Liza's Second Chance

by Molly Jebber

  Bill pulled back his chair and stood. “I should be on my way.”

  “Please, sit for a few minutes.”

  Bill sighed and took his seat again.

  Jacob noticed the worry and agitation on the young man’s face. It was tragic that Bill was afraid he’d run into his daed and had to sneak to talk to his mamm to avoid a confrontation with him, the man he should be able to discuss anything with without fear.

  “Where will you go?”

  “I’ll return to my aunt and uncle’s. I need to get away from here as soon as possible. My dad won’t come there. My uncle is the only person my dad won’t cross. He knows he’s no match for his brother and the ranch hands who work for him. He also won’t want to face my uncle.”

  Ellie went outside and returned with jars filled with water, and she grabbed some containers of food and put it all into a clean flour sack. She handed it to him. “I’ll walk you out.”

  Jacob stood and went with them. “I’ll be right back.” He hurried to the bedroom and took out some money, returned to Bill and Ellie, and handed the young man the coins.

  Bill raised his eyebrows and gasped. “Mr. Graber, thank you very much.”

  “Be careful, young man.” He opened the door, and they stepped outside.

  Jacob blocked the sun with his hand above his eyes. A fast-galloping horse headed toward them. The man riding the animal held a rifle in his hand.

  “Oh no!” Ellie gripped Jacob’s arm. “It’s Mr. Phillips! He’s got a rifle!”

  Bill froze.

  Mr. Phillips yanked the reins, jumped off his horse, grabbed Bill’s arm, and swung his son around. “I knew you’d come here to your simple Amish woman’s house. You knew her dad wouldn’t lift a finger to you. The Amish men don’t have the guts to bring harm to anyone. They’re weak and foolish. He might give you money, though. Is that the reason you’re here?”

  Bill jerked his arm from his dad’s grip. “I brought Ellie home. I didn’t ask Mr. Graber for money.”

  “Don’t run away from me, you coward!”

  “Dad, I don’t want any trouble. Let me go and leave the Grabers alone.”

  “You’re not going anywhere and neither are they.”

  Jacob motioned to Ellie. “Go inside and lock the door.”

  Ellie shook her head, holding fingers to her quivering lips. “I’m afraid to leave you and Bill.”

  “Please, listen to your father, Ellie. Go inside.”

  Jacob faced her. “You must obey me now, Ellie. Go.”

  She fled to the haus.

  Jacob took a deep breath to calm the anxiety welling up in him. The man had a volatile temper. Anything he said or did could set Bill’s daed off and he didn’t want anyone hurt. “Mr. Phillips, please put the rifle down.”

  Mr. Phillips raised the Winchester double-barreled rifle and aimed it at the center of Jacob’s chest. “I’m not afraid to use this and it wouldn’t be the first time. No man crosses me. Got it? Now keep your mouth shut.” He swung the rifle and shoved it in Bill’s chest, hard enough to knock his son to the ground. “You’re an embarrassment, running away from me like a scared rabbit. You’re a disgrace, and a weakling. You make me sick.”

  Bill scrambled to his feet, dusted his trembling hands and stood ramrod straight.

  Mr. Phillips shoved the rifle against Bill’s chest again.

  Jacob stepped in and grabbed the Winchester barrel, diverting it from Bill.

  Mr. Phillips fought to hold on to it. Jacob didn’t loosen his grip, struggling to wrench it away from him.

  Boom!

  Jacob stumbled back, then regained his footing as warm blood trickled down his arm, staining his shirt. The bullet had grazed his shoulder. The need to protect Bill and his dochder overrode any discomfort. He had to stop this man from killing them.

  Mr. Phillips jumped back, dropped the rifle, and stared at Jacob in disbelief.

  “Father, what have you done to this innocent man?” Bill dashed over and grabbed the double-barreled rifle from the dirt, snapped the lever; the next bullet slid into the chamber. With a steady hand and keeping a safe distance from his daed, he pointed it straight at his stomach. “Get on your horse and leave. I won’t allow you to hurt them.”

  Mr. Phillips regained his composure. “You won’t shoot me. You don’t have the guts.”

  “I will shoot you if you keep up with your threats to harm my friends. I wish I knew why you’re such a bully. Mother and I would like nothing better than to have you change your despicable ways.”

