Amish Country Murder (Love Inspired Suspense)

by Mary Alford

  The weariness around his eyes tugged at her heart. He was trying so hard and she wanted... Well, it was best not to go there. What she wanted was impossible.

  “I’ll be fine,” she said. Still, he didn’t move, and her chest tightened.

  “I’ll check on you in a little while,” he said quietly.

  Getting words out was hard. “Perhaps I will lie down with Lily. You’ll come to get me when you know something?”

  “I will,” he promised.

  Once he was gone, Catherine struggled to her feet with Lily and carried the girl to the cot. Rolling onto her side, Lily reached for the doll she’d left behind and hugged it close. Just like... Catherine. She remembered cuddling the faceless doll in the same way when she was younger. The doll she and Elizabeth had shared...

  Catherine got into the bed next to Lily and pulled the covers up. She was so tired she could sleep for days. If only she could do so without seeing him.

  Off in the distance, men’s voices drifted through the closed door. She couldn’t make out what they said. Turning on her side, Catherine faced Lily. Without a doubt, she was positive Elizabeth was her sister. Was certain Elizabeth’s husband had passed away. So why wasn’t her own past as clear?

  Closing her eyes, she saw Elizabeth’s face appear before her once more. There were tears in her sister’s eyes as she told their parents she was leaving the Amish faith. Catherine remembered so clearly the day her heart had broken. She was losing her sister. She’d cried and begged her not to leave, but Elizabeth was in love with an Englischer.

  Life was not the same after her sister left. Her parents never spoke about Elizabeth, never kept in touch, but Catherine did.

  She opened her eyes. Elizabeth and her husband had lived not too far from their family home. Catherine secretly met her sister whenever she could.

  She rubbed her forehead. But why had she come to Eagle’s Nest?

  After what happened with John last year, you needed a break from the gossips around the community.

  Elizabeth’s words came to mind. She remembered John. They’d known each other since they were children and had been inseparable. Everyone just assumed they would wed, and they’d planned, until he came to her one day and told her someone else had caught his eyes. For almost a year after, what happened was the talk of the community, so she’d left.

  If she’d stayed away, perhaps none of this would have happened to her or Elizabeth.

  * * *

  “I’m not the killer!” Peter Atkins exclaimed, his gaze shooting from one man to the next in the room.

  “Then explain why you were in the same area where the attack took place. You were seen coming from the direction of the killer’s last known location,” the sheriff said, his gaze unwavering.

  “I told you. I’m helping you out. I’ve been patrolling the town for weeks. I thought I might catch this guy before he took another girl.”

  Sutter watched the man’s facial expressions as he spoke. A sinking feeling settled into the pit of his stomach. Atkins was telling the truth.

  “Do I have your permission to search your car and place, Peter?” Sheriff Collins asked.

  “Search my house? Why do you need to do that?” Atkins exclaimed in outrage, growing more nervous.

  “To clear you of any wrongdoing. If you’re innocent, as you claim, you won’t mind us having a look around and testing the blood found in your trunk.”

  “I am innocent,” Atkins said, though with a certain amount of hesitation.

  “But?” Sheriff Collins prompted.

  Atkins kept his focus on his hands. “But I took something that didn’t belong to me.”

  “What did you take?” Sutter asked, while keeping his full attention on Atkins’s face.

  “A saw and some other tools along with some lumber.” The man’s gaze shifted to the sheriff. “I needed them to build a smokehouse on my property and I couldn’t afford to buy the supplies for it, so I waited until after hours and loaded up what I needed.”

  The mention of a smokehouse reminded Sutter of what Catherine had said about the killer smelling like smoke. Still, it was flimsy, and certainly not enough to convince Sutter this was their killer.

  “And your employer never caught on?” the sheriff asked, a frown on his face.

  “No, sir. I’ll pay him for what I took.” Atkins hung his head. “But I didn’t kill anyone. I was only trying to help.”

