Amish Redemption

by Patricia Davids

  “He’s my papa Nick,” the child said, as if that explained everything.

  “Is he your mother’s husband?”

  “Nee.” She laughed at the idea.

  He glanced at Mary with a new spark of interest. She wasn’t married, as he had assumed. It was surprising. Why would the men in this community overlook such a prize? Perhaps she was still mourning her husband. Joshua rubbed his chin. He noticed a bit of cobweb dangling from his fingers and shook it off. He needed to concentrate on getting out of this cellar, not on his interest in Hannah’s mother.

  He patted Hannah’s head. “We will go shopping as soon as your mamm returns. Let’s wait and see if she brings us any treasures.”

  “Okay.” Hannah sat on her makeshift chair, put her elbows on her knees and propped her chin in her hands. “I wish Bella was here.”

  Joshua sat gingerly in the chair with a broken arm. He sighed with relief when it held his weight. Remembering the black-and-white mutt that had been his inseparable companion when he was only a little bit older than Hannah, he asked, “What kind of dog is she?”

  “She’s a yellow dog.”

  Joshua smothered a grin and managed to say, “They’re the best kind.”

  “Yup. She was Mammi Miriam’s dog, but when I was born, Bella wanted to belong to me.”

  Mary returned with several jars in her hand. “These pears are still sealed and the rings were taken off so they aren’t rusty. If worst comes to worst, we can try them, but they are nearly three years old from what I can read of the labels.”

  He grimaced. “Three-year-old pears don’t sound appetizing.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting they were, but I’ve known people to eat home-canned food that was older than this.”

  “Really? How can you tell if it’s bad?”

  “If the seal is intact, if the food looks good and smells okay, it should be okay...” Her voice trailed off.

  He folded his arms over his chest. “You go first.”

  She rolled her eyes and he smiled. He could have been trapped with a much less enjoyable companion. “Come on, Hannah. We’re going shopping for a bed. I think I saw one earlier that might go with our decor.”

  “What’s decor?” Hannah asked, jumping off her chair.

  He gestured toward his clothing. “It means style.”

  “What is your style?” Mary asked with a gleam of amusement in her eyes.

  “Cobwebs and dust. What’s yours?” He leaned toward her. “How did you get your face clean?”

  She blushed and looked down. “There is plenty of water dripping in on the other side. You could wash up if you’d like.”

  “Good idea. Come on, Hannah. Let’s get some of this decor off of us.”

  “Ja, it’s yucky.”

  Mary stopped Hannah. She lifted the girl’s apron off over her head, tore it in two and handed him the pieces. “Use this to wash and dry with. It’s the cleanest thing you’ll find down here.”

  “Danki.” As he took it from her, his fingers brushed against hers, sending a tiny thrill across his skin. She immediately thrust her hands in the pockets of her dress and her blush deepened.

  She was a pretty woman. He liked the way wisps of her blond hair had come loose from beneath her kapp and curled around her face. He liked her smile, too. Would he have noticed her if they hadn’t been forced together? In truth, he wouldn’t have looked twice if he saw her with a child. He realized he was staring and turned away. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel uncomfortable.

  After washing Hannah’s face and his own, Joshua returned to find Mary had put the candle stubs he’d seen in a small jar. She was melting them over the flame of the candle on the tub. Hannah had found a worn-out broom with a broken handle. She began using it to sweep the floor of her house. “We didn’t find a stove, Mamm.”

  Joshua gestured toward Mary’s jar. “Are you going to make me eat wax for supper because I don’t want your ancient pears?”

  Using a piece of broken glass, she cut the ribbons off her kapp. “Nee, I’m making more candles.”

  “Smart thinking.” The lantern had been flickering. It would go out soon and he hadn’t found more kerosene.

  She flashed him a shy smile before looking down. “I have my moments.”

  He noticed she had opened one of the jars of fruit. “Did you eat some of that?”

