by Nancy Mehl
Levi’s convictions usually kept him upbeat and calm, so the recent transformation in his demeanor worried me, just as it did Lizzie. I not only loved Levi with every fiber of my being, but I respected him more than anyone I’d ever known. If he was struggling, I wanted to help. But so far he wouldn’t admit that anything was wrong. Down deep inside me dwelt a nagging fear that he was sorry he’d asked me to marry him. His proposal had been so heartfelt and romantic. Yet now, sometimes, he seemed to be so far away. Could his feelings have changed?
“May I have your attention?” Levi said, although it wasn’t necessary, since all eyes were already glued on him. “This is our new sheriff, Brodie Timmons. He has something important to say to you.”
Levi stepped back and left the sheriff standing alone. Sheriff Timmons took off his hat and smiled at us. He had short dark hair, light-blue eyes, and deep dimples that made him look even younger than my first impression.
“First of all, folks, I’m glad to meet you. I understand you didn’t have a very good relationship with the previous sheriff. I’m real sorry about that, and I want you to know that I’m going to work hard to make things better.”
I don’t know if he expected his words to make an impact on the conservative Mennonite crowd that stared back at him, but the response wasn’t encouraging. We’d been through a lot with his predecessor—a man who disliked us because of our choice to live a simple, set-apart lifestyle. It would take some time for Timmons to build a bridge of trust with the citizens of Kingdom. For the most part, even before our problems with the previous sheriff, we tended to solve our own troubles. Calling on help from the world was certainly a last resort.
Sheriff Timmons blinked several times and took another run at it. “I have a strong faith background too, so I have a lot of respect for your community. Anything you need, anything at all, just ask.”
He cleared his throat, and for the first time, his dimples disappeared. “We have a very serious situation right now in our area, and I felt you should know about it. In the past few months, three women have lost their lives due to what we believe is one particular suspect. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is heavily involved in searching for this killer, and our department has been pulled into the case. The bureau believes the man who committed these murders was involved in similar crimes twenty years ago—also in Washington County.” He folded his arms across his chest, still holding his hat, and frowned at us. “It’s highly unusual for a suspect to stop killing for twenty years and then take it up again, but it’s been known to happen. Take BTK in Wichita.”
Levi cleared his throat, and Sheriff Timmons looked at him.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Sheriff, but I don’t know what a BTK is.”
Timmons face went slack in surprise. His eyes traveled around the room. “You folks don’t know about BTK?”
“I know who he is,” Lizzie said. “He murdered several women but then disappeared. After many years he came back and killed again. The police finally caught him.” She shook her head. “I lived in Kansas City for several years, but most of these people have no idea what’s going on in the world, Sheriff. You’ll have to explain things a little more carefully in Kingdom.”
“Sorry,” Timmons said sheepishly. “I forget that you folks don’t get much news from the outside. I apologize.” He cleared his throat again, a sign he was nervous. “I brought up that particular case because it helps us to profile our guy a little better. We’re looking for someone who’s been away and recently returned to the area. Or someone who’s been here the whole time but may have had a change in his life. Something unusual happened that’s set him off. He may act differently than he used to. Although I doubt seriously he comes from Kingdom, I would appreciate it if you folks would keep your eyes and ears open. If you think of anyone who makes you feel uncomfortable . . . someone who might fit the pattern I’m suggesting, would you please contact me? We’ll keep your information confidential. I know you’d hate to cast aspersions toward a friend or neighbor and turn out to be wrong.”
He gazed down at his shoes for a moment as if gathering his thoughts. “One other thing. Since the original killings happened in another part of the county, it’s possible our perpetrator might be fairly new to the area, although we can’t be sure of that. Maybe he just chose another place to kill.” He took a deep breath, raised his head, and gazed around at the silent crowd. “Your elders have assured me that your women don’t go out alone at night, and that’s good. Please don’t change that under any circumstances. It’s especially important now. It would also be best if no woman wandered around alone at any time—even during the day. And it’s especially important they don’t leave town without an escort.”
I glanced over at Hope. She loved driving her buggy to nearby Washington for supplies, but since it had been an especially cold January, I suspected it wouldn’t bother her to forgo those trips for now. As I figured, she didn’t seem the least bit bothered by the pronouncement.
Sheriff Timmons’ eyes swept the room. “Are there any questions?”
After several moments of silence, Jonathon Wiese, one of the young single men who lived in Kingdom, raised his hand. The sheriff nodded at him.
“So we’re looking for someone who used to live here and moved away, or someone new, or someone who’s been here the whole time?” He shook his head. “Um, doesn’t that pretty much describe everyone?”
The sheriff colored. “I know it sounds like that. I guess the most important thing is that all of you remain especially vigilant. If someone you know is acting . . . odd, let us know. If you see a stranger hanging around, it’s particularly important that you notify us right away.”
“There aren’t any strangers in Kingdom, Sheriff,” Jonathon said. “We all know each other.”
Timmons nodded. “That should actually help to keep you safe. Unless . . .”
