Abiding Mercy

by Ruth Reid

  Roslyn’s thoughts drifted back to Lake Huron. At first the authorities believed the passenger window was lowered in an attempt to escape, but later they ruled the window was already open—most likely a means to exhaust cigarette smoke, which was why Roslyn maintained Adriana wasn’t in the car. She was alive . . . somewhere. Still, every investigator Roslyn had hired believed Adriana would not have escaped through the opening. Certainly not once the car submerged underwater, and not without eyewitnesses seeing a baby ejected as the car was falling. A computer simulation would prove everything.

  “If the newspaper is willing to do a feature,” Chrisla said, breaking the silence, “maybe we can convince the authorities to reopen the case.”

  “You know I’ll help any way I can,” DiAnna said.

  Convincing her sister and best friend that it was a good idea to have the case reopened wasn’t the same as convincing Brandon. Their marriage might crumble if she showed signs of madness. He might even have her committed again. Roslyn recalled the cold words she’d forced herself to say during one counseling session. “I’ve accepted reality—my child is dead.”

  Chrisla cleared her throat. “What does Brandon think about the Detroit News reporter wanting to do a story?”

  Roslyn cringed. “He doesn’t know.”

  Chapter 17

  Posen, Michigan

  Present day

  At seven p.m. Faith still hadn’t called the hospital to check on her parents, and the homeless man’s words hammered her conscience. She glanced at the wall clock and wrung her hands, antsy for the last customers to leave so she could turn the sign and make the phone call.

  The little bell over the door jingled as Gideon entered the building.

  Faith stepped out from behind the waitress station and greeted him with a smile. “Hello, Gideon.”

  “Looks like you’ve been busy.”

  “Jah, all day. News of the buggy accident spread through town and people wanted to get an update straight from the horse’s mouth.” A few Englischers had found the play on words cute, but Faith’s tongue was raw from biting it all day.

  Gideon grinned. “You don’t look like a horse to me.”

  “Danki. I normally avoid talking about personal stuff around the customers, but the accident brought in a flock of curious folks, and, well, we need the business.” She glanced at the tables she had yet to clean off and grimaced. More dishes to add to those already piled high in the sink. “I’m afraid if you’ve kumm to drive me home, I won’t be ready to leave for a while.”

  “I thought you might need some help.” He rolled up his sleeves. “I am a pretty gut dishwasher.”

  “You forgot to say you work for hamburgers.”

  “That too.” He winked, and she noticed his long lashes.

  Heat surfaced to her cheeks. She clasped her hands behind her back and looked down at the plank floor to regroup. Gideon had a way of sending shudders down her spine when he teased her like that.

  He cleared his throat and when she lifted her gaze, he motioned to the customer at the register.

  Relieved to have something else to focus on, she rang up the customer, then returned to the waitress station where Gideon was pouring a mug of coffee.

  “Hope you don’t mind that I helped myself.”

  “Of course nett, silly.” Faith picked up her mug, took a sip, then wrinkled her nose. “I don’t know why Englischers fuss over iced coffee. This isn’t gut.” She dumped the coffee down the sink and settled for a glass of lemonade to quench her thirst. She didn’t need more caffeine this late anyway. It shouldn’t be too much longer before the last guests finished their meals and left. Faith leaned against the counter and sighed.

  “Tired?” Gideon sipped his coffee.

  She nodded. “I’ve been worried about mei parents too.”

  “Do you want to go see them? I’m nett sure what time visiting hours end, but you could probably call and make special arrangements.”

  “Jah, I should try to go.” All day Faith hadn’t been able to shake the feeling that something was wrong, but she wasn’t ready to tell Gideon about the homeless man. It wasn’t as much what the man had said as the eeriness in the way he looked at her, like he could see through her.

  “Call Beverly. I’m sure if she’s free, she would drive you to Alpena. I’ll go with you . . . if you want me to.”

  Faith smiled. “I would like that.” Wrong thing to say. You can’t keep relying on him.

