by Debby Giusti
She blinked her eyes, trying to clear the vision that sickened her. Serpent.
Was he real or imagined?
She blinked again but the vision remained.
Her heart stopped. The man who had held her captive stood staring in her direction.
Miriam’s pulse raced. He must have heard the twig break. Although the thicket behind which she hid offered protection, she knew any additional movement would have him running to investigate.
He pursed his lips, took a step forward and stopped.
Please, God, don’t let him see me.
Serpent stood still for a long moment and then turned toward her vehicle.
Sending up a prayer of thanks, Miriam watched him wrap a handkerchief around his hand, open the driver’s door and peer inside. Bending down, he felt under the seat before he rounded the car, opened the passenger door and rummaged through the glove compartment.
Leaves rustled behind her. Startled, she glanced over her shoulder. A squirrel scurried through the underbrush. Letting out a tiny sigh of relief, she turned her gaze back to the river’s edge.
Serpent had disappeared.
Her heart crashed against her chest. A lump of fear lodged in her throat. Frantically she flicked her gaze around the clearing and then back to the car. Where had he gone?
Another swish of movement sounded behind her.
She started to turn.
A hand clamped over her mouth.
Powerful arms grabbed her and held her tightly against a rock-hard chest.
She gasped, fearing her fate. Serpent had captured her again.
* * *
Abram’s heart beat out of his chest from fear so strong it had taken his breath away. He had seen Serpent. The man who had hurt Miriam. She had come so close to stepping into the open and startling the horrific man from his search.
A few minutes ago Abram had peered through the window of his woodshop and had seen her scurrying through the pasture after Isaac had left him. Following after her, Abram had spotted the man with the tattoo and feared Miriam was unaware of the hated man’s presence. Thankfully, Abram had gotten to Miriam before Serpent had spotted her.
“Serpent is prowling in the bushes,” he whispered in her ear as he held her close to his heart. “If you move, he will hear you.”
She must have recognized his voice because she stopped struggling and relaxed against his chest. Turning her head ever so slightly placed her lips close to Abram’s. Too close.
His heart jerked from her nearness.
“Where did he go?” she asked, her voice shaky with fear.
“I do not know.”
“But you saw him, Abram. Right?”
He nodded. “Yah, I did.”
“You saw the scarf around his neck. He’s trying to hide the serpent tattoo, but it’s there. He’s the same man who chased after me in the woods.”
“And the one who held you captive.” Anger welled up within Abram directed toward the man who had accosted Miriam.
“Stay here,” he cautioned. “I will circle the clearing and try to determine whether Serpent is still in the area.”
Miriam grabbed his hand tightly. “Be careful. He’s evil.”
“Do not fear for my safety.” Abram had to warn her. “But if he finds you, scream. I will hear you.”
She nodded, her face void of color and her eyes wide with fear.
Abram stepped away from her. His whole being wanted to keep her close, but he needed to determine where Serpent had gone.
His hunting skills proved useful as he made his way stealthily through the underbrush. Nearing a break in the tree line, he had a clear view of the mountain road.
A dark sedan sat parked on the side of the pavement. Serpent stood nearby, staring at smoke rising from a chimney visible through the trees.
Old Man Jacobs’s cabin.
From that location Ezra Jacobs had a view of the road as it curved around the mountain. As Samuel had mentioned, Ezra had seen the cars racing along the roadway two nights ago and had called the sheriff. What else had he seen?
As Abram watched, Serpent opened the driver’s door and slipped in behind the wheel. Making a sharp U-turn he gunned the engine and drove up the mountain on the road that led to Petersville. Was he going back to town or back to the cabin where he had held Miriam? If only Abram could follow him to find the hiding spot.
But Miriam was waiting for him. He needed to take her home and lock the doors behind them. Then Abram would pay a visit to Old Man Jacobs. He wanted to find out what the man had seen. Two cars driving much too fast down the mountain, or had he seen even more than that?
When Abram stepped back to the clearing, he saw Miriam in her car rummaging through the glove compartment.
“I told you to remain hidden,” he said as he neared.
“I saw Serpent drive away. I needed my cell phone charger.” She held it up along with a wad of bills. “And some money I kept in the glove compartment. I’m glad the police didn’t find the bills or haul my car away.”
“The Petersville police department has had problems in the past. This time their oversight worked to your advantage. What about your cell phone?”
“It’s not here, but with the charger, I’ll be able to use the phone when I do find it.”
“I have money, Miriam. You could have asked me if you needed anything.”
“You’ve already done too much.”
Abram pointed to the smoke visible through the tree line in the distance. “An old man lives in a cabin there where the smoke is rising. I want to talk to him. He may have seen something.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“It would not be wise.”
“I’m concerned about my own safety, but I’m even more worried about Sarah. The man might know something about my sister. Or he may know about the cabin where we both were held. Let’s go now,” Miriam suggested.
“The distance is farther than it looks. I will take the buggy.”
