Kitabı oku: «Amish Country Kidnapping», sayfa 4

FOUR

“We need to talk to Bishop Aaron and get permission to have deputies stationed in the community as well as at your home,” Noah told her. She didn’t answer. All she could think about was Eva.

“Rachel, did you hear me?” Noah asked, a worried frown on his face.

Forcing the fear aside, she nodded.

“I’ll need you to come with me. Bishop Aaron doesn’t exactly have fond memories of me, even though I remain friends with his son.”

The truth behind those words slowly dawned and she smiled. Rachel remembered the time Noah spoke of very clearly. Back then, it was her, Isaac and Noah. They’d been inseparable. On one particular day, they’d been picking apples near Isaac’s home when Noah decided to toss one like a baseball. Only he’d lost control and sailed it through the Yoders’ front window. Bishop Aaron had read them all the riot act. Isaac had been forbidden to play with Noah for a long time. When her daed found out, he’d voiced his disappointment in both her and Noah before putting them to work mucking out the barn for two weeks as punishment.

“I think he still remembers your misplaced apple ball.” She laughed at the memory and he joined in.

“You are probably right. That’s why I need you there. The bishop always thought highly of you.”

“I’m happy to help out,” she assured him, confident that once the bishop learned what happened to her and Eva, he would agree to allow Noah and his comrades to stay in the community.

“Thanks. Let’s see if we can get this mess cleaned up first.” He went over to the sofa and muscled it upright before setting the two chairs on their rockers while Rachel tucked the quilts her grossmammi had made into her mamm’s old chest and went into the kitchen. She began putting away the pots and pans. Noah finished in the living room and helped her out. Once she’d put away the silverware, Rachel picked up the notepad kept in one of the kitchen drawers. The top page had been ripped free. Fear clawed at her insides.

“What’s wrong?” Noah asked, catching her expression.

She held up the pad. “I wrote the number to the San Luis Valley General Store down on the pad. Aenti Deborah receives calls there. Mamm said if I needed to reach her I could use the phone shanty near the shops in West Kootenai to call and leave a message for her.” Her gaze held Noah’s. “Do you think they will come after my mamm?”

His jaw tightened. “I don’t know, but I’m going to call the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Department near there and alert them to what’s happening. Have them keep an eye out on Deborah’s house just in case. Until we know for certain your mother is in danger, there’s no need to worry her unnecessarily.” Noah stepped away to make the call while her focus remained on the imprint of the number left behind on the pad. First Eva, now her. Please, not her mamm.

“Ready?” Noah asked. Rachel let go of her fears and followed him to the door. Noah waited while she removed her cloak from the peg and slipped into it, tying her traveling bonnet over her prayer kapp.

“I realize it’s probably a minimal deterrent, but to be safe, we should lock both doors. Do you have the key to the house?”

Rachel couldn’t remember the last time her family locked their doors. West Kootenai was a peaceful community. She never once felt unsafe before.

“I think Mamm keeps it in the desk drawer. I’ll get it.” She opened the drawer and rummaged through the pile of papers there until she found the key. Rachel handed it to Noah.

Together, they stepped out on the porch. Noah locked the front door and slipped the key in his pocket.

The first tiny snowflakes of the day had begun falling from gray cotton clouds.

Noah opened the passenger door for her.

Being near him again brought up a bunch of unresolved feelings she’d held inside through the years. Her chest tightened at the look in his eyes. It reminded her of the sweet boy from her past. The one she’d believed loved her in the same way she did him.

Slipping past him, Rachel sank into the seat, her attention straight ahead. Noah was part of her past. In her heart, she knew she’d never remarry. That part of her life was over. So why was she pining after a boy who had left her behind?

Noah got in next to her. She sensed his eyes on her, but she couldn’t think of a word to say. After a minute, he started the car and headed down the drive.

Bishop Aaron’s homestead was several miles from hers.

“When was the last time you saw Isaac?” she asked to fill the void between them.

Noah smiled over at her. “Too long. Probably our last hunting trip in January, though he called the station and we talked not too long ago. Isaac’s getting married soon. He invited me to the wedding.” Noah shook his head. “I can’t believe my friend is getting married.”

