by Mary Alford
“You were very young, Noah, and things appear different when you look back at them. You brush the problems aside and see only the happy moments.”
“I was the happiest I’ve ever been...” He touched her cheek, and she swallowed visibly. The look in her eyes became distant, and she rose.
“But you were not Amish. It would not have worked out for us. Perhaps for a while, until you grew tired of our way of life and left.” She stopped for a breath. “We were not meant to be together,” she said gently. “Daniel was my husband, and I loved him, and you, well, you are doing good work with the sheriff’s department. You must find a way to be at peace with that.”
She spun away and left him alone with his misery. Each of her words struck like a stone to his heart. Life had a cruel way of working out sometimes, but perhaps she was right. It was for the best. He was damaged emotionally, living with guilt.
Drawing in a steadying breath, Noah closed his eyes. So what was he supposed to do with all these feelings he still had for her? He knew she would be better off without him, but he needed God’s help to get over these feelings.
“Father, there is so much turmoil in me. I don’t know what to do anymore. Open my eyes and show me the path You would have me follow. Help me let her go when this case ends, because I don’t think I have it in my heart to lose her again.”
TWENTY
Rachel slept fitfully. Too many troubling thoughts gathered in her head. She could see the pain on Noah’s face each time she closed her eyes. She still cared for him. It broke her heart to think she could not be the woman he needed her to be. There would be no family for them. No happy ending.
The smell of coffee wafted in from the kitchen. Rachel swung her legs off the bed, the carpet warm on her feet, so unlike the cold floors of her house. When she thought about the place where she’d grown up, she longed to return to a time before this nightmare began.
A new day was in the works outside. Another one passed without any news about Eva. The thought of her sister never coming home was just too much to consider. Grabbing the dress she’d borrowed from Sadie from the chair, Rachel dressed quickly. Brushing out her hair, she repinned it. As she stared out the window that looked into Janine’s backyard, a flash of color caught her attention and she moved closer. A shadow appeared near the spruce tree by the fence. Rachel ducked out of sight. It couldn’t be them. How would they possibly know where to find her?
With her heart pounding she ran from the room and straight into Noah’s chest.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, concerned. Noah clasped her arm, his gaze flicking over her face. “Rachel, tell me what happened.”
Getting the words to come out became an almost impossible task. She pointed to the room. “I thought I saw someone near the tree out back,” she managed. Letting her go, Noah hurried past her into the room she’d just left, and she followed. He eased to the window and peered out.
Rachel glanced over his shoulder. There was nothing there. “I saw movement and noticed a shadow by the tree. It’s gone now.”
Noah called for assistance. “Thanks. I don’t think I’m a hundred percent ready to take on these guys again alone.” Ending the call, Noah took her arm and urged her to the living room. “We need to get away from the window.”
She noticed how pale he was for the first time. “Are you oke?” Rachel forgot the shadow. Noah appeared so pale. With his arm still in a sling, he favored his injured leg. He’d come close to dying the day before.
He smiled briefly. “I’m fine. It’s probably not them anyway. Janine was pretty positive we weren’t followed last night.” Still, doubts showed on his face. “Unless they’ve been watching the station long enough to become acquainted with everyone who works there. Maybe they figured out we’d try to stash you someplace they’d never think to look.” He blew out a sigh and ran a hand over his eyes. “In any case, I’m just not strong enough to take them on alone. But we should be okay here. The house is like Fort Knox. As a former deputy herself, Janine made sure she installed all the latest security devices when she moved in here a few years ago.”
Rachel looked around. “Where is she?”
“At work. She drove to the station about an hour ago. That was her I just spoke with.”
Outside, tires screeched to a halt in front of the house, and Noah parted the window curtains. “That’s Ryan and Cole.”
The deputies knocked once, and Noah let them in.
Noah explained what Rachel had seen. “Near the fence at the back of the house.”
“We’ll check it out,” Cole told them.
Noah closed the door and faced her. His gaze held hers.
She turned away, moved to the kitchen and poured more coffee while Noah stayed near the window.
A knock rattled the door, and she jumped. Noah pulled the door open. Cole came inside and Rachel carried her coffee to the living room to listen. “Were there footprints?” Noah asked.
“Yes. One set. Someone was there.”
“Do you think it was one of them?” Noah asked as he held her gaze.
“With everything that’s happened, it would be foolish to dismiss the possibility, but whoever was there is gone now.”
“What happens next?” she asked, her voice but a whisper.
Cole answered, “Ryan and I will speak with the neighbors to see if they saw anything unusual this morning. When we’re done, you and Noah can ride to the station with us.”
“And until then, you should try and eat something. Janine made breakfast earlier and set a plate aside for you,” Noah said.
“I’ll check in with Ryan,” Cole said before heading outside.
The thought of food had little appeal with Eva foremost in her thoughts. She hadn’t seen her sister since Sunday. Eva must be terrified. They lived a simple life, or so Rachel had thought, but the secrets they’d uncovered about Eva made her wonder what other things her sister had hidden from her. There was a reason why these men wanted her and Eva, and she believed it had something to do with the young man Eva was seeing. In her heart she knew something far more terrifying was waiting out there, ready to swallow her up.
