Amish Country Secret

by Lenora Worth

  Earlier, he’d also told the twins they should run to Jeremiah’s house if they needed help any time while Samantha was their guest. “If I’m not around and you see strangers nearby, you run and get help. Jeremiah and Ava Jane will know what to do.”

  Samantha was learning that Micah had a steady, solid support system. She remembered that from her days with Gramma. Everyone helped each other around here, one of the special things about a tight community. That also meant everyone always knew each others’ business, too. She worried about that, but she needed some advice.

  “We’ll talk to Nathan Craig about this,” Micah had also told her. “He is gut about tracking people and figuring out how things can go wrong.” Then he added, “He also used to be Amish and now he is happily married to Alisha—she’s a lawyer and often helps our community.”

  Now, updated about the people who worked and volunteered at the Campton Center, she felt better. She had people in her corner. Maybe they could help her fight off Leon, after all.

  When they came up on the curve, she gasped and glanced over at Micah. “The truck’s gone,” she said under her breath.

  “Maybe our intruders are gone, too,” he replied.

  Samantha wished that could be true. She gasped. “We can see if a tow truck picked it up. Track it back to that somehow to build our case.”

  Micah shook his head. “Now you’re thinking beyond being afraid,” he said. “That is a gut idea.”

  “If it helps end this nightmare, I’m all for it,” she replied.

  * * *

  A few days later, Samantha had settled into a routine that seemed easy in some ways, but difficult considering why she was here. After talking to the local authorities and telling them Leon was at large, Samantha didn’t hold out much hope. The township police headquarters was mostly a two-person operation with some part-time patrol personnel. Captain Frank Schroder had assured her they would make the rounds along the main road near Micah’s house. When she asked if they’d keep her presence here quiet, they’d agreed—unless the New York police called them to verify.

  The captain, an older man who seemed suspicious of everything she told him, stared at her and asked, “Are you sure you didn’t just have a fight with your boyfriend and now that you’re stuck here, you’re jumping to conclusions?”

  “I’m telling the truth,” she said. “Call the authorities in Winter Lake and get a report. It should match everything I’ve told you. You have the pictures I took, too.”

  He scratched his head. “If I call, they’ll know you’re hiding here.”

  She wasn’t sure she could trust the police captain. “Look for the story in the papers. I’m sure it made headlines in New York.”

  Nathan Craig, a private investigator whose parents lived not far from town, had talked to her at the Campton Center about how he helped Amish in trouble. He planned to go over her statement and do his own investigation. He asked a lot of questions about all of the happenings around Micah’s house and about her life with Leon back in Winter Lake.

  “Anything you can tell me about his habits, his past, would help.”

  “He was married before,” she’d told Nathan. “I don’t know where his ex-wife is or how to locate her. He never talked about her much. Never called her by name.” Samantha thought about her time with Leon. “He knew everyone in town and now that I look back, he seemed well-respected. Now I can see that it wasn’t respect. It was fear. He often hiked alone in the woods, too. Probably to check on his illegal operations.”

  “We’ll figure this out and try to keep you safe,” Nathan had promised. “I’ll get on this and see which tow truck they used to pull the truck out of the ditch. Sometimes it’s easier for someone like me to ask questions instead of the officials snooping around.”

  After Nathan and she had finished their meeting, Jewel, dressed in a floral sheath and dangling red earrings, had introduced her to Bettye Willis and Judy Campton. Jewel worked at the Campton Center, part bouncer and part assistant to Bettye and Judy.

  The three women had spoiled her with a tour of the place and cookies to take back to the twins. “Micah is the best,” Jewel had told her. “But if you need a bodyguard, you call me.”

  On the ride home, she’d gone over everything with Micah. “I’ve caused quite a stir, coming back here.”

  “Well, you’re here now and we’re all aware of it,” he’d said. “This community takes care of its own.”

  Now Samantha had grown used to the whole community watching out for her, but she was still on high alert. How could she rest with Leon out there plotting to get even with her?

  Staying busy had helped. She watched each day as Micah and some other workers went through the far end of the alfalfa field with a team of sturdy draft horses, tilling the budding green plants. He’d return the help with their farm work when they needed him. Since she loved to bake, she’d made pies and cookies and she’d managed to cook a passable pot roast with potatoes and carrots. She planned to try making bread, too. It had been a while since she’d made bread from scratch.

  Appreciating the indoor plumbing, she had learned to take quick baths and get out of the mudroom before the others came storming in to peel away muck boots and dirty clothing. She’d also enjoyed washing the handmade clothes and she’d managed to use the wringer-style washing machine. Hanging them on the clothesline by the back door was easy and the fresh air and sunshine made them smell wonderful. That scent caused her to long for her grandmother.

  She kept reminding herself that memories were coloring the longing in her heart. She missed her gramma, not this way of life. Or was it more than that?

  Fear and exhaustion had her doubting herself and wondering what life would be like here with Micah and the twins. Being on constant watch only worsened the situation.

  Micah’s protection measures seemed to be working so far. No one had tried to break in and he hadn’t found any footprints around the downstairs windows. The animal traps were still set. She knew Micah watched the barn and woods all day long and that he often went out late at night to check, taking his hunting rifle with him. He let the twins do their chores, with him nearby to keep an eye on things.