  She nodded. “If I don’t get sick, it should be fine for the two of you.”

  “I’m not sure that was smart thinking. Were they good?”

  “As sweet as the day they were canned, but kind of mushy. Would you like some?”

  “I’ll pass. I might have to take care of you if you get sick. Besides, I’m not hungry.”

  She glanced up. “I feel fine. Did you find a bed for Hannah?”

  He sat down in the chair. “Just some rusty box springs and a pile of burlap sacks. I’ll bring them over later. It’s not much, but it will have to do. I’m sorry I couldn’t find anything for you.”

  “The rocker will suit me fine.” She dipped her ribbon in the melted wax and pulled it out. Letting it harden, she waited a little while and then dipped it again. Each time she pulled it out, the candle grew fatter. Hannah came over and Mary allowed her to start her own candle.

  It was pleasant watching them work by lantern light. Mary was patient with her daughter, teaching her by showing her what to do and praising her when she did well. Outside, the sound of rain faded away. The storm was over. Would someone find them soon?

  “You mentioned you were here inspecting the property. Where is home?”

  He gingerly settled back in his chair. “My family has a farm and a small business near a place called Bowmans Crossing. It’s north and west of Berlin.”

  “Do you have a big family?” Hannah asked.

  “Four brothers, so not very big.”

  Hannah gave a weary sigh. “I want a brother and a sister, but Mamm says no.”

  Joshua chuckled.

  Mary refused to look at him. “You have Bella. That’s enough.”

  He couldn’t resist teasing her. “Your mamm needs a husband first, Hannah.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened and she held up a hand. “That’s what Mammi Ada says. She says Mamm will turn into an old maedel if we don’t find her a husband soon.”

  Joshua tipped his head to the side as he regarded Mary’s crimson cheeks. “I think she has a few years yet. Tell your grandmother not to worry.”

  “I wish you two would stop talking about me as if I weren’t here. Your candle is thick enough, Hannah. I think Joshua should make up a bed for you.”

  Hannah looked at her in shock. “You mean we have to sleep here?”

  Mary cupped her daughter’s cheek. “I’m afraid so.”

  “I sure wish this adventure was over. Can I have supper now?”

  Mary glanced at Joshua. He shrugged. “If you feel okay, I don’t see why not.”

  Hannah enjoyed eating sticky pear halves with her fingers while Joshua fixed a makeshift bed for her. It wasn’t much, but it would keep her off the cold damp floor. She made a face as she crawled onto the burlap bags. Mary checked the edge of her apron and found it was dry now. She pulled it off and used it to cover Hannah. It wasn’t long before the child was asleep. The lamp died a few minutes later.

  Joshua lit the candle that Mary had made and stuck it to the middle of the tub. It would burn out long before the night was over. Mary settled in the rocker, but he knew she didn’t sleep any better than he did. The long night crawled past. He had no way to tell time. He simply had to endure the darkness, as he had done in prison.

  The distant rumble of thunder woke him some time later. He lifted his head and winced at the pain in his neck. Opening his eyes, he realized he was still in the cellar. It
was dark, but he could make out Mary’s form in the other chair.

  She sat forward and bent her neck slowly from side to side. “Is it morning?”

  “I think so.”

  “It’s raining again.”

  “Ja.”

  “I was dreaming about bacon and eggs.”

  His stomach rumbled. “I was dreaming about three-year-old pears.”

  “Really?”

  “Nee, I wasn’t dreaming at all. If I was, I’d wake up and find I was at home in my own bed.”

  “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

  They both stood and stretched. She looked at him. “What’s the plan for today?”

  He rubbed his bristly cheeks with both hands. “I thought you had a plan.”

  “I’m sure it’s your turn to come up with something. I thought of making the candles.”

  He nudged the broken rocker with his boot. “Which was good, but I thought of finding furniture for our snug little home. It’s your turn to be brilliant.”

