by Katy Lee
She gave him two seconds to drop his questioning gaze to Chloe and ask how she came to be when there was no husband in the picture.
Sawyer did it in one, though his question was unspoken. She saw it in his eyes as he looked back to her.
“How about a boyfriend?” Sheriff Shaw asked. “Or an ex-boyfriend you might have...a problem with.”
Naomi knew this whole scene painted her in a sordid light, but she shook her head. “There’s no one in my life. I am not the one in danger here. Debby is.” Naomi hoped they would leave it at that. Until she heard from Debby, she needed to protect the child. Her friend was adamant about keeping the baby’s identity a secret. “Can you please contact the Louisville Police Department and have them check on her? Then we can go from there.”
Sheriff Shaw paused, but acquiesced and called for a deputy to follow up with the address Naomi had given her. Once the man left the room, she turned back to Naomi and said, “You say you aren’t the one in danger, but the events that transpired here tonight say otherwise. I need to follow all avenues and search under every rock. It’s for your and Chloe’s safety. Someone tried to kill you both. Your cooperation will help me figure out who. My job isn’t to figure out the why, so all I need are the facts. No personal details. Just the people in your life who may have ill will toward you.”
Naomi glanced Sawyer’s way. She wondered if she should start with him.
As she faced Sheriff Shaw again, her gaze passed over something on the top of a wooden filing cabinet. A double take still left her dumbstruck.
A laptop in an Amish store?
It was the third time she thought something was off in this place. A mirror, an entertainment center and now a laptop.
Phones were allowed for businesses, but Naomi didn’t think computers were. She’d been gone for eight years, but she didn’t think that acceptance would ever happen. Even if fifty years had gone by.
Something strange was going on with Sawyer. For a quick second, she wondered if he had a car too. Maybe he was the one who’d pushed her off the road after all. She had seen a tall man with a brimmed hat. Sawyer’s hat hung right behind Sheriff Shaw’s hat on the pegs. But the driver’s hat had been more of a cowboy hat. And he had a handgun.
Would Sawyer own a gun?
Naomi dismissed such a notion as impossible. A handgun would cross the line. Plus, it had been Sawyer dodging the bullets and covering her to protect her and Chloe. He wasn’t the shooter.
And he wasn’t the man who’d pushed her off the road.
With her pen at the ready again, Cassie asked, “Anyone who has harmed you in the past.”
Keith.
Naomi felt her heartbeat skip at the only name she could give. That was all she knew of him, and maybe that wasn’t even a real name. Maybe he had made it up to cover his true identity. But the other people at the party called him by that name. They all would have needed to have been involved in his sick and dangerous plan.
She swallowed hard at the idea of writing up that list of names. It was impossible. Plus, there was no reason to include any of them, including Keith. That was so long ago, and he couldn’t hurt her anymore. Thanks to the kind man who’d helped her, she moved on to another life, safe and free from that kind of danger.
“I left the Amish community, but aside from my counseling job at the clinic, I never really left the Amish lifestyle. I don’t even own a television. I keep to myself and live simply. I don’t involve myself in the ways of the English, so I can’t see how I can make enemies of them. I’m not even registered to vote.” It was the best way she could respond to Sheriff Shaw’s question. “I’m glad I can’t give you a list of people who would harm me. If there was anyone, I would tell you, but there’s not. There is no one in my life now, and there hasn’t been since...since I left Rogues Ridge.”
Chloe stirred awake and let out a cry. The piercing sound increased to an earsplitting crescendo that had Naomi jumping up to pace with her. “Shhhh,” she whispered against Chloe’s soft auburn wisps of hair. Naomi bounced her a bit, but to no avail.
“She’s probably hungry,” Sawyer said.
“Hungry?” Naomi paused midbounce. “Right, of course. She’s gone all night.”
Sheriff Shaw stood. “We can leave you some privacy to feed her. I’ll be right out in the store when you’re ready to continue.”
