Mercy's Promise (The Promise Series Book 1)

by Lynn Landes

  Glenn stares at him and looks back to his father in confusion before answering, “Thank you, sir. My boys are getting fatter every day.”

  “That’s good, come inside.” He grabs his rifle and hobbles up the small porch going inside.

  “Eli, I hope your family is well?” Allen says following closely behind.

  “Yes, sir. Thanks to your generosity.”

  “None of that now, I think we both know that we helped each other.” Allen turns to Glenn, “You missed a lot when you were away.”

  “I can see that.” He murmurs as he follows them inside the modest two-room cabin.

  Sheriff Austin sips on his coffee and leans back before pulling the bottle from his pocket.

  “What can you tell me about this bottle?”

  Eli glances at his father and John hisses out in frustration. “Knew she was trouble, in her fancy carriage and all. I told her to only use two splashes per batch. Why? What’d she do with it?”

  Glenn sighs and runs a hand over his face. “She used two full bottles.”

  “What?” Eli shouts while his father stops puffing on his pipe and leans forward.

  “Was anyone hurt?”

  “Depends on the definition,” Glenn snaps.

  “Don’t be thickheaded, son. We believe she poured one full bottle into the apple cider at the Quilting Bee. Not sure about the second bottle, she crushed it on the floor of my barn.”

  John sits back in shock as Allen explains in more detail.

  “Daisy was sick for twelve hours straight as well as Savannah. Ms. Coltrane has been sick for two days.”

  “Two days? Tell me her symptoms,” he demands.

  “Hot, fevered, chills, hallucinations, tightness of breath, and vomiting. Not to mention headaches,” Glenn answers hoarsely.

  Eli goes to the cupboard and pulls down a small brown bottle. “This is lemon and honey. Mix it with a cup of boiled water and serve it like tea. It will help with worst of it. Remember, lots of fluids for her,” he instructs offering the bottle to Glenn. “Two teaspoons per cup.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Why would that girl do this? I warned her that it would be dangerous?” John turns to the Sheriff, “What are you gonna do about this?”

  “Not much I can do. Martha swears that Anika did it and that you are lying for her,” Sheriff Austin replies with a sigh.

  “That girl ain't right in the head, talking about true love…” John Sutton turns to look at Glenn. “You? Was she was talking about you?”

  “I never gave her reason to believe anything of the sort,” Glenn hisses and stands up to move to the window.

  “You best beware of her, scorned women are dangerous,” Eli says.

  “I can see that,” Glenn sighs. “She made all the women in my family sick.”

  “It’s worse than that, son. It could have poisoned them all.”

  Allen covers his face with his hand when he thinks about his wife and daughter. “What are we gonna do about this?” he asks Glenn.

  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Sutton. I will see what I can do, but right now it’s your word against hers.”

  “I'm sorry Allen that you and yours were hurt if there's anything I can do, let me know,” John offers.

  “I will. Thank you.”

  As they ride away from the small house, Glenn looks at his father, “You have some explaining to do.”

  Allen waits until they are halfway down the mountain to pull on his reins. Sheriff Austin slows his mount, “I'll be asking around town and revisiting Martha. Don't do anything rash.”

  Allen doesn't promise; instead, he watches the Sheriff ride away before speaking. “John Sutton and his sons helped us when the raiders came and tried to burn down our home and barn. In return, I provided them with fruits and vegetables for their families. It seemed like a fair trade.”

  “Damn, I wish I'd known,” Glenn says staring back up the mountain.

  “You didn’t ask.” Allen rides away leaving his son in silence.

  “Guess he’s right, I do have a lot to learn.”

  Chapter 19

  “Stop fretting, Martha, you’ll only give yourself worry lines. They can’t prove that you put a few splashes into her cup or the pot. I can guarantee that the church members will be in an uproar over this incident. In fact,” she says toying with the new bonnet in Mrs. Flannagan’s dress shop, “with the right nudging I can promise they will run that girl out of town on the next train.”

