Shattered Silence

by Marta Perry

  But whoever he was, he was willing to take serious risks to get to Rachel. Why? He must believe she knew more than she was saying.

  They headed toward the house. “This is a bad thing,” Timothy said, his voice solemn. “We know there is wickedness in the world, but to have it come so close to home, after one of us. Poor Rachel.”

  “She’s just an innocent bystander, but she’s become a target. I have to find out who’s behind this.” He was actually speaking to himself, he realized, but Timothy was nodding.

  “You will.” He clapped Clint on the shoulder. “You’ll keep our Rachel safe.”

  With that, they’d reached the house. Timothy led the way into the kitchen.

  They found Rachel sitting at the table, wrapped in a voluminous quilt, while her grandmother patted her hand and Sadie urged a steaming mug of hot chocolate on her.

  “Yes, I’ll drink it.” Rachel sounded as if she’d agree to anything to get her cousin to stop fussing. She wrapped both hands around the mug, seeming to welcome its warmth, and looked up, her gaze meeting his.

  Her eyes looked huge in her pale face. “Thank you.” She moved slightly, the movement taking in the whole group. “All of you. If you hadn’t been there...” She let that trail off.

  “I should not have left you alone for a moment.” Her grandfather touched her cheek lightly, as if making sure she was really safe.

  “You couldn’t know.” She put her hand over his. “I should have been more sensible.” She glanced at him. “Clint will tell you so.”

  “I’ll tell you that you should have checked your phone. What were you thinking?” His exasperation was a welcome relief after the fear she’d put him through. It seemed, oddly enough, to make the others relax.

  “I had it charging. I did check it earlier.” A little color came into her face. “In fact, I was going to get it when...”

  “Too late.” He frowned at her, and then realized that the others were exchanging glances.

  “You need to talk. We can leave.” Her grandfather gestured toward the hall.

  “No, don’t,” Rachel said quickly. “I’m the one who has to leave.” Her gaze caught his again. “That’s what you were going to say, isn’t it? I must go back to the city.”

  He inhaled, trying to swallow the exasperation that he recognized was a reaction to the terror he’d felt thinking he was going to lose her. The image of his partner, dying in that alley, slithered through his mind.

  “I think it’s best if you go back.” He forced himself to sound calm. “We could call the police here...”

  “No.” Her voice was strong on the word. “I won’t bring the police here.”

  “If it will keep you safe...” her grandfather began.

  “It’s not the answer,” Clint said, confident that he was right. “This trouble started in the city, and that’s where the answer is. We’ll find a safe place for you to stay.” He glanced at her grandfather. “We’ll keep a guard on her constantly, I promise.”

  Her grandfather gave him a long, level look and then nodded. Clint breathed a little easier. He turned back to Rachel, forcing himself to sound calm. Detached.

  “I don’t want to make you relive it, but was there anything at all that you noticed about the man?”

  She shook her head and then hesitated. “I think...I think it was the same person as before. I can’t tell you why. It just felt that way.”

  He nodded. “I’d guess there was something you noticed subconsciously. Don’t try to pull it out now. Just let it surface when it will. Did he say anything?”

  “Just, ‘Where is it? Where is it?’”

  “It, not him?” His mind spun into gear. So the assailant wasn’t looking for Paul, just for the flash drive. That must mean something, but what?

  “That’s right.” Rachel’s eyes widened as she caught the implication. She looked as if she’d question him, but then she shook her head slightly. “That was all. Then I hit him with the flashlight, and he stumbled, and I went—”

  “That’s all for now,” he said quickly. He couldn’t bring himself to make her relive the experience at the moment. “Leave it for now. We’ll talk later.”

  “I’ll get my things...” Rachel began, moving a little.

  “Not now.” He pressed her back into the chair. “You’re too shaken to set off tonight. And I don’t want to run into that guy on a dark road. We’ll head back tomorrow. In the meantime, my partner will fix up a safe place for you to stay.”

