drink and had popped her in the mouth.  Or the time that she walked into the hospital to get her wrist set when she had broken it while fighting him off.  And just like all the other women, at first she lied for him and made excuses for him. 

Logan finally shrugged and looked down at Alana.  Guess I don’t have a choice. Meet you at my house? 

Teagan was pacing beside his truck when he got outside.  Her small figure had the skirts of her costume flouncing around her ankles and she had removed her flower laden hat as soon as she had stepped out on the dance floor.  Then she had been animated and flirty and full of life but now, she felt like she had the wind taken right out of her sails. 

He unlocked the door and offered her a hand up into the cab which she graciously accepted.  She only gave him a glance when he as she settled into the passenger side of the truck.  The radio inside crackled and she heard Logan’s night dispatcher talking to the paramedic.  The coroner was on the way.  But the paramedic paused before he choked out that there was no doubt that the guy was dead.  What was left of him that was.  Good Lord, what the hell happened out there?  It was going to be a long night.

He climbed in behind the wheel with a side long glance at Teagan.  Fasten your seat belt.  With that he started the truck and pulled out of the parking lot with his headlights pointed toward the farmland area that surrounded the town on the side where there was no lake.  And whatever catastrophe lay ahead.

They had only been driving for a few minutes when Teagan spoke.  She snapped.  Most women leave before they get to that point.  Or they don’t make it to that point.  Her words were softly spoken and filled with sorrow.  Mom and my sisters never knew.  She nudged Logan’s arm.  I’m going to tell you but you have to promise not to tell them.  I’ll tell them in my own time.  I mean it Farmer.  Not a word.

She felt Logan’s eyes on her as she stared straight ahead at the darkness outside the truck.  The only light came from the dashboard and it reflected on the pale skin of her arms.  She knew he didn’t want to keep anything from Alana when it concerned her family, something in his gut told him that Teagan needed to get it out in the open before she talked to Barbara Franklin, but she counted on him to let her tell her story in her own time.

He nodded.  It’s your story to tell, not mine.

She took a deep breath and toyed with the rings on her fingers.  Parker was a dick.  I knew he was a dick when I met him.  But he was fun in the beginning.  Teagan shook her head and clasped her hands in front of her.  And as shallow as I know it sounds, he was rich and I like rich.  Or at least I did back then.  She sighed and looked over at Logan whose features were tight. Only his being a dick turned into being a drunken dick with a temper to match.  And even though I tried not to piss him off, I never quite learned the trick.  Then he started being just downright mean.  Tears of anger welled up in her eyes and she fanned her face, looking away from Logan’s piercing gaze.  She was relieved when he didn’t try to offer any comfort and she continued talking.

He’d chastise me for something that he didn’t like.  Ignore me some days and then by the time he paid attention to me, I was so grateful that I took a lot of shit that I might not have taken otherwise.  She smiled as Logan shoved a handkerchief at her.  Thanks.  Anyway, it was all about manipulation and control so when the hitting started, he pretty much had me right where he wanted me.  I was convinced that I deserved what he was dishing out.  I can’t even explain how I got to that point.  But I do know that had I not gotten away when I did, I might have ended up right where Barbara Franklin is tonight.

Logan waited for a few minutes before he spoke.  He wanted to make sure that she was done speaking her piece.  Then he pulled over to the side of the road about a half mile from the Franklin place.  He could see the flashing of red and blue lights reflecting across the night sky as a reminder of why he was heading there in the first place.  Why didn’t you reach out for help?  From your family?  He shook his head and didn’t know whether to be glad Teagan had opened up to him or wish that she hadn’t because now he had to keep it from Alana.  Or use your...

Use a magic spell?  To do what?  Harm him?  She motioned for him to start driving again.  You know I can’t use my magic to harm others.  I don’t want to talk about this anymore and besides, Barbara Franklin needs someone besides a bunch of cops right now.

Logan threw up his hands in frustration.  Fine. Point taken.  He pushed in the clutch and put the truck back into gear rolling toward the farmhouse that lie ahead.  He slowed the truck once to avoid hitting a dog that had ventured into the road.  It was an emaciated looking hound that looked up into the headlights and for a moment she thought that its eyes glowed red.  But it most likely was just the way the headlights hit the animal.  It gave both passengers in the truck a glance and then made its way back toward the ditch. 

––––––––

Chapter 2

The Franklin farm wasn’t much of a farm anymore.  The house had been boarded up after the roof caved in a few years back from a heavy snowfall and a mobile home stood off to the side of the largest barn.  Two smaller barns stood at the edge of a fence line and they looked as if someone could walk up and shove them over with one hand.  Only they wouldn’t fall because there was too much junk packed into them. 

