Lamb to the Slaughter (Serenity's Plain Secrets Book 1)

by Karen Ann Hopkins

  The information swirled around in Naomi’s mind, leaving her light headed, and giddy at the same time. She set the knife into the bucket to be washed later and stripped the gloves off quickly.

  “I’ll go get my purse,” she chirped.

  “Okay.” Will smiled and went back out the doorway.

  Sandra whined, “You are always so lucky, Naomi! Why can’t I have a driver that looks like that?”

  Naomi smiled brightly and shrugged, “See ya later.”

  While Naomi walked across the gravel, she listened to the cheerful chorus of chirping coming from the tree that the black club cab truck was parked beneath. The birds’ singing, along with the warmth of the bright sunshine, filled Naomi’s heart with happiness as she stretched her legs, climbing into the passenger side. When she saw the blond girl sitting in the cramped, back seat, her good mood suddenly dampened, until Will introduced them.

  “This is my little sister, Taylor.”

  With another glance, Naomi saw the resemblance and guessed the girl to be a few years younger than she herself was. Taylor had the same layered locks her brother did, and a mischievous smile curled up on her lips.

  “You’re the first Amish person I’ve ever met,” Taylor said with no shyness at all.

  “Really? That’s kind of amazing a around here,” Naomi said, not sure how else to respond.

  The truck pulled onto the roadway to the soft beat of a country western song. Naomi peeked over at Will, surprised by his choice of music.

  “Well, ‘course I’ve seen your people all over the place, but I never actually talked to one—until now.” She took a breath and rattled on, “How can you stand wearing a dress all the time? I can hardly put up with it when my mom insists that I wear one for a wedding. Do those little caps hurt your head?”

  Taylor’s wide eyes and open curiosity kept Naomi from becoming angry. Instead, she laughed, the sound filling the truck. Naomi couldn’t recall ever having laughed in the company of strangers before. She was amazed at how comfortable she felt with these particular Englishers, to do such a thing.

  “Sorry about my sis. She’s mental,” Will said in a solemn voice. He softly shook his head.

  “I am not! I’m just trying to get to know Naomi, that’s all. By the way, your name is so pretty.”

  Naomi was overwhelmed. Never before in her life had she been around such a forth right person—and a girl besides. She stared down at her hands as she laced her fingers together in her lap, suddenly feeling shy.

  “Thanks,” Naomi mumbled.

  The trip into town was anything but quiet with the constant chatter from Taylor. By the time the truck reached the store, Naomi was worn out from answering Taylor’s questions, but not in a bad way. When Taylor insisted that she help Naomi, the Amish girl let her. Since Will had remained in the truck, Naomi finally got some of her own questions answered.

  As the girls strolled through the cereal aisle and Naomi tried to read her Mamma’s messy handwritten list, she asked Taylor, “So, how old is your brother?”

  Taylor eyed Naomi, suddenly calmer, as if her mind had finally quieted. “He’s nineteen. Why?”

  Naomi didn’t face Taylor, instead giving her attention to the boxes of flakes. “Just wondering, that’s all. Has he ever driven Amish before?”

  “Yeah, he’s been driving some to and from work lately. He likes making the extra money. He’s planning to move to Montana to ride in rodeos.”

  Naomi stopped and stared at Taylor in disbelief. “Really?”

  “Yep, he almost has enough money saved right now, but he wants to be fully prepared for the trip. I’ll miss him. He’s the only brother I got. But if he does go, then I’ll be able to visit him sometimes and that would be cool,” Taylor said with a misty, faraway look.

  The rest of the time in the store, Naomi fell into a moody silence, thinking about Will leaving Indiana and traveling all the way to Montana. Even though she wasn’t exactly sure where the state was, she knew it was a great distance away. She was confused about the angry feelings that were bubbling up within her. She’d just met Will and had no reason to care at all about where he went. But as Naomi paid the cashier, and Taylor was busy loading the bags into the cart, Naomi thought about what she would give to leave Blood Rock and go somewhere as exciting as Montana.