Miriam was silent as they walked back to the house. Hopefully she realized she would be safer remaining at the farm. But from what he knew about Miriam, once she got an idea in her head, there was no changing her mind.
Abram was not used to headstrong women or Englisch women who spoke their mind. He almost chuckled. In a way, he found it refreshing, which is something he would not share with the bishop or even Isaac Beiler.
Some things were better left unsaid.
EIGHT
“I’m going with you,” Miriam said as Abram hitched Nellie to the buggy.
“You are staying here with Emma.”
She shook her head. “I’m accompanying you.”
“Serpent may be in the area,” Abram said, no doubt trying to convince her of the folly of riding with him.
She looked down at the blue dress and apron. “He won’t recognize me in Amish clothing, Abram. You needn’t fear.”
He dipped his head in agreement. “As you said, he should not recognize you wearing the plain clothing, unless he catches sight of your pretty face. I do not want to chance putting you in danger.”
Bear trotted forward and nuzzled her leg. Miriam patted the dog’s head then, gripping the side of the buggy, she hefted herself into the rig.
“You don’t understand, Abram.” She settled onto the rear seat. “I can’t stay here at the house while you talk to a man who might know something about my sister. I’m going with you. You don’t have a choice.”
Abram muttered something that sounded like German under his breath, followed by, “Amish women are not so brazen.”
She had to fight to keep from smiling. “You find me brazen?”
He shrugged. “Would ‘determined’ be a better choice of word?”
“Brazen or determined. Either one suits me just fine. I don’t want to stay at the farm and wonder what you’ve found out from Mr. Jacobs. I need to see the area where he lives. I’ve forgotten much of what happened when I was held captive. No telling what might trigger my memory.”
She nodded her head decidedly. “I heard running water, like the sound of the river scurrying past the cabin where I was held. If we find the cabin, I may remember who shot my mother. It wasn’t Serpent. From the little I recall, the other man seemed in charge, as if Serpent could have been working for him. I need to find that man and also the redheaded guy who hauled Sarah away.”
“It is my desire to find those men as well, but I still want you to stay here.” Abram shrugged his shoulders as if wondering how he could convince her otherwise. “My uncle will bring everyone involved to justice, you can be sure of that.”
“Your uncle’s out of town, Abram, and I refuse to wait. We’ll go together to Old Man Jacobs. We’ll explore the back mountain roads. Something might come to light.”
Once Nellie was hitched, he climbed into the buggy and sat on the first seat directly in front of Miriam.
Emma stepped onto the back porch. “I am worried about both of you.”
“You are too much filled with concern, my sister.”
But she had every right to be upset. A stranger had burst into their peaceful lives and thrown them into havoc.
“We won’t be gone long.” Miriam tried to sound optimistic as she waved goodbye.
Abram jostled the reins and Nellie started forward, the buggy swaying side to side in a comfortable rhythm Miriam found soothing.
With another flick of the reins, the mare increased her pace just after they turned onto the mountain road. The wind buffered Miriam’s face, the morning air brisk and fresh. She settled back in the seat.
“There are blankets in the rear if you are cold,” Abram shared. “You can reach them, yah?”
She turned, grabbed the woolen throws and wrapped one around her legs. She placed the second one over Abram’s legs.
He smiled but kept his eyes on the road. “The morning is cool but not cold. I am fine, Miriam Miller.”
Yet he didn’t remove the throw.
The ride up the mountain took less time than Miriam had imagined. Abram pulled up on the reins and encouraged Nellie onto a narrow dirt path that angled more sharply up the mountain. The path was pitted with holes that caused the buggy to sway wildly back and forth.
Abram groaned. “We will stop here,” he said when they came to a small clearing. “And walk the rest of the way.”
He helped her out of the buggy, his hands strong around her waist. Once on the ground, she looked up, realizing how tall he really was.
Standing so close to Abram made her breath catch. He stared down at her with questioning eyes that made her heart pound. Was it his wife he saw when he looked at her? The thought made Miriam step back, but the buggy prevented her from going far.
Abram swallowed hard and dropped his hold on her. “Ezra Jacobs’s cabin is nearby.”
She glanced at the underbrush, the steep incline and the dirt path pocked with holes. “He could use a bit of home improvement.”
“A recluse does not wish for company.”
They started up the hill together. Abram reached for her arm and guided her along the path.
Her first inclination was to refuse his help, but the sincerity of his gaze made her realize she didn’t need to prove her independence with Abram.
Having a man at her side was a pleasant change. She enjoyed the strength of his hand and the gentleness of his hold.
Once at the top of the steep incline they stepped into a larger clearing. A cabin sat nestled in the trees, overrun with vines. The porch listed and the stairs looked far too rickety for Abram’s large frame, but he climbed the steps and knocked forcefully on the door.
When no one answered, he reached for the knob and pushed the door open. Miriam peered around him into the dark interior.
Although small, the cabin was neat and tidy. The floor was swept and the narrow bed pushed against the far wall was covered with a colorful blanket. An old beagle with graying hair lay curled on a small rug at the foot of the bed.
