Chasing the Killer

By Rebecca Lange

After her mother's sudden death, caused by several gunshots in the back, Hope Spencer is determined to find out who the killer is and why her mother was murdered. Hope wants justice. Nobody was going to take her beloved mom away from her and not get punished. When her father, the sheriff, and her fiance claim there isn't enough evidence to investigate, she plans to set off on her own, despite being told not to go. What she didn't expect was her reverend demanding a change of plans.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Lange
• Release date: Oct 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781957089362

Rebecca Lange

Rebecca was born and raised in Germany and lived there until 2002 when she served a mission for her church in Scotland. She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together with her husband and two teenage boys, Rebecca currently resides in Utah.   A romance lover at heart, Rebecca has been writing stories since her teenage years and decided in the summer of 2012 to become more serious about it. In February 2013, Rebecca published a little cookbook, later a trilogy and from there followed nearly a dozen stories such as the one you just read. She is currently working on several romance novels. New stories can also be found on Kindle Vella.   If you liked the story, please consider leaving a review.

Book preview

1

Cowardice Murder

It was quiet when Hope stepped through the vast door of their mansion. Too quiet. Where were all the servants? She knew her father was at a medical convention to present a new treatment and several medications he had created and developed, and her grandmother had gone with him, but where was the rest of the household?

Her feelings had not lied to her. Something was seriously wrong. She could feel the cold creeping up on her, she felt the evil in the air.

Hope shivered and stumbled forward in hopes to find a lamp to light. Why had the servants left the entrance hall in complete darkness? They never left the house without light, especially not when they knew the master and family members of the household were out.

This wasn’t normal. Her thoughts went back to the ball she had left earlier and how unsupportive her fiancé had been. She was getting tired of his controlling nature. It seemed to be getting worse. Hope shook her head. She had told him of the strong feeling she felt that something bad was about to happen, and she had to return home at once.

He had scolded her, telling her that this ball was important for his career as a lawyer and that many prominent people were present, and she had to support him as his fiancée. Hope made it clear that she would listen to her feelings and leave the ball. He informed her that he would not allow her to go.

Hope scoffed. He had prevented her from leaving, always including her in a conversation with clients or other lawyers, even though it had nothing to do with her, and she was also not interested. He also held on to her arm, making it impossible for her to leave without making a scene.

Eventually, the feeling became so urgent, that she excused herself to go to the washroom and escaped through the window. Her dress ripped in several spots and became dirty, but she only cared about getting home as fast as possible.

Hope shook her head. She was appalled at Eric’s behavior and how he had treated her. Who did he think he was? She wasn’t a child, and he did not own her and never would.

After rummaging around in some drawers of an old cabinet that used to belong to her father’s grandfather, she finally found some matches. Before long, the lamp on the table next to the cabinet, lit up the room. She heard the grandfather clock ticking, but besides that, nothing. The surrounding silence scared her.

Mom? she finally called out and stepped into the open space of the entrance area. She took off her coat and was about to hang it up when she heard the faint voice of her mother. Hope looked up and held the lamp higher. That was closer than she expected.

She noticed a shadow on the ground below the stairs and rushed closer. A terrified gasp escaped her lips when the light of the lamp fell on the woman on the ground. Blood was dripping from her mother’s mouth, her eyes were closed. Only painful moaning filled the room every few seconds.

Hope knelt next to her mother immediately, putting the lamp next to her. Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them away. She took her mother’s hand.

Mom? What happened? Where are all the servants?

Her mother finally looked up. It was hard for her to speak and when she finally did, it was only a whisper.

Hope. What are you doing here?

A strong feeling told me to go home. What happened? Hope looked at her mother but felt the blood draining from her face. Her mother was dying. She wasn’t just bleeding from her mouth. A puddle of blood was underneath her mom.

Someone came into our home, and I was shot in the back three times. I think I fell over the banister and landed here. I was unconscious for a while.

Hope covered her mouth with her hands and tried to get her fast breathing to slow down again. It took everything out of her to not break out in tears at that moment, but her mother needed her to remain calm.

Who did this to you? Where are the servants?