Privacy? Naomi bit her lower lip. “Um, actually, she takes formula, but...” Naomi cleared her throat, realizing she didn’t have the baby’s bag of necessities. She spoke over the cries. “I left the bag in the car.”
Sheriff Shaw looked to Sawyer quickly, then jumped into action. “I’ll head over to the supermarket to grab some essentials. Be right back. Don’t leave here unprotected.”
Cassie Shaw bypassed Sawyer for the door and disappeared through it on her mission. Sawyer stayed put watching Naomi do her best to soothe the hungry baby—a baby that was pushing her away in her distress. Chloe wanted only one person, and that was her mother.
Nothing Naomi did calmed the baby. Nothing she said brought comfort. Sawyer stood by watching with a perplexed expression. Then he stepped up to take her. Naomi stared at his open arms but didn’t relinquish the crying baby.
Then he spoke.
His voice sounded different. Softer and endearing. He soothed not only Naomi, but even Chloe paused in her wailing to take notice.
Slowly, Naomi put the baby into his hands and watched him prop her up on his wide shoulder. He nestled her head by his neck, all the while murmuring comforting words and promises.
“All will be well. You’re safe, little one. All your cares will be met.”
Naomi closed her eyes, wishing his promises were meant for her. She let every word fall over her and bring her peace. When the baby’s cries dimmed to discomforted whimpers, Naomi opened her eyes to find Sawyer watching her.
She forced a smile. “You’re better at that than I am.”
He didn’t return the smile, but instead said, “I noticed.”
* * *
Sawyer watched Naomi place Chloe into the Amish cradle he had on display in the store. The scooped sides and slats around the top had been carved and sanded by his own hand, but never had he imagined while he smoothed and polished the piece to a satiny finish that it would be Naomi placing her child into it.
She leaned over the side and kissed the contented child, brushing a curved finger along her chubby cheek before standing back up and searching the room for Cassie Shaw.
“She’s a happy baby again. Thank you for running to the store for the supplies,” Naomi told the sheriff. “Have you heard anything about Debby yet?”
Cassie shook her head. “I expect to any minute. But for now, shall we continue our discussion?”
Naomi quickly glanced Sawyer’s way. She looked back at Cassie and shrugged uneasily. “I’ve told you everything.”
Cassie sighed. “All right, how about we go about this differently? Is there any way the father of Chloe is the man who pushed you off the road?”
Naomi inhaled sharply. Her gaze flitted from Cassie to Sawyer, and he thought she turned green right in front of them. He would have to say Cassie had hit on a sensitive spot. Naomi’s delay in responding and the fear he saw growing in her eyes nearly had him telling her not to worry about answering, but how would that help the police catch this guy?
“There’s no judgment here, Naomi,” Cassie assured her. “We want to help you.”
“It’s not that,” Naomi said and looked down at the sleeping baby. “She’s innocent in all this.”
“So is that a yes?” Cassie asked. “Chloe’s father could be the one coming after you?”
Naomi sighed, but nodded her answer. She looked to Sawyer and quickly dropped her gaze back to the baby.
Just then, Cassie’s cell phone rang into the uncomfortable silence. She reached for i
t on her belt and looked at the screen. “Something to consider is putting Chloe into protective custody. It may be the safest thing for her until we have a lead. Excuse me, I’ll be right back. This is the call I’ve been waiting for.”
As Cassie walked away to take the call, Sawyer moved up to the cradle. He stood on the opposite side, facing Naomi.
“Protective custody?” Her voice squeaked, and her breathing picked up. She shook her head. “I made a promise to take care of her. I can’t be separated from her.”
“And you won’t be,” he replied, placing a hand on the cradle’s edge. He had no idea why he would assure her of such a thing. It was crazy to involve himself in Naomi Kemp’s problems, but her obvious distress reached down deep inside him and dragged out his old need to protect her.
And now her child.
