Love at Eagle River

By L. M. Shaw

Faith Matthews wishes she had never met Arthur Cross. She is a quiet quilter that he wants to train to be the perfect subservient wife. Faith realizes too late that she is in danger. She never thought her life would ever be this out of control. When she defies him, he makes his point with his fist and threatens to kill her family. Faith runs to keep them safe, but he follows. He is determined to marry her and will stop at nothing to make her his wife. Does she have what it takes to survive a man who takes till death do us part literally?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469182599

L. M. Shaw

I was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to a military family. Being in the navy, we lived in many different states and the territory of Guam. With every move, I learned about other people and communities. I love to travel, but it is always good to return home to Hendersonville, North Carolina, where when I am not writing, I spend time with my mother, my siblings, their energetic children, and my crazy black-and-white cat appropriately named Mischief.

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Copyright © 2012 by L. M. Shaw.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012904591

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

Dedication

To Amanda Gaddis, thank you for listening to me and suggesting that I write my own book. To Carmen Jones, thank you for showing me what my story was missing. Terry Ann, you have helped me in more ways than I can say. I could not ask for a better baby sister.

Prologue

Adam pulled into the cemetery’s gravel parking lot. The day was overcast, which made everything look dull. He looked at the colorful bouquet of flowers he had picked up from her favorite florist. Sandy never could choose a favorite flower; she loved them all. He walked up to the grave and placed the flowers on her carved granite headstone. Sandra Hall-Weaver, beloved daughter and sister, followed by her date of birth and death. Hi, sis, another year and I’m still helping others. I just wish I could have helped you. A tear rolled down his bearded cheek. Adam bowed his head, never taking his eyes off her tombstone. He hated to see the name Weaver on his sister’s grave, but it had been in her will, so there was nothing he could do about it. The day of her death will forever be burned into his mind. Adam had just gotten off work. It had been a long day with the sheriff’s department, and he went to bed early. The call came in at three in the morning. May I speak to Adam Hall? It’s three in the morning. This better be important. Mr. Hall, this is Officer Townson . . . As soon as Adam heard the officer’s name, he knew it was not good. Sandy was probably in the emergency room again. May be this time she would leave the bastard. Do you have a sister named Sandra Weaver? Adam shook his head then remembered Officer Townson could not see him and replied, Yes. There was no way to keep the fear out of his voice. I’m sorry to have to tell you, Mr. Hall, your sister is dead. What happened? We don’t have all of the details, Mr. Hall. Officer Townson, I’m the sheriff of Eagle River. Tell me what you do have. Townson could hear the authority in his voice, the same authority his captain had. Yes, sir. A neighbor called to report screams from your sister’s home. That bastard killed her. We don’t know for sure, sir, but her husband is a person of interest. Adam did not remember much of the drive to the hospital; he was so numb. He was the only one who could identify her body. If it had not been for the unique tattoo that he designed for her on her left hip, he would not have known who she was. Her once warm, caring face had been destroyed by the beating that killed her. Her husband, Buddy Weaver, had beaten her for years; but she would never leave him. Sandy said she loved him and that he loved her. That kind of love was deadly. Buddy tried to escape but was caught two hours later. As much as Adam wanted to kill Buddy, he knew that would not bring his sister back. Adam decided to put his anger to good use. He would do everything he could to prevent anyone else from dying at the hands of their abuser. Adam started by going to local schools and talking to teens about abuse. He did not talk about the statistics or numbers but about the people and their families. He gave a face to the victims and to the abuser. He spoke of the abuser’s emotional tearing down of the defenses of the abused, keeping them isolated from their family and friends, preventing contact with anyone that could give support and protection. Adam showed photos of what happened to his sister through the years of abuse. The first photo showed a confident woman with a great future in front of her. Then the photos of black eyes, the missing teeth, the broken bones, and her face the night of her death. He also gave out the phone numbers for local abuse agencies and hot lines. That very night two teens called and were able to get away from abusive boyfriends. Adam’s love for his sister helped him save many women, and he also helped in their recovery. Word spread about what he was doing, and he received many requests to speak at different conventions. The sheriff department always gave him time off for the conventions. At the conventions, Adam met so many people that he could not remember all their names, but there was an ER nurse from Virginia, Barbara Matthews. When they met, they became friends. She applauded him for the way he reached out to prevent the abuse, as well as his work with abused women. Barbara and Adam email each other once a month. There was no emotional connection for either of them; they were just friends. He was so lost in thought that he did not realize that it was starting to rain. He said a prayer for his sister and all abused women. I love you, Sandy. He turned and walked back to the car. The rain was starting to let up, and Adam remembered a comment his sister always made, Everything always looks better after it rains. He took a look around, and the earlier dullness was gone.