I don’t know. Her mother only breathed those words. It was nearly inaudible.

I need to fetch Doc Baker. Hope was about to jump up, but her mother clasped her hand and prevented her from getting back on her feet.

Don’t leave. I need you here, her mother gasped before erupting into a painful cough. Hope watched her mother horrified.

Did the person take anything? Hope finally asked, not sure how she even had the strength to think about something like that.

Her mother nodded. I think so. He went into my study and took something from there. He also took my diary. I had it in my hands when I fell and when I woke up it was gone.

How do you know he went into your study?

I saw his shadow when I woke up. I think he left through the window, but he was in the room longer than just for an escape.

Hope watched helplessly as her mother had a violent coughing fit. She was spitting blood. Her mother’s breathing was uneven, and she gasped for air. When the coughing finally stopped, her mother’s face turned to her.

I love you, Hope. Always listen to your heart. Don’t let anyone control you.

Who would try to control me? Hope asked, and the concern in her voice was evident.

Her mother swallowed. You’ll find answers when you find my diary. I need you to—

Hope watched as her mother’s head sank to the side. The breathing stopped. It took Hope a moment before she realized what had just happened, but then a deep-felt sob escaped her throat. Before long, she was leaning over her mother’s limp body, holding her tight and crying into the woman’s chest.

I love you, Mom, she sobbed between gasping for air. Her heart hurt so much that she was certain, it wouldn’t take much to explode into pieces. Hope was so lost in her grieving, that she didn’t hear the door opening and closing, but looked up startled when she felt a firm hand on her shoulder.

Hope, let me take a look at your mother, Doctor Baker said softly, but the young woman only shook her head.

It’s too late, Mom is dead.

The physician moved her gently out of the way. Tears were still streaming down Hope’s cheeks, but she noticed her maid not far from her. The girl was also crying.

Mia, she called out and reached for the maid’s hand. Where is everyone? Did you see how this happened?

The young servant shook her head. I didn’t see it. Mr. Pratt told us we had to stay in our quarters and not go near Mrs. Spencer tonight. He said that she wanted to be alone because she had received bad news. He said that Master Spencer had told him to give his wife privacy. She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the rest of the tears, but was unsuccessful.

Mia’s expression was fearful when she continued. I was going to obey, but then I heard gunshots. I asked Mr. Pratt if I could go downstairs and see if Mrs. Spencer was all right, but he told me not to worry. He said that the shots had come from outside. When I pressed him that I was certain it had come from inside the house, he told me he would check on what was going on. I never saw him leave the servant quarters, though. My heart told me to go, and so I did. I found your mother in this position and left the house at once to get Doc Baker. I am so sorry I’m too late. Mia burst into sobs and Hope pulled her into her arms.

Despite being deeply grieved, Hope managed to find soothing words for the servant girl, giving her a firm hug.

You did your best, Mia. It wasn’t your fault that my mother died. Thank you for trying to keep her alive.

Doc Baker, sent Mia for a blanket, so they could cover the body. Hope sat on the bottom step of the stairs with tears still rolling down her cheeks. None of what Mia had told her made sense. What bad news should her mother have received? Did one of her relatives die? And why did her father tell their butler to not come near her mother? Why had the butler claimed the gunshots had come from outside, and he never went to check on her mother?

She couldn’t believe it. Her beloved mother was dead, shot in the back by a coward. Hope knew that this had not been an accident. She watched as Mia returned with the blanket and Doc Baker covered the body of her mom, before he asked Mia to instruct some of the male servants to transport the dead body to his clinic as soon as possible.

The physician was just about to leave when the front door opened again and Hope’s father entered, followed by her grandmother. They looked around as if confused, but their expressions hardly changed.

What is going on here? Winston Spencer asked loudly, and Doc Baker stepped closer to inform him that his wife had died. Hope’s grandmother walked straight over to her granddaughter.

Hope Georgiana Spencer, she scolded immediately. Look at your beautiful dress. Why can’t you be more careful with the clothes you have?

Doc Baker looked at the old lady with disbelief and watched as Hope stood. The young woman’s expression had frozen to stone. Hope was clearly used to such coldness from her grandmother, but it still shook the physician to the core.