She remembered how close Noah and Isaac were growing up. “I am glad you stay in touch. Hannah is a wonderful young woman. She became the schoolteacher here several years back. I think Isaac was smitten from the moment he met her.”

Noah chuckled. “That sounds like him.”

“Will you attend the wedding?” The question was out before she could stop it. What had she hoped to gain by asking?

His slanted her a look. “I want to. Do you think it will be a problem with me not being Amish?”

She smiled gently. “You will be welcomed...just maybe not by Bishop Aaron. I am certain he still holds that apple ball against you.”

Being with Rachel like this reminded Noah of old times. In the past, they’d spend hours hanging together, taking walks through the woods or exploring the mountains. During her rumspringa, when Rachel had more freedom, they’d talk late into the evening. Each time when they had to say goodbye, he hated to let her go. He’d been crazy about her, wanted to spend his life with her—an impossible dream, according to his father. He wasn’t part of her world, and she had no place in his. How could they have a future? Even though he’d ultimately agreed with his father, Noah had resented his moving the family away. He’d headed down a self-destructive path.

Getting married at nineteen, Noah knew right away he’d made a colossal mistake. Still, he’d tried to make it work. But between school and work, he and Olivia had rarely seen each other, and when they did, they argued.

Noah spotted the bishop’s driveway and turned, letting the past go along with his failures. He alone was responsible for Olivia’s death. He’d messed everything up because he’d been angry with his father. A burden Noah would carry the rest of his life and the reason he was determined never to marry again.

As he squinted through the increasingly thick falling snow, the clock on the dash reflected the time. Almost one in the afternoon. More than fifteen hours had passed since they believed Eva had gone missing. Each passing hour meant time was running out for Eva.

He pulled up in front of the house, his gaze going to the window he’d broken as a teen. He recalled how upset Bishop Aaron had been with him.

Rachel’s gentle touch on his hand forced his attention to her.

“I don’t really think he would hold the apple thing against you after all these years.”

The smile on her face took his breath away. He gazed into her beautiful eyes and the past tumbled out as if it were yesterday. He still cared for her. The thought hit him like a lightning bolt.

She ducked her head, breaking the spell.

Clearing his throat, he murmured, “I sure hope not.” He climbed out and came around to her side.

Without a word, they stepped up onto the porch, and Noah knocked on the door.

Footsteps slowly advanced through the house, then the door opened. The man standing before them appeared a few years older than Noah remembered, but just as formidable.

“Rachel, gut afternoon. I am pleased to see you.” Bishop Aaron smiled. Adjusting his glasses, he took a closer look at Noah. “Noah Warren? Is that you?”

Noah extended his hand. “It’s me. How are you, Bishop?”

“Gut, gut.” After a moment, he opened the door wide. “Please come inside.”

Noah followed Rachel in and closed the door.

The bishop headed toward the kitchen. “May I offer you both some kaffe?”

He glanced to Rachel, who nodded. “Denki, Bishop. That would be nice.”

“I am afraid I’m on my own to make it. Sadie is making her rounds visiting the women in the community. Please sit.”

While Noah and Rachel sat on opposite wooden benches flanking the table, the bishop placed coffee into the percolator and added water. He sat the pot on top of the wood cook stove to perk.

“Now, what may I help you with this day?” He glanced over the top of his glasses at them.

Rachel smiled encouragement to Noah.

“Actually, I’ve come to ask your permission to allow me and several of my deputies to stay on Rachel’s property for a bit.” Noah filled the bishop in on what had happened.

Shock registered on the older man’s face. “I can’t believe this is happening here in our community.” He faced Rachel. “I’m heartbroken for you and your family. We are a peaceful people, Noah, but under the circumstances...” He stopped, deep in thought for a moment, before nodding. “Jah, I will allow it. I think it is a good idea to have your team watching out for Rachel.”

Noah was grateful for the man’s cooperation. “Thank you, Bishop Aaron.”

The bishop inclined his head. “You are welcome. Rachel and her family are very important to our community. You must find Eva and bring her home safely. Whatever I can do to help, I will be happy to.”

