Ruth’s mouth opened as she understood Caleb’s words. Flushing, she clamped her lips shut and turned away from Caleb.
The two men paid for their items and left. “Let’s go to the diner and get some coffee. My treat.” He tried to find out what Wayne was thinking, but Wayne had shut himself down. He only said, “Deep down, I knew it. She wants to leave me. That’s why she’s back at the shop.”
Despite Caleb’s best efforts, Wayne continued stubbornly believing that Lizzie was about to leave their marriage. “She only went back to the store because you were so badly hurt! She knew you needed money coming in for your bills.”
Obstinately, Wayne shook his head. He continued believing he was about to lose his wife.
Throwing his hands in the air, Caleb gave up. “Just promise me one thing: That you will talk to me before you do anything.”
Standing, Wayne barely nodded before he left. That day, he began surreptitiously trailing the peer counselors, trying to find where Lizzie and Leora were staying. He also began to plan their murders. He visited Caleb, trusting the strength of their friendship, detailing his plans for his wife and daughter. “Will you help me out?”
Caleb wanted to run away from Wayne. Stilling his face, he continued looking at his old friend. “Wayne, what happened to the man who was starting to accept that women are equal to men?”
“Nee. It’s only a ploy so they can hoodwink their good husbands until they decide it’s time to abandon them! She’s not going to leave with everything I’ve worked for.” Wayne conveniently forgot that Lizzie didn’t have access to anything in their home because she was living elsewhere. “Caleb, I’m working again. I won’t have to rely on her ever again.”
Sighing, Caleb decided to agree to work with Wayne, if it was the only way he could stop two tragedies. “Ja, I’ll help.” After Wayne went back home, Caleb hurried to the bishop’s home. “Bishop, he’s about to kill Lizzie and Leora. He wants me to help him. And that’s what he told me. He also said he knows where they are living.”
Bishop Kurtz scrubbed his hands over his face. “Keep meeting with him and pretend to go along with his plans. We will meet any time you call me. Just leave a message if I don’t answer. Let me know what he is coming up with. And, if he tells you when he plans to kill them, let me know right away! Call me when you are away from him.”
Caleb nodded frantically, feeling slightly better. He didn’t like the idea of continuing to meet with Wayne, but he knew that he had to, to protect Leora and Lizzie.
***
The two men were sitting in Wayne’s shop, discussing his plans for Lizzie and Leora. “So, I was thinking that I could, oh, poison them somehow. What do you think?” As he stared sightlessly at Caleb, the madness glittered in his eyes,
Looking anywhere but into Wayne’s eyes, Caleb sighed, hating this. “Well, why not just. . . force their buggy off the road?” He swallowed hard, trying to keep his lunch from coming up as he pretended to plan with Wayne.
Rubbing his hand over his whiskery chin, Wayne considered. “Maybe. But. . . no. They are always with one counselor or another. Ah! I see what you’re saying! I could also take one or both of those blamed counselors, too! Ha! You’re brilliant, Caleb!”
After every session, Caleb went home, feeling as though he had wallowed in a pig pen. As he arranged with Bishop Kurtz, he called him after every meeting.
Annie noticed that Caleb was oddly preoccupied and tense. When she asked him what was wrong, he pretended that it was just his worries about their crops. “It’s been weeks since we’ve had a good, soaking rain. And I need to pay that note off before Christmas.”
Annie was skeptical, but knew she had to accept Caleb’s explanation.
***
The bishop rocked on his front porch as he thought. “This situation with Wayne is beyond our ability to resolve safely. We are going to have to involve the English law enforcement system. I’m glad I already got the go-ahead from the other elders.”
Leafing through the notes he took from Caleb’s calls, he rose and went to the barn, where he hitched his horses to his buggy. Placing the notebook at his feet, he drove quickly to town. Once in the sheriff’s office, he spoke to the clerk. “Ja, I need to speak with the sheriff on an urgent matter. Ja, I will wait.” He took a seat and waited patiently.
Sheriff John Mathis shook hands with the bishop, then took him back to his office.
“Sheriff, I am Bishop Joseph Kurtz from the Peace Valley community. You know we don’t like to involve the English in our matters, but today, it is necessary.” Joseph continued, explaining Wayne’s plans for his wife and daughter.
“You say one of your church members is talking to Mr. Lapp and getting the specifics from him? I hate asking this, but if you could get him to continue. . . We need for this to be as specific as possible.” The bishop agreed and the two men exchanged phone numbers.
That afternoon, the sheriff called the bishop. “Mr. Kurtz, I want to bring a female deputy into this. Several of your community members are involved in a peer counseling effort. I want my deputy to meet with them so they can begin trusting her.”