  They both existed on a heightened degree of tension.

  Or maybe that was from being around each other. Since they shared meals, talked more after the twins went to their rooms and often discussed what each day would bring, they’d gotten into a comfortable routine. A routine that couldn’t last.

  All through the community, people were still cleaning up after the tornado. That had kept Micah coming and going to help as needed. People had been by here to help, too. They’d cleared out trees and mended fences, fixed the roof shingles, and touched up any damage to the house and barn. Some had been curious about the car that still sat embedded in the muddy field.

  Everyone wondered about the woman who’d been staying at the King house. So much for hiding out. So far, no one here had bothered Samantha. They had too much to worry about while rebuilding after those fierce winds had damaged so much property.

  Right now, Micah was at the kitchen table, going over some paperwork. Farm life demanded a check-and-balance of the constant stream of money in and money out. He didn’t look too pleased. Samantha covertly watched as the line between his eyebrows grew deeper.

  He’d done so much for her over the last few days. Today, he planned to gather some men to move her car into the back of the barn. While he’d gone about his work, Samantha had managed to go back over the files she’d saved on her laptop. She had enough battery left to do that and some to spare, since she’d only opened it once. She needed to do some searches on Leon Stanton’s past, too. Especially his first wife. Even with Nathan looking around, she still wanted to know more. She’d have to go into town again and use the Campton Center’s secure Wi-Fi. Her phone needed recharging, too.

  So far, she hadn’t found ve
ry much beyond his family history. Early settlers in upstate New York on the land he now owned. A distinguished family. No mention of his wife or his past other than he attended Yale University.

  Leon had probably wiped some of his personal information away for good. Or it was at least so buried that she’d never find anything.

  “I’m going to check on Emmie and Jed,” Micah said, giving her that intense stare she’d come to recognize.

  “Okay,” she said, aware that she’d been watching him and he’d noticed.

  He left, probably needing some air and to be away from her.

  A few minutes later a knock at the front door caused Patch to race up onto the porch and bark. Samantha had left him near the porch so she could keep an eye on him. She rushed to untie his leash from the porch railing and then lifted him into her arms. As she glanced toward the barn, she saw the children cleaning stalls. Since school was out for the summer, they had extra chores to keep them occupied.

  Micah must have heard the knock or seen someone turning into the drive. He came back inside and stalked to the door while she waited near the back. “It’s Rebecca,” he called to Samantha.

  Seeing the twins frolicking with the goats, Samantha breathed a sigh of relief. “Patch,” she said, unleashing him and putting him down, “go to Emmie.” She waved to Emmie and pointed to Patch.

  Emmie came running to meet the little dog.

  Samantha felt better, knowing he’d bark an alert if anyone unusual came toward the twins.

  She hurried into the living area to greet her new friend.

  Rebecca held a cloth tote bag in her arms. “Gut morning, Samantha. I brought some clothes. Since you used to be Amish, I thought maybe you’d feel more comfortable in these.” Glancing at the old dress Samantha had washed several times, Rebecca shook her head. “And I can see I got here not a moment too soon.”

  “Denke,” Samantha said, the word coming naturally to her now.

  Micah nodded, appreciation in his eyes. “That was kind of you, Rebecca. If she is to hide out here, she will need to look Amish. I’m pretty sure she’s tired of wearing my cousin Ruth’s old dresses.”

  “So you’re hiding out still?” Rebecca asked. “I figured as much from the blabbermauls.”

  “Yes.” Samantha wouldn’t lie anymore, so she gave Rebecca the short version of the latest update. “I don’t want to stay here, but Micah is concerned about me leaving. I was on my way to my gramma’s house the other day when the storm hit. I wanted to hide there, since I knew she might be at her sister’s house.”

  “And you landed here instead,” Rebecca surmised, understanding in her eyes now. “If you hadn’t crashed into Micah’s field, you might not be alive today. Isn’t that interesting?”

  “More like, it’s too exciting for my boring existence,” Micah said. “I don’t think she needs to be alone. Some unsavory people are after her.”

  Samantha took the clothes, his words piercing her soul. He was only being kind, keeping her here. She needed to remember that. “I appreciate your help,” she told Rebecca, “but I intend to move on soon.”

  “If you’re in danger, we can help you,” Rebecca replied. “You can still come and stay with Isaac and me. We have a large house and rarely have visitors.”

  Samantha eyed Micah, then looked back at Rebecca. “I’ll stay here for now. Maybe they won’t return because they know we’re aware of them. Micah has taken precautions and we’ve alerted law enforcement. If anything else happens, I’ll move to your house. Sooner or later, I have to face the authorities back in New York, too. I was the whistle-blower on this operation and I know the authorities raided their storehouse. Other than calling in what I’d seen, I didn’t talk to the police there before I left. They’ll need to hear my statement.”

  She didn’t add that the FBI would have been called in on this, too, since as far as she could tell, this was a federal offense. Leon was still out there somewhere, just biding his time.

