The Middlefield Family Collection

by Kathleen Fuller

  Suddenly she had begun to see the man with new eyes. Worry touched her heart. She’d been the one to encourage them to get together. What if she had been wrong about Mark all along?

  She turned to leave the kitchen and take Magdalena upstairs to change into her dress and tiny kapp when she heard a knock. A tall, thin young woman with nearly transparent blond hair stood on the front porch.

  Clara didn’t recognize her, or her style of clothing. The hem of her dress reached her ankles instead of midcalf, the way women in Middlefield wore them. More pleats in the skirt, a kapp shaped just a bit differently. The girl was plainly Amish, but from some other community, a place more conservative, more in keeping with the Old Order.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I’m looking for Mark King.” The girl seemed to be in her early twenties. She might have initially seemed shy, but she looked Clara directly in the eyes and spoke plainly. “I understand he is staying here.”

  “He is, but he’s not here right now.” Magdalena made a little cooing noise. Clara cuddled her closer to her chest. She glanced down and noticed a suitcase beside the woman’s feet. “I’m not sure when he’ll be back.”

  “I can wait for him.”

  Clara’s brow lifted. “Why don’t you come inside.”

  The woman picked up her suitcase and followed. As the door closed behind her, she set the case on the floor. “You are sure Mark King is staying here, ya?”

  “As I said, I don’t know where he went this morning, or when he’s coming back,” Clara repeated. Was the girl addled? She was definitely unusual. “You’re welcome to wait if you want. Or if you have someplace else to geh, I can let him know you’ve come to visit him.”

  “I will wait.” She stood near the front door, her thin fingers clasped together in front of her navy blue coat. An apron the same color as the dress peeked out from beneath the hem.

  Magdalena’s changing would have to wait. “Come into the kitchen and sit down. Would you like some coffee?”

  “I would like to sit down, but nee coffee.” She followed Clara into the kitchen and sat down in one of the chairs at the table.

  Clara sat across from her, holding her daughter in her lap. “I’m Clara King.”

  “Laura Stutzman. From Etheridge, Tennessee.”

  Clara remembered Mark mentioning he’d spent time in Tennessee. “Is that where you met Mark?”

  Her full lips set in an angry line. “Ya. But I wish I never had.”

  Laura’s words took Clara aback. Clara herself had never been one to shy away from expressing her irritation, yet this woman— this stranger—didn’t seem to care who knew how angry she was with Mark. “Are you sure you don’t want any coffee? I have some leftover pancakes from breakfast.”

  “I’m not hungry. But I appreciate the hospitality.” Dark shadows underscored Laura’s light brown eyes. She looked exhausted.

  “Maybe you would like to lie down while you’re waiting?” Clara suggested.

  “Nee. I wish to speak to Mark. Hopefully he will return soon.”

  An uncertain dread filled Clara, and suddenly she wished Peter were here. She cuddled Magdalena in her lap. If Laura could be direct, so could Clara. “Is Mark in trouble?”

  Laura locked gazes with Clara, her eyes filled with resentment. “Ya. He is in trouble with me.”

  “May I ask what happened?”

  “I’d rather not talk about it.” Laura looked away for an instant, then faced Clara again. “Mark King is a despicable human being. He’s a liar and a thief. He is not to be trusted.”

  “You can’t say that about a member of mei familye without an explanation, Laura.”

  “I cannot give you an explanation.”

  She wouldn’t give Clara an explanation. That much was clear. “How did you find us?”

  “Through freinds of Mark’s family. They suspected he might be spending time with his cousin Peter King in Middlefield.”

  “How did you get here?”

  “By bus. And taxi.” She folded her hands in her lap. “That’s all I will say until I see Mark.”

  Dozens of scenarios went through Clara’s mind, none of them good. Coupled with Peter’s growing suspicions of Mark . . .

  Dread gathered inside Clara.

  Junior and Melvin suddenly stormed through the back door. “We’re hungerich!”

  “You just had breakfast.” She looked at her boys sternly. “I see throwing leaves at each other has built up your appetites.”