“Unless the murderer lives here?” Noah said. “I can assure you that there aren’t any serial killers in Kingdom, Sheriff.”
A small spate of nervous laughter filtered through the room. Although the topic was certainly serious, I also found the notion rather comical—and impossible.
“I heard these recent killings were all north of us, Sheriff,” Jonathon said, frowning. “Is there any reason you think Kingdom residents could be in danger?”
He shook his head. “Nothing specific, but Washington is a small county. Anything that happens in one part of the county affects all of us. Besides, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Luke Pressley, a local farmer, raised his hand. “Sheriff, I have lived here all my life, and I do not remember any murders twenty years ago.”
“I’m glad you brought that up. Although the deaths were reported, they weren’t tied to a serial killer until about two years back. In fact, in two of the cases, there was a suspect, but not enough evidence to charge him. All of the cases went cold. Stayed unsolved. But they were finally linked through state-of-the-art investigative techniques, including DNA tests.”
Luke frowned at him. “DNA? I do not know the term.”
The sheriff flushed again. “Of course you don’t. Sorry. DNA is something found in the nucleolus of a human cell. It’s almost like fingerprints, but even more accurate. By looking at DNA, we can tell who might have touched a victim before they died. If the same DNA is discovered at more than one crime scene, we’re able to conclude that one specific person is tied to all the murders. That’s what happened in this case. Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to link the DNA to any known suspect.”
Although no one said anything, I was sure most of us were still confused. Lizzie nodded as if she understood, but she’d been exposed to many things when she lived in Kansas City.
I was certain there were more details that could be shared about the murders, but further questions wouldn’t be asked in a mixed group like this one. It would be inappropriate. After a few more moments of silence, Levi stepped up next to the sheriff.
“I’m not s
ure how many of you have heard, but Roger Carson, Mary Yoder’s husband, is working for the sheriff’s department now.” He caught Timmons’s eye. “If some of our people feel more comfortable talking to Roger, would that be all right with you?”
The sheriff nodded. “Roger completed his training a couple of weeks ago and is officially my deputy. Anyone who would rather contact him is welcome to do so.” He paused for a moment and slowly looked around the room. “I do hope you’ll give me a chance though. It may seem that law enforcement isn’t on your side, but it’s not true.”
“I encourage you to take Sheriff Timmons at his word,” Levi said. “He’s a good man. I don’t believe we have anything to worry about under his watch.” He waited a moment, studying the crowd while allowing his words to sink in. “If there are no further questions, we’ll let the sheriff go on his way. I hope you will all be vigilant and contact him if you see or hear anything that concerns you. And, of course, if anyone wants to talk to me or one of the elders, that’s fine too. We’ll pass your information along. The most important thing is that you don’t dismiss information that could be useful. Lives may be at stake.”
With that, the meeting was over. Sheriff Timmons spoke briefly to Levi and then took off. As soon as the door closed behind him, conversation broke out all over the room. It was clear Kingdom residents had a lot to say about the sheriff’s visit. Several people rushed up to the elders who stood together near the front door. One of the first was John Lapp, and he didn’t look happy. I wondered what kind of trouble he was trying to stir up. After a few minutes, Levi left them and came over to me.
“What do you think?” he asked quietly.
“I think the sheriff’s visit will be the number-one topic in town for quite some time.”
He nodded. “I suspect you’re right. I have to admit that at first I was against his coming here. I felt it would be best if he brought his information to me and the elders and allowed us to inform the community.”
I frowned at him. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Subjects like this make me very uncomfortable.”
His blue eyes locked on mine. “Kingdom is a special place, Callie. I don’t want to see us lose our innocence either, but I truly believe Brodie Timmons has our best interests at heart. I know he’s an outsider, but he’s a good man. I trust him.”
I shrugged. “I hope you’re right.” I shivered, even though the room was warm. “At least I’m certain there aren’t any serial killers living in Kingdom. And a stranger would never be able to make his way into town without being spotted.” As soon as I said the words, I remembered that a stranger had made his way into Kingdom last summer. The consequences from that situation had almost ended in tragedy.
Levi was quiet, and I wondered if he was thinking the same thing. He turned away from me and looked out at the people gathered together in the dining room. His parishioners. His friends. I knew he felt protective of them.
I put my arm through his. “I hate that something so evil has come this close to us. It makes me feel vulnerable.”
“Maybe it’s just wedding nerves,” he said with a smile. “You’re not getting cold feet, are you?”
I laughed in spite of the seriousness of our previous conversation. “Nothing could stop me from marrying you.” I looked up at him. “How about you?”
He shook his head and sighed. “I may be unsure about a lot of things, but marrying you isn’t one of them.” He let go of my arm. “We’ll talk more about this later. Right now, I’ve got to get back to the church. I’ll return for supper, but I might be a little late.”
“Okay.” I wanted to kiss him good-bye, but that’s something a Mennonite pastor doesn’t usually do in public.
I watched as he made his way across the room. Several people stopped him to talk. When he finally got to the door he looked back at me one last time. For some reason, I felt like running after him, begging him not to leave. Something my father used to say echoed in my mind. “The devil is stirrin’, Callie. Can you feel it?”