Arthur was happy to be home. His wife would be waiting for him with dinner on the table, just like his mother had done for his father. Honey, I’m home. Mary Elizabeth came from the kitchen, her hair in a perfect bun, her dress pressed, and her apron snow white. She was carrying a highball for her husband, who provided her with everything she needed. She kissed him on the cheek and asked, How was your day, dear? He spoke of his day as he walked to the dining room ahead of her. She waited by the door while he inspected the table; everything was right where it should be. The table is set properly, and you remembered to press the napkins. He took his seat at the head of the table. You may bring out dinner. Mary Elizabeth went to the kitchen and brought out the pot roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, and green beans with pearl onions. She placed the food in front of him and brought the red wine to the table. She removed the tea towel from the bread basket and uncovered the butter. Is there anything else you would like for me to bring to the table? He looked over the table and sipped his highball. There is nothing you can bring to the table, but what do you need to do? She hesitated and quickly scanned the table. In a soft voice she asked, May I pour you a glass of wine? He took another drink of his highball before answering, Yes, you may. She poured just a sip of wine for him to taste and waited for his instructions. That is a good choice to go with the pot roast. He handed her his glass, which she filled half full. Mary Elizabeth? Yes, Arthur? You may pour yourself a small amount of wine. She nodded and took her wineglass and poured just a taste and returned the bottle to its proper place. She took her seat, placed her napkin on her lap, folded her hands demurely on her lap, and waited for Arthur to say grace. He sat there enjoying the highball. Ten minutes later he finished his drink, said grace, and began cutting the roast. He served himself and started to eat. Mary Elizabeth sat still and waited for her husband of six months to serve her. He tasted the roast and realized she had finally learned his late mother’s recipes, but she still had an issue of the food being lukewarm or cold. He was halfway through with his meal when he held out his hand for her plate. She gently placed it in his hand; and he gave her a bite of roast, a teaspoon of potatoes, half a green bean, no onions or gravy. He handed the plate back and waited. She carefully put the plate on the table. Thank you, Arthur. He nodded and watched as she cut an extremely small piece of meat and ate it, chewing slowly and carefully for her jaw still hurt from the hit he had given her that morning. She had bumped the table and spilled some of his coffee. Since being married to Arthur, she had become an expert on how to cover bruises with makeup. She then took a sip of wine before taking a smidgen of potato and a nibble of green bean. She then sat there with her hands in her lap. Arthur watched every piece of food she put in her mouth. He was pleased that she stopped eating after just a few bites. Her weight was an issue. He finished his plate and was ready for dessert. You may clear the table, Mary Elizabeth. She removed their plates and came back for the food. Once the table was clear, she brought in the dessert plates and sliver. Then she placed the New York–style cherry cheesecake in front of him and returned to the kitchen to get the coffee, cream, and sugar. When Mary Elizabeth came back to the dining room, Arthur had already cut into the cheesecake. She fixed his coffee just the way he liked it. He drank half of it and placed the cup back on the saucer. He wiped his mouth with the napkin and placed it neatly on the table. He stood and took his wife’s hand and led her to the kitchen. She began the cleanup under Arthur’s watchful eye. He did this to make sure she did not eat anything and that the kitchen was cleaned his way. She cleaned up the kitchen like he had taught her. Once she finished, he inspected everything. Mary Elizabeth, go to my room and wait for me. Yes, Arthur. She did as she was told, for any disobedience was not tolerated, and the last punishment just about killed her. He went from room to room, making sure everything was in order. While waiting for him, she reviewed each room to make sure she did not miss anything. When he entered his room, she could tell by the look on his face that she had. Arthur’s displeasure was evident in the anger in his eyes and by the knuckle-white fist he had ready for her. She did not look away from him. Nor did she make any protest or move to protect herself from him. That would just make it worse. In her heart, she knew that this would be the last time he would ever beat her.