  When they reached the truck, Taylor complained that she was hungry and Will insisted on treating the girls to supper at McDonalds. Naomi worried inwardly that Mamma would have her hide if she arrived home a minute later than her mother thought she ought to. But the pull of spending time with the Englishers was too strong for Naomi. She remained silent, happily watching the stores and businesses pass by as she tapped her foot to the beat of the music playing from the radio.

  Once they were seated in the booth, Naomi tried to ignore the stares from the other patrons as she ate her food and listened to Will and Taylor discuss Taylor’s teachers and how unhappy she currently was with them. Naomi was used to being rudely ogled by Englishers, but today was different since she was actually sitting with two of them. She didn’t think that the brother and sister were even aware of the stir that the three of them were causing in the restaurant. They didn’t seem to notice that the little girl in the neighboring booth was pointing at Naomi and asking her mother questions about the funny looking hat and dress she wore.

  As Naomi took a sip of her cola, she quickly glanced from Will to Taylor and back again. It suddenly dawned on her that the young Englishers weren’t concerned about the other people around them. They weren’t paying any attention because they didn’t care what the others thought. Naomi, wanting to emulate their indifference, took a breath and turned away from the strangers’ faces, ignoring them too.

  When Taylor went to the restroom, leaving Will and Naomi alone at the table, Naomi’s heart sped up nervously. She quickly scanned the restaurant to make sure that no Amish people had entered the building without her notice. Being alone with a man was completely forbidden for Naomi, especially since she was courting Eli. Although she knew she was doing wrong, she didn’t care as much as she should have.

  Swallowing the butterflies, Naomi said, “Do you go to school, Will?”

  He leaned back in a comfortable way and replied, “No, I graduated last year. I’ve been working all kinds of odd jobs to save up money for a trip out west.”

  “Taylor told me you’re going to Montana,” Naomi said, realizing that her feet had stilled, along with her heart.

  “That’s the plan,” Will said. His gaze settled on Naomi’s face as if he was seeing her for the first time.

  “That’s so neat. Is it going to be very expensive?”

  “The cost to drive out there isn’t the problem, it’s having the money to rent a place until I find permanent work and start making money riding.” He continued to stare at Naomi way longer than he should have.

  “Isn’t riding the bulls dangerous?”

  He laughed heartily, drawing the attention of several of the people in the neighboring booths away from Naomi and onto him. “Yeah, that is dangerous, but that’s not what I do. I ride in the team roping competition. I’m a heeler. I figure I can hook up with a partner better out there than I can here in the middle of Indiana. There are a lot more rodeos in that part of the country, too.”

  “Oh, that sounds so exciting,” Naomi breathed, envious to the bone.

  “You’re welcome to join me, but I can’t guarantee the accommodations being comfortable.” He laughed again, and Naomi loved the sound of it. She knew he was just chiding her, but she wished deep in her soul that he wasn’t.

  When Will quieted, he said, “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  Naomi didn’t know if it were the words or the smooth way he said it that caused her skin to tingle. Why would he ask such an inappropriate question, she wondered? Was he sweet on her? Naomi didn’t want to lie to him about Eli, but she didn’t want to tell the truth either. Lucky for her, that’s when Taylor showed up and distracted both of them
.

  “Where to now?” Taylor bubbled, and Naomi envied her energy. She was plum worn out, the long night and day finally catching up to her.

  “Home, I do believe.” She turned to Will who held an amused expression on his face. “If that’s all right with you?”

  “Of, course, you’re the boss.”

  By the time they reached the farm, Naomi felt she’d known Taylor, and even Will, for her entire life. The atmosphere was easy going and fun in the cab talking with the two of them. She hated when she had to say goodbye.

  “Thanks again for helping carry the groceries in, and for dinner too.” Naomi eyed Will who’d stepped back into the cab. He was leaning out the window staring at her with interest again. When he grinned and told her, “You’re welcome,” she shivered and turned to Taylor who was standing beside her.

  “Hope I see you again, Taylor.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll be seeing a whole lot of me with Will driving for Uncle Jerry all week.” Taylor smiled brightly.

  Naomi turned back to Will, her heart skipping a beat, “Are you really picking me up in the morning?”