  Martha grins, “Mother, I love your devious mind. Did you see how they were acting,” she cackles loudly and dabs at her eyes. Giving a sniff, Martha struggles to get herself under control. “It was more like a half a bottle in her cup, and that's before the whole bottle I poured into the pot,” she says cackling even louder.

  “I was hoping it might have a stronger effect, but apparently that batch wasn’t what he claimed.”

  “I heard she was sick for four days,” her mother insists.

  “Not nearly sick enough.” She holds up a necklace to look at it in the sunlight of the shop window and smiles. “One shouldn't be surprised that someone of Glenn's lineage doesn't know quality.”

  Mrs. Austin tiptoes through the aisle behind them and fights with her anger. She was sick for half a day on just three glasses of that cider, what that poor girl must have went through! She hurries away from them and goes in search of her husband.

  Sheriff Austin marches into the main office of the First National Bank and smiles as he’s greeted by a clerk. It is a small building in the center of town and quite busy this time of morning.

  “I need to see Mr. Darlington, Jess.”

  “Jessica,” she smiles. “I hate that nickname, and you know it, cousin.”

  “I do know it.”

  Jessica’s eyes flick around the room and she scurried around the desk. “I can’t let you see him right now, Sheriff. He’s with some important visitors.”

  “I’m afraid this isn’t a social call, Jess. I need to see him now.”

  “Give me a minute.” She hurries to the office in the back and knocks on the door.

  A few moments later she is followed out by a flustered looking man. He is dressed in his best suit, and his smile doesn't quite reach his eyes when he greets him. “Sheriff, what can I do for you?”

  “Mr. Darlington, I think you will want to hear what I have to say in a more private setting.”

  “I see, follow me.” Thomas Darlington is used to being in charge. This is an awkward position for him to be in and having the Sheriff show up at lunchtime, his busiest time of day is not good for business. He leads him to a small office in the back of the building.

  It has two chairs and a small table. “We need to keep this short Sheriff, I’m meeting with investors and I don’t want to keep them waiting.”

  “I understand.” Sheriff Austin watches the color drain from Thomas’s face as he is told of the incident at the Quilting Bee.

  Standing up, he paces and rubs a clean cloth over his face to mop the sweat that has suddenly appeared. “That is a shame to hear, but I can assure you my wife and daughter would do no such thing. Without evidence Sheriff, I’m afraid your hands are tied.”

  “Thomas, I don’t need to tell you that if the citizens of our town can’t trust you, they won’t trust their money with you. Why I’d even go so far as to suggest that the investors you are talking to might catch wind of this incident and cause problems for you.”

  Thomas loses all color in his face and plops into one of the chairs, “Sheriff these investors are here to invest in a new textile mill. There’s even talk of building a new bank. I don’t need to tell you what that would do for our town. The jobs it will bring to the families and money to this community are desperately needed.”

  “This tantrum could have killed someone, Thomas. It’s out of my hands. Nineteen members from our church, all women were affected, including my wife!” He snarls.

  “Perhaps an extended visit out of town? I must
go to Boston to meet with an architect to discuss plans for the new bank. I will take them both to Edith’s sister. Would that work?”

  “I think that’s a good idea, but you must explain the next time they pull something like this, I will arrest them both. That will mean newspaper articles, Thomas.”

  “I understand, Sheriff. Thank you for your discretion. They will be on the first train for Boston in the morning.

  Anika sits in the chair near the window and nurses Quinton for the first time in three days. “Hi sweet boy, I've missed you.” He grins behind her breast, and she sighs in contentment as Savannah returns with another pot of lemon tea.

  “Oh, not again. No more lemon and honey. Tell your brother, I’m much better. It’s been four days,” Anika hisses in exasperation.

  “I’m not telling him that,” Savannah laughs. “He’s been really worried about you. He slept in the chair beside his bed for two days, Anika.”

  “Don't say that out loud. Glenn shouldn't have done that,” she clears her throat reaching for the tea and sips on it while the baby plays with her hair.

