“Is something wrong?” he asked.
She shook her head. “No, nothing’s wrong. My husband’s research center is discussing their findings on CED.”
“The disease the twins have?”
Ella nodded. “I called the director when Mary Kate first brought the girls to the clinic.”
“It sounded as if you were concerned about something your husband found.”
“Quin was intense, especially when he was working toward a breakthrough. He became more and more upset about some results that he couldn’t understand. He kept saying the Amish twins held the answer.”
“You’re not talking about Shelly and Stacey.”
“No, there were other cases. Three sets of twins that hadn’t responded the way he had hoped.”
“You mentioned his notes on the Amish Project?”
“That’s what the CED study was called. The director, Dr. Nancy Vaughn, never wanted work taken home. There’s always a worry that some other clinic will get access to the data and use it as their own.”
“Stealing data for scientific gain or for financial compensation?” he asked.
“Probably both, although I don’t think Quin ever worried about his work being stolen. He was more concerned about why the treatment he had developed wasn’t effective.”
“The director couldn’t offer any answers?” Zach pressed.
“She has a lot on her mind and seemed surprised the last time we talked about Quin taking his notes home. I assured her he was careful to keep his files secure.”
“You’ve gone through his notes?”
“And found nothing.”
“Does that seem strange to you?”
Ella weighed her words. She didn’t want the special agent to jump to the wrong conclusions. “Quin’s entire focus was on his work, especially close to his death.”
Zach stared at her. “Does that mean he turned his focus away from you?”
It wasn’t a question she expected. “I didn’t say that.”
“But it’s what you didn’t say.”
She shook her head, suddenly flustered. “You’re reading more into my statement.”
“Am I?”
She dropped the invitation onto her desk and bent to pick up some of the scattered papers.
“I’m sorry if I upset you, Ella.”
“It’s not you.” She let out a deep breath. “It’s everything that’s happened.”
“You’ll feel better once the clinic is back in order. I’ll help you.”
“I don’t need help,” she insisted, although she did. But right now she was so confused and worried. Would her life ever get back to the way it had been?
“Perhaps you don’t, but I’m not leaving you alone with so much to do,” Zach insisted.
“You sound as strong-willed as my husband.”
Instantly, she regretted her remark. Zach wasn’t strong-willed, and he wasn’t anything like her husband. When she looked at Zach, she saw compassion and understanding in his gaze.
At least she thought she did.
Or was she as wrong about Zach as she had been about Quin?
* * *
Zach encouraged Ella to sit and direct him as he cleaned up the clinic, but evidently, she didn’t trust him to get it right, because she insisted on doing everything herself. At least she let him install the dead bolts she had bought some weeks earlier but hadn’t taken out of the shopping bag.
She had a toolbox filled with the basics, one that might have belonged to her husband. Although if the tools had been his, then Quin Jacobsen hadn’t been much of a handyman. Still, Zach found what he needed and soon had the dead bolts installed.
He checked her windows, relieved to find double-paned glass and substantial locks that would be hard to pry open.
“Sergeant Abrams mentioned a security alarm,” Zach reminded Ella, after securing the doors and checking the windows. “Even the most basic, easy-to-install wireless system, would be an excellent safeguard.”
She cocked her head and frowned. “And if the alarm goes off, who comes to my rescue?”
“The alarm service calls the Freemont police.”
“How long would it take them to respond?” she asked.
“As long as it takes them to respond to a 911 call. The idea is for the alarm to warn you if an area of your house, namely a window or door, is breached. In the middle of the night, you could sleep through someone trying to get into your clinic. The alarm would alert you.”
Ella stared at Zach for a moment and then nodded. “I see your point. The receptionist who works for me is married to an electrician. He might be able to install a system.”
“The sooner the better,” Zach added.
“What if the Amish decide I’m not someone they want treating their children?”
He didn’t understand her logic. “Because they’ll see the alarm system?”
“Yes, and because of the shots that were fired today. Am I being foolish?”
“Only if you don’t think of your own safety. The Amish may not even hear about the break-in at your clinic or the shooter in the woods.”
She sighed as she picked up a pile of files and returned them to the cabinet. “Obviously you haven’t been around the Amish. Even without modern conveniences like telephones and social media, news travels.”
A key turned in the door, surprising both of them. Zach stepped protectively in front of Ella.
The woman who pushed her way inside was dressed in light blue scrubs that covered her full figure. The embroidered emblem on her uniform read Children’s Care Clinic. Evidently the newcomer—in her midforties, with rosy cheeks and pink lipstick—worked for the doc.
The nurse opened her arms and headed straight for Ella. Zach had to step aside to keep from being run over.
“I’ve been so worried,” the woman gushed. “The police stopped at my house. They took my fingerprints and wanted to make sure I hadn’t given the clinic key to anyone. Why didn’t you call me?”
She wrapped Ella in a warm embrace.
“I’m fine, Wendy. You shouldn’t have worried. I planned to call you, but somehow time got away from me.”