  “Yeah, you and the other Amish girls, but since we’ve become good friends and all, I’ll make sure to drop you off last.”

  Will looked serious and Naomi hastily said in a whisper, moving closer to the window, “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t talk to me in front of the other girls, or else I’ll get into trouble.”

  Understanding flickered in Will’s warm brown eyes. He said, “Sure thing. You can count on me being discreet.”

  Taylor’s voice jumped into the air, tearing Naomi’s gaze away from Will’s handsome face. “It’s almost Fair time. Maybe you could come with us when we go?”

  Naomi had never been to a Fair. It wasn’t allowed. But she wasn’t going to tell Taylor that right now. Who knew, maybe she could work it out somehow.

  “Sounds like fun. I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Naomi said.

  Naomi smiled to herself as she slowly made her way to the house. After the horrible start, what an amazing day it had turned out to be. And, no matter how ill-tempered Mamma might be, Naomi wasn’t going to be brought down tonight.

  As she reached the porch steps, Naomi wondered which guy she’d be dreaming about that night, Eli…or Will?

  5

  DANIEL

  November 10th

  Looking out the window, I thanked God that the sheriff had called first. I would’ve been extremely rattled if she’d shown up at the front door unannounced. Holding the curtain open just an inch, I watched Serenity Adams walk through the soggy grass with Todd Roftin by her side.

  There was no denying that the woman was beautiful, even in the manly officer clothes she wore. But, her fiery and independent nature was disconcerting. Maybe that’s why she wasn’t settled down with a few kids by now. It would take a man of strong constitution to win her heart. Letting my rampant thoughts go, I crossed the floor to open the door when the knocks sounded.

  “Hello, Sheriff Adams and Todd, it’s good to see you both.” I motioned for them to enter.

  “Oh, please call me Serenity,” she said as she removed her hat.

  “Would either of you like a cup of coffee or tea?” I asked, growing more uncomfortable by the second now that the officers were standing in my foyer. Serenity’s face was anxious, as if she wanted to get down to business immediately, but her partner was more relaxed, looking around at the interior of my home.

  “No, thank you,” Serenity said hurriedly, then she glanced at Todd and added, “unless you’re thirsty?”

  The tone of voice she used with Todd made me smile. I quickly rubbed the expression away with my hand.

  “Actually, I could do with a cup of coffee, Daniel, if it’s not much trouble.” Todd shot Serenity an annoyed look.

  “No problem at all. I have a pot just brewed.”

  When the three of us were seated at the table, Serenity began to open her mouth to speak, but Todd got to the air space first.

  “Did you build this house yourself?”

  “Yes, I did, about three years ago,” I said, noticing the way Serenity rolled her eyes and slouched back into the chair, waiting for her turn to speak.

  “I’ve always liked a log house. Are they much maintenance?” Todd asked, staring at one of the wood beams above his head.

  I was about to answer when Serenity burst out, “Really, guys, maybe you should get together some other time to talk shop. We have an investigation to launch and I believe that we need to focus on it at the moment.”

  Did the woman ever relax? I could almost picture her with the honey blond hair loose on her shoulders and wearing a snug fitting pair of jeans and t-shirt—almost.

  My eyes met Serenity’s blue ones. I said, “You mentioned an investigation over the phone, but you didn’t say much else. If I could be as forth right as you, why exactly do you want to talk to me? I’m not in any trouble?”

  “No, not at all, Mr. Bachman,” Serenity said.

  “If I can call you Serenity, then it’s fair for you to call me Daniel,” I said quickly.

  Serenity glanced down in embarrassment, her upturned lips lighting her face. “Right, the reason we wanted to talk to you is that there was a shooting incident in the Amish community. It involved an eighteen year old girl named Naomi Beiler. There are some oddities surrounding the case that we’re trying to figure out.”

  “The newspaper said that it was a hunting accident. Has the person come forward yet?” I asked without thinking. I remembered Timothy and Patricia Beiler. They were close to my age, and people that once upon a time, I had called friends.