I never understood what he meant until that very moment.
Chapter / 2
After Levi left I went back in the kitchen, trying to shake the strange feeling that had come over me. I was probably just reacting to the sheriff’s visit, and I tried to tell myself that the topic was upsetting enough to distress anyone. I was in the kitchen only a few seconds before Lizzie and Noah walked in. Noah looked disturbed.
“So what do you think of the new sheriff?” I asked him.
He shook his head and slumped down into a chair by a small table Lizzie kept in the kitchen for the nights her daughter, Charity, ate dinner at the restaurant.
“I like him, I really do. But this whole serial-killer thing chaps my hide. In the past year we’ve had two murders and two attempted murders.” He looked at Lizzie. “Our church was burned to the ground, and the previous sheriff shot his son not far from where we’re sitting. Now we’re on the lookout for a serial killer. What in the world is going on? As an elder, I have to wonder if the church leadership is failing in its duty to keep this town safe. I’ve tried to talk to Levi about it, but you know my brother. He just keeps telling me to ‘have faith.’”
Lizzie went over and stood behind her husband, putting her hands on his shoulders. “I know it sounds like we’re no better off than anyone else, but it’s not true. The difference between Kingdom and Kansas City is . . .” She paused for a moment. “It . . . it’s hard to describe. But here I feel the love of God protecting us, watching over us. Outside of Kingdom, there were so many voices, so much violence, and so much fear. It was hard to feel God anywhere and almost impossible to hear His Spirit speak to my heart. I think Levi’s right. We just need to trust God. Believe He’s watching over us.” She shook her head slowly. “Kingdom may not be impenetrable, but it is definitely a refuge. A place of peace and love.” She leaned over and kissed Noah on the head. “And love, my dearest husband, is stronger than any evil the world sends our way. Even the devil himself can’t stand in its presence.”
Noah reached up and grabbed her hand. Then he pulled her around and onto his lap. Lizzie giggled like a schoolgirl.
“That’s nice,” I said with a grin. “What a great example for an elder of Kingdom Mennonite Church to set in front of one of his parishioners.”
“You’re worried about this?” he said. “Just wait.” With that, he kissed Lizzie right on the lips.
I couldn’t help but laugh. “You two are incorrigible.”
Lizzie pushed herself away from Noah and stood up. “You’re a mess, Noah Housler. I’m going to tell your brother.”
He put his hands up in mock surrender. “Go ahead. He’ll think it’s funny.”
“I’m not so sure about that,” Lizzie said. “He hasn’t been much fun lately.”
Noah sat up straighter. “Well, you’re right about that.” He rubbed his stubbly chin, a concession to the Mennonite tradition of growing a beard after marriage. Lizzie’s abhorrence of full beards had thrust Noah into an uncomfortable place between Mennonite tradition and the favor of his wife. Thankfully, his compromise seemed to satisfy all concerned parties. “I think all the unpleasant incidents that have happened in this town are weighing heavily on him. I have to wonder if he’s experiencing a crisis of faith. Of course, he won’t talk about it.” Noah shrugged. “The Bible talks about how evil the world will become before the Lord returns. That darkness may be reaching past the borders of Kingdom, and it may be impossible to stop. Even for someone like Levi.”
I didn’t respond. Noah’s words disturbed me. Just a few months earlier, churches and people of faith had been attacked by a group of angry young men bent on causing destruction. We’d lost one of our dearest citizens to their wrath. Now, once again, we would have to face the reality of a fallen world trying to breach our boundaries. The realization stoked a sensation of underlying panic that had been stirring up my emotions for almost a month. I couldn’t understand it, nor could I banish it. It upset me th
at I couldn’t name the source of my alarm and deal with it. I wanted to talk to Levi about it, but with everything else going on in his life right now, I didn’t want to add to his burdens.
Lizzie turned down the fire on the chili and then leaned against the counter. “Well, I still say we’re better off here than anywhere else. I have a child to consider, and I can’t think of a better place to raise her than in Kingdom.”
Noah rubbed an invisible spot on the table with his finger. “I lived in the world for two years, and I couldn’t wait to come home. But it wasn’t because I felt safer here. I just felt . . . called. I love farming, and I love this town.” His forehead wrinkled in thought. “But I worry sometimes that by being so isolated we’re not fulfilling Christ’s commission to reach the world.”
“That’s what Bethany believed,” I said.
Lizzie sighed. “I totally understood why she felt that way, but sometimes the world we’re called to is right where we are.” She waved her hand around the room. “We have a town of almost three hundred souls to minister to. That’s enough world for me.”
“Yes, but almost all of them already know God,” Noah said. “That’s why they’re here.”
“Jesus also admonished us to feed His sheep, Noah. I just took it literally.”
Noah and I burst out laughing.
“And she does too,” Noah said. “There will never be an empty stomach in Kingdom, thanks to my wife.”
“You’re right about that,” Lizzie said. “This is exactly where I belong. Maybe Bethany felt the need to leave, but not me.”