  “We’re growing buwe.” Junior grinned, using his father’s common phrase.

  “Have a couple of leftover pancakes. Wash your hands first.”

  The boys dashed out of the kitchen to the bathroom. Clara looked at Laura. She’d had no reaction to any of the children. That increased her alarm. Whatever Mark did to Laura and her family had devastated her. And this wisp of a girl was no match for him.

  When Junior and Melvin burst into the kitchen again, she made a quick decision and rose from her chair. “Junior, Melvin, grab one pancake apiece. We’re going to Julia’s.”

  “Not again.” Melvin’s whiny pitch sounded like rust grinding against rust. “We’re always going to Julia’s.”

  “I promise I’ll bring you a special treat.” Clara had no idea what it would be, but the urgency to get her family and Laura out of the house grew. “Let’s geh.” She touched Laura on the shoulder.

  “I will wait on Mark.”

  Clara lowered her voice. “You’re coming with me. I’m dropping mei kinner off next door. Then we will geh somewhere Mark won’t expect you to be.”

  Laura looked up at her, fire sparking in her eyes. “You can’t protect him. I will get what he stole from mei familye. Even if I have to call the police.”

  “Laura.” Clara leaned close and whispered, “I’m not protecting him. I’m protecting you.”

  CHAPTER 26

  Adam had just finished raking and burning several piles of leaves. His clothes reeked of smoke. He’d raked the remaining leaves into a big pile and looked in Emma’s barn for trash bags. Not finding any, he headed for his barn, knowing where his father kept a good supply.

  As he crossed his yard, he saw Clara and another woman walking up the driveway. What did Clara want now? Lately whenever they were in the same place she looked at him like he was a bug squashed on the bottom of her shoe. He didn’t think so highly of her either. Not when she was so eager to get Mark and Emma together.

  Clara and the young woman stopped at his truck. Adam met them there. “What can I do for you, Clara?” He didn’t care for her, but she was Emma’s sister, and he’d be polite.

  “We need your help.”

  Those were the last words he expected out of her mouth. “Mei help?”

  “Ya.” She pointed to the woman. “This is Laura Stutzman. She’s from Tennessee.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Still confused, he turned to Clara. “What’s going on?”

  “Laura needs a place to stay.”

  “Nee. What I need is to see Mark.”

  Adam had to respect the stubborn tilt of Laura’s chin. She was a slender thing, and looked like a strong wind would blow her down the road. Still, he got the impression he wouldn’t want to get on her bad side.

  “Laura,” Clara said, with more patience than Adam had ever seen her possess. “As I explained, you’ll get a chance to see Mark. As soon as Peter comes home, he and I will bring Mark here. Then you can talk to him.”

  “I want to talk to him alone.”

  “That’s not a gut idea.”

  “Clara?”

  Adam turned at Emma’s voice. She walked toward them, the ribbons of her kapp streaming down her back. As she neared, he thought about their earlier conversation. Wished it would have gone better. But he hid his emotions, much as she seemed to be hiding hers. She didn’t look at him, but at Clara.

  Clara repeated what she’d told Adam. Emma frowned, her brows forming that cute V shape they did when she was confused. “Why
can’t she stay at your haus?” Emma asked.

  “I . . . I don’t think it’s safe.”

  “You don’t think Mark is safe?” Emma walked toward her. “You’re the one who wanted the two of us together.”

  “You don’t want to have anything to do with Mark.” Laura stepped between them. “He’ll do to you and your familye exactly what he did to us.”

  “Which was?”

  Adam held up his hand. It didn’t feel right, standing out here in the open. He wasn’t sure why, but something prodded him to get the women into his house. “Come on. Let’s geh inside.”

  “Leona? Leona, wake up . . .”

  Leona’s eyes flew open. Instant fear gripped her as Mark King leaned over her bed. How had he gotten in here?

  She could see the fury building in his eyes. He stood, his hands behind his back, his sneer derisive. Leona’s soul called out to the Lord. For calm. For wisdom. Above all, for courage.