Bishop Aaron rose to his feet and poured coffee for three, then retrieved cream and sugar.

Noah sipped his. Gaining approval to have a police presence in the community had been a big hurdle, and he was relieved Bishop Aaron gave it so freely.

“I will quietly ask around the community and see if anyone remembers seeing these men. If I find out anything useful, I will be in touch.”

Finishing his coffee, Noah said, “I appreciate all your help, Bishop Aaron.” He stood along with Rachel. They carried their cups to the sink and washed them out.

“In the meantime, I will let Hannah know what has happened so she won’t be expecting Eva at the classroom for a while.” Bishop Aaron walked through to the living room and opened the door before facing them again. “I am praying for you both.”

The bishop’s kindness humbled him. “Thank you,” Noah murmured before stepping out into the dreary day.

As he drove back to Rachel’s home, Noah’s bad feeling assured him they would need God’s help more than anything to bring Eva home safely.

Pulling onto the drive, he noted Aden and Megan were in place already. He stopped the car next to them and rolled down the window.

“Things okay here?”

Megan was in the driver’s seat. “It’s been quiet. We checked around the place when we arrived. There’s no sign anyone’s been here since the earlier incident.”

“Any reports of gunshot victims at the local hospital?” Noah had asked Aden to check with the hospital and clinics around town.

Aden shook his head. “Nothing. Chances are he’d be too afraid of getting caught to go to the hospital.”

It made sense.

“We’re going to move our patrol car out of sight. We were waiting for you to return first,” Megan said.

“Good idea. I’ll pull around behind the house,” Noah told them. He put the vehicle in gear and waved before they continued.

Parking around back, he and Rachel headed to the front. Reaching the porch, Noah pulled out the key. With Rachel beside him, he unlocked the door and glanced down. What he saw there cemented him in place. A set of muddy footsteps had moved around on the porch. Someone had been there in their absence. Was it Aden and Megan...or the kidnappers? Before he had time to consider the possibilities, a shot ricocheted through the countryside. The bullet whizzed past his head, close enough to feel it move the air.

“Get down,” he shouted and grabbed Rachel’s hand, tugging her low. Another shot hit the post where he’d stood seconds earlier.

With his breath coming in short bursts, he turned the doorknob and they all but tumbled inside while a barrage of bullets came from the left of the barn. The shooter had waited until he had a clear shot at Noah before opening fire.

Noah slammed the door shut and locked it. The shots had been carefully placed by the sniper to ensure Rachel wasn’t harmed. They didn’t want her dead, but they were determined to take out any obstacle standing in their way. Namely him.

FIVE

Rachel couldn’t stop shaking. Someone had shot at them. In a daze, she watched Noah reach for his cell phone.

“Someone just tried to take me out.” He explained what happened to whoever picked up on the other end while Rachel hung on every word. The shooter hadn’t been trying to hit her; they’d been aiming for Noah.

“We’re both safe. Call me when you know anything.” His gaze held hers as he hung up the phone.

“These men definitely want me out of the way so they can get to you.” She shivered and he came over to her. “That’s not going to happen. Aden and Megan are trying to head the shooter off before he can get away. You’re safe, I promise. The house is secure.”

She searched his troubled expression. More than anything, she wished she understood what he was thinking.

Noah slowly cleared his throat and stepped back. “It’s freezing in here. I’ll add some wood to the fire.” He moved away and the moment passed.

While he stoked the fire to life, Rachel turned away and placed her hands against her heated cheeks.

She thought she’d dealt with these feelings for Noah. Wrapped them up tight and buried them in a place in her heart she rarely visited anymore. Yet here she was, acting like a young maede again. Foolish.

Her life was unraveling. Eva was gone, and Rachel needed to collect herself. She moved to her bedroom door and stood in front of it. Drawing in a breath, she got the courage to open it and go inside.

Someone had righted the table she’d knocked over while fighting for her life. The kerosene lantern and her Bible sat on top of it. Rachel stared at the rocker where she’d fallen asleep as the horrific images of that night came rushing back. Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped out of the room and closed the door. She’d deal with those memories another day. Instead, she went to her sister’s room. Eva kept the space neat and clean. Her Blackboard Bulletin magazines were piled on the table next to the bed.

