Shadows of Love

By Barbara Butterfield

Josh Vasquez delivers packages on his miles long daily route. Bored, he’s considering quitting when suddenly his life takes an unexpected turn. Something strange is going on within one of the houses on his route. So it becomes a matter of driver turned sleuth as Josh recruits his unwitting brother Levi into the mystery with him.
It’s all in good-natured, innocent curiosity, but the men soon find their lives taking a dangerous downward spiral when they happen upon something that…with discovery…could cost them their lives.
Question is: Will they live long enough to discover the truth and save the day?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 22, 2021
• ISBN: 9781543499827

Barbara Butterfield

Ms. Butterfield is California born and raised, and currently resides in a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona…where she lives with her favorite feline friend: Baybee. Integrity, suspense, camaraderie, romance, and personal growth are all values that play a vital role in her novels. More importantly, the gospel and spiritual growth are also an aspect of life into which she delves. Ms. Butterfield has written for many years; her first novel having been penned at the age of fourteen. She also studied writing and journalism, becoming the Editor-In-Chief of the school’s newspaper. She is currently working on her 60th novel.

Book preview

Prologue

The late afternoon sunlight sparkled upon the three-foot waves as they quickly dissipated into small riptides dotted with white foam.

For the most part the flotilla of surfers sat upright on colorful long boards as they lazily rode over the easy-going swells. Their trim and tanned legs dangled…somewhat precariously in the tepid though somewhat cloudy water.

Talking among themselves they regaled each other about yesterday’s attempts to ‘shoot the curl’. With every exuberant retelling of the various stories, it seemed the waves seemed to keep getting bigger and bigger as well.

Further up the beach…on the sun-warmed sand brother’s Josh and Levi Vasquez sat side-by-side on colorful beach towels.

Sitting up, Josh rested well-muscled arms on upraised knees as Levi sat cross-legged near him, obviously deep in thought.

Holding a matchbook in his left hand, Levi repeatedly tore off a lightweight cardboard match. Idly, he struck the match, watched the small flame flare up, then blew it out and casually tossed the match onto the sand.

Haven’t you got anything better to do? Josh asked, his patience running thin as he eyed his younger brother askance.

Yeah, but Lisa had to work this afternoon, Levi replied with a lecherous grin as he intently watched yet another match flare brightly.

You’re back together? The older brother asked, surprised by this new tidbit of information.

Yeah, Levi shrugged, and it seemed like a rather indifferent gesture at that.

You don’t sound very happy about it.

I am, Levi replied, striking another match. "It’s just that I’m not so sure that we’re such a good…match," he chuckled as he lit yet another small incendiary device.

Hmm, let’s analyze this, Josh mused.

Let’s not, and say we did, Levi replied, shaking his head.

She’s a fire captain’s daughter, and you’re a pyro, Josh persisted, choosing to be ornery. Nope! Not a good match, he added as easy laughter rolled from his lips.

I’m not a pyro! Levi argued as he easily rose to his own defense. I just like fire.

"You like fire. Now there’s a hot one," the brother laughed out loud.

Don’t you find it fascinating? I mean, in a scientific sort of way?

Not really, Josh shrugged, letting his gaze wander lazily down the shoreline. It’s all bad.

But really, don’t you find it interesting? Like, what turns this innocent little flame into a roaring inferno. Weird, Levi thoughtfully mused as he eyed another tiny orange flame.

It’s a no-brainer, Levi…come on, oxygen and fuel, man…and there she goes. It’s still bad, Josh reasoned.

No, Levi corrected patiently. "It can be bad. But back in caveman days, Ogg like fire," Levi teased, assuming the IQ and verbal grunt of the caveman in question.

But then Ogg’s idiot brother started a forest fire and shot the benefits of fire all to hell, Josh idly commented. Would you please stop lighting those matches!

Who’s it hurting? Levi asked as he glanced over at his brother. His attention averted, he inadvertently let the match burn down too low. Too late, he noticed the burning heat in his fingertips. Suddenly Levi dropped the burning match…right onto his lap.

Quickly, he slapped at the minute flames as his brother watched and noted the area onto which the match had fallen. Choosing to ignore answering his brother’s query, Josh just laughed out loud and turned his gaze back out to the placid water of the Pacific Ocean.

That wasn’t funny, Levi drolly remarked.

I never said it was. If Lisa ever gets off work, I’m sure you’ll still be able to sire children…someday.

We don’t want kids, Levi commented as he turned his attention back to the matchbook.

Really? That’s weird…I guess, Josh shrugged, laconically.

