by Debby Giusti
A crowd had started to form in the stable, which was something Abraham did not want. He gave the sheriff his address and then squeezed Julia’s hand.
“I will hitch up the wagon,” he told her. “We need to go home.”
She wrapped her arm around William’s shoulders and walked back to the market.
Abraham had not been able to protect them. If Kayla had not run to warn him, William and Julia could have been long gone before Abraham had realized they were missing.
His stomach soured at the thought.
He had to call Jonathan. Julia and her children were no longer safe in Yoder. It was a good thing they had been wearing Englisch clothing today, so Pablo and Mateo would not look for them within the Amish community. At least, not tonight. New arrangements needed to be made for their safety—new identities and a new place to live, far from Yoder and far from Abraham. As much as he did not want them to leave, he wanted them to be safe, and they were not safe with him.
* * *
Julia felt like an arctic blast of frigid air had frozen her heart. The temperature was dropping, but more than that, she was cold from the near capture of her son. How could she and Abraham have believed the rumors that Jonathan heard in Philadelphia? Rumors were never reliable, yet they had wanted to have all this behind them so they had bought into the lies that were circulated.
The gangs had said a third person died in the street fight, which had been a lie, too. She had been foolish, again. This time it had almost cost William his life.
Abraham stopped to call Jonathan on the way home. The marshals were working on new identities for them. Hopefully they would leave soon. Maybe Abraham could go with them to another Amish community. Hiding within the plain world would have worked, if William had not called David. At least her son had learned a valuable lesson and would never do anything as foolish or dangerous again.
Sarah and her daughter followed behind them in their buggy. Abraham and Julia made sure they were safely at her house, with the few items Sarah had not sold taken inside, before they said goodbye.
Although they tried to make light of everything, Sarah seemed keenly aware that something was afoot. “Whatever happened, Julia, it has been a joy to get to know you and your wonderful children. We will not say goodbye, for we will meet again.”
Sarah knew they would be leaving, even without being told. How many other people would soon know if the sheriff started to put it all together?
Abraham’s house and the dawdy house were dark against the night when they turned into the drive. A sliver of a moon peered through the clouds and cast the houses in long shadows that made the once-welcoming homes appear sinister and foreboding.
Julia clutched her hands to her heart. She didn’t need to give fear free rein, not after the turmoil she had been in yesterday. She had learned her lesson and would take each day as it came.
The children were downcast as they climbed from the wagon. William helped Abraham unload the rest of the neighbor’s items and unhitch Buttercup, while Kayla and Julia hurried to fix something light to eat before the children went to bed. Abraham stayed outside longer than expected, and when he entered the house, he nodded to her as if to offer assurance that no one had trespassed on his property.
He remained alert during dinner and excused himself a number of times to step onto the porch and stare into the night. The children played with their food, each somber and concerned.
“Are we leaving?” Kayla asked.
“We will know more tomorrow,” Julia told her. “You do not need to be concerned or frightened tonight.”
“But that man tried to hurt you and William.”
Julia pulled Kyla close. “He didn’t hurt us. We are here with you, sweet girl. Do not think of what could have been, think only of the moment and that we are all together.”
“If we move, maybe we can get a puppy.”
“Did you see puppies today?” Abraham asked when he came back inside. He seemed glad for something to distract them from what had happened.
“The lady let me hold two of them.” Kayla rubbed her cheek. “They licked me and cuddled close. One was a wiggle worm, but the other stayed in my arms. That’s the puppy I wanted.”
“Perhaps someday,” he said, which was what Julia had told Kayla.
William wasn’t interested in talking about the puppies. He looked scared and tired.
“You need to go to bed, children. Everything will be better in the morning.”
At least, Julia hoped it would.
When she checked on the children a few minutes later, William was asleep, and Kayla was drifting off. She had found Annie, the doll that she had ignored for the last few days and had her clasped in her arms as if offering security. At least her daughter had something to hold on to. Julia wished she had something, too.
She stepped back into the kitchen. Abraham had washed the dishes and was drying them and putting them away in the cupboard.
“I have a feeling most Amish men don’t wash the dishes,” she said.
He smiled. She saw the fatigue on his face and her heart went out to him.
“It’s been a long day,” she offered.
“I am sorry, Julia.”
“Sorry because two men want to do us harm? I’m sorry, too, Abraham, but they have nothing to do with you. You’ve been our guardian through it all. You took me to Kansas City and found William. Somehow, rather ingeniously, you worked with Grant to get us safely out of the shelter and to the rendezvous with Randy. From everything Jonathan had told us, why wouldn’t we think that the search for us was over?”
“I need to check Raber’s phone. Jonathan said he would call me back.”
“About what happened?”
“About what he thinks we need to do next.”
Julia liked his mention of we. Whatever the future held, she wanted it to include Abraham. He was thinking the same way she was, which warmed her heart.