Rachel sank to the bed and picked up the magazines. Flipping through each of them, she remembered how Eva had pored over them for weeks.

A piece of paper slipped out of one of the magazines. Rachel leaned over and picked it up. Her sister had scribbled, “A. Miller. 2 p.m. Stoltzfuses’s Bakery.” Rachel stared at the paper in shock. She didn’t know anyone with the name A. Miller.

Stuffing the paper into the pocket of her apron, she searched the rest of the magazines for more clues. There were none.

A knock on the door sent her jumping to her feet, heart racing. She was on edge, expecting another attack.

Noah stood in the doorway. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to spook you.” His husky voice dispelled her worries for the moment.

“Is something wrong?” he asked when he saw her expression.

Rachel pulled the slip of paper from her pocket. “I’m not sure. I found this amongst Eva’s things.” She handed it to him.

“A. Miller.” His curious gaze shot to hers. “Do you have any idea who this is?”

She shook her head. “There are no Millers living in the community as far as I know. Eva never mentioned anyone by that name.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “We need to figure out who this person is. I’ll call Walker and have him speak with the Stoltzfuses. Perhaps they remember Eva meeting with this man.”

“But when? There’s no date on the note. Stoltzfuses’s Bakery isn’t open on Sunday. It could have been last week or longer. Maybe she chose not even to meet this person.” She tried not to let the hopelessness inside take control. “You think this is who took her?”

“There’s no way of knowing until we talk to this person, but it’s something of a lead.” He tapped the paper. “I’m going to speak with Sheriff Collins and let him know about this.”

Rachel followed him back to the living room. All she could think about was her sister. Why hadn’t Eva spoken of meeting this person? She’d believed her sister shared all aspects of her life with her, but now she realized that wasn’t the case. What other secrets did Eva keep? All sorts of possibilities sped through her mind, none of them welcome. Had Eva been deceived into a relationship with someone who might end up taking her life?

Noah called Walker and filled him in on the note. “Rachel doesn’t recognize the name. As far as she knows there are no Millers living in the community.”

“If this guy isn’t from around here and he has Eva, who knows where he might have taken her.” Walker paused for a breath. “Nothing about this makes sense. If this is all about the younger sister, why come after Rachel unless she saw something and the perps are afraid she can identify them?”

“That could be it,” Noah said in a low voice. “The only problem is Rachel doesn’t know anything.”

Walker’s silence didn’t sit well. “There is another possibility that we have to consider. Maybe this is connected to the human trafficking ring that’s been operating throughout the state. Dozens of young women have disappeared over the years.”

Noah didn’t want to think about the sweet young girl he’d known going through something so horrific, but the possibility was real enough. Eagle’s Nest was but a stone’s throw from the Canadian border. If the men managed to get Eva across it...

“Doesn’t explain why they’d come after Rachel. They’d want easy targets. She’s not an easy target anymore,” Noah said and ran a hand across the back of his neck. “Did you get anything from the man I shot?”

Walker’s sigh spoke volumes. “Nothing. We printed him. Believe it or not, his prints aren’t on file. He claims his name is George Mason and he’s a drifter. He’s being charged with two counts of attempted murder. The judge denied bail. Maybe sitting in a cell will start him talking.”

Noah sure hoped he was right. “That’d be nice. We need some answers.”

“Agreed. I don’t think he’s the mastermind behind all this. He’s not that smart. I’m guessing he was sent there to search for something and got caught. Does Rachel have any idea what they might be looking for?”

“None. The Bible that was taken isn’t the one used for devotionals.”

“We need to figure out what these men want and soon.” Walker was silent for a moment. “I’ll speak with the Stoltzfuses right away. I know the couple pretty well.”

Most of the deputies were familiar with the Amish bakery in Eagle’s Nest. The Stoltzfuses were good people. From time to time, Martha dropped off pastries at the station for the officers and just about every deputy on the force stopped by for Martha’s apple fry pies.