We prefer to practice for about ten years…first. That is, if we ever get married, and then maybe try one or two.

Practice makes perfect, quipped Josh.

That’s what I’m hoping, Levi replied, waggling his eyebrows in a rather salacious gesture.

Lisa’s hot.

Yeah, I’ve noticed, Levi replied, and a dreamy expression crossed his face just then.

At last, Josh chuckled, something that takes your mind off of fire, and it’s a hottie like Lisa.

Man does not live by fire alone, Levi airily commented. Not like you, huh?

I’m watching, I’m always watching, Josh calmly defended himself.

Yeah, but sex is not a spectator sport, bro.

It is to some people, Josh laughed as he eyed any number of girls strolling about the beach.

"Not to normal people," Levi corrected as he tore another match from the book.

Yeah well, Josh sighed. Trixie and I weren’t destined to be together.

"With a name like Trixie, you had to even think about it?!"

Well, not really…but pulllease little bro, she was a professional cheerleader! Josh exclaimed.

And way too old for you, Levi explained, as he assumed his best father-like air.

Well, I am a senior, Josh argued.

In high school, and she was in college. Like I said, too old.

Yeah well, she was still something to look at. You know, Dad said that exact same thing…about the age gap.

Man, I wish you wouldn’t say things like that to me, Levi whined. I hate it when Dad and I seem to be on the same wavelength.

Why? Hell Levi, Dad’s a good man.

"Well…sure, but he’s like…what? Fifty-two, and I’m sixteen. I don’t want my thought processes compared to some middle-aged geezer who blasts the Beach Boys on his still functioning 8-track while he cruises PCH with his…wife."

You mean Mom?

Well, duh.

Levi, they’ve been married like…forever, to each other. We should be so lucky.

You want to be married to me? Crap, I’m glad we don’t share a room, bud, Levi laughed.

You know what I mean, Josh replied with disdain.

Yeah…yeah, don’t light your shorts on fire, man, chuckled Levi. You want to ‘have and to hold’ forever. But wouldn’t doing the same woman every night get boring though?

Dad doesn’t look bored.

Well, no…but still, what’re the odds?

Not good from the stats I’ve read.

You read statistics on marriage?

No, you moron, just you know…articles here and there. A marriage is a lot of work.

Swell, Levi mused as he lit another match, "and here I’ve spent most of my life getting out of work."

Life’s a bitch, eh bro? Ever since you got out of diapers life’s gotten harder, Josh teased his brother, and then sighed when another girl crossed their bow.

Crud, just look at her, he sighed, and Levi’s eyes glanced upward to watch the pretty girl in a scant bikini walk past their stakeout area.

Yeah…well, that’s all you’re ever going to be able to do with her…just look.

That’s so negative, Josh commented. "Pretty, and stacked."

"Nice, but fake," Levi flippantly replied, and then turned his attention back to the match he held in his fingertips.

Fake! How can you tell?

Josh, for crap sakes how long have you and I beached together? And girl watched?

Since we were five. Remember that day you chased that fourteen-year-old girl and mom kicked the crap out of you for it? What were you? Seven? Josh asked, chuckling.

Something like that. But man, that moment left emotional scars on me. Thanks for helping me to relive those painful memories, Levi commented with a grimace as he buried a pile of a dozen spent matches in the sand.

The point is…we’ve done this for a long time. We’re professional-level beach bums.

Hey now, watch your terminology, Josh warned. We’re ‘surfer dudes’. There’s a huge difference between the two.

Riiight. Well, anyway we surf, lay on the sand, watch girls and judge ‘em according to looks, poise and bikini size.

Not in that order.

Right. Surely you can tell real from f-a-k-e by now.

I don’t know, Levi…sometimes you can suspect, and they can fool you.

They’re females, Josh…of course they can fool you.

That’s an awfully cynical stance for someone so young, Josh chided his younger brother.

Lay off the age card, dude…you’re only two years older than me…and I have a girl…and you don’t, Levi teased in a sing-song sort of voice.

The younger brother surpasses the lead and takes control of the race, he added, switching to an announcer’s voice.

We aren’t in a race, Josh commented.

You only say that because you don’t have a girrrlll, Levi sang again.

Shut up.

Eighteen and horny, film at 11:00, Levi teased again, refusing to let it go.

Want to go surf so I can make an attempt on your life? Josh teased right back.

Naw, Levi added, sounding disinterested as he struck another match.

I wish you’d please stop that, whined Josh. You’re giving me a sulfur high.

Or a headache.