  “What’s your fascination with this case?” Sutter asked, leaning forward. “Do you know who the killer is?”

  Atkins’s eyes became huge. “I don’t have a clue. All I was doing was trying to help.”

  “Then let me take a look around your place and your car. I can clear your name easily enough,” Sheriff Collins said again.

  Atkins stared at him for the longest time before relenting. “Okay, you can search my car and my house. If it will clear my name, help yourself.”

  “Good.” The sheriff snatched Atkins’s arm. “Will you agree to give a blood sample?”

  Atkins slowly agreed. “If it clears my name, then yes.”

  “Good. I’m going to have to put you in the cage until I can prove you weren’t involved. I’ll have a tech draw your blood soon.”

  Atkins’s eyes grew enormous. “Aw, now why do you have to do that? I’m not going anywhere.”

  Sheriff Collins led him down the hall to the jail cell. “It’s protocol. I’ll arrange for a meal to be sent soon. In the meantime, behave yourself.”

  After Atkins stepped inside the cage, the sheriff slammed the door shut and moved away, out of Atkins’s hearing. “I’ll head to his house now. James, you want to come with me?”

  Sutter’s partner willingly agreed.

  “I don’t want to call Megan and Cole off their post,” Sheriff Collins went on. “Ryan’s out of town checking with other Amish communities around the state, but Aden should be coming on duty soon.” He faced Sutter. “What’s your read on Atkins?”

  “Catherine didn’t recognize his voice. My gut tells me he’s not our guy. Did you find a gun?”

  The sheriff scratched his head. “He had a .38 on him. That caliber doesn’t match the killer’s MO. Other than the shotgun, there were just a couple of tools in the trunk. Nothing incriminating, with the exception of the blood. I’ll have Trevor swab it and see if it matches Catherine or any of the other victims.” He faced James. “We should head out. I’ll call Aden now to make sure he’s on his way in, and call in a couple of Sheriff Wyatt’s men, as well.”

  The sheriff glanced at Sutter. “Why don’t you and Catherine head to the Warrens’ house? The station is no place for a child, and if Atkins isn’t our guy, that means the real killer is still out there.”

  The reality of what Sheriff Collins said settled over him. “I agree. I’ll go tell Catherine.”

  “Take my truck. If Atkins isn’t our guy, as far as we can ascertain the killer doesn’t know you’re using it. James and I will take the cruiser.”

  A fortysomething man with graying hair entered the station, followed by Deputy Scott. Sutter recognized the nightshift dispatcher, Bernie McIntyre.

  “Let me have a word with Aden and Bernie before we leave,” the sheriff told James, and stepped away to speak with the men.

  Sutter stared at Bernie. Same height. Build. Same dark eyes. He was seeing the killer everywhere. But he’d spent time with Bernie. Knew he was a good man.

  “Sutter?” James’s concern reached out through his misgivings.

  “I’m sorry. My mind was on something else.”

  James’s narrowed gaze followed his line of sight. “Are you okay?”

  He nodded and forced a smile. “Yes. I guess I’m tired.”

  Sheriff Collins came over. “We’re all set. I told Aden to let me know if anything comes through on the case while we’re gone. Don’t g
ive Bernie and Aden any problems, Peter,” he said, as he and James passed by the cell.

  Sutter went to the sheriff’s office and opened the door. A single light shone, from the desk lamp.

  “I’m awake,” Catherine whispered from the chair. He stepped inside and shut the door.

  “Couldn’t sleep?”

  She lifted her shoulders in answer. “He isn’t the guy, is he?”

  Sutter wished he could answer her definitively. “I don’t think so, though his behavior is definitely suspicious. And he has a smokehouse, which would explain the smell of smoke on his clothes. But why would he show his face when the killer has been so careful not to up until now?” He shook his head. “He’s consented to a search of his property. Sheriff Collins and James are heading there now. If nothing else, we can rule him out soon.”

  She rose to her feet. “The killer is still out there.”