Noah didn’t want to think about what might be happening to Eva. With a heavy heart, he glanced over his shoulder to where Rachel rocked, her attention on the fire. She appeared miles away and deep in thought.

His gaze went to the window. In the distance, the mountains proved a constant reminder that they’d been there long before he arrived and they’d be there long after he was gone.

“As soon as I’ve spoken with the Stoltzfuses, I’ll give you a call.” Walker’s voice interrupted his musings.

Noah drug his thoughts back to the conversation. “Thanks, Walker.” Ending the call, Noah shoved the phone into his pocket.

Doing his best to shake off his concerns, he slipped into the rocker next to Rachel’s. “Walker’s speaking to the Stoltzfuses,” he told her.

She turned in her seat and touched his arm. “Denki, Noah. I am grateful you are here with me. I cannot imagine going through this alone.”

The sincerity on her face tugged at his heart. “Don’t you know I would do anything for you?” he said softly and meant it.

She swallowed visibly. Without answering, she pulled her hand away. “I need to care for the animals. They must be starving by now.”

After what had just taken place, Noah wasn’t so sure it was safe to leave the house. “First, let me check in with the deputies, then I’ll help out.”

Aden answered on the first ring. “We’re in pursuit of the vehicle now. I followed them through the woods past the barn. They circled back around to the road. Megan picked me up and we’re giving chase. There’s no license plate. The car’s probably stolen. Hang on a second.” The noise of tires screeching resounded through the phone.

“That was close. We almost went off the road. It’s pretty icy through here.”

“Where are you now?” Noah asked.

“Close to the Lake Koocanusa Bridge.”

“Call me as soon as you have them,” Noah said and prayed that would happen. “Rachel needs to care for the animals. We’ll make it quick.”

He ended the call and explained what happened. “We should be okay to do the chores.”

Rising, Rachel took her cloak from the peg by the door and slipped into it, then tied her black, deep-set traveling bonnet in place. The dark color of her dress a constant reminder of the man she’d loved and lost.

Noah couldn’t picture her with anyone other than him, but what did he expect? That she would wait around for him forever? Besides, he’d married another.

Her sweet voice filtered through his thoughts. He realized she’d been trying to get his attention.

“I’m sorry... What did you say?”

A frown formed between her brows. “Are you okay?”

He nodded and opened the door, relocking it once they were on the porch. Following Rachel to the barn, Noah unlatched the door and stepped inside. Mid-afternoon shadows clung to the corners of the cavernous room.

Taking down the lantern that hung near the door, he struck a match to it. Soft light made the darkness flee.

“I’ll muck out the stall and feed the mare for you,” he told her, recalling all the times he’d helped with the chores.

She smiled in response and carried the milking stool over to the cow while Noah cleared up the mare’s stall. In the past, he’d enjoyed the hard work, and each minute he’d spent with her had been a blessing.

With the stall clean, he brought over oats and water to the mare, who neighed her appreciation.

Rachel lifted the heavy pail filled with fresh milk and struggled to carry it to the door.

“Here, let me.” He took it from her.

“Denki. I’ll feed the chickens and collect the eggs before we go inside.”

Sitting the pail next to the door, Noah glanced around the barn. Not much had changed over the years. A buggy was parked at the far side of the barn away from the animals—the family’s means of transportation. Something on the ground next to it seemed out of place, and he went to investigate. Beside one of the wheels, a half-dozen cigarette butts were scattered on the ground. Fire sparked from one of the glowing tips to the hay scattered around on the ground. It caught fire and spread quickly. Noah took off his jacket and began beating out the flames. Rachel rushed over with a bucket of water and tossed it on the flames. The water put out the remaining sparks. With the fire out, smoke billowed from the charred hay.

Noah stomped the remaining butts to make sure they wouldn’t ignite. As he surveyed the mess, a chilling thought occurred. What if the butts had been strewn strategically to set a fire and draw one or both of them out of the house in an attempt to separate them and allow the men chasing Rachel to get to her? The shots earlier might be a decoy to get Megan and Aden out of the way.

They’d been gone for almost an hour now. The cigarettes could not have been left by the men they were pursuing. Which meant...someone had been here recently.