Amish Country Murder (Love Inspired Suspense)

by Mary Alford

  Next to him, Catherine appeared to be suffering from shock. James laid the child on the sofa.

  “You should try and rest, as well,” Sutter told Catherine. “It could be a while before we know anything about Abigail—”

  She didn’t let him finish. “I can’t rest. I’m too worried about my sisters.”

  “We could set up shop in here,” James offered. “We can watch over Lily while we review what we know so far. Maybe take another look at the files to see if we missed something in light of what we know now.”

  It was a long shot, but they were running out of options.

  “It looks as if it’s going to be a long night for the search of the Proctor house,” Bernie told them. “Crime scene’s there now, with Trevor and Garrett. As soon as she wraps some things up, Megan’s on her way here. Maybe she’ll know more by then.”

  “Let’s hope.” Sutter sure wished Bernie’s words would prove true. “Want some coffee?” he asked Catherine.

  She barely acknowledged his question. He stepped into her line of sight and she focused on him. “You’re not going to be any good to Lily or your sisters if you make yourself sick. Let’s step away for a second and grab some coffee. Lily will be okay alone for a few minutes.”

  She slowly nodded. With James, they headed to the break room. Sutter poured three coffees and handed one to Catherine.

  “There’s cream or milk in the fridge,” he told her. She moved to the refrigerator without responding.

  “Why are you so troubled?” James said, low enough for only him to hear.

  Sutter kept his eyes on Catherine. “I don’t know. I can’t explain it. I feel the killer’s close.” He realized he sounded paranoid, but he couldn’t shake the feeling.

  James’s frown reflected his concern. “You’ve been working on this case nonstop. You’ve gotten close to the victim.” The look in his partner’s eyes told him James had seen more than Sutter had wanted him to.

  Sutter knew exactly where James was going with his train of thought, and he couldn’t deny it.

  His partner held up a hand. “Just listen. It’s natural to want to protect our victims, especially someone who’s been through so much. Like Catherine. But you’re not from her world, Sutter. It wouldn’t work. You’re not Amish.”

  “But I was.” The words were out before he could stop them. The surprise on James’s face confirmed his friend’s reaction. He owed him an explanation. With a sigh, he said, “I was Amish until I was seventeen years old.” He told about his brother’s death.

  “I had no idea.” James seemed at a loss for words. “Have you thought about returning? Is that what this is about?”

  Every time he considered going home again, his part in his brother’s death held him back. “Catherine has nothing to do with my past. I’m just worried about keeping her safe.”

  He was saved from hearing his partner’s response when Catherine joined them again. The haunted look on her face tore him up. He wanted to make it better, but he didn’t know how.

  Bernie stuck his head into the room. “Sorry to interrupt, but the car the killer was driving has been spotted south of town, abandoned. We’re shorthanded, so I had to dispatch Cole to investigate.”

  A bad feeling chewed at Sutter’s stomach. Something about the call, coming on the heels of what they’d been through, didn’t seem right.

  Before he could voice his concerns aloud, someone knocked on the back door.

  “That’ll be the sheriff.” Bernie left to unlock the door.

  Catherine turned to Sutter. “I want to check on Lily. I’m worried about her.”

  “I’ll come with you. Let Sheriff Collins know I’ll be right there,” he told James, and didn’t miss the worried frown on his partner’s face.

  Lily still slept peacefully and Sutter was thrilled someone could rest. The little girl didn’t need to be part of any of this.

  Catherine still appeared dazed by the events of the day. As much as he was anxious to speak to Proctor, she needed him, and he, well, he was crazy about her. The truth washed over him like a rogue wave. It had been there for a while. He loved her.

  Did it matter? An entire culture stood between them, not to mention several states. Some mountains weren’t surmountable, no matter how much you wanted them to be.

  Sutter brushed his hand across her uninjured cheek, saw the way she responded, and tucked her hands in his. “How are you holding up?”

  James’s words rattled around in his head. He’d spent a lifetime living in the shadow of his guilt. Keeping everyone, including his parents, at a distance because he deemed himself unlovable.

  She shrugged. “I just want this to be done. I want my family safe. I want—” She bit the words off and he sensed she’d left something important unsaid.

  “Please don’t lose hope.”

  Their eyes met. She pulled in a shaky breath.

  He slowly leaned in and kissed her, because he cared for her and didn’t want to let her go when the time demanded he must. She closed her eyes as she kissed him back.

  Ending the kiss was impossible, but he did. “You should try to sleep. It’s going to be a long night and I have a feeling this is just getting started.”

  * * *

  Catherine pressed her hand to her lips and watched him leave. She loved him. Yet nothing about that was a gut thing.

  Give me the strength to let him go...

  Lily murmured in her sleep, drawing Catherine’s attention. She had to be strong for Lily. The little girl’s life had been ripped apart because somehow a serial killer had her family in his sights.

  Sitting next to the child, she stroked her dark hair. Why had the killer taken such good care of her? He’d hurt so many innocent women. Something about Lily was special. Catherine couldn’t get the thought out of her head.

  She leaned back and closed her eyes. Her twin’s face appeared before her. Elizabeth had been through so much this past year, following her husband’s death. Now her life was hanging by a thread.

