Undercover Amish (Covert Police Detectives Unit Series Book 1)

by Ashley Emma

  He laughed, despite his remorse. “I can’t believe I wasn’t there to protect you.”

  “Come on, Isaac. We both know you wouldn’t have had the heart to hurt him.”

  “Actually…” He reached into the side of his belt and pulled out his Walther P99 handgun. “I got this the other day.”

  Liv glanced at the gun but then resumed to watch outside. “What? You, Isaac Troyer, have a gun? What’s next? You’ll start smoking and swearing, too?”

  He chuckled. “No, I won’t do those things. I just wanted to protect you, and myself, and anyone else who might be in trouble. I’ve been practicing my shooting. Just don’t tell anyone I’m carrying, okay?”

  She sighed. “Under the circumstances, I understand why you’re doing this. But I’m shocked, Isaac.”

  “I just hate to see you hurt like this… again.”

  “Hey, at least it was some deranged guy and not my husband this time. It’s part of the job. It happens. I’ll be fine. Besides, I fought back this time. You should have seen the other guy.”

  He couldn’t see her face well from this angle, but he guess she was smiling mischievously. “Next time, I promise I will protect you. I’d rather die than lose you again, Liv.”

  He looked at her from across the room, and she knew she’d get lost in his gaze if she didn’t look away. Her eyes darted back to the living room window.

  “I’ll tell you what I know about Samuel.” Isaac grabbed a pencil and paper and set it on the kitchen counter so he could still see out the window above the sink.

  As they continued their conversation, they didn’t stop looking out the windows. Liv said, “Let’s make a list of suspects. Write down Diana and Samuel. They were all I could think of. Can you think of anyone else? We are pretty sure it is someone this town knows, because Bishop Johnson opened the door to let in whoever shot him. Bishop Johnson must have known his murderer.”

  Isaac looked off into the fields, thinking. “I can’t think of anyone who would have something against all of the people who have been attacked here. What do all of the victims have in common?”

  “Nothing really, except that they are Amish. This is a long shot, but do you think a customer of one of the community’s businesses might be angry?”

  “Angry enough to kill and commit arson, murder, and kidnapping? No. We always make things right with our customers. No, this is something personal.” Isaac scratched his head.

  “Well, all I can think of is the Sullivans. I know that family has a lot of secrets. I’m just not sure what they are, except that Jake was abusive and possibly Bill. But why were they? What made them that way?”

  “Well, we do know that Bill used to be an Englisher and that he married Diana, so he became Amish. But I heard that he regretted his decision, hating this way of life, and blamed her. If he was abusive, that’s most likely why Jake was abusive,” Isaac said softly. “I think Bill Sullivan started a vicious cycle.”

  “That means Samuel and Diana are probably victims of domestic violence. Not only did he most likely physically abuse them, but he probably verbally abused them, blaming them for everything. Sometimes that alone can make someone go off the deep end, depending on the person. Do you think it might be enough to make them do these things? Maybe they are taking their revenge on the community for not stopping the abuse. Did people know it was happening? Did the bishop know? Did you know? Or Sid Hoffman?” Liv asked.

  “I had no idea until recently. I was young back then. I didn’t notice anything wrong. But I wonder if the bishop knew.” Isaac smacked his hand on the counter. “Maybe Samuel or Diana killed him for revenge!”

  “Now, that makes sense. But why hurt you? Why kidnap Jill? What did the two of you ever do to them?” Liv shook her head, her mind boggled.

  “Well, we don’t know what happened to me the night I was attacked. I could have witnessed something. As for Jill… You know, Samuel had a little sister named Ava. Remember? She drowned when she was five at that pond in the woods.”

  “Oh, yes. That was such a long time ago. It’s all coming together now. Either Samuel or Diana must have killed Bishop Byler for not stopping the abuse, then they must have kidnapped Jill to replace Ava.” Liv was filled with excitement, finally feeling like she was getting somewhere. “It is starting to make sense now! I knew you could help me figure this out. Now, help me think of where he could be keeping Jill. Then I’ll call Captain Branson.”