  “That’s right,” Byler said firmly. “Now you must get some sleep as best you can.”

  Somewhat to his surprise, Rachel didn’t argue. She rose, carrying the cocoa mug, and went out, the quilt trailing behind her. Her grandmother and Sadie went with her.

  When they’d gone, Timothy poured out a mug of coffee from the pot on the stove, then a second, which he handed to Byler. He gave Clint an inquiring look. “Coffee? Or will it keep you awake?”

  “I’ll take it, the stronger the better. I need to stay awake anyhow. I’ll settle on the porch and keep an eye on things, just to make sure our friend doesn’t return.”

  “We will take turns,” Byler said, in a tone that didn’t brook any argument. Timothy nodded agreement.

  “Yah. I’ll set up a cot in here so you can sleep when I’m on duty,” he said. “We’ll leave the dogs out, too. We won’t let anyone get near the farmhouse tonight.”

  Clint didn’t waste time trying to dissuade them. If he could catch a few hours of sleep, he’d be better able to deal with tomorrow.

  They sat in companionable silence until Sadie returned. She looked at him steadily for a moment.

  “Rachel wants to speak to you,” she said, and he couldn’t tell whether she disapproved or not. “This way.”

  Clint followed her down the hall and up the stairs. “We put her to bed in this side of the house, instead of her room in the daadi haus,” she said. “That way there are more people around to hear her.”

  “Good idea,” he said, and found he was addressing her back.

  She reached the room and paused, her hand on the knob. “Not too long,” she warned. “She needs to rest.”

  He nodded, and she swung the door open so he could enter. To his surprise, she didn’t follow him.

  “We’ll wait outside while you talk,” she said. Her grandmother rose from her chair next to the bed, kissed Rachel lightly and joined them in the doorway.

  “Afterward, I’ll sit with her until she falls asleep,” the grandmother added. They both went out, closing the door.

  Rachel was sitting up in bed, pillows stacked behind her. Her hair, loose for once, lay across the shoulders of a white cotton nightgown that didn’t reveal an extra inch of skin.

  “I’m a danger to them,” she said abruptly, as if daring him to argue with her. “I’ve got to get out of here so they’ll be safe.”

  He wasn’t surprised that she’d returned to the assault immediately. He moved to the chair her grandmother had left and sat down. “More important, we need to be sure that joker sees you leave, so he knows not to come back here again. Tomorrow is better for that.”

  She didn’t look convinced. “If we went out now, headlights on, surely anyone watching would notice.”

  Clint was already shaking his head. “He’s not hanging around. Right now he’ll still be running, afraid someone is coming after him. He doesn’t know if you’re all right, but he’s sure to guess we’re watching for him. In the unlikely chance he hangs around, he’d notice us go in the morning. It’s safer, as well. Honestly.”

  The tension seemed to ebb from her face, leaving her exhausted. “I thought you would be insisting on calling the police.”

  “I would, if it would do any good, but it’s useless now.” He knew, no one better, how police worked in small rural communities. He’d grown up with it, hearing his f
ather’s frustration on being constantly shorthanded when anything came up, having to juggle his priorities.

  Rachel seemed relieved to accept that. “How did you know to come when you did?”

  “If you’d had your phone on...” he began, but stopped when she glared at him. “Your friend Lyn. We found a folder that was missing its contents. It was marked Photos of Grandfather Byler’s Farm.”

  He saw the realization dawn on her face. “I’d totally forgotten. But how could anyone find me through that? It contained photos of things around the farm, looking like any other dairy farm.”

  “There must have been something that was identifiable enough for him to find you, because he did. That can’t be coincidence.”

  Her expression changed as she considered his words. “I suppose,” she said slowly. “Maybe the mailbox or a road sign showed in the background of a picture.”

  “Maybe so. It doesn’t matter now. Just get some sleep. We’ll have plenty of time to talk tomorrow.” He moved then, switching from the chair to the side of the bed. “Good night.”