That too. Really, wanna catch some waves?

Naw, ever since they pulled that guy out earlier today…

Which guy?

"Dude, the one that was missing part of an extremity due to some shark suffering from low blood sugar? That guy."

Yeah, right. I’d forgotten about him.

Well, it bummed me out, ya know? I’ve been sitting here watching those guys out there bobbing around like corks and thinking…ya know, I like my feet attached.

Yeah, go figure, Josh guffawed.

That doesn’t mean I’m chicken, does it?

Naw, the older brother reassured the younger one, it just means that you’ve got some common sense.

Swell…like Dad, Levi pouted, and Josh simply chose to ignore his younger brother’s comment.

What about her? Josh asked as he expertly changed the subject.

Fake, Levi succinctly answered. In spite of his young age, he thoroughly considered himself an expert in silicone identification. His various assessments were calmly and logically rendered, usually without even having to take too much of a look at the female in question.

And her?

Fake, Levi offered, glancing upward only briefly. Impressive though.

Okay, what about her? Josh persisted, pointing out one particular girl with what appeared to be a ‘normal’ bust size.

Hmm, Levi offered, his eyes squinting a bit as he carefully studied the subject at a distance. "It’s just possible that those are real."

Finally, Josh teased, throwing his hands into the air.

Could be a reduction job though.

"What? Crap Levi, can’t you just enjoy the view…you know, just for the view?"

Sure, he shrugged.

Is Lisa real? Josh asked out of curiosity.

As real as the dew that forms upon the petals of a rose on a blissful, balmy summer morning, Levi replied rather wistfully.

Crud Levi, she’s turning you into a freakin’ poet! Gasped Josh.

That’s not a good sign is it, Levi asked, suddenly fearful.

No…no it’s not! When a guy starts talkin’ like a poet…and there’s a girl involved, it’s only a matter of time.

Time before what? Levi asked now apparently interested or…fearful.

"Before…she has him taking out the trash and changing diapers, or running to the pharmacy to pick up a box of those…things."

"What…things?" Levi queried, and with his brow now furrowed in perplexity he truly didn’t understand that to which his brother was alluding.

You know…woman stuff, Josh replied with a brief shrug.

Pantyhose? Levi asked, innocently enough.

Worse, Josh muttered, and just then Levi’s eyes grew wide as his formerly furrowed brow quickly dissipated.

That? He asked, even though he had to first clear his suddenly raspy throat.

Yes that.

Gross! That’s so sick, Levi exclaimed. Man, I’ll never do that! If the bitch needs something let her go get it herself.

Oh, that’s real sensitive, Levi, commented Josh, eyeing his brother askance.

Sensitive, my ass!

It’ll be your ass once your wife gets through with you.

Well, Levi Vasquez doesn’t live in fear of any woman!

Famous last words, Josh idly commented as he watched a particularly small, hot pink bikini stroll past their beach towels.

Do you think dad is afraid of mom?

No.

I’m not so sure, Levi replied thoughtfully. He seems to say ‘I’m sorry’ an awful lot.

All men do that, Josh answered as his eyes continually scanned the beach for their newest contestant.

Well, this man doesn’t, Levi haughtily replied.

See you in divorce court then.

You mean if I don’t apologize, I’ll end up divorced?

Yep.

But what if I’m not wrong though?

Doesn’t matter.

That’s not fair.

Life’s a bitch, Levi, Josh finally commented. "Man, look at her! She’s gorgeous; now those have got to be real."

Why don’t you just run over there and ask her? Levi teased as good as any younger brother can.

I don’t think so. Haven’t you ever heard of tact?

Nope.

What time is it?

Suns almost down.

We’re going to be late for dinner, you know.

Then I guess we’ll just have to apologize to mom.

Might as well start practicing now, I guess.

But, it would be different with Lisa.

"She is younger," Josh offered an explanation of what his brother was getting at.

"True, but once I apologize to Lisa, and she gets all kissy…hmm, guess it is good for a man to say ‘I’m sorry’, huh?"

There are benefits to be had far above that of mortal man, Josh wistfully replied. Rising wearily to his feet he tossed his beach towel over one shoulder, and hoisting his surfboard he held it securely under one arm.

I’m going to miss these days when school starts up again, muttered Levi as he too, stood up and grabbed his towel and surfboard.

Me too. But we’ve still got some time before we head back to the grind. Dad would prefer that we both got summer jobs, you heard about that, right?

Yeah. Maybe we should just say ‘I’m sorry’ to him.

That doesn’t work on men, especially dads, Josh instructed his younger brother as the duo walked along the beach headed back toward their car.