  Something Elizabeth had written in one of her letters following Douglas’s death troubled her.

  After hearing the news about him, Catherine had written her sister to give her condolences. Elizabeth’s answering letter had arrived the following week, explaining she would be traveling to Eagle’s Nest to the home of a friend for an extended stay. She’d said the woman had told her anytime she needed to get away, she would be welcome. Get away?

  To tell you the truth, I’m glad it’s over. I wish you could be here with me.

  At the time, Catherine had thought she meant the rigor of having to bury someone she loved so much. Was there something more going on?

  Elizabeth had been so happy to see her. Catherine had hugged her sister tightly, felt her wince... Elizabeth’s arm had been broken. When Catherine asked what had happened, she’d said she’d slipped on the ice. At the time, Catherine hadn’t thought much about it, but what if there was more? What if...?

  Footsteps stopped outside the door. The room had grown dark around her. She opened her eyes. Next to her, she realized Lily now sat up and was staring at something behind her.

  “Dada.” The little girl’s first word sent Catherine whirling. He stood beside her. Tall. Covered in black. A ski mask on his face. Before she could scream, his gloved hand clamped over her mouth. Lily began to whimper.

  Something pricked Catherine’s neck.

  Lily. The word did not come out. Panic filled her as the darkness descended. He’d found her. Found Lily. Time was running out for them all.

  She was vaguely aware of being lifted in his arms once more. Aware of Lily’s tiny whimpers. Catherine tried to open her eyes. Reach out to the child. Impossible.

  I’m sorry, Lily. The words flew through her mind. So sorry, Sutter. So many things she wanted to say to him. None would be possible anymore.

/>   SEVENTEEN

  No! The word sped through her mind. Her eyes shot open. She was being carried. Reality slowly dawned and terror took control. He had her. She’d fought him with all her strength before, and she had to get away now.

  He dropped her to the ground. Stared down at her. He held something in his hand. The gun.

  His mouth curled into a smile as he enjoyed her fear.

  “You’re weak. Like the others. Like your sister.” He leaned so close she could feel his breath against her face. “But I’m not going to kill you yet. There’s still more fun to be had with you and your sisters.”

  Before, she’d thought she recognized his voice. Now she was positive. She knew him. This was Douglas. The monster behind the mask was Elizabeth’s husband.

  Impossible. Douglas had died.

  As her thoughts reeled, Catherine was yanked to her feet, the killer’s hand like a vise grip around her arm. “Let’s go. The others are waiting for you.” He smiled at her fear. “This will be my greatest accomplishment. Three sisters. No one’s ever done that. And I’ll make her pay for what she did to me.” He laughed.

  The pitch-black night settled around her, along with the plunging temperature. He pulled her into a wooded area. She had no idea where they were. Would Sutter know she was missing by now? Would it be too late?

  Catherine dragged her feet, tried to delay the inevitable, while his anger grew. He smacked her across the face. “Stop stalling. They’re waiting.” The anger in his eyes threatened to destroy all hope.

  Tree branches slapped at her face. She fought back tears, refusing to give in to any weakness. She wanted to live. Wanted a future. Wanted... Sutter’s handsome face came to mind. Was it possible? Could they work through the differences separating them? She wanted to live to find out.

  She kicked Douglas’s shin with all her strength. He spewed ugly words and grabbed his leg, freeing her.

  Catherine ran back in the direction they’d come from. With no moon and little light, it was hard to see where she was going.

  Behind her, she could hear him raging, his footsteps growing closer. Each breath burned in her chest. She glanced behind her, saw his dark shape coming after her, and ran harder. She couldn’t let him catch her. There was so much to live for.

  With her arms pumping, Catherine charged through the woods, her skirt bunching around her legs and her prayer kapp strings flying behind her.

  “Come here!” Douglas growled, even closer. She was too afraid to look back again. Up ahead there were lights. The town of Eagle’s Nest. If she could only reach the station...

  With the thought still fresh in her head, her foot snagged on something. A root. She flew through the air and hit the ground hard. The breath whooshed from her body. Catherine flipped onto her back. Saw him looming close.

  “No,” she murmured, as she scrambled backward. But there was no escaping him. He reached for her, and the pleased smiled on his face told her he believed he’d won. With everything inside her, she prayed her ending wouldn’t come at his hands.

  * * *

  “Who are you working with, Silas?” the sheriff asked. The man had waived his right to an attorney and agreed to speak with them.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not working with anyone. I don’t know who is responsible for the killings.”

  “Then how did the killer get your car?” Sheriff Collins pushed harder.

  Proctor’s worried gaze shot around the room. “I have no idea. The car is always parked in the garage. It belonged to my son, but no one drives it anymore.”

  “Stop lying to me, Silas. You expect me to believe the killer just mysteriously came up with your car? You’re involved somehow. Melissa Holt babysat for you. She was on her way home from your house when she was killed. Did you do it?”

  Proctor’s eyes grew large. “I didn’t. She was a sweet kid. I could never harm her.”