  “I’ve never felt less brilliant in my life. What would you like for breakfast? I believe we have more three-year-old pears or some four-year-old peaches.”

  “Peaches,” Hannah said, sitting up on her makeshift mattress.

  “Peaches,” he agreed. “Provided they look safe.”

  After their meal, they spent more time exploring for a way out without success. By noon, the rain had moved on and a few narrow beams of sunlight streamed through cracks in the floorboards overhead, allowing them to see their dismal surroundings a little better.

  Joshua studied the cracks for a while. “I think I might be able to knock some of the floor planks loose if I can find something sturdy to reach them.”

  “I knew you would have a plan.” Mary began to search through the piles of junk and he joined her.

  The best thing he could come up with was a post about five feet long and two inches thick. He chose a spot overhead, wrapped some cloth around one end of the wood to prevent slivers and began thrusting it upward. Mary and Hannah stood nearby watching him. After half an hour, his arms were aching, the end of the post was beginning to splinter and the floorboard above him had only been displaced by an inch. It was something, but it wasn’t enough.

  Mary reached for his battering ram. “Let me work on it for a while. Do you think we’d do better to try and knock a hole in the cellar door?”

  He handed her the wooden post. “It’s reinforced with metal straps and I didn’t see any light shining in through it. There’s no telling what’s on top of it. I know it’s open above me here.”

  They took turns working for several hours and had the ends of two planks above them loose when Mary suddenly grabbed his arm. “Wait. Stop. I hear a dog.”

  The barking grew louder.

  Hannah got up off the floor and began jumping. “I hear Bella.”

  Joshua gave a mighty heave and the floorboard broke, leaving a narrow space open. They looked at each other. “Neither of us can fit through that,” he said, his excitement ebbing away.

  “Hannah might be able to.”

  The sunlight dimmed and Joshua looked up. The head of a large yellow dog was visible above him. The dog barked excitedly. Hannah rushed to Joshua’s side. “I knew I heard Bella.”

  “I hear voices, too.” Mary began shouting. A few moments later, the dog was pushed aside.

  An English woman with brown hair knelt down to look in. “Mary, is that you? Is Hannah with you?”

  Tears of joy streamed down Mary’s face. “We’re okay, Miriam, but we can’t get the cellar door open.”

  “Thank God you are safe. We’ll get you out. Don’t worry. Nick, I found them!” She disappeared from view. The dog came back to the opening. She lay down and woofed softly.

  Mary threw her arms around Joshua in an impulsive hug. “I knew they would find us. I just knew it.”

  Bella barked again. As if Mary realized what she was doing, she suddenly stepped away from Joshua and crossed her arms. “It’s Miriam and Nick, my adoptive parents. Nick will get us out of here.”

  Joshua heard activity at the door and the sounds of something heavy being dragged aside. “Looks like our prayers have been answered.”

  Mary picked up Hannah. Joshua followed them as they hurried to the stairwell.

  From the other side, a man said, “Everyone stand clear.”

  “We are, Nick.” Mary replied. The sound of an ax striking the portal was followed by splintering wood. A hole appeared in the top of the door and grew rapidly. Through it, Joshua could see the leaves and limbs of a large tree that must have been holding the door shut. Mary’s father was swinging the ax like a madman. Joshua ached to help, but he could only stand by and wait.

  Finally, the top section of the door broke free and a man’s hands reached in. “Give me Hannah.”

  Mary handed the child over and then waited until the opening was enlarged. Joshua boosted her up and then climbed out on his own. The sunshine and the fresh air was a blessed relief from their dark, dank room. He blinked in the brightness and focused on Hannah in the arms of a woman in her early thirties. Mary was in the embrace of a man in a brown uniform. It wasn’t until he released her that Joshua realized he was an Englisch lawman.

  Mary turned to him with a bright smile, but he couldn’t smile back. “Joshua, this is my adopted father, Sheriff Nick Bradley.”

  A knot formed in the pit of Joshua’s stomach as dread crawled up his spine.