  It was no good—she was too close, too vulnerable-looking. He bent to kiss her.

  It was meant to be a gentle, reassuring kiss. But her lips came to life under his, and desire seized him—desire coupled with an intense longing to protect her, keep her safe, to free her to smile again.

  Her arms were twined around his neck—her body pressed against his. Did she even realize it? Or was she instinctively seeking comfort? He couldn’t stop, not until he felt a faint awareness touch her, making her withdraw, very slowly.

  He pulled back, his lips an inch from hers, their breath mingling. “Good night, Rachel. Get some sleep. We’ll deal with everything tomorrow.” Rising, he released her slowly. “Don’t be afraid. We’ll get through this. I promise. Now sleep. We’ll be on watch.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  TO RACHEL’S SURPRISE, she actually did sleep soundly, waking when the first rays of the sun slipped in the window. She moved, felt pain in her arms and shoulders and remembered.

  So that particular nightmare had been reality, not a dream. Before she could plunge into reliving it, she pulled herself away from reliving it. It had been bad, but it was over. This morning she would go back to the city, taking the danger with her. Whatever happened, she would not risk harm to those she loved.

  She dressed in her own clothes. Grossmammi must have brought them over from the daadi haus after she was asleep. That meant they’d accepted the idea that she was leaving this morning.

  Rachel took a few minutes, carefully hanging up Sadie’s things. Her fingers lingered for a moment on the fabric of the blue dress. In a way, her usual pants and sweater felt strange on her, as if she were putting on someone else’s clothes, ready to live someone else’s life.

  But it wasn’t. It was hers, no matter what it brought her.

  When she reached the kitchen, Sadie and Grossmammi were both there. Sorrow shadowed her grandmother’s face, but she managed a smile.

  “You are ready to be Englisch again, ain’t so?”

  “As ready as I can be. Where’s Clint?”

  “The boys convinced him to go out and see the baby chicks.” Sadie’s eyes crinkled. “Maybe you should rescue him. Breakfast will be ready when you come back.”

  There wasn’t much left to say, it seemed. They were prepared for her to vanish as suddenly as she’d come. Trying to smile in return, she hurried out into the bright, chilly morning.

  Daniel and Thomas had taken Clint into the chicken pen, it seemed. Sadie was probably right about the rescuing. She didn’t know much about Clint’s background, but she couldn’t imagine it had included chickens. She headed toward them.

  When Rachel was close enough to get a look at Clint’s face, it startled her. He was clearly beat and looked as if he’d be the better for a mug of strong coffee. Or maybe a nap.

  “Good morning. I’m surprised you’re up already. You couldn’t have gotten much sleep.”

  She’d have to be careful what she said in front of the little ones. Thomas wouldn’t understand the English words, but Daniel seemed to pick up more every day.

  “I’m okay. I just need some coffee.”

  “You’ll get that, and breakfast. Sadie has it ready for us.”

  “Cousin Rachel, Clint is going to hold one of the peeps,” Daniel said, bouncing with impatience. “You can, too. Komm in.”

  Obviously he’d be disappointed if they rushed off to breakfast without admiring the peeps.

  “Only if he wants to,” she cautioned, and moved the latch to slip through the opening before any of the hens could go exploring. Had Clint ever held a baby chick before?

  But Clint was already cooperating, seemingly unconcerned about the hen that was squawking around his feet. He bent over the boys while Daniel put a yellow ball of fluff in his cupped hands.

  She watched him, surprised that she could still smile. “Having fun?”

  “Sure. Who wouldn’t find this fun?” He straightened, holding out the peep. “Did you ever feel anything so soft?”

  Rachel touched the tiny creature with a gentle finger. “Never.” She glanced at the two boys. “You seem to have made a hit with my little cousins.”

  “I figured maybe they were hoping I’d shriek and back off.”

  “Oh, no. They’re too kind to play tricks on people they like.”