Really, Grandmother? That’s the first thing you notice? Hope shook her head, barely keeping her temper in check. She was so tired of always having to bite her tongue, but ever since she could remember, she had been told that she wasn’t to raise her voice to an adult. She was supposed to be obedient, meek, and submissive. Hope closed her eyes for a split second and took a deep breath before she continued.

These stains are from my mother’s blood. She was murdered tonight.

The older woman scoffed. There aren’t just blood stains. You managed to rip several holes in it. Besides, it wouldn’t have mattered what had happened tonight, you always find a way to ruin your beautiful dresses. I seriously can’t believe what of an ungrateful child you are. Your father buys only the best for you, and that’s how you repay him? I am ashamed—

Yes, I know, Grandmother, Hope interrupted sharply. I know you are ashamed of me and don’t see me as your granddaughter. But look over there, your daughter-in-law’s body is still next to us on the cold tile floor and all you care about is my dress? She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to calm her beating heart, but her emotions were too wild to keep her tongue under control.

"I’m aware that you never cared for mom or me and are cold-hearted and compassionless, but even someone like you should have the decency to show some feelings or at least consideration in a time like this." She looked down at the old woman, her eyes sparkling with pain, anger, and hurt.

Before her grandmother could say something in return, her father stepped closer. Okay, let’s all take a deep breath. Hope just experienced a tremendous shock and painful moment, Mother, her emotions are getting the best of her.

That is no excuse for her rudeness and carelessness.

Doc Baker shook his head. He had not dealt with Winston Spencer or his mother much, but the feeling in the room was everything but comfortable. There was no love in this home. His heart went out to Hope. Clearly, she had just lost the only person who made her feel loved. Why didn’t her father try to comfort her?

Mother, it is just a dress, Winston snapped now and gave the older woman a look that caused her to turn around and rush up the stairs.

The butler and a few servants appeared now and moved the body to the front of the house, where they put Hope’s mom on a wagon. Not one person reached out to Hope.

Instead of just saying goodbye, Doc Baker walked over to the young woman and pulled her into his arms, giving her a fatherly hug. She froze at first, clearly not sure how to process such kindness, but after a moment of hesitation, she hugged him back. Hope burst into quiet sobs. Doc Baker simply held her and gave her the feeling of not being alone.

Hope did not talk to her grandmother or father after Doc Baker left and went straight to her room. She knew her father’s side of the family wasn’t affectionate, but her grandmother’s reaction was cold even for her. It seemed as if the death of her daughter-in-law didn’t matter at all, as if that was a common thing in a Spencer Household. Hope wished more than ever that she knew her mother’s family. But she had no knowledge about them. Her father had told her they had abandoned and disowned their daughter when she married him, and that was that.

She was ten, which made it eight years since that discussion. Nobody was allowed to talk about it, and Hope was not permitted to ask any questions. The few times she had tried to ask about them and her mom had begun answering, her father put an end to it, and she wasn’t allowed near her mom for several days.

Hope stood and walked to her window. Don’t let anyone control you! Her eyes grew wide. Was that the reason, her mom had said that before her death? Had her father controlled her mother by keeping them apart? Had he used the affection and love her mother had for her to make her do whatever he wanted?

She wanted to go further down that path in her thoughts, but there was no use digging deeper into it. She needed real answers.

2

An Explosive Temper

Hope was exhausted . She had attempted to fall asleep several times, but with everything on her mind and the horrible event from the night before, she simply couldn’t rest. Perhaps fresh air would do her good. She was about to take her coat when she glanced out of her window and saw someone riding through the gate of her father’s estate. The sheriff had just arrived, which meant he would be discussing with her father her mother’s death, maybe even giving them some answers already. She quickly turned, left her room, and ran down the stairs to get to her father’s study.

Hope, what are you doing here? her father asked right away as soon as she opened the door. His expression communicated irritation. She ignored him.

Sheriff Craig, do you bring any news? Have you found evidence that will help us solve my mother’s murder? She looked at him eagerly but noticed how he exchanged a quick glance with her father.

We can’t say yet, whether she was murdered.