  “My dad raised me tough and stern. You’re soft, like your uncle Glen. I’m done with you.” He pointed at Jacob’s bleeding arm and smirked. “And you’ve learned not to cross me. I wish my aim had been better. Lucky for you, it wasn’t. Don’t cross me again.” He got on his horse, kicked the animal, and galloped away.

  Bill put the rifle down and rushed to Jacob, helping him to his feet. “Let’s get you inside and check your shoulder.”

  Ellie swung open the door and dashed to his side. “Daed, I was so scared. I thought he was going to kill you and Bill.” She gestured them to the kitchen table.

  Jacob held a hand to his shoulder and took a seat. Blood seeped through his shirt. Pain throbbed around his gunshot wound. He pulled the shirt over his shoulder and glanced at it. “It’s not serious.”

  Ellie snatched up a clean cloth, dabbed the blood, and then examined the spot. “The bullet must’ve grazed you. The doctor should examine it.” She pressed the cloth to stop the bleeding.

  Bill hovered over him. “I’ll go fetch Dr. Harrison.”

  Jacob waved a dismissive hand. “I’ll be fine. If I keep pressure on it until the bleeding slows, then clean and bandage it, the wound will heal without any problem.”

  Ellie smacked her lips in disgust. “You talk about me being stubborn. I must’ve inherited the trait from you.”

  Bill smiled. “He’s right. I’d do the same thing. I suspect there’s nothing more the doctor would do.”

  “Both of you are exasperating.” She lifted the cloth. “The blood is clotting. I guess you’re right.” She helped him out of his shirt and cleaned and bandaged the wound.

  Bill wrung his hands. “Ellie, I really must talk to Mother. It’s no secret I love you, Ellie, and I’m not ashamed to say so in front of your father. I understand you don’t think of me as more than a friend, and I don’t regret falling in love with you. You’re a sweet and kind woman. I wish you the best.” He grimaced and faced Jacob. “I’m sorry my dad threatened you, Mr. Graber.”

  “It’s not your fault.” He smiled at Bill. “Son, danki for taking care of my dochder. Please understand, I have no ill will toward you and I wish you a good life.” He gave him a serious nod. “Please travel safe.”

  Ellie wiped a fresh tear from her face. “Bill, please tell your aunt and uncle danki again for their hospitality and kindness to me. I’ll never forget what they and you did for me.”

  He gave her an endearing look. “I’ll tell them. I hope Mother will pack a quick bag and come with me. My aunt and uncle would be thrilled if she did.”

  “Your daed will be irate! You mustn’t put yourself in danger again.” Ellie clutched his arm and stared at him in disbelief.

  “I’ll keep out of sight and wait until he leaves. He goes to the saloon every afternoon. I have a sneaking suspicion he headed there after leaving here, and I’ll be able to talk to Mother alone.”

  “Bill, please don’t linger at your haus. Your daed could show up unexpectedly.”

  “I won’t. Thanks for the food and water. I’d dropped it in the buggy before Dad caught me. Take care, both of you.” He waved and shut the door behind him.

  Ellie rushed to the window and remained unmoving for a few moments. “Bill’s a trustworthy and honorable man. If he’d been Amish, we might have had a chance. He has no interest in living our simple life.

  “His uncle is wealthy and was proud to show us his new motorcar when we arrived. He reads the ne
wspaper and keeps abreast of the newest tools and inventions. I’m no longer interested in those things. As much as I went on and on about the outside world, I rebelled and lashed out, hiding my real pain over Mamm’s death. Once I realized that, I found solace in my faith in God, Amish values, traditions, and my life in Charm. I can’t wait to see Hannah.”

  This was the thinking of the dochder he’d raised. She had kumme full circle and realized she had run from the compassion, love, and comfort of God, him, and her friends. The blessings of Amish life were right in front of her. He hoped she could reestablish her close friendship with Hannah. “She was hurt and disappointed you left without telling her.”

  “Do you think she’ll forgive me?”

  Hannah had a big heart, like Liza. She’d befriended Ellie despite her wild ways, had faith she would change. He suspected Hannah would be happy Ellie was back with a new attitude. “Jah, I do.” He cocked his head. “You need to nurture your friendship with her. You’ve put yourself before her since you’ve met. It’s time to listen and be a friend to her now.”