Naomi watched Cassie across the room. “You heard the sheriff. Chloe is safer with someone else besides me.” Pain flashed in her eyes. Sawyer gripped the bedrail tighter. The direction of his thoughts shocked him into silence. The plan forming in his mind had to be denied. He watched Naomi drop her head in a sign of defeat. “Maybe she’s right.”
“Don’t say that,” he said. He’d witnessed her struggle with calming the baby in the office, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a good mother. It didn’t mean she should let someone else take the child.
Not when he had a perfectly good home that was secluded from the English world.
The idea was crazy. And yet, he wanted to know what she thought. She probably wouldn’t even accept such a convoluted offer. Nor should she. At least one of them would be acting responsibly.
Sawyer let the idea go for a more realistic plan.
Naomi had yet to look up at him, but he would talk to the top of her pale blond head of curls if he had to. “You’ve been through more than I can imagine. I know it’s been a long night, but it’s important to tell the police the details so they can catch this guy. Unless you don’t want them catching him?”
Naomi now faced him straight on. “Of course I want them to catch him. He nearly killed us.” She pointed to Chloe. “He has to be caught.”
“Then who is he?”
Naomi’s lips trembled. “I wish I knew.”
“You don’t know the father of your baby?” Sawyer asked in confusion.
Naomi closed her eyes on a sigh. “She’s not—”
“Excuse me,” Cassie stepped up to the cradle, stopping Naomi from answering his question. She stood at the bottom with the face of a bad-news bearer. “I’m sorry to tell you this, but an officer was sent out to your apartment. Debby’s body was found. It appears she was strangled.”
Sawyer watched Naomi’s fingers curl around the railing of the cradle. She fisted them tight as though to hold on for dear life. When she began to crumple to the floor, he moved just in time to catch her before her knees gave out.
He wrapped both arms around her and pulled her close to his chest, turning her to cup her head as she trembled uncontrollably over this unfathomable news. His own body reacted automatically and shook, as well. Whoever this Debby was, her life had been cut short at the hands of a killer. He didn’t want that for anyone.
“I’m so sorry about your friend,” he whispered against Naomi’s soft curls, realizing it could have been her. “If you hadn’t left...” His voice trailed off, unable to say what could have happened to her, along with her friend.
Cassie cleared her throat. “Debby was murdered, and whoever did this has already tracked Naomi down to be next. We need to address the fact that this killer nearly succeeded in a triple homicide today,” she said. “You’re not safe out in the open, Naomi. I need to arrange a place of safety for you. And for Chloe. I can arrange for the child services to come today.”
“No.” Sawyer gripped Naomi’s cotton blouse with no inclination of letting go. His previous plan jumped to life again. “She’ll be safe with me. They both will. No one will find them at the farm. The house is in my brother-in-law’s name and not connected to the store at all. Even if the killer tries to track me down, he won’t be able to. It’s secluded, and they’ll be protected. I’ll make sure of it.”
Cassie paused to consider the option. After a moment, she gave a short nod, but looked to Naomi and asked, “Are you all right with that arrangement, Naomi? I can tell the two of you have some history.”
Naomi sniffed loudly, then lifted her head. She met Sawyer’s eyes straight on, filled with a deep well of questions and uncertainty. He expected her to scoff at his offer.
Maybe she would run away again like she did the last time he made an offer to her.
Her chin trembled as she lifted it high. “I came back here because I knew it would be the safest place to hide. I didn’t dare hope anyone from my community would help me, but I’d hoped someone would help Chloe. Thank you, Sawyer, for your willingness to help us both. I accept your offer of protection, even though I know it won’t be easy.”
He let out a short laugh. Another person came to mind who might stop this plan of action in its tracks. “That is certain sure. Just so you know, you may be running again when my sister sees you coming.” He shook his head on a sigh. “You haven’t seen Anna’s wrath yet. But I’ll explain to her this is only for charity.” He looked straight at her, needing her to see the warning in his eyes, and said, “Because it is.”