Hope stared at him dumbfounded for a moment. Had he seriously just said that? She saw her father shaking his head, clearly annoyed by the ridiculous response of the sheriff.

You’re joking, right? Hope snapped, and her irritation was no secret. She was shot in the back three times. How on earth was that not murder? You are not going to suggest that she died of natural causes, are you? She took a deep breath, but her temper was not to be silenced any longer.

Stop treating us like fools and start doing your job. You don’t want everyone to know that you’re incompetent at even the simplest tasks, am I right? Or are you perhaps a coward?

Hope! Winston’s voice was sharp and firm. He gave his daughter a reproachful glance, but it was only an attempted scolding. Hope knew he agreed with her. She returned her full attention to the sheriff. His face was red with anger, and she could see that he had to bite his tongue to not give her a piece of his mind, but Winston Spencer would not allow him to attack Hope.

Now, what evidence have you found so far? Hope continued to question, and Sheriff Craig took a deep breath.

I’m afraid there is no helpful evidence, Miss Spencer. Whoever planned this, knew what he was doing and left nothing behind.

She furrowed her brow. So what’s the plan? What will you do about it?

I sent out telegrams to all surrounding towns and areas, asking the sheriffs to keep an eye out for a murderer on the run. But we have nothing about him, so there isn’t much they can do.

Hope’s expression darkened. That’s it? Have you checked the house, my mother’s room, and outside if the person perhaps lost something?

The sheriff gave her a withering glance. I know how to do my job, Miss Spencer, he snapped, and I’m telling you we have nothing to go on. The person who killed your mother was proficient at what he does. Besides the telegram, there isn’t anything we can do.

Hope nearly gasped. You are not going out there, trying to find the person?

It would be a waste of time, he said in his defense and through gritted teeth. Perhaps he was trying to calm her down, but the outrage in her eyes made everyone realize that she was having none of that. She exploded.

It would be a waste of time? she shouted and slammed her hand on her father’s desk. My mother was murdered in cold blood, by a coward who shot her in the back, and you can’t be bothered to investigate? You will just let him go?

Hope, her father said now, and this time there was no question that he was getting upset, his voice was rising. Please keep your tone in check and remember your manners. You’re getting hysterical.

She scoffed. My mother was killed last night, Father, and the sheriff just said that he can’t be bothered to investigate, I believe I have every right to get hysterical. She shook her head. Sheriff Craig said that my mother’s death is nothing of importance.

He never said that.

Yes, he did. Calling it a waste of time, means just that.

There is nothing we can do.

"Of course there is. If the sheriff doesn’t want to do his job, hire someone else. Get in touch with the marshal headquarters and get them on it."

They won’t be able to solve this either.

You don’t care either? she snapped, her expression furious.

I care, but there isn’t anything we can do about it.

I don’t believe that. Hope looked as if she wanted to strangle the two men in the room.

Listen, her father said, and it was clear he was trying his hardest to calm his daughter down. Let’s worry about the investigation after the funeral tomorrow.

This time, Hope gasped. Mom’s funeral is tomorrow already? Why the rush? Why isn’t anyone here willing to look into this and get some answers?

I have a business trip the day after tomorrow and will be gone for a few days, so it is best to do the funeral before I’m leaving.

Hope bit her lip, but shook her head. Her father and she didn’t have much of a relationship, but this was simply outrageous. She stepped closer to him.

"Father. I’m aware that we don’t have a lot in common or to do with one another. I know you loved your first wife very much and are much closer to your other children than you are with me, but I loved my mother. She was the only person in this house who actually showed her affection, and who cared about me. You are a wealthy man, and it shouldn’t take much for you to have this thoroughly investigated." Her blue eyes were on him without blinking. She knew he could see the demanding plea.

Before he had a chance to reply, there was a knock at the door, and a moment later, Eric Westerwald entered the study. Hope glanced at her fiancé for a split-second before her eyes were back on her father.

The older man sighed. I’m sorry, Hope, but my business is in a tight spot right now, and I don’t have extra money to hire private investigators or US marshals to find answers.

"Your business is more important than your murdered wife?"