Chapter 1

A call for help

He was right by her ear, his words full of anger. Don’t disobey me again, Faith, or I will take care of you and your family. With that said, Arthur was gone, holding a tissue to the back of his hand where Faith had scratched him when she tried to pull away. He left her lying on the wood floor crying and in extreme pain. He had focused his attack on her ribs, her back, her side, and her abdomen. Her arms also hurt from trying to protect herself. It took everything she had to stay conscious. She had to get to the phone. Thankfully he had not thrown that against the wall like he had her quilting supplies. As she made her way to the phone, she did not notice the pins sticking to her hands and knees. She had to stop a few times to keep from getting sick. Finally she reached the phone. Fighting the darkness, it took her several tries to get the number right. Barbara . . . it’s Faith . . . come quick . . . I need hel— Faith fought to stay awake but blacked out before she could finish her sentence. Thank god Faith had called Barbara on her cell phone. Faith, what’s wrong? Talk to me. Faith? Barbara looked at her caller ID. Faith was calling from her landline. Barbara was in the car and speeding over to Faith’s. She was still on her cell, calling Faith’s name. Barbara was in the house in seconds. Faith, where are you? Barbara stopped and listened. She heard Faith moaning. She was in her quilting room. Barbara stopped in her tracks. The room looked like a tornado had come through it. There were rulers sticking out of the dry wall, her rotary cutter had impaled the door, torn fabric everywhere, and pins all over the floor. Barbara looked to her right and saw Faith. She was lying against the wall with the phone still in her hand. Faith’s pants were down to her hips. Barbara had to focus. She checked Faith’s pulse; it was strong and steady. Faith, please wake up. Can you tell me what happened? No response. Faith, I’m calling for an ambulance. Once connected, Barbara gave the address to the dispatcher. The operator then asked for details. Yes, I have a unconscious female, thirty-seven years of age. She is breathing but unresponsive. Yes, I’ll stay on the line. Please hurry. The ambulance arrived five minutes later. Barbara knew the ambulance crew, and she knew they would take care of Faith. They checked all of her vitals and saw the pins and needles on Faith’s hand and knees. The EMT was pushing up her sleeve to start the IV when he saw the bruises. Barbara, look. Barbara could not believe what she was seeing. She lifted Faith’s shirt and saw more bruises. Oh my god . . . The other EMT looked at Faith’s abdomen. Someone beat the hell out of her and maybe more. They got her on the gurney and ready for transport. Let’s go. Halfway to the hospital, Faith woke and saw Barbara’s worried face. She tried to smile when a wave of pain struck her. Faith, tell me who beat you. Faith shook her head He said he would kill all of you if I tell, and he meant it. All of whom? Faith tried not to cry, but the tears fell anyway. You, Mom, and Missy. Please, Barbara, don’t call the cops. I’m sorry, Faith, the emergency room will be required to report the attack. I won’t give his name. I won’t give him a reason to kill you— Faith closed her eyes; the pain was too much for her, and she had blacked out. Out of habit Barbara checked her sister’s pulse before the EMT could react. Who would attack such a quiet person like Faith? She had never hurt anyone.

Arthur had been waiting outside Faith’s house. Why have you not come out to race to your mother’s house? All of a sudden a car pulled into the driveway. A woman who looked a lot like Faith got out and ran into the house. That must be one of her sisters. Faith must have called her. After ten minutes Arthur was about to go in when an ambulance arrived. Arthur froze. Why did they need an ambulance? He watched as the EMTs went in. He told himself the sister was overreacting; Faith was not hurt. His breath caught when he saw them wheel Faith out. She looked as white as the sheet covering her. There was an IV in her arm and an oxygen mask on her face. She was not moving. He had disciplined many women before, and none of them had ever had to go to the hospital. Not even his late wife Mary Elizabeth. Arthur followed the ambulance, staying far enough behind not to be noticed. He entered the emergency room just as Barbara was being removed from the examination room. Barbara, you have to stay out. I know you are her sister and a nurse, but when you start doing the doctor’s job, it is time to step back and regroup. The nurse closed the door before Barbara could protest. Arthur looked at Barbara. How dare she insult the doctor! A woman should know her place. He watched Barbara pace the waiting room. She did look like Faith, but Faith was more down home, more domestic. Twenty minutes later the examination room door opened, and the doctor came out. Dr. Carver, a tall athletic man with a full head of white hair, walked up to Barbara. Barbara, let’s go to my office. Barbara didn’t move. Dr. Carver, tell me what you know. Okay, Barbara, we have confirmed that she was not raped. The cuts on her hands and knees are superficial. We did find skin and blood under her nails, so she did fight her attacker. Arthur put his injured hand in his pocket. The police are on their way to pick up the evidence. Barbara felt such relief that she had to put her hand on the wall to keep from hitting the floor. Dr. Carver grabbed her other hand. She is heading down for scans and x-rays. She started to come around, but the pain caused her to black out again. Once all of the tests are done, then she will be taken to a room. We will keep her overnight unless something shows up on the tests. Arthur knew nothing would show on the scans or x-rays. He was very good at discipline; he had had many years of practice. It was just Faith’s low tolerance for pain that made her go to the hospital. Her low tolerance would help in her future training and discipline. As for the samples, nothing would come of them unless Faith filed charges, and she won’t. Arthur left the hospital. He had all the information on Faith that he needed. She will have to come home soon, and he would be there to welcome her. But first he needed to place a GPS tracker on her car. It was always good to know where your bride-to-be was at all times.