  Leona moved to sit up, but Mark shook his head. “Don’t trouble yourself.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I thought you’d die in the hospital.” He paced back and forth at the foot of her bed. “Coughing up blood like that. Usually old ladies like you don’t survive being that sick.” He stopped. “Then again, you’re no ordinary old fraa.”

  “I don’t think you mean that as a compliment.”

  “You’re right. I don’t.” He walked over to the corner of the room. Took Ephraim’s rocker. Opened the bedroom door and placed it in the hallway.

  Leona started to move again. Mark rushed to her, making her freeze. “Did you know Laura was coming?”

  “I don’t know who Laura is.”

  “The idiot maedel came back for her money. She’ll never get it.” He shot a look at Leona. “Unlike Emma, Laura has looks, but little brains.”

  “She managed to find you.”

  Mark raised an eyebrow. “Not yet. She’s only found Clara. But you’re right. She’s not the dummkopf I thought she was.”

  Leona had never seen such cruelty in a man’s eyes. Heard such venom in his voice. She prayed for him, that whatever evil resided in him would flee.

  “What about Adam and Emma?” he demanded.

  “They’re not any business of yours.” Leona didn’t want Mark anywhere near them. “Although I’m glad you’ve finally realized that Emma isn’t the fraa for you.”

  “Well, according to mei vadder, no woman is.” Mark steepled his fingers underneath his chin. “Especially Ella.”

  He sat down next to Leona, his hip touching her side. “Did you know mei vadder is a bishop? Surprising, isn’t it? He calls me the devil’s seed.” Mark laughed. “That means he must be the devil, ya?”

  His laughter stopped abruptly. “He refused to marry me and Ella. Even barred me from his haus. Then he shunned me from his church. Of course he told everyone I wanted to leave. And made Ella spread the word that she didn’t love me.” He looked at the blank, white wall above Leona’s bed. “But she did love me. I know she did.”

  Despite her fear, even her revulsion at the evil radiating from him, Leona felt pity. “I’m sorry.”

  Mark jerked his gaze to hers. “Don’t feel sorry for me, old woman. Mei vadder will pay for what he’s done to me. Not directly, that would be too easy. But by tearing apart his family piece by piece, I’ll make him feel the pain. And he’ll know he’s responsible. First his sister’s familye in Tennessee. Then mei cousin in Middlefield. And on and on it will geh, until all the Kings have lost what they hold dear. For some that is money and land. For others it’s love and family. But for most, it’s their own lives.”

  Suddenly he pulled her out of bed, almost gently. He guided her to the window.

  “You have a perfect view of the shop, I see.” He grasped her arm, holding her steady.

  “Mark, listen to me. You don’t have to do this. Your vadder was wrong. He hurt you.” She looked up at him, the bones in her neck creaking. “You can repent, Mark. You can have the peace you seek.”

  “I don’t seek peace. Or forgiveness. Nor do I give it.” He took her hands and placed them on the windowsill. “Don’t move, or you’ll miss the show.” He ran out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

  Leona heard the scrape of Ephraim’s chair against the floor. The doorknob rattled. She hurried across the room as fast as her weakened legs would take her and tried to open the door.

  It wouldn’t budge.

  “I should geh check on Grossmammi.” Emma looked at Adam. They were all gathered in the kitchen, the worry between Clara and Carol palpable, surpassed only by Laura’s irritation. “I don’t want to leave her alone.”

  Adam removed his hat and laid it on the kitchen table. He’d never seen Clara this unnerved before. He wondered if something had happened between her and Mark. Or maybe Laura had given her more information than she’d shared with Adam. Either way, he agreed with Clara—Laura didn’t need to face Mark alone. Neither did Emma. But Leona couldn’t be left alone either.

  “All right. But I’ll come with you.” He turned to his mother, Clara, and Laura. “Stay here. Lock the doors. When will Daed be back?”

  “I don’t know,” his mother said. “He left early. Didn’t tell me where he was going.”

  “Don’t let anyone in, all right?”

  Clara nodded and looked at Emma. “Be careful. He could be lurking around here.”