As the truck pulled in among the other vehicles, Teagan saw the woman immediately.  Barbara Franklin.  She was walking around the threadbare lawn smoking a cigarette.  Her jeans were covered in blood and mud and even from where she sat, Teagan could see the split lip and black eye.  One of her arms dangled at her side and was obviously broken.  But she wasn’t crying. She wasn’t screaming.  She was just walking around.  Oblivious to everything going on around her.

Teagan reached for the door handle but found herself stopped by Logan’s firm hand.  When she turned to look at him, he shook his head.  Wait here for a minute.  Let me make sure that it’s safe for you to go up there.

She pushed his hand away and gave him a grim smile.  I think that the person that would do the most harm to a woman is otherwise engaged.

Teagan...  He opened and closed his mouth as if he didn’t know whether to argue with her or chastise her for the comment.  Regardless of what Stanley Franklin had done, they both knew he hadn’t deserved being bludgeoned to death by his wife.  He sighed and motioned for her to go ahead and get out of the truck.  You can go talk to Barbara but don’t wander around anywhere else.  It’s a crime scene.

Yeah, I know this.  She narrowed her eyes at him.  I’m not stupid.

Just do what I said and stay away from everyone else. 

Teagan watched as he climbed down from the truck and strode away, his posture stiff and tense.  Hopefully Alana can untighten his ass some.  She opened the door and jumped down, her feet hitting the damp ground next to the truck.  She picked her way around a couple of discarded beer cans and bag of trash that had fallen out of the barrel, its contents starting to spill on the ground from animals rummaging through it. 

Barbara continued walking around the yard aimlessly and held a fresh cigarette in her hand.  Teagan noticed that if it weren’t for the black eye and busted lip or the unkempt hair, Barbara Franklin was most likely a beautiful woman.  But years of abuse at the hands of her husband had taken the luster right out of her.

The strawberry blonde hair was dull and held with a rubber band in a ponytail at the nape of her neck, like it had been just pulled into the ponytail without being brushed or washed for several days.  The thin figure was concealed under jeans that were held up at the tiny waist by a man’s belt and the flannel shirt was buttoned crooked.  Barbara’s feet were clad in a pair of battered slip on canvas shoes.

Teagan walked up to the woman who turned to look at her with one blank eye and one that was swollen shut.  Dull brown eyes that could have been the focal point of the delicate face if they weren’t so flat and dead looking.  She reached out and put a hand on Barbara’s shoulder.

You’re one of the Summers girls.  Barbara spoke softly through lips that had been split in more than one place.  I always did envy you girls.  So independent and sure of yourself.  She tossed the cigarette on the ground and stomped it out with the toe of her shoe.  You know.  I killed the bastard tonight.  He thought he could get by beating on me like I was a punching bag for the rest of my life.  She shook her head.  Guess he won’t now.

Teagan put an arm around the woman’s thin shoulders and walked her away from the police and emergency personnel.  Out of the vicinity of ears that didn’t need to hear Barbara keep admitting that she killed her husband.  Not that it would matter if they found her the right attorney.  Barbara, you need to listen to me.

The woman paused her pacing and looked at Teagan calmly.  I know.  You are going to tell me to quit telling everyone that I killed him.  But I won’t lie.  She dug in her shirt pocket for a crumpled pack of cigarettes.  When the voice told me to pick up the skillet and hit him, I did.  I’m not going to lie about it. Barbara took hold of Teagan’s arm with the arm that wasn’t injured and shook it.  He hit me for the last damn time tonight because I waited for him to sit down in his recliner and I came up from behind him and wacked him as hard as I could in the head with my best skillet.  She squeezed Teagan’s arm.  And I hit him again and again and again.  Then I went into the kitchen and got the meat cleaver and chopped him just like a piece of meat.  I showed him who was boss.  At that point Barbara’s voice cracked and she burst out in laughter.  He’s told me he was my boss for going on fifteen years.  I’m a grown woman, I didn’t need a boss.  I needed a husband and partner.

Teagan felt a chill go up her spine and looked around the darker perimeter of the yard.  Voices?  Had Barbara really heard voices or had she succumbed to insanity after years of bearing the abusiveness of her husband.  Or is she just putting on a good show for witnesses in case she needed them in her criminal defense?

Mrs. Franklin...  Teagan tried to guide her away from a couple of crime scene workers.

Please.  Call me Barbara.  She laughed softly and smiled at the Teagan, her smile not touching the blank eyes.  "We are going to get to be really good friends I believe.  Now that he’s dead and I can have some friends of my own." 

Teagan found herself pulled into a more than generous hug and could smell the intermingling odor of stale cigarette smoke