  As much as he would love to tell her differently, he couldn’t lie to her. “Yes.” Sutter ran a hand across the back of his neck. “This is no place for Lily to spend the night. The sheriff suggested the Warrens’ place might be more comfortable. Lily can play with Katie. It will be a better environment than here.”

  Catherine nodded and moved toward the sleeping child, but Sutter stopped her.

  “Let me.” He lifted the little girl up against his chest. Lily wrapped her tiny arms around his neck. Her soft breath tickled his cheek. Things he’d given up on rose inside him like a knife to the heart. A family. Children of his own. A wife. Someone to love him. Someone like... Sutter killed the line of thought before it could take root. He wasn’t Amish anymore and he couldn’t return to the faith he no longer believed in. It was best to leave those dreams in the past where they belonged.

  TWELVE

  She glanced into the backseat. In sleep, Lily clutched the faceless doll tight in her arms as if it would protect her. She had no idea how much the little girl understood what was happening, but she prayed the memories of this tragic incident wouldn’t haunt Lily for the rest of her life.

  “She’s a beautiful girl.” Sutter smiled over at her.

  “Jah, she is.” Yet Catherine’s heart broke. What would happen to Lily if they couldn’t bring Elizabeth home safely?

  She shared what she remembered about her sister marrying an Englischer. “You were right.” She shifted in her seat and watched Sutter. “Elizabeth did leave the faith. I remember how heartbroken we all were. For a while, I kept in touch, until she moved.”

  Their eyes connected briefly before he focused on the road again. “Do you remember where she went?” he asked.

  She shook her head. That was one of the many pieces of information still missing from her memory. “I want my sister back. I want this to be over.”

  “It will be. Soon.”

  As they entered the Amish community, the blackness of the countryside, not broken by streetlights, set her on edge. He hunted in the dark of night.

  Sutter turned up the drive leading to the Warrens’ home. The nervous feeling continued to grow stronger. He’d found her here once before. What if the killer didn’t fall for the trick and came back during the night?

  The truck stopped in front of the house. The curtains parted and Noah’s face appeared briefly before he opened the door and came outside.

  Sutter faced her in the darkness. “You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.” His husky voice reached out to her. When she didn’t answer, he said, “Let’s get you and Lily inside where it’s warm.”

  Climbing out, he circled around to Lily and eased the sleeping child from the car seat.

  “Sorry to be so long,” Sutter told Noah, who was openly surprised to see Lily. “A lot has happened. Let’s go inside and I’ll explain.”

  Rachel held the door open for them, with Katie glued to her side.

  “You are Amish, after all. And you have a little one with you, as well,” Rachel said, when she saw Lily in Sutter’s arms. “Komm, lay her on the sofa near the fire. I’ll get a quilt.”

  Sutter gently placed Lily on the sofa, while Katie watched the other child with wide eyes.

  “Katie, this is Lily. She’s very tired, but when she wakes up, I’m sure she will want to play with you,” Sutter told her.

  “Mamm, she has a dolly like mine.” Katie pointed to the faceless doll.

  “She sure does.” Rachel placed a handmade quilt over Lily, then turned to her daughter. “Can you keep watch over Lily until she wakes up?”

  Katie proudly nodded, then sat on the floor in front of the sofa, close to Lily.

  Rachel pointed to the kitchen. “I have kaffe. It will help to take away the chill.” She went into the kitchen and poured four cups, while Noah took cream and sugar to the table.

  “Are you and Catherine hungry?” Rachel asked, glancing from one to the other. “I made friendship soup and there is plenty. I will heat some up for you.”

  Catherine rose to help, but Rachel stopped her. “Rest. You must be weary.” She lit a burner and placed the pot on top of it. Soon, the delicious smell of soup wafted their way, bringing with it a pleasant memory.