* * *
“That is good news,” Noah said once Ryan finished explaining what they’d found out at the drill site.
“I think we’re finally getting somewhere. We’re on our way in now. We’ll see you soon.” Ryan ended the call.
Noah put the phone in his pocket and faced Rachel. She sat at the conference room table, glued to his every word. “That was Ryan. Allan Miller’s stepson, Peter Hargrave, has agreed to come in and speak with us.”
When Cole and Ryan arrived at the local drill site for Big Sky Oil, the graveyard shift workers hadn’t been much help. No one remembered seeing Miller recently, but they all knew Miller’s stepson, Peter Hargrave, ran the operation. Megan had contacted Hargrave and asked him to come in. She hadn’t mentioned anything about Miller being deceased. They’d want to gauge his reaction when they informed him of the news.
“I wonder why no one reported this man missing.” Rachel vocalized the question troubling him, as well.
He shook his head. “Hopefully, we’ll have some answers when the stepson gets here. In the meantime, I want to speak with Anna again and see if maybe she remembers something more about the young man.” Noah glanced at his watch. “Hargrave will be here at three. Aden just arrived to start his shift. I’ll grab him.”
He hesitated. Each time Rachel was out in public the chances of these men taking her doubled. Still, he didn’t want to let her out of his sight.
“I’ll be fine,” she said.
He wasn’t nearly as sure. Noah noticed Walker coming into the station. The sheriff had gone to check on Theresa and get some sleep. Noah hadn’t spoken to him since he left to talk with the coroner. “Let me have a word with Walker first.” Noah headed for the door, but the sheriff
entered the room before Noah could leave.
Walker’s grim expression was not encouraging. With a quick look back at Rachel, he stepped out into the hall with the sheriff.
“The coroner took another look at the autopsy results in light of what we’ve discovered about our victim. There was a head injury that he initially believed was caused by Miller’s head hitting the steering wheel. After further examination, the angle of the injury doesn’t align with that hypothesis. He believes someone may have hit Miller before he entered the car. Chances are he was unconscious when the vehicle went into the lake.”
“In other words, we’re looking at a homicide,” Noah concluded.
“I believe so. Somehow or other, these two cases are connected. We have to figure out how.” Walker glanced into the conference room. “How’s she holding up?”
“Barely keeping it together. We sure need something to break our way.”
Walker nodded. “Hopefully, the stepson will give us something.” Walker looked him up and down. “How are you doing?”
In truth, he felt like a truck had hit him. Just walking proved a struggle, but he had to stay strong for Rachel. He couldn’t afford to get removed from the case due to health issues.
“I’m okay. I’m going to grab Aden and take a ride to the Lapps’ place again to see if Anna thought of something she didn’t before.”
Walker nodded. “Go. Let’s hope the girl remembers something.”
“I’m taking Rachel with me. I know it’s not ideal, but I don’t want to let her out of my sight.”
“Keep an eye on her. These guys have proven they can get to her at any time.”
Though he realized the danger, hearing Walker say that intensified Noah’s worry.
“I will.” With a sick feeling settling in the pit of his stomach, Noah gathered Rachel and went to find Aden.
Stepping outside with Aden at his side, Noah’s gaze shot around the area. The traffic in the street in front of the station appeared light. Nothing out of the ordinary.
He swiveled to the door and motioned for Rachel, quickly ushering her into the patrol vehicle. He shut the door and slid into the passenger side while Aden took the wheel.
As they pulled out onto the street, Noah kept his focus on the passing vehicles. So far, so good.
Once they left the city limits, a glance in the side mirror proved they were not being followed.
Noah turned in his seat and forced a smile for Rachel. “Relax. There’s no one there.”
She leaned back, letting out a relieved breath.
The drive to the Lapps’ home was a silent one, so Noah thought about what they knew so far. One question in particular stuck in his head. Why hadn’t anyone reported Miller missing?
Aden pulled onto the long drive. After the car stopped, Noah hopped out and opened Rachel’s door.
With her at his side, the fear that seemed to be embedded on her face brought his protective instincts to the surface.
With his hand resting gently on her back, they headed up the steps to the porch where Aden waited.
Noah nodded and his partner knocked on the door.
Footfalls headed to the door, and Kathryn opened it, her brows slanted downward in a frown.
“Mrs. Lapp, we’re sorry to interrupt your day, but can we speak to Anna again?” Noah asked.
The woman eyed them for the longest time. She silently opened the door wider and stepped away.
They stepped inside, and Noah closed the door.
“I’ll get Anna.” Kathryn pointed to the living room. “Please have a seat.”
“Denki,” Rachel murmured, and the older woman’s face softened.
“Is there any news on Eva?” Rachel shook her head. “I am praying for her,” the older woman whispered and hurried away.
Rachel sank to one of the rockers in front of the woodstove along with Noah while Aden kept his post near the window.
Minutes passed before Kathryn returned with her daughter.