  “Yes, well, it appears to be a hunting accident, but no one has come to us with information. I’ve discovered that dealing with the Amish is not as straight forward as I had hoped it would be,” Serenity said with a frown and a glance at Todd. Her partner was still observing my interior walls and not paying much attention to the conversation at all.

  I laughed at Serenity’s words, not able to stop myself. When her eyes rounded wide, and even Todd turned to me, I said, “I’m sorry, but you obviously haven’t spent very much time around the Amish have you?”

  “No, I haven’t. That’s the problem. And why I wanted to talk to you. I was hoping that maybe you could give us some insight into the Amish community here, and perhaps its people too.” Serenity tried to smile sweetly, but it didn’t work. The woman was too honest a person. The little show of friendliness was hollow.

  “Why me?”

  She glanced at Todd in confusion, “Ah, I heard that you used to be one of them and had left the community. Is that correct?”

  Todd interjected, “Sorry, man, you got a little loose with your lips one night at Charlie’s.”

  “What could I possibly help you with?” I looked at Serenity. I could have sworn that she blushed for a second before she spoke. Maybe there was a soft woman underneath all the bravado that actually liked men.

  “I think that would be pretty obvious, Daniel. I need to understand why these people are acting strangely and being so secretive. It seems to me that they’d want to know what happened to their daughter as much as the rest of us do.”

  “How do you mean strange?” I had to admit, as much as I hated to, that I was becoming intrigued.

  “For one thing, Mr. and Mrs. Beiler aren’t acting at all like the usually grieving parents of a dead child,” Serenity said, straightening her back to make her case.

  “The Amish believe in God’s divining hand in everything and they have extremely strong faith that the Lord takes care of his followers in life…and death. Maybe, the lack of hysteria is because of their strong Christian beliefs,” I suggested.

  She shook her head, “No, sorry. Even an Amish mother would shed tears on the day of her daughter’s funeral.”

  I remembered back to the Amish funerals that I’d attended as a child and young adult, and there’d been a slew of them. There were always tears—especially fr
om the mothers. Maybe Serenity was on to something.

  “I know the Beilers—they’re good people. But, I do remember Patricia was cold and unemotional as a teen. She might not have out grown it.”

  Serenity latched on to just a few of the words and dove in, “So you grew up with Timothy and Patricia? What about James Hooley and Joseph Bender—and Bishop Esch?”

  “Whoa, slow down.” I patted the air, grinning at Serenity’s enthusiasm. She certainly wasn’t subtle. “I know all of them. ‘Course they’re fifteen years older now. Bishop Esch had just gotten the job right before I’d left the community. James was quite a bit older than me, so I wasn’t close to him. But Joseph was a good buddy of my older brother’s and I spent quite a bit of time around him.”

  Serenity took a deep breath and leveled her pretty eyes on me. “Would you be willing to assist me with the case by telling me what you know about these people, and their roles in the community?”

  She seemed to be holding her breath, waiting for my answer. A little warning bell in my head told me to say no and run away. But another voice was encouraging me to take the opportunity to get to know the sheriff better. After all, my life had been rather dull lately. I’d dated a lot of women over the years and each relationship had ended before it even got started. The wall around my heart was too high to allow anyone in. I’d accepted a while ago that I was probably destined to be alone. There was just too much emotional baggage attached to me for a woman to stick around for very long. To say that I was damaged goods was putting it mildly.

  But the tingle of anticipation I felt in my gut made me wonder about Serenity. Maybe she was different. It had been close to seventeen years since I’d experienced the uncomfortable sensation before—and that time had not ended well. Still, it was a revelation that I wasn’t completely numb. I could almost touch the pulsating energy between Serenity and I. I’d felt it the first time I’d met her. The day we’d talked on the porch of her bungalow-style house was still vivid in my mind. As she’d shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight, I’d become mesmerized by their pale blue color. I even remember stuttering a couple of times when I answered her questions about her roof. I left that day happy that she’d signed me on, but frustrated that she hadn’t given me any sign that she was interested in anything other than the roofing job. Nothing changed in her demeanor during the work week either. The job ended with not even a flirtatious look from the little sheriff, though I had to admit, she’d materialized in my daydreams on many occasions since.