  “Okay. There was this old abandoned cabin we used to play in when we were kids. Samuel called it his safe place, probably because he went there to get away from his father. He loved to go there. I’m the only one who even knows about it now that Jake is dead. We never told our parents or anyone. It was our secret place. I know where it is, too. Think he might keep her in a place like that?” Hope filled his eyes, and he looked at her with anticipation, awaiting her answer.

  “Absolutely.” Liv nodded. “Sounds like a perfect place for a sociopath to stash a kidnapped child. I’ll call Branson right now to get some backup so we can go look for her there.”

  She got her phone out from her holster, dialed Branson’s number and looked out the window during the entire call.

  “Branson here.”

  “It’s Liv. I think we know where Jill is. Isaac told me about a place where he used to play with Samuel when he was a child, an old abandoned cabin in the woods no one else knows about. We think he is keeping her there, and Isaac can lead us to it.”

  “Excellent news. Want me to send a team over?”

  “Yes, but keep it quiet. Have them meet us near the woods, away from the homes so no one suspects anything or sees Isaac and me with them. There is a spot near the woods where no one will see CPDU’s vehicles. I can text you directions if you want.”

  “Sure. I’ll send them on their way right now. Tell Isaac thank you,” Branson said.

  “Yes, Captain.”

  Liv hung up the phone and texted Branson the directions for the meeting place.

  “We have to go out there again. Let’s be careful, of course,” Liv told Isaac.

  He nodded. Liv looked out the windows again. When she saw it was clear, she stepped outside, hiding her pistol under a fold in her skirt. Isaac came out after a moment. Nothing happened. If the attacker was still watching them, it seemed like now was not the time to attack them again, or maybe he really was gone.

  “Let’s go.” She sprinted with Isaac toward the tree line where they would meet the team from CPDU, all the way to the other side of the community, away from the Amish homes.

  Several minutes later, the police cars pulled in and parked near the edge of the woods, far enough away from the community with a section of trees between them and the houses to hide them.

  When they all exited their cars, they gathered around Liv and Isaac. She made quick work of explaining the plan. “Everyone, this is Isaac Troyer. If you remember, he was hit in the head and attacked the night Bill Sullivan was murdered. He knew Samuel Sullivan as a child and was the one who thought of the abandoned cabin in the woods. He is going to lead us to it. Samuel Sullivan is considered armed and dangerous. We suspect he is the one who has committed all the crimes here.” She turned toward Isaac. “All right, lead the way.”

  “Follow me.” He started trekking through the woods. The team was actually rather quiet as they made their way through the woods, though they did keep snapping branches left and right. After about ten minutes Isaac stopped.

  “The cabin is right over that hill,” Isaac told them.

  “Okay.” The lead officer took over and barked directions to the group. “You two, go around the back. You two go in on each side. The rest of us will go through the front door. Let’s surround the place. The kidnapper could be inside with the victim. Now, quietly, let’s move.” He gave the signal and the officers crept up the hill, then surrounded the cabin noiselessly. Isaac stood back at a distance, but looked like he wanted to be a part of the action. Liv hung back a little too, since she wasn’t
wearing a bullet proof vest like the other police officers.

  The lead officer held up three fingers, then two, then one, and then he kicked the door down. “Police! Put your hands up!” They shouted, expecting Samuel to be inside. They stormed in like knights invading a castle, shouting and searching.

  Liv couldn’t wait one second longer. She ran into the cabin after them, her gun held up, sweeping the room, searching for Jill and Samuel. The cabin was falling apart, completely in shambles. Broken furniture lined the walls, and the cracked windows were covered in grime. She expected a mouse to run by at any moment.

  “He’s not here!” the lead officer shouted. That was when Liv saw Jill tied to a bed in a cobweb-laden corner of the cabin. Several of the officers were already cutting the ropes to set her free.

  Was Jill unconscious or was she… No! Liv gasped, darted towards her, and felt her pulse on her neck.