“You’ll let me know what Jonathan says?”
“Of course, Julia. It should not take long.”
She stood at the door as he left, and then stepped onto the porch and watched as he crossed the road.
The farm was quiet and the moon peered ever so slightly through the clouds as Abraham entered the phone shack. As much as she had enjoyed the farm, Julia was resigned to moving on. As long as Abraham was with her, she could manage anything. Without him, she doubted she could take even one step forward.
She went back inside the house and made a fresh pot of coffee. Sarah had given them a pie in thanks for their help today. The children had been too tired for dessert, but she felt sure Abraham would enjoy a slice while they discussed the news Jonathan would share.
She had been foolish to think Abraham should stay with Sarah, especially when Julia needed him and her children did, as well. God had brought him into their lives for a reason. She realized that now.
The rich aroma of the brewed coffee and the cozy glow of the oil lamp brought a comfortable warmth to the kitchen where she felt so at home. If only the sheriff would apprehend Pablo and Mateo. The marshals could deal with the two gang members while Julia and Abraham went on with their lives.
Then she thought of the Philadores and what would happen if they learned Pablo was still alive. Would they search for William again? And, if so, would they find him?
* * *
“This is Jay.” The message on the answering machine sounded in the small phone shack. “I’d like to buy a kitchen table in maple with six chairs. Call me to confirm the order.”
Abraham deleted the coded message from Jonathan. He called the predetermined number and waited for the marshal to answer.
“I had almost given up on hearing from you tonight,” Jonathan said in lieu of a greeting. “We’ve been in contact with the Yoder sheriff. He hasn’t apprehended Pablo, which means he and his friend are o
n the loose. You need to be careful.”
“What did you decide about Julia and the children?”
“We’re preparing new identities for them. I’ll be there in the morning. Tell them to pack and be ready to leave.”
Abraham’s gut tightened at the thought of having to say goodbye. As much as he did not want them to go, they needed to start a new life for themselves far from Yoder and the Amish community and far from him. He had been a detriment instead of an asset. Jonathan must have realized that or he would have suggested Abraham travel with the family.
“We will be waiting for you, Jonathan.”
He hung up, feeling a huge weight settle on his shoulders. Telling Julia would be hard, but he had been in difficult situations before. Seeing Becca’s small casket positioned in the church next to his wife’s had been the hardest day of his life. He had survived. He would survive this, too.
He hurried across the road and knocked gently on Julia’s door. Her face was filled with anticipation when she opened the door and motioned him inside.
“I made a fresh pot of coffee. I’ll pour a cup and slice Sarah’s pie. Sit at the table, Abraham. I see the fatigue in your eyes. You can eat while you tell me what Jonathan said.”
“A cup of coffee sounds good, Julia, but no pie.”
She poured two cups and took them to the table. He sat next to her. “Jonathan talked to the sheriff. He and his deputies are still looking for Pablo and Mateo. So far they have come up empty-handed. Perhaps the two gang members have left town and are headed back to Philadelphia.”
“If only, although that seems too good to be true.”
Abraham agreed, but he said nothing of the sort. Julia had been frightened today and rightfully so. He did not want to scare her even more.
“The marshals are putting together another identity for you. Jonathan will be here tomorrow morning.”
“Then we only have one night to be concerned about our safety.”
“Pablo did not know where to find you earlier. It is doubtful he has learned your whereabouts since then, especially with law enforcement looking for him and his buddy.”
“I’ll pack our bags. Did Jonathan give you any idea of the time he would arrive?”
“I am not sure he knew.”
“What about closing down your houses? Who will take care of your livestock?”
Abraham raised his brow. “What are you saying, Julia?”
“I’m saying I will help you with whatever needs to be done before you leave with us.”
He shook his head. “I am not going with you. My farm is here. I must stay.”
“But you said we earlier. What we would do. You were going to ask Jonathan what we would do next.”
“If I said that, I meant it in a general way. You and your children will settle in an Englisch community. An Amish man would not fit in.”
“I thought Jonathan said we would be safer with the Amish?”
“But that has not been the case, now, has it? You have not been safe here.”
“We were fine until William ran away and then Pablo came looking for him. You weren’t the problem, Abraham. My son was.”
Abraham did not know how to respond. Julia was not thinking rationally. She had relied on him to get her to Kansas City, but Abraham had not been able to get them out of danger. If not for Grant and his buddies, there was no telling what would have happened.
Today at the flea market, Abraham had been oblivious to the danger. He used to be a good cop, but his skills were rusty, and he was no longer a protector or guardian. He could work a farm, but little more.
Surely Julia saw him for who he truly was, and if she did not, he would ensure she did not make a mistake by thinking he needed to tag along with her and her children. Much as he wanted to be with them, it was not a wise decision. Julia would come to her senses and be grateful to be free from him and his Amish community as soon as she settled in her new location.
“It is late,” he said. “You need to sleep.”