  “I'm sorry to say it, but Dad had his hands full, and so did Mrs. Henrietta. Anika, Sheriff Austin is downstairs. He wants to speak to you.”

  “I’m sure he does. Tell him I’ll be down when I’m finished with the twins.” Quinton fusses when she moves to burp him. “I know big boy. You both need to make up for lost time.”

  “Moms feeding the Sheriff her apple pie. He said to tell you to take your time. Should I go get Dad and Glenn?” She asks cautiously.

  “No. I’ve caused enough trouble for now.”

  “Okay.” Savannah hurries from the room looking worried.

  Forty minutes later Anika walks into the main room and stops in shock when she finds the entire family present. Daisy, Allen, Glenn, and Savannah are all waiting for her.

  “I'm sorry to keep you waiting, Sheriff.” Butterflies erupt in her stomach, and she clasps her hands together in front of her trim waist.

  “No problem. I'm tempted to send you away so I could have a second slice of Daisy's pie.” Everyone laughs as Anika walks slowly in and sits in the only space available, next to Glenn. He settles back, draping an arm over the seat behind her.

  “First, let me say that it’s nice to see you have recovered. I’m not sure what you were told, but I have some new information for you all.” He clears his throat nervously, not sure how they are going to take it.

  “Can you tell me what you remember?”

  Anika glances at Glenn, bunching her hands tightly in her lap. “I’m so sorry, my cider made everyone sick. I have no idea what went wrong, Sheriff. I swear it’s the same recipe as any other cider.”

  Glenn sits up and takes her hand, “You did nothing wrong, Anika.”

  “He’s right. Martha confessed to pouring a bottle of liquid into the batch of Apple Cider.” Sheriff Austin continues, “We know she bought it, but she is not owning up to that. She says it was on the shelf in the barn when she left.”

  “That’s outrageous!” Daisy shouts.

  “I found her in the kitchen stirring the cider, I just thought she was trying to make up for being a jerk,” Savannah exclaims.

  Allen draws Daisy close to his side, “What else?” he demands.

  “Mrs. Flannagan heard her talking about pouring half the bottle into Anika’s cup.”

  “Half a bottle!” Glen leaps to his feet and begins pacing. “That explains why you were so sick, Anika.”

  “I’m confused. Could someone please explain to me what was in the bottle?” Anika asks.

  “Aged moonshine. It’s stronger than most anything you could get in any saloon. In fact, the longer it sits, the stronger it becomes.” Sheriff Austin explains.

  “Why would someone need something that strong?” Daisy demands.

  “It can be useful for surgery,” Savannah answers hoarsely. “Wounded soldiers, sometimes screaming from pain, need something to make it manageable, but it’s a last resort.”

  The room falls quiet as everyone stares at her.

  “I see.” Anika stands up and walks away from them towards the window to stare outside. “It’s shocking to think someone could hate me so much that they would go to such extremes.”

  “Sheriff, something has to be done!” Allen demands. “She could have killed someone I love. My wife, my daughter, my grandsons…” his voice fades away as he looks at his family.

  “I understand, Allen. My wife was sick for half a day. I can't imagine what you went through, Mrs. Coltrane. Unfortunately, it's your word against hers.”

  “How are we supposed to protect our family from this?” Daisy asks softly.

  “You can’t. I’m the problem, Daisy. You don’t know the vile things she said to me in the dress shop.” Anika shutters. “She said she waited two years for Sue to die and that I would be sorry if I got in the way.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?” Glenn demands.

  “What good would it do? I told her that I was below your class, Glenn. I tried to reassure her that I was not a threat.” Anika paces as she thinks.

  Sheriff Austin stands up, “I’ve had a discussion with her father. Martha and her Mother are taking an extended visit to an Aunt in Boston. She won’t bother you again.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff. I suppose that will have to be enough.” Daisy says.

  “Let me walk you out Sheriff,” Allen says.

  Daisy leans forward and pours them tea, “Are you alright, Anika.”

  “Thank you for being here,” she murmurs not quite answering the question.

