by Debby Giusti
At the mention of his wife, the soldier’s head drooped. He turned and walked away from both of them, his shoulders shaking.
Levi glanced at Zach but said nothing.
Zach gave the soldier a minute to pull himself together, then stepped to the man’s side and touched his back. “You’re upset, Hugh. I understand that you want to find the person who hurt your wife, but you need to work with law enforcement and not take things into your own hands. If you harm or even antagonize Mr. Miller, I’ll be forced to haul you in. That’s not what you want.”
The big guy pursed his lips and then blew out a breath. “I can’t stand seeing Mary Kate hurt like that. She’s hooked up to tubes and looks like she’s going to die.” He stared at Zach. “I saw enough death when I was deployed. I didn’t expect to come home to see my wife bloody and beaten. Do you understand why I want to fix her pain and make everything right?”
“Of course I understand, but you’ve got to let law enforcement handle the investigation.” Zach passed his business card to the soldier. “I gave you my card last night, but here’s another one. Keep this in your barracks or your truck, and call me whenever you think of anything that might have bearing on the investigation. Or call if you want to check on what we’ve uncovered. I won’t hold back the truth from you, but you have to be forthright with me, as well.”
The soldier nodded. “I told you everything I knew last night.”
“Then why did you come here? What were you hoping to accomplish?”
“I...I wanted to warn Miller to stay away from my wife.”
Zach glanced at Levi and then turned back to Corporal Powers. “What makes you think Levi was interested in Mary Kate?”
“My father-in-law saw them together more than once.”
“Before you redeployed home?”
“That’s right. He was worried about Mary Kate. Worried about her safety.”
From what Zach knew about Mary Kate’s father, the old man was prone to jumping to the wrong conclusion, yet there had to be some semblance of truth in what he’d told his son-in-law.
“Is everything okay?”
Ella’s voice.
Zach turned to see her standing at the side of the house. She walked toward Levi. “How’s Sarah?”
“She’s sick again, and it troubles her. Her father says it’s Gott’s will, but she worries that it means something’s wrong with the baby.”
“I told you the nausea had nothing to do with the baby’s condition. It’s caused by the hormones Sarah’s body is producing because she is pregnant.”
“Her mother had no sickness, and she delivered healthy children.”
“But Sarah is her own person. Every pregnancy is different.”
Levi’s gaze darkened. “Yet Sarah was sick the first time.”
“Again, Levi, that’s her body’s response to the pregnancy and doesn’t have anything to do with the well-being of this baby.”
“I want to believe you, Dr. Jacobsen, but I still worry.”
“I understand.” Ella patted his arm. “You love your wife, but you can believe me, Levi.”
“I believe in Gott’s will. He may take this child like he took the first. Perhaps because of my mistake years ago.”
Ella glanced at Zach and then back at Levi. “Your mistake?”
“I was young and headstrong. My father said a man needs to keep his eyes to himself. He told me Gott would find a righteous woman. Instead I looked elsewhere.”
Hugh turned, his face flushed with anger, and pointed to Levi. “Are you blaming Mary Kate for what happened? It was your fault, Miller. You’re a hypocrite. You told her you loved her, that you’d never leave her and that you could have a life together, but those were all lies.”
Sadness washed over Levi’s face. “I did not lie.”
“You didn’t do anything to help her. You lousy—”
Zach grabbed the soldier’s arm. “Let’s all take a deep breath.”
Hugh stopped and shook his head. “I’m not going to hurt him. I don’t touch men who don’t fight back and who don’t protect the woman they say they love.”
He glared at Levi. “You lied to Mary Kate. You told her you loved her and that you wanted to marry her. She was young, and she trusted you, Miller. That was her mistake. Your mistake was to get her pregnant.”
Hugh jerked his arm from Zach’s hold. “I’m going home to be with my daughters. The precious children you abandoned, Miller. I adopted them. They bear my name and they’re my children. So stay away from them, and stay away from my wife.”
The soldier walked purposefully back across the yard. Zach let him go. As the red pickup pulled out of the driveway, Zach phoned Sergeant Abrams and passed on what Hugh had just revealed.
“Might be a good idea to head to the grandparents’ home and question both Mr. Landers and Hugh,” he added. “Find out if either of them own a rifle. I’ll stay here and talk to Levi Miller. Did you learn anything from him earlier?”
“He seems to be on the up-and-up.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.”
“I’ve got a patrol car in the vicinity of the grandparents’ house. My guys will make sure Corporal Powers stays put until I have a chance to question him.”
Relieved that the Freemont police would check on the Landers family, Zach disconnected and glanced over his shoulder at Ella, who stood next to Levi.
“I didn’t hurt her,” the Amish man insisted, as Zach moved back to them. “I would never hurt Mary Kate.” Levi’s voice was tight with emotion. “I loved her. It wasn’t as her husband said.”
“What about now, Mr. Miller?” Zach asked. “Do you still have feelings for Mary Kate?”
“Levi?” A frail voice sounded from the small, wood-frame house.
Zach glanced at the door, where a young woman—a very pregnant woman—stood staring at her husband.