The dog raised his head, wagged his tail and hobbled toward them. Miriam bent to pat him then, seeing the blanket move, she grabbed Abram’s arm and pointed to the cot.
Together they entered the cabin and approached the bed. Her heart stopped as she leaned closer to Abram. “Is he all right?”
Abram touched the man’s arm. “Ezra, it is Abram Zook. You need to awake.”
The old man’s eyes fluttered open. He stared up at Abram then furrowed his brow. His voice was crusty with sleep when he spoke. “You’re trespassing.”
Abram smiled. “Perhaps, but I thought you were dead.”
Just that fast, the man pushed aside the blanket, rolled to his side and sat up, wiping his eyes. “Tarnation, Abram. I’m breathing, ain’t I? Don’t know why you came barging into my cabin unannounced. A simple knock at the door would have raised me from my sleep.”
The beagle stood next to the bed and waited expectantly until the old man scratched behind the dog’s ears.
Relieved that Ezra appeared fit, Miriam stepped closer. “Sir, I’m Miriam Miller. Can we get you something? Maybe a glass of water?”
“Coffee. Strong and hot. The pot’s on the counter ready to go. Just hit the button. Pull three cups from the cabinet and you can join me.”
His gaze narrowed. “You said you’re a Miller. Any kin to Harold Miller in Petersville?”
“I’m not sure. Does he have daughters named Leah or Annie?”
“Harold’s got six sons. No daughters. His wife died when the last one was born.”
“I’m sorry.”
“We all were.” He pointed to the kitchen area. “Turn that switch on the coffeepot, hear? A man could die of thirst, waiting for a cup of coffee, as slow as you’re moving.”
Miriam chuckled under her breath and hurried to do the man’s bidding.
Abram patted the older man’s shoulder. “Ezra, I talked to Sheriff Kurtz yesterday. He said you saw two cars racing down the mountain road the other night.”
The old man nodded. “One had flashing lights.”
“Did you think it was a sheriff’s car?” Abram asked.
“Could have been, or one of those cop cars from Petersville. They patrol the road up to Pine Lodge Mountain.”
“It runs by your cabin?”
“That’s right. On a quiet night, I can hear cars driving to the lodge.”
“Sheriff Kurtz wondered if you could provide more information about what you saw.”
“You mean the ruckus in the woods?”
Abram leaned closer. “Tell me what happened.”
Jacobs shrugged and rubbed his brow. “Wish I could, but my mind plays tricks on me. I remember some things and forget others. Couldn’t remember much yesterday when I talked to the deputies. ’Spect I won’t be able to remember any more today.”
“Let’s go back to what you do remember,” Miriam said as she returned to his bedside. “Have you seen me before?”
Ezra stared up at her and then shook his head. “Seems I’d remember you.”
“Why’s that?”
“You look like someone I used to know.”
“Leah Miller was my mother? Did you know her?”
“Can’t recall. Names don’t stay. Only thing that seems to stick are faces. I’ve seen you or seen someone who looked like you, but I can’t tell you where.”
“Is there another cabin nearby?” she asked. “Or did you see me with a man who had a snake tattooed on his neck?”
Ezra shook his head. “Can’t recall.”
“What ab
out a pretty blond girl?”
He rubbed his jaw. “I haven’t seen anyone with blond hair for a while.”
“Does that mean you haven’t seen a blond-haired woman in the area?”
He nodded. “’Spect that’s what it means.”
Miriam sighed and turned to stare at the light coming through the still open doorway. Her gaze shifted to the cell phone on a nearby side table. The phone was a basic model without text or internet capability.
“Is that your cell, Mr. Jacobs?” she asked.
“Sure ’nough. You need to make a call?”
“If you wouldn’t mind? I’d like to contact my sister in Atlanta.”
“Won’t be a problem. Long distance don’t cost any extra, but go outside. You can’t pick up anything in here.”
Ezra’s lips quivered into a half smile. “’Course, most times I can’t get the right number plugged in with those small buttons.” He pointed to a pair of reading glasses. “Helps if I use the spectacles. You need them?”
She shook her head. “Not the glasses, but I appreciate you letting me use the phone.”
“What about the coffee?” he asked as she headed for the door.
“It’s brewing.”
Miriam hurried onto the porch and called directory assistance in Atlanta. Once connected to the automated operator, she requested the phone number for Hannah Miller and then repeated the name twice for clarity. Making herself understood was a challenge, but she responded to the prompts as best she could and was crestfallen when the search failed.
Miriam disconnected, feeling a heaviness to her heart. If only she could talk to Hannah.
She stepped back into the cabin, laid the phone on the counter and inhaled the rich aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.
“Did you contact your sister?” Abram asked.
Miriam shook her head. “Evidently, Hannah doesn’t have a landline.”
She moved into the makeshift kitchen. “What do you take in your coffee, Mr. Jacobs?”
“You’re making me feel old. My name’s Ezra and I take my coffee black.”
She quickly fixed his coffee and placed it on his bedside table, then poured a cup for Abram and one for herself.