  “Of course. You aren’t alone anymore,” Savannah says hugging her quickly.

  “You'd do well to remember that in the future,” Glenn says.

  Anika walks over to the window to watch Delaney playing with the dogs. “I can’t quite wrap my mind around this. That someone could hate me enough to harm me, with no regards to what will happen to those around me. I’ve seen what happens to orphans, I want more for my daughter.”

  Glenn holds up a hand to stop his mother and sister from speaking. He walks to her near the window and takes her hand. “I promise you, Delaney will never be an orphan. If anything were to happen to you, we will raise her as a member of our family.”

  “Glenn!” She whispers through tears, “You shouldn’t make such promises.”

  “You heard him,” Daisy snaps, “You are part of our family now Anika, and that includes Delaney.”

  Savannah grins, “I’m going to take Delaney to see the new kittens. Mother?”

  “I’d love to see them.” They leave them alone for a few minutes, giving Anika time to compose herself.

  “They are not very subtle, are they?” He asks with a grin.

  Anika laughs and wipes at her eyes. “Not really.”

  “I’m glad to see you feeling better.” Glenn stares at her until she pulls her hand away from his.

  “Thank you, for everything. Delaney tells me you prayed for me.”

  Glenn nods and sits down to pour himself some tea, “I haven’t prayed in a really long time.”

  “If my illness brought you closer to the Lord, then I am thankful for it. I wish I could remember more, but it’s all a blur.”

  “What do you remember?” he asks sipping the steaming liquid.

  “Flashes really. Dancing, music, laughter, and… water. Sinking, drowning, and Saul.” Anika shutters and stares at him.

  Glenn grins, “Nothing else?”

  “No.” Her eyes narrow suspiciously, “Why?”

  “Just curious,” he smiles behind his cup.

  “I don’t like that smirk, Glenn Ward. Tell me what I did?” She demands with a hand on her hip.

  “I didn’t know you could play the fiddle?”

  “Oh,” memories flash of cheering, dancing, and playing. Anika drops her face into her hands. “Lord, save me,” she whispers.

  Glenn laughs out loud.

  “How will I ever show my face in town again
, let alone church!” She says hiding her face.

  “Don’t worry about it.” Glenn pulls her hands away. “I will have a talk with the Pastor, and he will explain everything on Sunday.”

  “Thank you.” She pulls away and grabs her cup. “There is something good that came out of this. I doubt I will be asked to plan the Fall Carnival.”

  They laugh for a few minutes and Anika steps closer to him. Her smile fades, and she touches his arm. “I would like to say, that this has been eye-opening for me in some ways. What I do remember, is a feeling of happiness, no, that's not right, just a release of the pressure of everything. I understand now why Saul drank so much and you…”

  “Don’t compare me to him,” Glenn snaps, interrupting her. “I am not a drunk who beats women.”

  Anika stares at him in shock, “I never said that.”

  “You thought it, though. I need you to understand that some men can handle drinking better than others. I would never hurt you.”

  “Can you truly say that, though?” she asked softly. “I don’t remember half of what went on the other night.” Flashes of his hands and mouth on her remind her why she should be careful.

  Glenn falls silent, “I can only beg your forgiveness, Anika. This has been eye-opening for all of us. Will you forgive me?”

  “Yes, of course,” she murmurs, avoiding his eyes.

  He turns her face back to his with a finger to her chin. “Look at me.”

  Anika looks up.

  “Please say you will stay. I understand if you want to leave, but I don’t want to lose you.”

  Anika is quiet for a moment and struggles with the urge to run, but her heart isn’t in it. “I’ll stay.”

  Glen releases a breath he was holding and grins. “Excellent.”

  Anika smiles.

  “Now let's just hope the church members are so forgiving.”

  “We will face them together, next Sunday.”

  Chapter 20

  “How quick a week goes,” Anika murmurs as they walk into the church. It doesn’t escape their notice how quiet the inside of the sanctuary is, though it’s packed with parishioners.