FOUR
Anna Miller and her husband Esau lived on a vast farm on the outskirts of town. Multiple barns dotted the rolling green landscape, and two large white homes overlooked the thriving property. Naomi sat beside Sawyer atop his buggy as he drove the chestnut mare down the long, winding lane. They passed by horses grazing behind a long white fence that lined the drive. Cows dotted the pasture in the hills, and corn had recently broken through the rich soil.
“I assume this is Esau Miller’s family’s property?” Naomi asked.
“Ya, the daudihaus is the one on the far hill. Esau’s parents have a separate drive and use the barn in the middle for their personal animals.”
“Why do you live here?” Naomi quickly pressed her lips tight when the question spilled out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to pry.”
Sawyer shrugged and drove the buggy toward an enormous red barn with its double doors wide. A tall silo sat behind, connected to a long milking shed. Everything was pristine and well cared for, with ample amounts of space. “My parents had another baby after you moved. I’m no longer the youngest male, so their farm will go to little Peter. It’s just as well. I’m more of a carpenter than a farmer. When I married Liza, we took over the furniture business and lived with her family until...” He cleared his throat. “My sister offered me a room soon after. It’s worked out for everyone, I think.”
Naomi nodded solemnly, although the words worked out for everyone sounded more like a sacrifice on his part. Where was his family? Where was his own place to call home?
He eyed her. “I see what you’re thinking, and don’t. The business is enough for me. I’m able to devote all my time to making it a successful venture. I’ve taken it so much further than Liza’s daed. I have so many plans for it in the future. Just you wait and see.” He smiled bright and flicked the reins to bring the buggy up to the barn doors.
Naomi liked seeing the spark of excitement in Sawyer’s eyes, but just as fast as it came, it vanished.
As they reached the opening, he glanced back at the sprawling farmhouse, then turned a stern expression on her. “We need to discuss what to expect under Esau’s roof. He likes order.” Sawyer’s warning felt personal.
“And you think I will bring chaos into their home? What would give you that idea?”
“I don’t think you’ll have to do anything to create chaos.” He drove the horse the rest of the way inside and locked the brakes. Then he glanced down at Chloe asleep in Naomi’s arms and said, “It’s just bound to happen when they see you.”
<
br /> Naomi tightened her hold on the infant. “I can only be here if it’s safe for Chloe. If you don’t think—”
Chloe stirred awake and let out a cry, cutting Naomi off. The baby struggled to pull away, wanting someone else entirely.
Naomi squeezed back the tears threatening to spill. This poor child would never see her mother again. And there was nothing Naomi could say to help her understand. “It’s all right, Chloe.” She whispered the faint words of comfort, even though things were not all right, and they never would be again for the little girl, who was now orphaned. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise,” she whispered over the discomfited baby.
Sawyer stepped down from the buggy. “Here, let me take her so you can climb down.” He held his arms up.
Chloe lifted her own pudgy arms out for Sawyer, straining toward him.
Naomi passed Chloe down. “Looks like she favors you.”
“Nein, she favors her mudder. She just knows she’s in a strange place, that’s all. I’m certain sure she will settle down soon, once she becomes familiar with her surroundings.”
Naomi dropped her gaze to pick up the bag of baby items Sheriff Shaw had purchased. She busied herself as she mumbled, “Ya, she does favor her mamm.” It was the truth, even if Sawyer didn’t know Debby was Chloe’s mom.
With the bag in her hand, she stood and watched Sawyer offer an outstretched hand to assist her. He had Chloe securely positioned over one shoulder, which freed up his other hand to help her too. His natural capabilities to handle a baby and do something else at the same time didn’t go unnoticed. Was he trying to show her he knew she wasn’t the baby’s mother?
She pursed her lips and said, “I think I remember how to get down off the buggy.” Her flare of annoyance came through her every word.
His eyebrows shot up. A slow smirk grew with a dare in his eyes. “A lot can change in eight years. It will be interesting to see how you fare. Especially if you continue to handle the weight of it all alone.” His gaze grew serious and held hers.