  “I’ve been a horrible friend to her. She stuck by me and I let her down. I’ll do whatever it takes to win her trust in me again. Hannah’s the best friend I’ve ever had. Maybe I can even work on becoming friends with Leah and Eva. I was terrible, boasting to them about when I left you the first time to explore the outside world at the baking social Liza invited me to when we first came to town. They must think I’m terrible. I didn’t even try to befriend them.”

  “Peter is crushed. His mamm trusted you, and you let her and him down. She’s bitter.”

  Ellie’s chin dropped. “I’m disappointed in myself for abandoning him. I’ll apologize to him and Mae tomorrow. I doubt either of them will ever want to speak to me again. I ache thinking about it.”

  Jacob gazed at his dochder. “There’ll be consequences to your actions, and some hard lessons are kumming your way. Mae, Peter, and others in the community may need time to trust you again. They may not be wilkoming. Don’t get discouraged. Depend on your faith in God to get you through this trial in your life. You were distraught when you left, but the good thing is that you came back and chose God and the Amish life.” He moved his arm to get more comfortable. “You need to make amends with Liza, Esther, and Abe too.”

  “I’m sorry I put you through such heartache, Daed.” She fidgeted with the cloth napkin on the table. “Of course they’re first on my list of apologies. They’ve been so good to me and I’ve shown them such disrespect. I’m afraid the damage I’ve caused will make them weary of ever befriending me again.”

  He wouldn’t coddle her. She’d have to win her way back into their hearts. He doubted Liza, Esther, Hannah, and Abe would make it a hardship. They’d be thrilled she’d seen the error of her ways when she showed them her pleasant and loving side, rather than the rebellious one.

  Liza might refuse his offer of a future with him if Ellie didn’t accept her into their lives as a potential fraa. She might also want to observe Ellie for a time to make sure she was committed to God and the Amish life. His troubles might not be over with Ellie yet. “They care about you, Ellie. They’ll be happy you’re home.”

  Ellie lifted her head. “We have company. I heard a horse’s gallop. Oh no! I hope Mr. Phillips hasn’t returned.” She ran to the window.

  Jacob grabbed a shirt from the stack of his folded laundry. He winced, shrugging on his shirt, then followed her. He glanced at his rifle but left it on its hooks. He wanted to avoid any altercation with Mr. Phillips. He peeked out the window and wrinkled his forehead. “I wonder why Sheriff Williams is here.”

  Ellie opened the door. “I hope it isn’t because Mr. Phillips hurt Bill!”

  “Let’s find out what he has to say before you get upset.” A stab of fear went through his chest at the man’s sudden arrival.

  Sheriff Williams stepped out of his wagon and tied his horse to the freshly painted post. He stepped onto the porch. “Mr. Graber, I understand Mr. Phillips may have set fire to your fence.”

  “Did someone tell you this, Sheriff?”

  “Mr. Phillips was bragging at the saloon about the damage he caused your property because he blamed your daughter for coaxing his son to leave town with her. Mr. Phillips got into a brawl with some men, and a friend of mine was there who came to my office to tell me what was going on.”

  Ellie’s hand flew to her open mouth. “Daed, why didn’t you mention this to me?”

  “I didn’t want to upset you. You just got home. Sheriff, please kumme in.”

  Thumbs tucked in the gun belt on his hips, Sheriff Williams shook his head. “I won’t keep you. Would you please verify it was Mr. Phillips who damaged your fence?”

  “I don’t want any trouble.”

  “Please, Mr. Graber, I understand the Amish avoid trouble at any cost. I need to know. Mr. Phillips went to the saloon, threw glasses at the wall, then shoved the men and women who work there for no good reason. He threw a few punches at two men, shattered another glass, and stabbed a man in the shoulder with a shard of it. Three men wrestled him to the floor and sat on him until my friend fetched me. You don’t need to fret he’ll come here. He’s in jail. I came to make sure you’re all right.”

  Ellie shivered. “Bill, Mr. Phillips’s son, left here a few minutes ago. He went to persuade his mamm to leave his daed, for her safety, and go with him to his aunt and uncle’s haus in another town. Would you check on them? And how’s the man who was stabbed?”