  “Gut, then I’ll start the dishes.” He disappeared into the kitchen. His and Catherine’s voices drifted into the dining room as they greeted one another.

  As Faith collected dirty dishes from an empty table, the last customers pushed their chairs back and stood. She set the stack back down, then retrieved their bill, which she hadn’t totaled yet, and met the man and woman at the register. After quickly adding the meals and drinks together, she presented the man with the ticket.

  “I heard there was a buggy accident last night,” the woman said. “Was it someone you know?”

  “Mei parents’ buggy was hit.”

  The woman placed her hand on her chest. “Oh, my goodness. That’s awful. Are they all right?”

  “They’re in the hospital.” She took the money the man offered and completed the transaction. “Have a nice day.”

  “I heard the horse had to be put down and the buggy was destroyed. That’s so sad. Did they catch the person who caused the accident?”

  Faith shook her head.

  “I hope they find the person responsible,” the woman said.

  “Thank you.” Faith turned the sign in the window after the woman left, glad the day was over. She gathered a load of dirty dishes and took them into the kitchen.

  Catherine covered the container of sliced onions with cellophane. “Did you turn the sign?”

  “Jah.” Faith set the plates on the dirty side of the sink, giving Gideon an apologetic smile. She went to the utility closet, grabbed the mop, bucket, and broom, then filled the pail with water.

  “Did you remember to lock the front door?” Catherine asked.

  “I’ll do that nau.” Faith retreated into the dining room with the cleaning supplies, locked the door, then swept and mopped the floors. Before leaving the dining room, she gathered the ketchup containers from the tables. She had already filled the salt, pepper, and sugar containers and restocked the napkin holders.

  Catherine was busy cleaning the prep area while Gideon was elbow-deep in the soapy water. Faith put the ketchup bottles in the refrigerator, then sidled up beside him at the sink.

  He lowered a stack of plates into the wash basin. “Weren’t you going to call Beverly?”

  “I thought we could get the dishes done first.” Faith pushed her dress sleeves up past her elbows.

  “Nett that I don’t like standing shoulder to shoulder with you,” he said, bumping his arm into hers. “But I want you to call.”

  She did want to ask about a ride. If not for tonight, then maybe after work tomorrow. “I’ll make it quick.”

  Years ago, Bishop Zook had approved the use of phones in businesses, stipulating it be sparing. Faith only used it for ordering supplies or when customers called in take-out orders. Olivia, on the other hand, called Englisch friends and chatted freely when Mamm wasn’t around. As Faith scanned the list of phone numbers on a piece of paper hanging on the wall, the phone rang.

  “The Amish Table,” she said, prepared to tell the caller they were closed.

  “Faith, it’s Mamm. I thought I would give you a call before you left work. Is everything going all right?” Mamm’s voice sounded much stronger than it had last night.

  “Jah, everything is fine. How are you?” Faith glanced over at Gideon, who had stopped washing dishes, and pointed to the phone and mouthed, “Mei mamm.” Now Catherine had stopped cleaning to bend her ear Faith’s way.

  “I’ll probably be discharged in the morning,” Mamm said.

  “That’s wunderbaar news.” Faith
covered the receiver with her hand. “Mamm’s coming home tomorrow.”

  “That’s gut news,” Catherine said, and Gideon echoed.

  Faith pressed the phone closer to her ear. “Do you want me to call Beverly to arrange a ride home for you?”

  “Beverly is already here visiting me. She’s going to take Olivia home. If I am discharged tomorrow, I plan to stay with your father. I don’t want to leave him alone.”

  “How is Daed doing?”

  “He had a rough day. Please keep him in your prayers.”

  “Jah, of course.” Faith wished she was at the hospital with them now. It was difficult to interpret her mother’s tone without seeing her expression. “We’ve had a busy day. Catherine cooked today and I waited tables. Lois helped for a few hours, and Gideon is here nau washing dishes.”

  “Sounds like you have everything under control.”

  “I think so.”