  “A pretty big coincidence that the first victim of the Dead of Night Killer was murdered while walking home from your house, and now your car has been used in several attacks. You need to work with us, Silas. I can’t help you if you don’t,” the sheriff told him.

  Proctor shook his head with vigor. “How can I tell you what I don’t know? I have no idea...” He paused as if something had suddenly dawned on him.

  Sutter learned forward. “What is it?”

  “The car. I can’t believe I didn’t think about this before. I did lend it to someone for a while. Larry Donnell. He’s new to the community. Moved here a few months back.”

  Sutter’s gaze shot to his partner. The name was unfamiliar. “How did you come to lend your car to Donnell?” he asked.

  “I felt sorry for him,” Proctor said. “He was new to town. Barely had enough money for a meal. He said he’d lived in the area before, though I didn’t recognize him. I gave him odd jobs to do around the house until he could find steady work. He didn’t have any means of getting around, so I lent him the car for a couple of weeks. But that was months ago.”

  “How did he get into the garage to take the car?” Sutter asked. Proctor himself had said the garage was locked.

  “I don’t know. I gave him the key to the garage when he used the car, but he returned it.”

  “I’m guessing he made a copy of it before he gave it back,” Sheriff Collins said. Sutter was inclined to agree.

  “It’s possible, I guess, but I still can’t believe Larry committed these murders. I ran into him the other day. He seemed normal. Said he was working in the hospital kitchen a few days a week and he cooks barbecue for Howard at the diner on his off days.”

  Barbecue. That would explain the scent of wood smoke Catherine remembered and the other job explained how he knew his way around the hospital. They needed to pick Donnell up as soon as possible.

  Before Sutter could get the words out, a sound from the doorway had him whirling toward it.

  Lily clutched her doll against her body. The fear in the child’s eyes had him hurrying to her side.

  “What’s wrong, Lily?” he asked, kneeling in front of her.

  “Dada...” She forced the word out, her voice trembling. She’d spoken!

  Sutter’s eyes widened as fear spiraled through him. “What about Dada? Did you see him?”

  Lily nodded. “He took Catherine.”

  His heart threatened to explode. He gathered the child in his arms and ran to the sheriff’s office. The room was empty. Catherine was gone.

  Sutter swung to face James and Walker, who’d followed on his heels. “He has her.” How had the killer gotten past the dispatcher? “Where’s Bernie?” he asked.

  They headed to the dispatch desk, which was empty. A moan came from near the back door. James hurried over. Bernie and Megan were both unconscious. Bernie slowly sat up.

  “What happened?” Sutter asked him while the sheriff assisted Megan.

  “I heard a knock on the door. It was Megan. When I opened it, the guy came out of the shadows and took us both down.”

  “We need more help. Now!” Sutter declared.

  “Aden’s on his way, along with the deputies on loan,” the sheriff said after he’d made the call.

  He helped Megan to her feet and strode into the interview room. “Where does Donnell live?” he demanded. When Proctor hesitated, the sheriff continued, “This guy just took another victim. Tell me where he’s living in Eagle’s Nest. Now!”

  “He has a place outside of town.” Proctor gave the address.

  Sheriff Collins seized the man’s arm and led him to the cell. “You’re staying here until we have Donnell in custody.”

  Once the cell door closed, the sheriff called Cole and told him what had happened. “I need you over at Larry Donnell’s place.” He gave the address and listened for a moment before ending the conversation and clicking off. “The call about the car
being spotted was a bust,” he reported. “I’m guessing it was Donnell getting Cole away from the station.”

  Lily clung to Sutter. He hated to leave her behind, but he had to find Catherine before the killer took her life.

  He set the girl down. “Lily, I need to help your aunt. I’m going to leave you with Bernie here. He’ll take good care of you, okay? You can trust him.”

  Her huge eyes locked on to his. Lily slowly nodded and Sutter smiled at her courage. It reminded him of Catherine.

  “Come on, sweetheart. I have some doughnuts in the break room and some chocolate milk.” Bernie took the little girl’s hand and together they headed down the hall.

  Once Lily was out of sight, Sutter swung toward the sheriff. “I don’t know what this guy’s connection to Catherine and her family is, but there is one because Lily seemed to recognize the man. We have to get him before he kills all the sisters. Chances are, he came in on foot as to not alert us he was close.”

  Sutter didn’t wait for an answer. He headed out the front door of the station.

  God, if You want me to trust You again, then help me find her before it’s too late, because I love her.

  With his heart bared to God, he glanced around, expecting answers.

  “There. Footprints. One set.” James pointed to marks in the slushy snow.

  “Thank You, God,” Sutter said aloud for all to hear, and followed the trail.

  “He has a head start on us.” Sheriff Collins indicated the woods ahead.

  They entered the trees. Multiple footprints covered the ground. The spot was a popular hiking area for the townsfolk.

  “Which way?” Sutter tried to hold back his desperation.

  “Let’s split up,” James said. “We can cover more territory that way.”

  Sutter nodded. “I’ll keep going this way.” He pointed straight ahead. “I don’t think we can risk using our flashlights. We don’t want to alert him we’re coming after him.”

  “Agreed. And don’t be heroes. If you see him, call for backup before you act,” the sheriff told them both.