  She was alive, but groggy. Probably drugged so she wouldn’t move or call for help. How could a person do this to an innocent child? How could someone be so evil?

  One of the officers picked her up and carried her out after all the ropes were off. Liv followed closely behind. She wanted to question her as soon as she woke up.

  Every officer seemed to be talking at once, calling CPDU to give them updates. Isaac stood there, watching everything going on with fascination.

  “This is all so amazing,” he murmured. “You all rescued her.”

  “You’re the one who led us here. We couldn’t have done it without you, Isaac. Thank you.”

  He shrugged shyly. “Just glad I could help. You know, I would really like to learn more about what you do. It’s all so interesting to me.”

  “It’s not really as glamorous as it looks, but we all love our jobs. I’ll teach you about it if you want.”

  *

  Jill was taken to the hospital, and Liv and Isaac followed the ambulance there in one of the patrol cars. They waited in the hallway for her to wake up. Liv wanted to be the first one to talk to her. Mrs. Johnson had been informed that Jill was found, but she was still on her way. Finally the nurse came out to talk to them.

  “Jill is going to be all right. She was drugged with chloroform. The kidnapper must have put it over her mouth when he took her, and probably again when she woke up. She needs to stay here overnight so we can flush the drug out of her system. She’s a little groggy, but you can go in and talk to her now.” Liv was still in her Amish clothing, so the nurse had no idea she was a detective. The nurse probably assumed they were her friends from the community.

  Liv and Isaac went into the room, and Liv pulled up a chair and sat down next to Jill.

  “Hi, Jill. My name is Olivia. You’ve seen me before, right? And you know Isaac.”

  Jill nodded. “Ja, I’ve known Isaac my whole life, and I’ve seen you at church. Where’s my mom?”

  “She’s on her way. Listen, I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you remember anything that happened last night or today? Do you know who took you from your house?”

  “No, I didn’t see his face. He had a black mask on that covered his whole head. I woke up, and he was standing over me. He put something wet on my mouth.” Jill shrank back under the covers, trembling at the memory.

  Liv hated to do this to her, but she needed the information. “I know this is hard for you, Jill, but you’re doing a great job remembering. Did he say anything to you? Anything you remember would help.”

  “Ja, he said something. He called me Ava. And he told me I’d be safe with him.” She pulled the covers up to her chin. “Is that bad man going to come find me here?”

  Ava? It was Samuel! Now she was sure.

  “No, no, Jill. You really are safe now. That bad guy is going to jail. He won’t come near you ever again.” Liv squeezed the little girl’s hand.

  *

  Samuel was taken into CPDU for questioning, and finally Liv felt like she could relax. That night, after they were dropped off at Unity, Liv walked Isaac back to his house.

  “Thank you so much for all your help, today,” she said as they approached his porch.

  “I’m really glad I could help. Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you home?” Isaac asked.

  She waved away his offer. “No, of course not. I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself.”

  He smiled at her. “I know you can.”

  Contentment washed over her as she watched him walk in to his house, the moonlight covering the landscape in a soft glow.

  “Good night,” she called after him.

  “Good night.” He shut the door.

  Liv walked back to the farm and sat on the Masts’ porch, leaning back in a wooden chair, staring up at the stars after a long day. She didn’t even need to wear a jacket. The night was warm, and the sky was cloudless. She marveled at the millions of stars. The sky was so clear, and they were easy to see here unlike in the city.

  She looked out over the farmlands, hearing the soft neigh of a horse in the distance, the land peaceful and quiet. She smiled a little, thinking of how nice it must be to live here.

  It just wasn’t for her.

  In the distance, near the Sullivans’ house, a large dark figure moved swiftly through the night.

  “What?” Liv muttered aloud. Samuel was in custody. Who was this? Was this his accomplice?

  In two seconds she was off the porch and running toward the intruder, loaded gun in hand. He wouldn’t get away this time! She was sure of it.