  “We will.” She and Adam left and walked to the house. As they crossed his yard, he sensed Emma moving closer to him. Above them a large cloud floated over the sun, blocking its rays.

  He saw her shiver. “Cold?”

  “Nee.” She looked up at him. “Do you get the feeling that something is really wrong here? Clara is suddenly afraid of Mark. Laura shows up, saying what a terrible person he is.” She looked around the yard.

  On instinct, Adam took her hand. Despite her denial, her skin was chilled and clammy. He was glad when she didn’t let go. “Something seltsam is going on.”

  Suddenly Dill whinnied loudly, as if she were in pain. Emma gripped Adam’s hand.

  “I’ll check on her,” he said. “You geh to Leona.”

  Emma ran toward the house. Adam watched until she was safely inside, then headed to the barn. He hoped Dill hadn’t injured herself somehow. The last thing they needed now was more trouble.

  Adam stepped into the barn. But before his eyes could adjust to the dimness, something hard and heavy slammed into the back of his head, and everything went black.

  CHAPTER 27

  Laura paced the length of the kitchen while the other two women talked quietly near the stove. This wasn’t how she’d expected her visit to go. She thought she’d find Mark, demand her money, and threaten him with the police, and like the coward he was, he’d give it back. He was a horrible person, but these people were acting like he was the devil incarnate. It made her wonder if he had already tried to swindle them.

  She went to Clara and Carol. “What has Mark done?”

  Clara shook her head. “Nix, so far. But Peter was upset with him and was going to ask him to leave today.” She sighed. “I believe I misjudged him. I thought he would be a gut match for Emma. But she wasn’t interested.” Clara looked at Carol. “There’s only one mann mei schwester loves.”

  Carol nodded. “I know. I think they both know it too.” She put her hands on her hips. “I don’t know what’s going on in Adam’s head right now. He’s been spending a lot of time alone. In the fields, or working at your haus when Leona was in the hospital. I keep hoping he’s planning to stay. But I’m not sure. I can’t ask him. I won’t do that again. It has to be his choice.”

  Clara put her arm around Carol’s shoulders. Laura turned away. She had no idea what they were talking about and she didn’t care. All she wanted was to see Mark. And they were making that impossible.

  Unless she could sneak out to find him herself.

  She faced Carol. “Do you have a bathroom I could use?”

&n
bsp; “Of course. It’s down the hallway.”

  Laura found the bathroom easily enough. As she hoped, it had a window. The space wasn’t large, but big enough for her to slip out. She stood on the toilet and climbed through, but when she landed, her ankle twisted to one side, and she barely managed to keep from crying out.

  Laura stood and tested the ankle. Sprained, probably. But not broken. The pain was tolerable.

  She appeared to be at the back of the house. Crouching down in case she passed by the kitchen window, she headed for the driveway. When she reached it, she leaned on the hood of the truck parked there, regaining her balance. Her ankle had started to throb.

  “Going somewhere?”

  She looked up. Finally. “It’s about time you showed up. I want mei money back, Mark King.”

  His eyes, that deep blue she remembered so well, darkened nearly to the color of coal. “Oh, you’ll get what’s coming to you, Laura. I guarantee it.”

  When Emma saw her grandfather’s chair wedged beneath the doorknob of her grandmother’s door, panic filled her. She yanked away the chair, shoved open the door, and ran to the window where her grandmother stood.

  “I’m all right.”

  “What happened?”

  Grossmammi gripped her shoulders. “It’s Mark. You have to get Adam. Peter and Norman too. I don’t know what Mark is going to do . . .” She leaned forward, started coughing.

  Emma guided her to the bed. “Grossmammi?”

  The old woman coughed some more. “I’m all right. Do what I said. Geh!”

  She stared at her grandmother for a moment, then left the room and dashed down the stairs toward the barn.

  When Adam opened his eyes, pain exploded in his head. He reached up. Felt a huge goose egg swelling on this temple. When he pulled his hand away, his fingers were covered with blood.

  “Don’t move.”

  Through blurred vision he saw Laura hovering over him. “What happened?”