***
The peer counseling group moved its meetings into the English community so they could meet the sheriff and his deputy. Deputy Johanna Drew spent several days gaining the trust of the men and women—as progressive as most of them were, they still carried an instinctive distrust of the English. Johanna began by discussing the roadblocks women faced as they struggled against sexism and misogyny. Finding the work slow going, she invited Linda Yoder to have coffee with her. “What have you found to be the most difficult in creating a place of equality in a male-dominated society?”
It took Linda some time to realize she could trust the deputy, so her initial responses were spare and guarded. “I find that I have to struggle to get the men of Peace Valley to accept that I am just as capable with numbers, working with people and even business administration as they are. In fact, it took several months—for my husband to accept that I have a better head at organization and drawing people together than he does. It was hard for him to let go and just let me do the work.”
Finally, the peer group has accepted Johanna. The elder’s wives, Annie, Lizzie and Leora began to work with her. During one of these meetings, Johanna gently informed them of Wayne’s plans for Lizzie and Leora.
Panicking, Lizzie stood and began pacing around the room. “I have to leave, right now! Leora, you’re coming with me. We will stay away until Wayne gets himself back under control.”
“Wait, Lizzie! We are making sure he can’t get to you We have plainclothes officers—that is, deputies in everyday dress—trailing you so he can’t get close to you. Don’t tell me where you’re staying. Keep that between you and the group here. But I told you this because you need to be watchful—just in case.”
Shortly after, Annie found out what role Caleb had been playing in keeping the sheriff’s department informed of Wayne’s activities. Bishop Kurtz’ wife sat down with her, telling her Caleb had been meeting with the bishop, telling him what Wayne was planning. “Please, do not say anything to him. We need him to keep providing information until we can stop Wayne and get him the help he needs.” Lizzie, Leora and Naomi overheard this conversation. Realizing this, the bishop’s wife brought them into the group. “Ladies, whatever you do, do not reveal Caleb’s role. He is doing everything he can to protect the community, Lizzie and Leora.”
Annie finally understood why Caleb had been so tense. “Can I tell him you told me? In absolute confidence?”
“Ja, but nobody else. In fact, Lizzie, Leora, you should go only to meetings and work. No frolics or other gatherings. We don’t want you close to Wayne. We pray that this ends peacefully and soon.”
***
Caleb learned that Wayne had developed a solid plan for attacking Lizzie and Leora. Hurrying, he went to the bishop’s and gave them an update. “He will be attaching her at the next Meeting Sunday. In two weeks. That is
at our house, bishop! He’ll use his bare hands.”
Joseph Kurtz paled. Thinking of violence made him ill. “Denki. I will call the sheriff. We will be including you, Naomi and Annie in our discussions because meeting takes place at your house.”
Within a few days, the plan fell into place. “Visiting Amish” would attend the meeting. The “visitors” would be deputies, dressed as Amish men and women. “He will attack after the service ends, probably during lunch.”
Heading to the safe house, the bishop brought Leora and Lizzie into the plan. “Carry out your usual serving roles, but stay far away from each other. The Millers know what is happening and are going to do everything to make sure you are safe. The peer counselors will be watching. When Wayne makes his move, one of the women will get you, Lizzie, inside. Leora, you stay inside. The ‘visitors’ will detain Wayne and transport him to a mental hospital.”
***
On Meeting Sunday, Wayne struggled with his emotions during the service. Staring hard at Lizzie, he saw how neat she was, with every hair in place under her prayer covering. He noticed the same about Leora. For a few seconds, he doubted his fears. Then, his temporary madness roared back. Flexing his newly recovered hand, Wayne checked its strength.
After the elderly community members ate, the men took their seats. As arranged, Leora stayed inside, preparing platters while Lizzie helped to serve.
Seeing Wayne, Lizzie plastered a smile to her face and served everyone. Looking around, she saw Wayne set his glass down and walk purposefully toward her. Again, she smiled.
As he neared her, Wayne reached his hands out toward Lizzie’s neck and. . . he was pulled back from her by the “visitors.” Several women had pulled Lizzie away and into the house.
EPILOGUE
Several weeks later, Wayne had come back to himself. Hospitalized and receiving medication and therapy, he slowly began to see that Lizzie wasn’t going to leave. Eagerly, he awaited her visit—he wanted to apologize to her for doubting her and planning to kill her.
“Keep your jobs. I see now that you were trying to keep us from going under. We can both work.”
“Am I your equal partner, or am I still below you?”
“Equal partner, for sure. You know what you are doing, keeping our house running. What has been happening with my orders?”
Lizzie updated him and showed him the bank book and list of orders completed and paid for. Before she left, she turned and smiled tenderly at Wayne. “I love you, my life partner.”
THE END.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it! If so, grab the next book in the series here.
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Blessings
Rachel
A WORD FROM RACHEL
Building a relationship with my readers and sharing my love of Amish books is the very best thing about writing. For those who choose to hear from me via email, I send out alerts with details on new releases from myself and occasional alerts from Christian authors like my sister-in-law, Ruth Price, who also writes Amish fiction.