Faith was settled in her room, still in pain but awake. Dr. Carver came in with Faith’s test results. We have your results. The scans show no internal bleeding, and the x-rays show you have several cracked ribs, one broken rib, and deep tissue bruising. Faith, as your sister may have told you, you were not raped. Faith knew he had not raped her. He said he would take her virginity on their wedding night. Her pants had come down when she was trying to get away from him. The memory made her shiver and caused more pain. Can I go home now? No, you blacked out several times, so you will be staying the night. Plus, with your allergies to medication, I want to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the meds we have you on. Barbara saw that Faith was about to open her mouth and interrupted her. Thanks, Dr. Carver. When she is released tomorrow, what restrictions will she have? Well, no marathons . . . Faith groaned. Okay, bad joke. Bed rest for two days, no work for at least a week, and pain meds as needed. When you do go back to work, there will be no heavy lifting for another week. Don’t worry, your body will tell you when it doesn’t like what you’re doing. Do you have any questions for me, Faith? No, Dr. Carver. There was a knock at the door. Everyone turned to see a police officer standing in the doorway. He was tall and fit. Barbara thought he would look good on a calendar. Faith Matthews? I’m Faith Matthews, and I have nothing to say to you, Officer. The officer was not fazed by Faith’s comment. It was not the first time he had been greeted like that, and he knew it would not be the last. I’m Officer Joseph Noland. I’m sorry, Ms. Matthews, but I have to ask you some questions. You can ask them, but I don’t have to answer them. Faith would have crossed her arms over her chest, but that would have made her black out. Faith, that was rude. Apologize to Officer Noland. I apologize for being rude, Officer Noland. Officer Noland smiled at the younger woman in a nurse’s uniform correcting who he assumed was her injured sister. Apology accepted, and it is true you don’t have to answer my question, but it will only let the person who did this to you get away. He will get away anyway. She sounded defeated. Why do you say that? She closed her eyes as she spoke. Here is a hypothetical question for you, Officer. Say a person is beating you and you scratch them when you fall or are trying to get away. You go to court and plead your case and the beater lies and says that you attacked them and the beater has the marks to prove it. What will the courts do? I’m not a lawyer or a judge, miss, so I can’t say. Well, I have a friend who is, and she said the judge will believe it’s a ‘he said, she said’ case. Then both parties will have to go to counseling for anger management. I’m not putting people’s lives in danger just to be told to go to counseling. Officer Noland, thank you for stopping by. Now please leave. Faith turned her head to look out the hospital room’s small window, a tear rolling down her cheek. She did not bother to wipe it away. Ms. Matthews— Barbara rose and took the officer by the arm and led him out into the empty hallway. Thank you, Officer Noland. I’m Barbara Matthews, Faith’s sister. She called me after the attack. Did she tell you who the attacker was? No, she only said that he threatened to kill me, our mother, and our younger sister Missy. This bothered Officer Noland. Barbara was being put in danger because her sister would not talk. Why was he worried about a woman he just met? It must be his cop training. That was all. There is nothing that I can do unless your sister wants to press charges. Here is my card. If she changes her mind have her give me a call. If you need me please don’t hesitate to call as well. Thank you, I will. And with that Officer Noland left, but he did look back at her. He felt like he was abandoning Barbara. Then his thoughts went to Faith. I wonder how long before we find Faith beaten to death. He hoped for Barbara’s sake that nothing would happen to her or her sister. Barbara watched as Officer Joseph Noland went toward the exit. He turned and gave her a smile. There was a look of concern in his blue eyes. She had seen the look on his face. He was worried for her sister. He saw what happened in abuse cases, as had she, working as she was in the emergency room. Her sister would not end up as a statistic, not if she could help it. If Faith did not tell him about her attacker, how could they help her? Barbara knew as long as the family was at risk Faith would not say a word. I can’t just sit back and wait to see what happens. Barbara realized she was talking out loud. She had to focus. Barbara started to make a mental to-do list. First make repairs to Faith’s quilting room and pack some of Faith’s clothes; she would be staying with her. Second, when Faith got better they needed to get a dog for protection, and then find a safe place to hide Faith until the attacker could be caught. With a plan in mind Barbara returned to Faith’s room, where Faith was trying to convince the doctor to let her go home. Dr. Carver, you might as well sedate her. It’s the only way to keep her quiet and in that bed. Whose side are you on anyway? She gave Barbara an eat dirt and die look. Even though you don’t believe it, I’m on your side. Do you want me to call Betty? No, I’ll email her when I get home. And tell her what? Faith looked at Barbara. That there was an emergency and that I’ll be out for some time. Faith— Don’t, Barbara. I don’t like it, Faith. Faith gave her an ask if I care look. Fine! You are on a secure floor, so go to sleep. I will see you in the morning. She kissed her sister’s cheek and followed Dr. Carver out of the room. Faith was tired, so she slowly lay down and was soon in a medicated, dreamless sleep. Barbara called a cab service to pick her up and take her back to Faith’s so she could get her car.