The bastards, quipped Levi, grinning.

What about that one, asked Josh, hoping to get one last girl judged before they left Malibu Beach for the day.

"Hollley mollley Josh…real, real, really real," Levi gasped and his eyes grew wide as both men stared at the well-tanned blonde that was approaching them.

Geez man…don’t hurt yourself, Josh laughed at his brother who openly gaped at the girl who had just walked past them. Levi turned, walking backward just so that he could continue to watch the shapely swaying hips and long blonde hair of the subject in question.

"What is she wearing?!"

Not…much, Josh succinctly replied.

That should definitely be illegal, Levi added, turning back around and jogging a few steps to catch up to his brother.

It probably is.

Why can’t we marry women like that someday?

We can, Josh confidently replied as the two trudged up the long flight of wooden steps to the parking lot up on the bluff.

How? Got a trap or something?

"We are the trap, little brother. With me doing whatever I’m going to do in life, I can assure you it’ll be something sexy and involve a uniform."

Riiight.

And with you wanting to go into the military…

And that involves a uniform! Levi quipped as he interrupted his brother. The eager gleam in his eyes readily gave lie to his inner merriment.

Riiight, and with our basic, incredible personalities…man, all we have to do is be ourselves and all the women that we could ever need will just come running.

Or run away screaming, you mean.

Don’t be negative, little brother. Get us out of high school and women will fall all over us…everywhere we go. Besides, it’s a widely recognized fact that chicks love a good-lookin’ man in uniform, Josh added, hoping to install a modicum of encouragement to his younger brother.

Oh yeah…I forgot that part, Levi smiled as they dumped their boards into the back of Josh’s brand new Camaro convertible.

Hey! Watch it! Snapped Josh, brushing sand off the new upholstery. I haven’t even turned over a thousand miles on her yet!

Josh…my dear brother, Levi explained patiently. We’re at the beach…all the time, its inevitable that eventually you’re gonna get sand in the vehicle. Get over it.

I can’t wait till you buy a new car one day, Josh complained as he revved the engine to life.

Why, you gonna plant sand in it?

I’m thinkin’ about it, Josh replied as Levi leaned forward and tapped the button on the CD player.

With speakers blaring to the beat of the Skeletal Virgins, the brothers began to rock out. The serious sound, and the pulsating bass of Josh’s Rockford Fosgate Power amplifier that drove the dual, twelve-inch Dolby speakers vibrated the car just a bit as Josh, burning just a hint of rubber on the asphalt pavement of the parking lot, sent the brothers roaring toward home, ready to apologize for being late…again.

Chapter 1

Life in the small Armenian village of Zoldavy left much to be desired. Abject poverty held most of the residents in an unyielding, vice-like grasp. Over time, most of the residents had chosen to move elsewhere to try their hand at making a better life for themselves.

Only a couple hundred people remained in Zoldavy, refusing to leave their homes no matter what the cost. For most, the cost was prohibitive. Small, one room structures that served as homes rapidly became weather-worn, and collapsed from old age and wear. With no resources to repair the residences, people were forced to live in squalor.

Food was in meager supply as well, as was the only functioning well with potable water. The closest hospital was a good three days journey via donkey-drawn wagon.

It wasn’t just the homes that were falling into disarray, but the people that lived within them as well. Marriages were torn apart as one spouse wished to leave for greener pastures, while the other wanted the stability of their own home, no matter how bad things got. Day after day, those who chose to stay behind fell, as they rapidly succumbed to the ravages of disease and starvation.

A sunny day brought a somber smile to twenty-three-year-old Raphaela Aynilian’s pretty face. The daughter of one stubborn man who had refused to try life someplace else, she had grown up here. How she had managed to do so though…she would never know. Despite her sparseness of frame, the 5’5" young woman managed to keep her old, tattered clothing in usable condition.

Having finished what chores she had, Raphaela made her way down to the river. Even this waterway was beginning to dry up, she thought as her dark brown eyes took in the lengthy shore where once cool, clean water had gently lapped about the grassy edge. Years of drought had quickly claimed the verdant landscape, and now the river was falling victim to the ravages of time as well.

Livestock had long ago been herded up and driven to pastures far and wide as shepherds sought lush green countryside in place of the browning desert, she now saw burgeoning all around her.

In recent months, Raphaela had helped her aging father bury her mother and two siblings, the innocent victims of starvation and disease.

Her mother had wanted to move away, but she refused to leave her husband behind. Stubbornly, he had been set on sticking it out, adamantly refusing to give up and give in. Ultimately, his family had paid a grievous price for such a firm stance.