  Her mamm used to make the soup, and it was a favorite of Catherine’s since she was Lily’s age. Catherine took up her coffee cup with hands that shook. Her mamm’s face appeared before her. She had blue eyes like Catherine’s and her dark hair was streaked with gray. Both Mamm and Daed worked hard to provide for their family and the way of life they loved. Catherine couldn’t imagine living any other way. She didn’t understand how her sister or Sutter could choose to leave their faith.

  Sutter did his best to explain what had happened, while Catherine spooned up her friendship noodle soup, brimming with ground beef, onions, lentils and barley.

  “So it’s your sister who is missing?” Rachel asked, her eyes softening with compassion. “I am so sorry.”

  Catherine nodded, unable to answer. It was hard to think about what Elizabeth might be going through.

  Sensing she was hurting, Rachel covered Catherine’s hand with hers. “Gott will protect Elizabeth. She is in His hands.”

  “Denki,” Catherine murmured, her attention on the bowl in front of her while she swallowed at the lump in her throat.

  “Right now, we’re grasping at straws.” Sutter explained about Atkins’s interview.

  “This is a difficult case. I hope you bring the killer to justice soon,” Noah said.

  “She’s awake!” Katie ran up to the adults, her face flushed with excitement.

  Catherine hurried to Lily’s side. The little girl sat up and stared around the room with wide eyes.

  “I’m right here with you, Lily,” Catherine said, and sat beside her, gathering the child into her lap. “Are you hungry?”

  Once Lily realized she was safe, she leaned forward and watched Katie.

  “This is Katie. Do you want to show her your dolly?”

  Lily held up the faceless doll up. It worried Catherine that Lily hadn’t spoken a word since they’d found her at the house. Would she regain her ability to speak one day?

  The little girl hopped down and approached Katie, while pointing out the doll’s blond hair. Catherine smiled to herself. The two seemed to hit it off despite Lily’s inability to speak.

  Catherine knelt beside her niece. “I will be in the kitchen if you need me.” With Lily content to play with her new friend, Catherine returned to the kitchen.

  “Children have a special way of accepting each other without any prejudice, don’t they?” Rachel said.

  Catherine watched the girls interact. “They do.”

  Sutter’s cell phone rang, and he picked it up. “It’s Sheriff Collins. Excuse me.” He stepped away to take the call. Even with his back to her, Catherine couldn’t take her eyes off him. The sudden tension in his shoulders confirmed the truth. Something bad had happened.

&
nbsp; Please don’t let it be Elizabeth.

  He swung back to her, gaze latching on to her face. “Call me the minute you know anything for sure,” he said into the phone.

  Catherine rose. Her heart slammed against her chest. “What has happened?”

  He hesitated as if weighing his words. “There’s been another victim. She was left not too far from the cabin where you and your sister were taken.”

  Her body tensed. “It is...?” She couldn’t finish the question.

  He covered the space between them and folded her hands in his. “We don’t know anything yet. Sheriff Collins is on his way there now with James. He’ll call the minute he knows anything. Until then, we can’t jump to conclusions.”

  All she could think about was how much time had passed since she’d left the basement. Was it too much for Elizabeth to still be alive?

  * * *

  As he watched Catherine struggle not to fall apart in front of Lily, Sutter wished more than anything he could spare her this pain. He’d been where she was and it was a path filled with guilt. Blame.

  Lily tugged at Catherine’s skirt and she knelt beside the child.

  Sutter’s heart broke for the little girl, who only wanted her mother to come home.

  Gathering the child close, Catherine carried her to one of the chairs. She rocked Lily while she cried.

  As he watched the two of them together, a childhood memory resurfaced. When Thomas was maybe a little older than Lily, he’d taken ill with chicken pox. His mamm would rock Thomas in front of the fire, much like Catherine was now.

  Being close to Catherine, Sutter found it hard to deny his feelings were changing toward her. She was beautiful and strong, and she’d been through so much. More than anyone should have to endure, and it wasn’t anywhere close to being over. He’d have to be careful from here on out, because he couldn’t gray the lines between protecting her and giving in to feelings that had no place in his life.