  Micah’s frown increased. “We’re keeping watch and I’ve secured the house. If she dresses Amish, that will help her to blend in.”

  Rebecca’s shrewd gaze landed on Micah. “I can tell it’s useless to argue with you, but word might get out and the bishop will kumm calling.”

  “I have not done anything wrong,” Micah said with a shrug. “I only helped someone in need. And today, I plan to get help moving her car. It’s like a beacon out there.”

  Rebecca didn’t push the issue. “I came with Isaac. He’s out pondering the best way to move the vehicle.”

  Micah lifted his chin in a nod. “One more will help when the others arrive. I can’t get it to crank so we’ll have to hook the draft horses to pry it out of the ground.”

  When he heard Jed calling his name, Micah rushed out the back door. Isaac was indeed standing with the twins, Patch in his arms. That little dog could sense the goodness in a person. As well as the evil.

  Samantha watched Micah go out and made sure the children were okay before she turned back to Rebecca. They showed Micah and Isaac some fresh tomatoes from the garden.

  “What’s his story?” she asked, wishing she didn’t need to know so much. “He seems to want to protect me, yet he also seems to resent me being here and bringing danger on his family.”

  “That one—he was engaged to a pretty girl. When his parents were killed and buried, that pretty girl suddenly didn’t want to be his wife anymore.”

  “Why not?” Samantha asked, her mind forming a scenario since Emmie had mentioned his girlfriend had run off with another man.

  “He told her the kinder would be part of the package, that he could not abandon them,” Rebecca said. “And she did not like that idea.”

  “So she broke things off?”

  “She did and a few months later, she found a new man from another community and left Campton Creek. I’m afraid her standards were outside the realm of being Plain.”

  “She jumped the fence?”

  “Over it and gone. She lives in the Englisch world now.”

  Samantha turned to watch Micah with his siblings. Things made more sense now. She’d left and joined the English world, like the girl he wanted to marry. No wonder he wasn’t so sure about having her around.

  Right now, he looked almost relaxed as he talked to Isaac and watched the twins. They were laughing and chasing the baby goats, Patch falling right in step. It was such a sweet, peaceful, normal scene, her heart leaped toward them with a deep longing.

  “I can’t imagine any woman telling her fiancé that, so it sounds as if this one already had one foot out the door. Now I understand what he’s really been going through. He loves his family and he’ll always put them first.”

  “He does, for certain sure,” Rebecca said. “He blames himself for his parents’ deaths, so I’m guessing he is trying to make up for that with saving you. A good heart, but a confused head. I don’t normally gossip. I thought you’d need to know who you’re dealing with.”

  Samantha took that as a gentle warning.

  “Thank you for telling me, Rebecca. It only reinforces what I’ve said all along. I can’t stay here.”

  Rebecca put her hands on her hips. “What if Micah seems to like having you here? He’s tenacious when it comes to protecting others. He feels responsible, but this is different.”

  Samantha couldn’t hide her blush. “He’s trying to help—that’s all.”

  “Ja, and he’s got you to help with the cooking and cleaning and taking care of Emmie and Jed. I’m thinking this is about more than protecting you. Best be aware of everything that’s going on here, ain’t so?”

  Samantha couldn’t answer her friend. She knew there could never be anything more between Micah and her.

  NINE

  After Isaac went to his buggy to get some tools, Micah watched the twins playing with the baby goats. Patch yelped a
nd tried to keep up, causing them to giggle even more. Their laughter always brought music to his ears and these days he had to stay close to them. The extra stress of that and having Samantha here, added to keeping up with the growing crops, gave him a daily headache.

  Samantha and Rebecca came outside and headed to the small corn patch. “We’ll have creamed corn for supper,” she called in passing. She glanced at the twins, worry in her eyes, too.

  Micah watched as she and Rebecca went to the edge of the cornfield to pull a few ears of corn from the silky green stalks. Gathering the corn and shredding the stalks would come later in the year, at least.

  He should send her away with Rebecca and get back to normal, but for some strange reason he wasn’t ready to let her go. The twins liked her well enough and they obviously loved little Patch. While it was strange, having a female in the house made his life seem more settled and normal. Maybe he should consider meeting up with one of the casserole ladies.

  No. He wasn’t ready and right now, he was dealing with one lady who both puzzled and intrigued him. More pressure would only make him more anxious. He also felt obligated to protect her since she’d crashed on his property.

  The danger was real. He didn’t want Samantha or his brother and sister to get hurt or worse. Glancing out to where her car sat hunched against the green field, he saw images he couldn’t get out of his mind. He’d rounded up some neighbors to help move it. They’d be here soon. Micah was glad for that, since the car reminded him of how his heart had dropped the day the tornado had hit and he’d seen Samantha’s deathly pale face covered with blood.

  It was only natural he’d want to protect her.

  You can’t protect everyone.

  He’d tried so hard to be a good son and he’d failed so miserably. He’d been arguing with his daed and mamm the night they died. He’d refused to get in the buggy with them to go pick up the twins from a neighbor’s house.

  Instead, he’d gone on foot to another house to visit with the girl he’d been walking out with—the girl he’d hoped to make his wife.