  “The injured man will be fine. The wound didn’t look deep. His friends took him to Dr. Harrison’s office. He was able to walk there. I went to the Phillipses’ place first. When no one answered the unlocked door, I went inside to make certain Mrs. Phillips was unharmed. Her clothes are gone and she left a note on the table. She told her husband she was leaving him and joining her son to live with relatives. I’ll let Mr. Phillips know when he calms down. He’ll not be returning home. He’s done enough to land him in jail for quite a while.” He hitched his hat back on his head. “Please tell me about the fire in detail. I’ll add it to the list of offenses committed by Mr. Phillips, giving him more jail time.”

  “I was home when the fire caught my attention last night and I ran outside. A man on a horse took off. The man could be Mr. Phillips’s twin. Today, he returned, and Bill, his son, was here. He was livid that Bill had left town with my dochder for a time. He brandished his rifle and threatened to shoot us.”

  Ellie stepped closer to Jacob. “Sheriff Williams, my daed isn’t telling you the whole story. Mr. Phillips shot him. The bullet grazed his shoulder.”

  “Thank you, Miss Graber. I appreciate your forthrightness. Mr. Phillips has been a burr in my side for a long time, causing havoc in this town with his hot temper and perpetual bad disposition. He’s a danger to everyone.”

  “We’ll pray he reflects on the pain he’s caused his family and others and chooses to become a better person during his extended time in jail. God is all-powerful. He can make all things possible if we let Him.”

  “I hope you’re right, Mr. Graber.”

  Ellie eyes widened. “Sheriff, shouldn’t Bill and his mamm know Mr. Phillips is in jail? Who will take care of their livestock and property?”

  “I spoke to the man in charge of running Mr. Phillips’s farm. He was outside. He said he’d write to let Bill know about his father. Bill trusts him and left him their address. I told the man he could visit Mr. Phillips in jail to discuss care of the property. Mr. Phillips is a wealthy man and he had an agreement with his main man, Mr. Russell, to take over in case something happened to him. I got all this from the man when I went to the property. He said he’d asked Mr. Phillips to make a plan when he witnessed his boss’s tendency to get in fights in the saloon. He figured he would be thrown in jail someday for injuring someone. He wasn’t startled by the news.”

  “Did Mr. Russell mention Mrs. Graber or Bill?”

  Sheriff Williams rested his hand on his holster. “He was
relieved Mrs. Graber and Bill were leaving. He often worried about them.”

  “Why does he work for Mr. Phillips, given the man’s cantankerous disposition?”

  “I asked him. He said his boss pays him more than any of his friends who work in the same position earn. He also lives in a house behind the property as part of his compensation. And Mr. Phillips treated him decent.”

  Ellie rested a hand on her hip. “Mr. Phillips sounds like a complicated man. I’m happy Bill and his mamm are safe and away from him. Danki for stopping by, Sheriff.”

  “You’re welcome, Miss Graber.” The sheriff gave her a friendly smile. “I’m glad you’re home safe.”

  “Danki, Sheriff. Please call me Ellie.”

  “And call me Jacob.” Her daed held out his hand to the round-bellied, gray-haired man.

  Sheriff Williams shook his hand. “It’s been a pleasure to meet and speak with you again.”

  Ellie stared after Sheriff Williams as he guided his horse and buggy down the lane. “The sheriff is a kind man. I can rest easier knowing Bill and his mamm are away from Mr. Phillips.”

  “Me too.”

  Silence hung between them. Ellie grimaced and met his eyes. “Daed, I’m nervous about facing Liza, Hannah, Esther, and Abe. I’ve bragged about the outside world and how much I desired what the Englischers have to make tasks convenient. I’m embarrassed at how selfish and impolite I’ve been to you and to them. Why would they trust me again?”

  “You’ll have to face consequences with some of the Amish in the community. It may take a while for people to warm up to you again.”

  “Will you ever trust me again?”

  “Your eyes and demeanor tell me you’re the sweet dochder I recognize, but things will be different for us now.”

  “How different?” Her brows rose.

  “I won’t stand for disrespectful remarks or your dismissal of my authority. I overlooked your bad behavior and was lax in putting my foot down because of your sorrow over your mamm’s passing.”

  “Daed, I’ve changed, and I’m determined to prove it to you.”