Now there was no one left but the two of them, with her father bearing the burden of unrelenting grief over the loss of his wife and son’s. In the long, dark hours of the night Raphaela could hear his quiet sobbing, and her heart ached for him. But there was nothing she could do, and there was no end to his mourning for it did not seem to abate.

As the weeks and months passed and he stopped working, Raphaela knew it was only a matter of time before she would have to bury her father as well.

That’s why these moments she spent down by the river were precious to her. It was the only means of escape from a life of misery, hunger, and loss. Here, her mind could wander, and she could delight in vivid dreams of brighter days and better places.

Though providing for her a fanciful interlude, Raphaela often wondered if she would ever get to live those vibrant fantasies that darted playfully about her mind.

It was on one such afternoon that found Raphaela down by the river again. Her father had gone into the village seeking food, and with him away she had taken the opportunity to provide her own escape. It was a rather hot day as she tip-toed into the foot-deep water. Even though it was old and frayed, she carefully held the folds of her ankle-length skirt aloft as she waded in the cool water.

She had only been there for about thirty minutes when she happened to notice her father and two men walking down the gentle slope toward the water’s edge.

Raphaela, her father murmured a greeting as they hugged briefly.

Who are these men, father? She asked, still innocent of the intent of all three men standing before her.

Is this the girl? One of the men asked, and it took him a moment to reply. Strengthening himself, her father stood tall and squared his shoulders.

It is, was his only reply. Then the other man stepped forward, grabbing hold of Raphaela’s upper arm.

Ouch! She yelped, stunned by the man’s forceful action. Hey, what do you think you’re doing?! Father! She shouted, turning anguished dark eyes toward the man who had given her life, and even now was giving her another chance at life anew.

Take her. Be gone! The older man’s raspy, gruff voice rang out. His tired eyes were overtly careful to avoid the look of questioning and abject fear in his daughter’s eyes.

Take her?! Raphaela screamed, repeating her father’s own words, the shock clearly resounding in the tone of her voice.

Father, what do you mean?! Hey! Stop that! She shouted, turning on the men who grabbed both arms and were even now wrestling her away from the water’s edge, as they worked to drag the struggling girl back up the slope.

Father! Please! Help me! Father! Raphaela screamed over and over again. It was the sound of anguish in his child’s voice that he would carry with him to his dying day.

Take care to not hurt the child! You gave me your word! Her father shouted after the departing backs of the men.

That was our deal, it shall be done as stated, the bigger man replied over his shoulder. Just then Raphaela managed to break loose. Turning about, she tried to flee back to her father, but within three steps the man had grabbed her once again about her waist, quickly thwarting her escape.

No! No! She shrieked, fighting against the much stronger man.

Raphaela! Her father shouted, and startled by the stern sound of his voice, she ceased her struggle. This is for your own good!

What? To have me kidnapped?! She questioned, both hands grasping at the vise-like grasp of the arm that clutched her about the waist.

I’ve sold you, child, came his somber reply.

What?! You…sssold me?! She gasped. Unexpectedly, her words came out stammered, so great was her shock and dismay.

Yes, you will go to a new country, perhaps even America and you will live with good people who will help you make something of your life.

But…but you’re my father, and this is my home! Raphaela lamented. Unabated, tears ran down her dirt-smeared cheeks.

Daughter, the older man spoke as weary eyes glanced about the barren landscape. This is no place to call home. I should have taken you, your mother, and brothers away from here long ago. It was my own stubborn ways that have put them in the grave at far too young an age, and I will not let that happen to you too. It is time for you to live, my child, and you cannot live in a place such as this.

But...

No buts. They have paid me well for you. Your safety is guaranteed, and I have money enough to live on for the rest of my days…here.

How could you?! Raphaela spat, her shock and sorrow now turning into rage and anger. How could you do this to me!

Because…because I love you, was all he said to her. Now go, he said to the men, waving an airy hand in their direction.

If this is love, I hope to never experience anything like it ever in my life! Raphaela shrieked as she was manhandled up the slope, and then was soon borne out of sight.

Her father would never forget the sound of his only daughter’s voice, nor the sight of her valiantly lashing out, struggling against the strength of men far larger than herself.

The memory of the sight of her being dragged up the slope and out of his sight for all time was almost too much for him to endure.

Her voice was so much like that of his late wife’s. They sounded almost identical in that he seemed to be hearing his wife shrieking in anguish, and the pain it caused was unbearable.

He