Chapter 2

In her sister’s care

Barbara was back at the hospital just after 9:00 a.m. to check on Faith, who was sleeping soundly. She told the nurse that she would be back in the late afternoon, to let her sister know that she had stopped by, and to call if they needed her. Once behind the wheel Barbara’s first stop was the hardware store to get everything she needed to repair Faith’s quilting room. She would also call a locksmith to change the locks on the house and upgrade her security system. Barbara unloaded all the supplies from the hardware store and started cleaning the quilting room. She knew how Faith had organized the space for she had helped her set it up. She picked up all the fabric, making sure no pins were hidden in the folds. Then Barbara sent up a prayer of thanks for the person who invented the magnetic pin holder. That made cleaning up the pin and needles so much easier. With the rulers removed from the walls and rotary cutter removed from the door, she filled in the holes, following the directions of the hardware employee. While the compound was drying, Barbara went looking for the leftover paint Faith always kept for minor repairs. She found the paint but the compound was not dry, so Barbara went to the quilt shop to talk to Betty and replace some of Faith’s quilting supplies. She knew Faith would hate her, but she had to tell Betty what had happened. Betty loved Faith as if she were her own daughter. Maybe Betty will have information on Faith’s attacker. Barbara parked in Faith’s reserved space and went in. Betty saw Barbara parking and greeted her at the door. When Faith gets here she will read you the riot act for taking her parking space. When Barbara did not laugh at the joke and Betty saw the expression on Barbara’s face, she knew something had happened. What is it? What happened? Is there a quiet place we can talk? Yes. Emily, please come up front for me. With a nod, Emily came to the desk. Betty resisted the urge to grab Barbara and shake the information out of her. Once the office door was closed Barbara began. First of all Faith will be fine. Betty yelled, "What do you mean will be fine? Calm down. Last night she was attacked in her home. Betty stifled a cry. She won’t tell us who attacked her. Anger flared in Betty’s eyes I know who he is. Who? Arthur Cross. Faith has been dating him for four months. They met at the quilt show back in August. Barbara looked hopeful. Do you have a picture of him? No. He told Faith that he hates having his picture taken. Betty did not want to ask but she had to know. What did he do to her? She prayed that Faith had not been raped. He beat her. She has bruises on her arms, sides, back, and abdomen. She also has some cracked ribs and a broken rib. Trying to keep the tremors out of her voice, she asked, Was she raped? No, Betty, she wasn’t. Betty was relieved. Barbara took Betty into her arms for a hug hoping that would give her some comfort. Faith will be out of work for at least a week and a half. I know she plans to email you that she will be out for a while. Don’t ask questions. I’ll keep you posted. In the meantime we need to tell the police about him. Betty grabbed Barbara’s arm. We can’t tell the police until we have Faith someplace safe. I don’t want him going after her again. You’re right. I bet you Faith is already thinking about where to go. Is there anything I can do to help? Yes, there is. Faith was attacked in her quilting room. Besides beating her, he trashed the room. I need to replace some of her supplies. Let me wash my face and we’ll get started. Barbara was glad she would be able to get Betty focused on helping Faith instead of on what had happened to her. Betty came back and was ready to go. Okay, what do you need?" Barbara pulled a list from her bag and