Anna’s fearful gaze shot between the three of them as Rachel rose to her feet. Noah did the same.
“Did you find Eva?” she asked, her eyes darting between them.
Noah pivoted to Rachel. He understood the young woman might feel more comfortable speaking with her.
“Nay, we have not found Eva yet,” she said. “We are wondering if perhaps you may have remembered something more that might be useful in bringing Eva home.”
Anna’s eyes grew wide. “I have told you what I remember.”
Noah’s first instinct was to push, but he didn’t want the young woman to shut down.
“Perhaps there is something you do not think is important,” Rachel said and glanced his way. Noah could see the despair in her eyes, but she pushed on. “We have nothing, Anna, and it has been days. Time is running out for Eva. Please, think about what Eva mentioned about this man. Is there anything you might have forgotten?”
The young woman shook her head, ready to say no, then stopped.
“Jah, there is something,” she murmured, almost to herself. Anna drew in a breath. “Eva mentioned the young man said he was about to come into some money soon. But he needed her help for it to happen. Eva laughed about it, thinking it would be an adventure.”
Noah’s gaze shot to Rachel. He could see it in her eyes. She’d come to the same conclusion as he. Did the young man mean he needed to kidnap Eva and Rachel to come into the money? If so, why was someone willing to pay him to snatch the sisters? What exactly was the end game?
TWENTY-ONE
“Is this important?” Anna asked, her brow furrowed as she glanced around at them.
“I think so,” Rachel told her. They just had to figure out how. “Eva never mentioned anything about what this young man looked like?” It hurt that her sister had kept something this big secret from her.
Anna shook her head. “I’m sorry, but no.” The worst possible news. Someone had taken Eva for money, and they had no idea how to connect the pieces together.
“Thank you for your help, Anna.” Noah nodded toward the two women. They started for the door, a sinking feeling growing inside Rachel.
“Wait!” Anna called after them. “I don’t think she was serious about this young man. Eva was flattered by the attention he gave her, but not serious. She was excited about becoming the kinner’s teacher and joining the church in a few weeks’ time. And she was still on her rumspringa.” Anna lifted her shoulders. “She was having a little fun before she settled down.”
Rachel wanted to believe this with all her heart.
“After all, she only knew him for a few days. How could she be serious?” Anna told them.
“Denki, Anna, Kathryn,” Rachel said, and both women nodded.
“You’ll let me know when you find her?” Anna stopped before adding, “No matter what, please let me know.”
Outside, the afternoon grew ugly. Dark gray clouds gathered and released flat snowflakes in a downpour.
Noah glanced up at the dreary sky. “It isn’t much, but I think we can agree that, whoever this young man is, he’s behind all of this.” He held the door open for her and Rachel slid into the back seat. The door shut. Both men climbed into the front.
A thought occurred to Rachel. “Have you spoken to my mamm?” she asked, curious if Beth knew what was happening to her daughters.
Noah looked at her. “No. We have men sitting on her at your aunt’s house, but we didn’t want to alarm them unnecessarily, and we figured if Beth knew what was happening, she would want to come and help. Even though there’s been no threat to her life, it’s safer for her where she is. Why do you ask?”
“I wondered if perhaps Eva might have mentioned something to her about this young man. Eva wrote Mamm a couple of times. I think I should tell her what is happening. She needs to know.”
The do
ubt on Noah’s face assured her he didn’t believe Eva told their mamm. In the past, she would agree, but if there was a chance she’d mentioned something to Beth, they needed to know.
Noah faced forward. “We can’t afford to dismiss anything, however small. I’ll get in touch with the sheriff’s department in Alamosa and have Beth call the station so you can speak with her.”
She closed her eyes, dreading the call. Where are you, Eva? Her sister’s sweet face appeared before her. She’d give anything to see that smile again.
“Do you see that?” Her eyes shot open at the tension in Aden’s voice.
“Yeah, I do,” Noah answered, his voice strained.
Both men were looking in their respective mirrors. Rachel whirled around. A car followed some distance behind them. Her heart flew to her throat.
“Get down,” Noah urged her, and she crouched as low as she could.
“What is happening?” she murmured, her imagination going wild.
“We don’t know yet. It could be an innocent driver, but at this point, we can’t afford to take any chances,” Noah told her.
“The vehicle is speeding up,” Aden warned. He unholstered his sidearm. Noah did the same. “They’re going to pass.”
“Stay low, Rachel.” The edge in Noah’s voice was frightening.
She could hear the vehicle as it drew closer.
“They’re switching lanes now. I see two men inside,” Aden said, his voice tight.
Rachel peered out the window and watched a small dark blue car ease alongside them. From where she lay, she couldn’t see the men at all.
It felt like forever before the car passed them. Noah let out a breath. “I’m calling it in.” He grabbed his phone and put it on speaker. Janine answered, and he gave her the license plate number.
Rachel eased to a sitting position. The car was now some distance in front of them.
“Hang on a second, Noah,” Janine told him. “I’m running the plate now... The vehicle was reported stolen two days ago near Eureka.”