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A digital copy of Amish Country Tours, retailing at $2.99. This is the first of the Amish Country Tours series. About the book, one reader, Angel exclaims: " Loved it, loved it, loved it!!! Another sweet story from Rachel Stoltzfus."
A digital copy of Winter Storms, retailing at $2.99. This is the first of the Winter of Faith series. About the book, Deborah Spencer raves: " I LOVED this book! Though there were central characters (and a love story), the book focuses more on the community and how it comes together to deal with the difficulties of a truly horrible winter."
A digital copy of Amish Cinderella 1-2. This is the first full book of the Amish Fairy Tales series and retails at 99c. About the book, one reader, Jianna Sandoval, explains: " Knowing well the classic "Cinderella" or rather, "Ashputtle", story by the Grimm brothers, I've do far enjoyed the creativity the author has come up with to match up the original. The details are excruciating and heart wrenching, yet I love this book all the more."
A digital copy of A Lancaster Amish Home for Jacob, the first of the bestselling Amish Home for Jacob series. This is the story of a city orphan, who after getting into a heap of trouble, is given one last chance to reform his life by living on an Amish farm. Reader Willa Hayes loved the book, explaining: " The story is an excellent and heartfelt description of a boy who is trying to find his place in the community - either city or country - by surmounting incredible odds."
False Worship 1-2. This is the first complete arc of the False Worship series, retailing at 99c. Reader Willa Haynes recommends the book highly, explaining: " I gave this book a five star rating. It was very well written and an interesting story. Father and daughter both find happiness in their own way. I highly recommend this book."
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ALSO BY RACHEL STOLTZFUS
Have you read them all?
AMISH OF PEACE VALLEY SERIES
Denial. Redemption. Love.
The Peace Valley Amish series offers a thought provoking Christian collection of books certain to bring you joy.
Book 1 - Amish Truth Be Told
Can the light of God's truth transform their community, and their husbands' hearts? Or are some secrets too painful to reveal? Read More.
Book 2 - Amish Heart and Soul
A lifetime of habit is hard to break, and for one, denying the truth will put not only his marriage, but his life, at risk. What is the price of redemption? Can there truly be peace in Peace Valley? Read More.
Book 3 - Amish Love Saves All
Can the residents of Peace Valley, working together, truly move past antiquated views in order to save themselves? Read More.
Or SAVE yourself a few bucks & GET ALL 3-BOOKS in 3-Book Boxed Set.
LANCASTER AMISH HOME FOR JACOB SERIES
Orphaned. Facing jail. An Amish home is Jacob's last chance.
The Lancaster Amish Home for Jacob series is the story of how one troubled teen learns to live and love in Amish Country.
BOOK 1: A Home for Jacob
When orphaned Philadelphia teen, Jacob Marshall is given a choice between juvie and life on an Amish farm, will he have the strength to turn his life around? Or will his past mistakes spell an end to his future? Read More.
BOOK 2: A Prayer for Jacob
Just as Jacob's life is beginning to turn around, his long, lost mother shows up and attempts to win him back. Will he chose to stay go with
his biological mom back to the Englisch world that treated him so poorly or stay with his new Amish family? Read More.
BOOK 3: A Life for Jacob
When orphaned teen Jacob Marshall makes a terrible mistake, will he survive nature's wrath and truly find his place with the Amish of Lancaster County? Read More.
BOOK 4: A School for Jacob
When Jacob's Amish schoolhouse is threatened by a State teacher who wants to sacrifice their education on the altar of standardized testing, will Jacob and his friends be able to save their school, or will Jacob's attempt to help cost him his new life and home? Read More.
BOOK 5: Jacob's Vacation
When Philadelphia teen, Jacob Marshall goes on vacation to Florida with his Amish family, things soon get out of hand. Will he survive a perilous boat trip, and Sarah the perils of young love? Read More.
BOOK 6: A Love Story for Jacob
When love gets complicated for Jacob, what will it mean for his future and that of his new Amish family? Read More.
BOOK 7: A Memory for Jacob
When anger leads to a terrible accident, will orphaned Philadelphia teen, Jacob Marshall, regain the memories of his Amish life before it's too late? Read More.
BOOK 8: A Miracle for Jacob
When Jacob Marshall makes a promise far too big for him, it's going to take a miracle for him to keep his word. Will Jacob find the strength to ask for help before it's too late? Or will pride be the cause of his greatest fall? Read More.
BOOK 9: A Treasure for Jacob
When respected community leader, Old Man Dietrich, passes on, Jacob discovers that the old man has hidden a treasure worth thousands on his land. Can Jacob and his two best friends solve the mystery and find the treasure before it's too late? Or will this pursuit of wealth put Jacob in peril of losing his new Amish home? Read More.
Amish Heart and Soul Page 8