“Are you all right, Levi?” she asked.
“Yah, Sarah. I am fine. Do not worry.”
Her hands rubbed her belly, and her eyes filled with sadness as if she’d heard everything that had transpired.
The strain visible on Ella’s face revealed that she, too, understood the gravity of the situation. Had she known all along that Levi was the girls’ biological father?
The disease Ella had diagnosed was found most often among the Amish. Zach should have put two and two together last night, but he’d been so focused on the doctor that he’d failed to realize what seemed so obvious today.
Had Levi attacked Mary Kate out of anger because she’d come back to Freemont and disrupted his life, perhaps causing his wife untold anxiety? Or was he after the medical records that revealed the disease the twins had inherited? Information in their file could point to their Amish background and could even mention their biological father. If that were the case, then Ella had kept that information from Zach, as well.
He flicked his gaze to her, berating himself for being so easily swayed. He didn’t trust doctors, not even pretty ones with bruised cheeks and big eyes—eyes that stared at him now as if he was the one who had brought pain to this small Amish community.
* * *
Do no harm. Ella tried to practice medicine according to the Hippocratic Oath, but she had caused pain and suffering. Had coming to Georgia been a mistake?
She read distrust and questions in the special agent’s eyes as he continued to stare at her. Did he blame her, even as she was blaming herself?
“Levi?” Once again, Sarah called to her husband.
“Everything is all right,” he said, as if hoping to reassure her. One look at Sarah’s face and it was evident his words had no effect on calming her unease.
The clip-clop of horse hooves caused them all to look toward the road. A bearded man sat holding the reins as an Amish buggy passed. He
nodded to Levi.
Zach watched as the buggy continued on. Then, turning, he studied the wooded area behind the house and the pastures to one side. His expression of concern made Ella realize that standing outside in the open exposed all of them.
“We need to finish this discussion inside,” Levi said, no doubt picking up on the special agent’s worry. “Please, come into my house.” He motioned them toward the door.
“Sarah can come to the clinic with me,” Ella suggested. “If you men want to talk in private.”
“No.” Levi shook his head. “Sarah needs to hear what I will say.” Again, he pointed to the door. “Please.”
Ella hurried up the steps to where Sarah stood. “You’re not feeling well today?” She took the Amish woman’s hand.
“Levi says I must place my trust in Gott, and I do, but I still worry about our baby.”
“I brought my medical bag. Let’s go to your bedroom. I’ll check the baby’s heartbeat.”
“That will bring me comfort.”
Seeing the worry in Sarah’s drawn face, Ella rubbed the younger woman’s shoulder, hoping to offer reassurance. “I told you everything looks good.”
“I believe what you said with my head, but not with my heart. Do you understand?”
“I understand your desire for a child. What happened with your first pregnancy does not mean that it will happen again. This second child is gaining weight and growing. She or he will be healthy and will bring you and Levi joy for the rest of your lives.”
“You bring me hope.” A weak smile formed on Sarah’s thin lips. “May I offer you a slice of apple pie?”
“That sounds wonderful.” Ella glanced at Zach. “I’m sure the special agent would like some, as well. Let the men talk while I check the baby. Then we can enjoy your pie.”
Entering the bedroom, Ella found her gaze drawn to the beautiful quilt that covered the bed. The workmanship was so detailed. The colors were muted, as was the Amish way, but the intricate pattern was like a work of art.
“Did you create this quilt?” Ella asked.
“Before Levi and I married. I did it as an act of love.”
“You’re an artist, Sarah.”
“My sister taught me to stitch. She is a good teacher, but the praise goes to Gott. He creates the beauty in my mind before I sew the pieces together.”
“You’re much too humble,” Ella said, as she helped her stretch out on the bed. Sarah’s hands clenched as Ella listened to the baby’s heartbeat.
Once satisfied, she helped the pregnant woman to a sitting position and assured her that the beat was strong. Relief spread over Sarah’s sweet face and a twinkle returned to her eyes. Together the two of them hurried back to the kitchen, where the men sat at the handcrafted table.
Zach was bent over a notebook, scribbling something onto a page. “When did you first meet Hugh Powers?” he asked, then looked up, distracted, as the women entered the room.
Levi stared at Sarah as she passed the table and hurried to where the pie sat on the counter. Ella stood close by, ready to help serve.
“He’s only recently come back from the Middle East,” Levi said. “I never met him, but I was riding in my buggy near their house not long ago and saw him get out of his truck.”
“Did he see you?”
“He glanced my way. Mary Kate was with him, but I did not see the girls.”
“Have you had any connection with the twins?”
Levi shook his head. “Their mother asked that I stay out of their lives. She does not want to confuse them with two fathers.”
Zach started to respond and then glanced at Sarah, who was pulling plates from the cabinet.
Levi must have read his thoughts. “It is all right that you continue to ask your questions, Special Agent Swain. I told you, Sarah and I do not have secrets. I have confessed my sin. The bishop says Gott has forgiven my transgressions.”