He stood and started for the door. She grabbed his arm. He stopped and turned to face her, seeing the upset in her gaze.
“Don’t think of me,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. “But what about William and Kayla? How can you walk away from them?”
“Julia, it is not what I want, but you are no longer safe here. The children will adjust.”
“Adjust.” She tried to laugh, but it came out like a cry. “William’s father abandoned him and never took time to find out what a great kid his son was. As much as I try to tell him that his dad was mixed-up and thinking only of himself, it still hurts. William opened his heart to you. Don’t you see that? Kayla did, as well, only she was more vocal about her feelings.”
“I did not want them to depend on me, Julia. They are great kids who will grow into wonderful adults. You have been the one guiding them. You will continue to provide the love and support they need.”
“They need a man in their lives, a father figure to encourage them and teach them. You did that all so well, and in just a few days they’ve bonded with you.”
“They will bond with someone else, perhaps someone you will love and marry.”
“What?” Julia did not seem to accept what he was saying. “I made a terrible mistake falling in love the first time, Abraham. I will not make that mistake again.”
Her words made him bristle. For half a heartbeat, he had thought she was interested in him, but she was adamant about never loving again. He needed to accept what she said as truth.
With a heavy sigh, he turned to the door, removed his hat from the peg and left the house. She locked the door behind him. The sound cut him to the quick as if she were locking him out of her life.
How had he gotten her signals so mixed up?
The temperature was dropping and the clouds covered the moon. He stared at the sky and lifted up a weak prayer. Lord, give me the strength to carry on.
Before heading home, he circled the barn, the outbuildings and the dawdy house to make certain no one was there, hiding in the shadows, waiting to do Julia and her children harm.
TWENTY-TWO
Julia couldn’t cry. She was too hurt and too angry, and the tears wouldn’t come. All this time, she had sensed a connection with Abraham. Hadn’t they kissed, and hadn’t the feelings between them seemed to heighten as the days passed? But it was all pretending on his part. She felt embarrassed and foolish to have been so wrong about him.
He enjoyed his Amish life and had probably been longing for the day when she and the children would be gone.
She pulled their suitcases from the alcove in the hallway. Tomorrow they would dress again in Englisch clothing. She would leave the Amish dresses and William’s slacks and shirt behind. If she had time, she would wash them and hang them on the line to dry. Abraham could pass them on to a needy family or give them back to Sarah.
Perhaps Julia’s suspicions had been right. Sarah was in love with Abraham. Before long, she would be back in his life. A friend, he had called her, but many romances started in friendship. With time, Abraham would see the fine qualities Sarah possessed. Plus, she was Amish.
Julia had liked everything she had seen about the Amish faith. If only Abraham had asked her if she would consider being baptized, because Julia would have told him yes. The Amish faith would have been good for her children, as well.
What would she tell William and Kayla? The wall of frustration broke apart when she thought of her children being hurt again. Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.
Her father had been a rough guy who never showed love or appreciation. Julia had left him to marry Charlie, thinking he would be a caring and supportive partner to walk beside through life. But Charlie had thought more about himself than his children or his wife.
Reflecting on her life, she realized how God had intervened
to help her so many times. The Lord had been there all along. She was the one who had closed Him out of her heart.
Forgive me, Lord. She hung her head, overcome by her own self-centeredness.
How had she been so wrong about everything and everyone? All too quickly she had dropped her guard and opened her heart to Abraham. Was she so needy that she fell for any man who crossed her path?
She packed the few things they had into the suitcases, then laid out regular clothing for them to wear the next day. When she looked at their Amish outfits, her heart broke for all they would leave behind, most especially Abraham.
She hauled the suitcases downstairs and heated water for tea. A cup of the soothing herbal mix would calm her frayed spirit so she could sleep, at least for a few hours. Tomorrow would be a difficult day.
Cup in hand, she extinguished the oil lamp and stared through the window. As she watched, the clouds rolled across the sky and the moon peered down, washing the farm in moonlight. Such a beautiful area, with its green fields and tall trees and the small creek that ran along the edge of the farm.
If it hadn’t been so late, she would have taken her tea onto the porch, but with Pablo and Mateo on the loose, she needed to be cautious.
Instead, she stood at the kitchen sink and sipped her tea, thinking of everything good that had happened since she and her children had arrived at the farm. The memories brought a smile to her lips, but also a heaviness to her heart, knowing she would have to say goodbye to this idyllic spot tomorrow.
She placed the cup on the counter and was ready to return to her bedroom when a movement caught her eyes. Leaning forward, she narrowed her gaze. What had she seen?
The clouds rolled across the moon, cutting off the shimmering light. Surely her eyes were playing tricks on her.
She was starting to turn away when the clouds moved again. Her gaze zeroed in on the nearby pasture and two figures who stood in the tall grass.
Even from this distance, she recognized Pablo and Mateo.