  Chapter Four

  Mary’s father was the Englisch sheriff!

  It was all Joshua could do to stand still. He hadn’t done anything wrong, but that hadn’t made any difference the last time he’d had a run-in with the law. Cold sweat began trickling down his back.

  “The storm came up so suddenly. I didn’t know what to do when I saw the funnel cloud. Then Joshua stopped Tilly and pulled us into the cellar. God put him there to rescue us.” Mary was talking a mile a minute until she turned to look at the house. Her eyes widened.

  Joshua turned, too. Only part of one wall had been left standing. The rest was a pile of jagged, splinted wood, broken tree limbs, scattered clothing and old appliances. A small round table sat in one corner of what must have been a bedroom. There was a book and a kerosene lamp still sitting on it. The remainder of the room had been obliterated.

  Hannah reached for Nick. He took the child from Miriam, who promptly drew Mary into her embrace.

  “We’re so thankful you’re safe. God bless you, Joshua.” Miriam smiled her thanks at him.

  Hannah threw her arms around Nick’s neck. “I’m so happy to see you, Papa Nick.”

  “I’m happy to see you, too, Hannah Banana,” he said, patting her back, his voice thick with emotion.

  She drew back to frown at him. “I’m not a banana.”

  He smiled and tweaked her nose. “You’re not? Are you sure?”

  She giggled. “I’m a girl.”

  “Oh, that’s right.”

  It was apparently a running gag between the two, because they were both grinning. The sheriff put Hannah down and held out his hand to Joshua. “Pleased to meet you. My heartfelt thanks for keeping my girls safe.”

  Joshua reluctantly shook the man’s hand and hoped the sheriff didn’t notice how sweaty his palms were. “No thanks are necessary.”

  Nick’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You aren’t from around here, are you? I didn’t catch your last name.”

  Here it comes. Joshua braced himself. “Bowman. My family is from over by Berlin.”

  “The name rings a bell. Who is your father?” Nick tilted his head slightly as he stared at Joshua intently.

  “Isaac Bowman.” Joshua held his breath as he waited to be denounced as a criminal. What would Mary think of her rescuer then? He
wasn’t sure why it mattered, but it did.

  Miriam lifted Hannah into her arms. “Stop with the interrogation, Nicolas. Let’s get these children someplace safe. We still have a lot of work to do.”

  “Is Ada okay?” Mary asked, looking to Miriam.

  Nodding, Miriam said, “She’s fine except for being worried about you and Hannah. The house was only slightly damaged, but her corncribs were destroyed.”

  “Oh, no. Who else was affected? We heard the sirens last evening.”

  Miriam and Nick exchanged speaking glances. Nick said, “A lot of people. The Sutters’ house was damaged. Elam has minor injuries. Katie, the kids and the women who were gathered for the quilting bee are all okay. I’m sorry to tell you that Bishop Zook was seriously injured. They took him to the hospital last night and into surgery this morning. We’re still waiting for word about him. He lost his barn and his house was heavily damaged, but his wife is okay.”

  “Oh, dear.” Mary’s eyes filled with tears. Miriam hugged her.

  Nick cleared his throat. “The tornado went straight through the south end of Hope Springs. Ten blocks of the town were leveled. We’re only beginning to assess the full extent of the damage in the daylight. I need to get back there. We’ve still got a search-and-rescue effort underway. As of noon, we had seven people unaccounted for, but that goes down to five now that we’ve found you and Hannah.”

  Mary took Hannah from Miriam. “How did you find us? We were supposed to be at the Sutter place.”

  Nick said, “When Ada saw your mare come home without you, she got really worried. She walked to a neighbor’s house to use their phone to call me last night. We checked with Katie and learned you never arrived. Your buggy was found in Elam Sutter’s field at first light this morning. When we saw you weren’t in it, we picked up Bella in the hopes that she could locate you and tried to retrace your path. She led us here.”