“You were hurt and fought for your life? That’s the story I heard.”
“I wasn’t injured, but Mary Kate Powers is in the hospital at Fort Rickman with a gunshot wound.”
The woman pulled back, her eyes wide. “I had no idea. Tell me the twins weren’t hurt.”
“They’re fine and staying with their grandparents.”
Seemingly, the newcomer posed no threat. Zach stepped closer, and Ella introduced him to Nurse Wendy Kelsey.
“You’re from post?” she asked, after hearing “CID” in the introduction.
“That’s right.” Zach nodded. “I’m working with the Freemont police. How did you learn about the attack?”
“The cop who took my prints said someone broke in and attacked Ella.” Wendy patted her chest as she glanced at her employer. “I called your cell but couldn’t get an answer. I decided to drive here and see if I could find out what happened.”
“Someone ransacked the clinic this morning. Special Agent Swain is helping me tidy the clutter.”
Wendy stuck her purse in one of the cabinets and hung up the sweater she was wearing. “Why don’t you fix yourself a cup of tea and let me get to work.”
Ella visibly relaxed. “That sounds perfect. Thank you, but I’ll brew some coffee and be back with cups for everyone.” She turned to Zach. “You take yours black?”
“Black and strong.”
Ella headed to the hallway that led to her residence and returned ten minutes later with three steaming cups. The hot brew was exactly what Zach needed.
He and Wendy quickly cleaned
up the remaining items, and the nurse had the place looking even better by the time he had finished his coffee.
“I’ll call the patients who have appointments and see if they can come another day,” she said. “In fact, I suggest the clinic remain closed through the weekend and open again on Monday.”
“Our Amish patients don’t have phones, Wendy. How can you contact them?” Ella asked.
“The twins were the only children scheduled for today. I’ll call their grandmother and cancel their visit and reschedule the other non-Amish patients. Thankfully, you don’t have any appointments with Amish patients for the rest of the week.”
“That’s a good idea.” Zach glanced at Ella. “The case may be solved by Monday. Plus it gives you more time to heal and gain your strength.”
“You might be right.” She stepped closer to the nurse. “I stopped by the Landerses’ house this morning and checked on the twins. They’re both doing well.”
“You’ve made a difference in those girls’ lives.” Wendy turned to Zach. “If Ella hadn’t diagnosed their condition, they wouldn’t have survived. That assured many of the local folks, when they saw the twins improve.”
The nurse continued to share stories about the positive impact Ella had made on the community until the doc waved off her praise. “I did what any physician would do. Fortunately, my husband’s work provided the answers. Otherwise everything could have been very different.”
She went to the window and pulled back the curtains. “The sun is shining. I want a little of that to brighten the clinic. You’ve both done so much to make it better. Thank you, Wendy.”
Turning to Zach, Ella said, “I didn’t expect a special agent in law enforcement to be so handy. The dead bolts will keep me secure and give me peace of mind.”
Looking at her nurse, she asked, “Would you call Beth and inquire if her husband can install a security alarm for me?”
Wendy nodded. “Good idea. I’m on it.”
Glancing out the window, Zach noticed a red pickup racing along the road past the clinic. The tires squealed as it turned into the farm next door.
“Looks like Levi Miller has company,” he said, heading for the door.
Ella peered out the window. “It’s Mary Kate’s husband. What’s he up to?”
“I’ll check it out.”
“I’ll go with you,” Ella stated. “I want to find out about Mary Kate’s condition.”
“You should stay here,” Zach insisted.
“Nonsense.” She opened a cabinet and pulled out a black medical bag. “I need to check on Levi’s wife, as well.”
He glanced at the bag. “Doctors still make house calls?”
She nodded. “They do in rural Georgia.”
“We’ll take my car.”
Ella was puzzled. “But the Millers live next door.”
“And someone tried to shoot you in your backyard.”
She nodded, realizing he was right. Her eyes fell on the weapon he carried under his jacket. She couldn’t deny the sense of security that knowing Zach was armed gave her.
“You’ll protect me.” She said it as a statement.
“Of course I will.”
The confidence and assurance of his answer warmed her heart. She’d be safe with the special agent. At least, that was her hope.
SIX
Some folks might call the doc headstrong. Zach thought independent was more apropos. Had her need to prove herself gotten her in trouble? Or had the attack at the clinic been a result of a strong-willed doctor trying to push her way into someplace she wasn’t wanted?
Last night, she’d been scared and needing reassurance when she’d stepped into his arms, after remembering the gun the attacker had brandished.
What had made Zach pull her into his embrace? He wasn’t one to be swayed by a pretty face or silky hair and big eyes, yet he’d reacted without thinking.
Everything within him had wanted to comfort Ella and protect her. Not because she was a doctor. He didn’t have much use for physicians, especially country docs, like the one who had made a tragic error that had led to his mother’s death.