“Is there anyone who might be holding a grudge? Perhaps a family member of yours?” Again, Zach glanced at Sarah. “Or someone in your wife’s family?”
“Her brother, Daniel, was not happy when we married. He did not think I would be a faithful husband.”
“Is he still antagonistic?” Zach asked.
“He moved to Alabama, so I cannot speak for him,” Levi said. “But the Amish do not hold grudges.”
Sarah turned from cutting the pie. “Daniel was protective of me when we were children. It is hard for him to let go of that responsibility.”
“Protective of you in what way, if you don’t mind me asking?” Zach said.
“In the Amish home, the father is the disciplinarian, and he has total authority. That is usually not a problem when a man has love in his heart.”
“You’re saying that your father was a stern authoritarian?”
“My mother died three months after their last child was born. My father could never get over her loss.”
“Where are you in the birthing order?”
Sarah’s eyes turned serious. “I am the youngest.”
“Your father took his grief and frustration out on you?” Zach voice was laced with understanding.
“He said I was a difficult child.”
“Where does your father live now?”
“On a small farm not far from here.”
Zach looked at Levi. “Would your father-in-law become violent and do Mary Kate harm?”
The Amish man pursed his lips. Finally, he said, “I cannot see anyone harming a woman.”
“Do I detect a bit of hesitation on your part, Levi, in answering my question?”
“I do not want to falsely represent Sarah’s father. He is a proud man, and he forbade her to marry me.”
Ella’s heart went out to the fragile woman with the soft voice who stood with her back to the counter.
“Sarah, you married Levi against your father’s will?” Zach asked.
She stepped to the table and placed her hand on Levi’s shoulder. “I love my husband. He is a gut man. In youth, we often make mistakes. Levi had not yet been baptized. He was on his rumspringa. It is a time for the youth to explore other ways. He returned to the Amish community and was baptized. Gott accepted him. So did I.”
Sarah glanced at Ella as if to gain support. “Although a daughter is to obey her father, my datt was making bad decisions for my future,” the Amish wife continued. “I went to the bishop. Thankfully, he listened. Levi told him of his love for me, and the bishop gave us his blessing. This is something I have never regretted.”
“I know this is a difficult question, Sarah.” Zach hesitated, as if to let the seriousness of what he was about to say settle in. “Do you think your father is capable of harming Mary Kate?”
The young woman gripped her husband’s shoulder. Levi raised his hand and touched her fingers, offering encouragement.
“I do not doubt that my father could and would do physical harm to Mary Kate. As he ages, his mind becomes more twisted. He could think that getting rid of her would erase everything that happened, including having a daughter who disrespects his authority.”
“Is that what he’s said?” Zach asked.
“He has said this, yes.” She wiped her hands on her apron, then stepped back to the counter and lifted a knife to cut the pie. “Perhaps you are hungry and would like something to eat?”
Ella looked at Zach and nodded almost imperceptibly. Thankfully, he picked up on her subtle cue.
“Thank you, Sarah. I would enjoy a piece of pie.”
“Gut.” The young woman’s face broke into a strained smile. “We will eat.”
“Could you give me directions to find Sarah’s father?” Zach asked Levi as Sarah cut the pie.
He drew a map on Zach’s tablet. “My father-in-law’s farm is off
Amish Road. The turn is hard to see when the leaves are on the trees. He likes to remain secluded. Be careful. He has a shotgun and will use it.”
“I thought the Amish were pacifists,” Zach stated.
“That does not stop my father-in-law from brandishing his hunting rifle.”
A chill wrapped around Ella’s heart as she saw the concern on Zach’s face.
“Do you have a rifle?” he asked Levi.
“I do, but I only use it for hunting.”
“Could you get it for me?”
Sarah turned abruptly to stare at her husband. Fear flashed in her eyes.
“Is something wrong?” Zach asked.
She shook her head. “Everything is fine.”
Levi slowly rose from the table and went to the back of the house. He returned with the rifle and passed it to Zach, who looked through the barrel. “When was the last time you cleaned your rifle?”
“After I went hunting,” Levi said. “Probably two weeks ago.”
“You haven’t used it since then?”
“That is right. I have not used it since.”
“Then there’s a problem.” Zach touched the chamber. A black, powdery smudge dirtied his finger. “This doesn’t look like cleaning oil to me. It looks more like gunpowder residue.”
He stared at the younger man. “The gun’s been fired since you cleaned it, Levi. Either you’re mistaken about your cleaning routine or you’ve fired the rifle in the last two weeks.”
Levi stared back at him but didn’t respond.
Sarah gripped the counter as if to regain her balance, then covered her mouth with her hand and ran from the room.
Ella glared at Zach for half a second, uncertain what had just happened. Surely he didn’t believe that Levi had viciously attacked her or Mary Kate. Nor had Levi fired on Ella today. Then she remembered what Zach had told her earlier.
Evil could be found anywhere, even in the Amish community.
SEVEN
Ella followed Sarah into her room and found the young woman sitting on the bed, head in her hands. As she stepped closer, she heard the deep intake of air and then faint sobs as Sarah began to cry. Ella sat next to her on the thick quilt.