  “I knew I could count on you,” Mamm said.

  Her mother’s melancholy tone alarmed Faith. Had Mamm told her everything?

  Mamm coughed.

  “Are you all right?”

  “Jah, it’s just a cough. I won’t keep you on the phone. Be sure to lock up and don’t forget to take the register drawer home. Did everything kumm in the delivery today?”

  “Jah, why?”

  “I’m nett sure how busy Fourth of July will be. You might have to pick up extra things at the market if you run low.” She went on to mention several items they had run out of last year, then said, “Faith, I’m very proud of how well you’re handling everything. Please tell Catherine and Gideon danki too.”

  “Jah, I will.” Noting the tiredness in her mother’s voice, she wrapped up the call. “Tell Daed we are all praying for him and you.” Faith hung up the phone and leaned her head against the wall. Watch over mei parents, Lord. Heal them please so they can kumm home.

  “Is everything all right?” Gideon studied her.

  “I just needed to hear Mamm’s voice.” Faith had fretted all day when she should have left her worries in God’s hands. But the homeless man had been right in that Faith wouldn’t feel relief until she spoke with her Mamm.

  Chapter 18

  Driving Faith home from the restaurant after cleaning and locking up, Gideon was tempted to ask her if she was also awestruck by the shades of red, orange, and yellow that painted the sky. He gripped the reins, then stole a sideways glance at her. Seated on the edge of the bench, her back arched and neck stretched, she reminded him of a blue heron eyeing a rainbow trout. Faith was eyeing something, but it wasn’t the sunset. “What are you so interested in?”

  “Bay doesn’t seem to be favoring his leg anymore.”

  “Jah, his strides are even.” Gideon worked the reins. “I’ve had to hold him back. He keeps stretching his neck to gain more reins.”

  She sank against the bench, her shoulder brushing against his. “I was a little worried when you offered to bring me to town this morning that he wasn’t ready, but the liniment must have worked.”

  “Must have.” Gideon smiled. He had other thoughts running through his mind. Thoughts he’d have to suppress for another twelve weeks. Faith’s baptism classes went through September, and she wouldn’t be eligible to join the church until the first weekend in October when the next baptism service was held. Twelve weeks. Now he wished he hadn’t made that vow to wait to court her.

  Bay lurched his neck and the reins slipped in Gideon’s hands as the gelding’s pace increased. The rhythmic clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves against the pavement indicated his legs were stronger. Still, Gideon couldn’t risk another injury. He tightened his grip on the reins, applying steady pressure to slow Bay to an easy trot.

  As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the temperature was still unbearable. A hot summer evening like tonight would be a perfect time to sit on the porch and listen to the crickets sing. Gideon was about to make the suggestion when Faith yawned.

  “You tired?” he asked.

  “A little.” She yawned again. “What about you?”

  “Nett yet.” He could stay up all night if they were sitting on the porch together, but he would wait for another day. He slowed Bay down even more, then turned into her driveway. He shifted positions on the bench to face her. “The barn chores are already done for tonight . . .” He left enough of a pause for her to offer him a cup of coffee, but she didn’t. “I’ll be over first thing in the morning to do the milking.”

  “Gideon, you’ve been such a blessing to mei family. Danki.”

  Sincere, but distant. Because she was tired?

  She opened the passenger door.

  “I’d like to give you a ride to work tomorrow,” he blurted.

  “Okay.” She slid off the bench and before closing the door, added, “I’ll let Olivia know.”

  Sure, her sister would need a ride too. It only made sense for him to take them both. He waited until Faith was safely inside and the lamplight shone through the window, then released the buggy brake. But something prevented him from signaling Bay to move. Unable to shake Faith’s disconnected tone of voice, he set the brake once again and piled out of the buggy. He bounded up the porch steps, taking two at a time, then knocked on the door.

  Answering immediately, Faith puckered her brows. “Is it morning already?” A smile tugged her lips.