No, the woman he’d seen last night had been Ella Jacobsen, without the physician facade. Perhaps she hadn’t realized the vulnerability she’d revealed to him at that moment. Something that was at the heart of who she was when she didn’t try to be in charge.
Ella paused momentarily by the door to glance at her reflection in a wall mirror. Gingerly, she touched the puffy bruise on her cheek and frowned.
A number of bruises were all too evident in the sunlight steaming through the window. The sight of her injuries made Zach’s gut tighten. No one should ever hurt a woman. Seeing the marks on her face and another bruise on her arm enhanced his desire to find the heinous individual who had caused Ella so much pain. Unless the attacker was found and apprehended, he’d be back again.
“I’m ready,” she said. “Let’s pay the Millers a visit.”
“You haven’t slept, Doc. Sure you wouldn’t rather stay here?”
She straightened her shoulders. “You haven’t slept, either, Special Agent Swain.”
“Zach, remember?”
Some of her bravado faltered, and she smiled, causing a jolt of energy to take him by surprise. He’d thought Ella Jacobsen was pretty last night, but in the light of day, he realized how wrong he’d been. She was beautiful.
“We’ll go together,” Zach said. “But do me a favor and follow my lead.”
“Of course.”
Was she being sincere or condescending?
Clutching her doctor’s bag, she opened the front door and stepped outside. Hurriedly, she descended the stairs and walked with determined steps to his vehicle. As much as it seemed like a waste of fuel to drive such a short distance, Zach needed to keep Ella safe.
After parking in the Millers’ driveway, he stepped from the car and flicked his gaze to the wooded area behind the house and the pasture in the distance, looking for anything that might spell danger.
Before he could round the hood to open the passenger door, Ella had stepped out and, bag in hand, was racing toward the house.
The woman had stamina, Zach would give her that.
“Are you in a hurry?” he asked, falling into step beside her.
“Just focused on seeing if Sarah is okay. I’ve got a strange feeling that all of this hubbub has taken its toll on her. She’s in her early twenties and has been racked with morning sickness for the last six months.”
“I thought it eased up after the first three.”
“That’s usually the case, but some women continue to have problems into the second and even third trimester. Sarah has lost weight instead of gaining, and she’s anxious about the health of her child. She and Levi lost a baby at seven months. That was before I arrived in the area. As you can imagine, she’s worried this baby might have problems.”
“I’m sure having a doctor next door has eased her worry.”
“I wish that was the case. Instead, I’ve opened up other concerns.”
“You mean the incidents of genetically acquired diseases that the Amish carry?”
“That’s it exactly. Some of them would rather not know about the complications.”
“Are any upset enough to break into your clinic?”
Ella turned to stare at him quizzically. “You must not understand the Amish or you wouldn’t suspect them.”
“I understand human nature and the fact that bad people can be found in any population. Even the Amish.”
“They’re a peaceful people who put their faith in God.”
“Perhaps that’s their mistake.”
She narrowed her gaze. “You don’t believe in God?”
“I believe there is a God, but I
believe man is responsible for his own actions. I also know that some men and women live by another rule, other than the golden rule. Evil exists. I’m sure it exists even in the Amish community.”
Nearing the house, Zach turned his focus to sounds that were floating from the side of the property. Sounds of an argument.
“Stay here, Doc.”
He hurried ahead and made a wide arc around the house to better see the source of the raised voices. Hugh Powers and Levi Miller came into view. The corporal was waving his hands in the air, visibly upset. Levi kept his at his sides and was responding to Hugh in what sounded like a calm and steady voice. Zach moved closer to hear more of their conversation.
“Do you understand what I’m saying?” The muscular military guy jabbed his finger against Levi’s chest. “You have no business hanging around Mary Kate.”
“I would not hurt your wife,” Levi replied, his voice even and his body relaxed.
Zach admired the young lad for keeping his cool.
Hugh raised a fist. “You know what happens to people who harm anyone I love?”
“Corporal Powers,” Zach called, stepping closer.
Hugh’s brow furrowed. “What are you doing here?”
“That’s the question I wanted to ask you. This is Levi Miller’s property. Did he invite you onto his land?”
“He invited my wife.” Hugh’s voice was laced with anger. He steeled his jaw, turned his gaze back to the Amish man and pointed a finger at Levi’s suspenders. “You may look peaceful with the funny clothes you and your friends wear, but you’re hiding your true nature.”
“I have nothing to hide.”
“You need to pay for your transgressions.” The soldier’s eyes narrowed. “For your sins, Mr. Miller. My father-in-law told me what you did to my wife. Then you disappeared, hiding out in your closed community that claims to be holier than thou. But in reality you’re a pervert who preys on an unsuspecting woman.”
Zach moved closer. “We can discuss your suspicions, Corporal Powers, but in a less heated manner. Take a step back, and give Mr. Miller some space.”
“He doesn’t deserve space.”
“Do you need to go to CID headquarters, where we can discuss this at length? That’s not going to help Shelly or Stacey. Or your wife.”
Plain Truth (Military Investigations) Page 6