  Adrenaline pumping through her, she sprinted across the fields until she reached the Sullivans’ house. From behind some bushes, she watched the intruder creep inside like a slithering snake.

  She darted up to the house. The door was open. Liv crept through silently, sneaking through the kitchen, then towards Diana’s room. Her .45 was raised, ready to fire at any second. This time, she would shoot at him before letting him get away if she had to, now that Jill had been found.

  The only person who was home now was Diana. She knew that was who the intruder was after. He had killed Bill, and now he was probably after his wife. Liv tiptoed toward Diana’s room, and her heart pounded so loud she wondered if the perp could hear it.

  Liv halted. The intruder stood in Diana’s doorway. His large frame seemed to take up almost the entire space, eclipsing the moonlight coming into Diana’s bedroom window. He was clutching a white cloth in his hand. Had he already drugged Diana?

  Something glinted in his hand. A knife!

  She had to do something. She could shoot him, but she was afraid she might hit Diana, who was right behind him on the bed.

  “Police! Put your hands up!” she commanded, her voice shaking. The man froze. “Turn slowly. Drop the knife. Now! Do it!”

  He slowly turned, but gripped the knife even tighter than before. Again, he wore the mask. This was the same man she had seen attack her, smash Isaac’s buggy, and try to break into Isaac’s house.

  The police had arrested the wrong man, unless Samuel had a twin.

  “Couldn’t stay away, could you?” he seethed.

  Why wasn’t Diana waking up? He had to have already drugged her with the chloroform.

  “I’ll make you regret this, all this meddling you do. I told you to stay away over and over. Jake was right about you. You just don’t listen, do you? No wonder he treated you the way he did.” The man took a step closer to her, his white teeth flashing in the dim, milky light seeping through the windows. How had he known Jake? His voice and his words made her shiver.

  Did she personally know this man? If so, why didn’t she recognize his voice?

  “If you had been married to me, I would have probably just killed you,” he taunted. Anger rose within her at the way he talked about Jake and how he had treated her. “Especially since you loved that Troyer boy all along.”

  That’s not true! She focused on the gun in her shaking hands.

  She stepped back, but he came even closer. He was still between her and Diana. She didn’t have
a clear shot. “Stay back. And drop your weapon now!”

  “Or what, you’ll shoot me? Risk killing Diana, or me, when you could get information from me? You would really do that?” He glowered at her.

  He was right. He overcame her in an instant, swiftly swiping the pistol out of her hands in one quick blur of movement. He held her close to him, so close that she could smell his cologne, a woodsy scent that otherwise would have been pleasant but now disgusted her. She wriggled and tried to twist out of his grasp, but he only held onto her tighter.

  “You weren’t ready for that, were you, little police lady?”

  Liv had been trained for years on how to never let someone take her weapon. She had been successful until she encountered this man who was incredibly fast.

  He wrapped his arm around her neck and held the gun to her head.

  “You scream and she dies,” he growled into her ear. Liv looked at Diana’s unmoving form in the bed. For all she knew she could have already been dead. “You probably would be happy if she died. You should be, after the way she treated you. She basically told you it was your fault. She said didn’t believe you. Even when you showed her the bruise on your shoulder that day as she made you a pot of tea.”

  Disbelief and a sick feeling washed over her. He spun her around to face him. “How did you know about that? I never talk about that. You would have had to—”

  “Have been there? I was, darling. I’ve been there, watching you, many times in the past. I know some of your little secrets, your quirks. I know the TV shows you like to watch late at night. I know you eat peanut butter cup ice cream at two in the morning. You can’t cook, so you buy tons of microwavable dinners. And I know you came into this house seeking help and advice from your mother-in-law, and she said you deserved Jake’s abuse because you couldn’t cook or sew or be like any other of the Amish wives in town. You knew she was hiding something, didn’t you? You knew Bill was abusive too, and he was hurting Diana, just like Jake hurt you. And that’s why she covered up Jake’s abuse. Because she didn’t want to ruin her family’s reputation. Because she didn’t want to admit the truth.”