  Twelve weeks. What happened to waiting to tell her how he felt? Despite warning bells going off, he stepped forward. “May I kumm in?”

  Faith opened the door wider for Gideon to enter.

  He wiped his boots on the braided rug longer than necessary.

  “Is something wrong?” She’d never seen him this befuddled.

  “Remember what I told you about Olivia?”

  “Are you referring to that rumor? Gideon, I thought you were different. I thought—”

  “It isn’t a rumor,” he said.

  She eyed him closely. “What are you saying?”

  “Will you go out to the barn with me? I’d like to show you something.”

  “It’s getting late.” Olivia was due home anytime.

  “Please? It’ll only take a few minutes.”

  Faith motioned to the door. “Okay.”

  They walked in silence to the barn. Gideon lit the lantern. “It’s up here,” he said, putting one foot on the ladder that led to the haymow.

  She narrowed her eyes. “In the loft? Really?”

  “Will you trust me, please?”

  She did trust him. With her heart, and that was a mistake.

  He didn’t say anything more until they had climbed the wooden ladder and were standing in the hayloft. “It’s over here.” He trounced across loose hay and went to the far side of the loft where he handed her the lantern, then knelt down. After a moment of searching under the hay, he produced a jar.

  “This isn’t right,” Faith protested. “You should put that—”

  Gideon unscrewed the lid and shook the money out.

  Curiosity won out despite Faith’s efforts not to snoop. She knelt beside Gideon and peered at more money than she’d ever seen. “Olivia told me you two talked the other nacht. She said she’d been confused and you . . . understood. Did she tell you she stole this money?”

  “Nay. I didn’t talk to her—I mean, we talked down by the stalls. And yes, Olivia said she was confused. She thought something was going on between you and me and—”

  “You made it perfectly clear what Olivia walked in on in the barn wasn’t what she thought.” Faith pushed off the floor. “Make sure you put everything back the way you found it.” Wishing she’d never seen the money, Faith fled the loft. She ran out of the barn and back to the house.

  At least he had the sense to leave. She waited until his buggy pulled out of the driveway before going into the kitchen to make a cup of tea. The kitchen counters looked like they did when there’d been a wake. Noodle casseroles, fresh-cut vegetables, a three-bean salad, pickled eggs, cucumber sandwiches, and a wide assortm
ent of fruit, brownies, cookies, and cobblers. She only wanted a cup of herbal tea. So much food. The bowl of raspberries would certainly go to waste. Faith hadn’t eaten the berry since the time her lips puffed up like a yeast muffin. The doctor said allergies could get worse over the years and next time the swelling could close her airway.

  Faith filled the kettle with water, but decided against making tea. With the windows closed all day, the July heat turned the house into an oven and making a fire to boil water for tea would only add to the misery. She filled a glass with tap water, then took it and the lantern to the bedroom. Maybe she would read her Bible while she waited for Olivia to get home.

  Faith opened all the bedroom windows hoping to get a cross breeze flowing, but the stagnant air didn’t flutter the curtains even a little. She gazed out the window at the moon’s reflection on the pasture. God’s guiding light.

  Lord, please protect Gideon on the road home. Keep him safe. Watch over mei parents, and, Lord, I ask that You take care of Liv. I don’t understand why she would steal or why she wants to leave the district, turning her back on our ways. I pray our parents’ accident was a wake-up call and she had a change of heart. Speak to her, Lord. Amen.

  After changing into her nightclothes, Faith crawled under the bed sheets. She opened the Bible to Psalms and began reading from where she had left off last.

  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

  Faith read a few more passages, then closed the Bible. But unable to sleep, she stared at the ceiling and listened for strange sounds. This was crazy. She climbed out of bed and retrieved her sewing project, a quilted journal cover for Olivia’s birthday, from under the bed. She’d only sewn a few squares when her eyelids grew heavy. Melting into the mattress, her thoughts drifted to Gideon. Her eyes shot open hearing something creak on the other side of the door. She shoved the quilting project under the covers as Olivia tiptoed into the room.