  “Then I’m glad I’m included in the like category.” His intimate smile hinted at a double meaning to the words, and he studied her face. “Did you sleep?”

  “Like a rock,” she said. “I’m sorry you... Did you sit up all night?”

  “No, Timothy and your grandfather took turns with me.”

  “I didn’t realize—I guess I was pretty out of it by that time.” But she hadn’t imagined that embrace, and the thought of it sent the blood rushing through her.

  “That’s not surprising. I’m glad you got some rest, because it will be a long day.”

  She looked at him with a question in her face. “The drive back isn’t that exhausting.”

  “No, but we have to get you settled in a new place. And I think we should sit down and go over everything with Logan, just to be sure we’re all on the same page.”

  “Yes.” Rachel said the word reluctantly. It was time to leave this sanctuary, and Clint’s mind was already back in the city in spite of the fact that he stood here in the chicken coop.

  Soon she would be, as well. She’d have to face what Paul had done. And face, too, the fact that he apparently wasn’t going to clear her.

  She was right back where she’d been before she ran away.

  No, not quite. She rejected that thought instantly. She was better, stronger, for having spent even a short time with family who loved her unconditionally. And there was more.

  She studied Clint’s intent face. Now she was sure whose side he was on. She wasn’t quite ready to face whatever that meant, but at least she was willing to try.

  * * *

  CLINT HAD EXPECTED Rachel’s goodbyes to last forever, but now that the time had come, she seemed almost eager to get them over with. Maybe she feared breaking down. In fact, although tears glistened in her grandmother’s eyes, they all seemed intent on making the farewells simple. He overheard Sadie telling the children that Cousin Rachel had to go back to her schoolchildren, but she’d come again soon.

  Well, he didn’t actually understand her words, but she saw him watching and translated for him in a quick aside, adding, “The boys will miss you, too. Komm back and see us.”

  He could say only something noncommittal to that, because it seemed unlikely Rachel would want him in her life when all this was over. For a few minutes the previous night he’d convinced himself they were at a beginning, rather than an ending, but in the cold light of day, he didn’t buy it.

  Final hug
s, final goodbyes. He didn’t understand what her grandmother whispered to Rachel, but it made her blink back tears, whatever it was. Then Timothy was clapping him on the shoulder with a blow that nearly knocked him off his feet.

  “We do gut work together, yah? Komm again.”

  He nodded, smiling in return.

  Suddenly Rachel’s grandfather was in front of him, and Clint didn’t know what to say. Or whether he needed to say anything. The old man seemed capable of looking right through him and out the other side. If he had something to hide, he wouldn’t want to meet that steady gaze.

  He extended his hand. “Goodbye, sir.”

  His hand was seized in a firm, wiry grip. “Denke, Clint. You kept our Rachel safe last night. See that you take care of her.”

  “I’ll try. But she might have something to say about the idea of anyone taking care of her. Rachel seems to prize her independence.”

  “Yah.” His voice deepened on the word. “Rachel has been let down too often by people, especially her mamm. It makes it hard for her to trust. And all the more important she have someone looking out for her safety.”

  This was no time for questions, but he understood what the man wanted from him. Suppressing his own doubts, he said what he felt. “I won’t let her down.”

  That was all, nothing more. Either he meant it or not, and this wasn’t a man to be swayed by empty promises.

  There was silence between them, and after a moment Byler nodded. “Gut.”

  After a few more hugs, Rachel slid into the passenger seat. With a final wave, he drove off down the lane, reached the main road and made the turn that would take them away from the farm and back to Philadelphia.

  Rachel had her face turned toward the window, maybe straining her eyes for the last glimpse of the place. Even when it had completely vanished from sight, she stayed in that position, probably trying to hide the emotion she felt at leaving.

  Clint cleared his throat, looking for something appropriate to say. “I’m sorry,” he said at last. “I wish you didn’t have to go back, but I don’t see any other way.”