by Debby Giusti
“Sarah...” She kept her voice low. “Nothing is worth your tears. Tell me what’s wrong.”
The young mother-to-be shook her head.
Ella hesitated a moment, giving her time to work through the swell of emotions that had obviously overpowered her.
“I’m your doctor, Sarah, but I’m also a neighbor and a friend. I won’t share the information unless you give me permission. You can trust me.”
“I...I know.” Her voice was weak and fraught with feeling.
“Is this about Levi and the gun?”
She shook her head again. “Not Levi.”
“But it concerns the rifle?”
Sarah nodded. She dug for the handkerchief tucked in her sleeve and wiped her cheeks. “Levi worries about me when I am alone. He has always been protective of me, but even more so now because of the baby. Sometimes I think he worries that someone will do me harm.”
“He wants to keep you safe because he loves you,” Ella said encouragingly. “That’s not a bad thing.”
“I know that is true, and I love him and always want to do what he asks of me.”
“I’m sure you’re a wonderful wife. Levi is blessed to have you.”
Sarah continued to hang her head, as if ashamed of what she was about to reveal. “My father said I was a fool to marry a man who loved another.”
Ella rubbed her hand over the woman’s slender shoulders. “But you said that your father does not have a loving heart. He might not have approved of any man you chose to marry.”
Sarah’s brow furrowed for a moment and then she nodded. “Perhaps you are right. Although a child is to obey her parents, especially her father. I tried to be a dutiful daughter.”
“You shouldn’t worry about your father.”
“He frightens me at times. Especially since his mind is failing him. His anger has increased.”
Ella glanced down at the intricately pieced quilt and wished the pieces of information Sarah had provided would fit together half as well. “Did your father have something to do with Levi’s gun?” she asked.
“No, but there was a man...”
The new detail made Ella’s heart lurch with concern. Again, she patted the young woman’s shoulders. “Tell me what happened, Sarah.”
“Two days ago, Levi went to town. He wanted to find some work to do for extra money so we could better prepare for the baby. He worries that there might be a problem and the baby may need special help at the hospital.”
“I told you that I’d deliver the baby and wouldn’t charge you.”
“That is right, and we are so grateful. But you also mentioned that the baby could need special care, if...” She dropped her head into her hands and started crying again.
“Sarah, you need to be strong. I told you the pregnancy is going well. The baby is growing and gaining weight. The heartbeat is good.”
With a decided sniff, Sarah wiped her eyes and raised her head. “Levi says that I fret too much, but I know he worries, too. He is worried about how to provide for another mouth to feed.” She looked around. “Our house is small.”
“Your Amish neighbors will help.”
“Some will. Others, like my brother and father, will not help. They cannot accept Levi.”
“But your faith tells them to forgive.”
“Some precepts are harder to accept, and some people think they are above the teachings and the truth that we hold so dear.”
“It’s the same in all cultures, I’m afraid,” Ella answered, thinking of the people in Carlisle who had become aloof after Quin died. Perhaps because he had taken his own life; perhaps because they didn’t understand his work, or the way he had grown more and more distant.
“That is why I didn’t tell Levi.” Sarah spoke slowly, her voice little more than a whisper.
Leaning closer, Ella asked, “Tell Levi what?”
“About the man I saw. Two days ago. The sun was setting, and darkness was settling over the land. I looked out the window and saw a man walking from the stand of trees.”
“The trees behind our houses?” The same area that the shots had come from today.
“That is right. A dirt road runs along the property line. I thought he must have come from that road.”
“Who was it?”
“His dress was fancy. He wore denim pants and a hooded fleece shirt. The hood covered his hair, but he also wore a hat with a wide bill—” She raised her hand to indicate how it would fit.
“A baseball cap,” Ella suggested.
“Yes. It was low on his brow so I could not see his face. He hurried toward our house.”
Ella tried to think where she had been at that time of day. “Was I at home?”
“I heard you leave earlier. Maybe you were in town?”
She nodded, remembering her schedule. “I didn’t have patients and went to the grocery store in Freemont. I got home after dark, but I didn’t see anyone hanging around.”
“He was gone by then. I watched him walk around my property. He peered in one of the windows as if he wanted to see if anyone lived here.”
“I’m sure you were frightened.” Without a phone, Sarah couldn’t call for help.
“Levi told me never to touch his gun. He worried I could hurt myself.”
“But you were afraid,” Ella volunteered.
“I was. The man tried the front door. I feared he would go to the back door and try to get inside. When he came around the house, I opened the door a bit and yelled at him to leave.”
Ella was surprised the young woman had had the courage to do so.
“He took a step closer. I did not think he would go away, so I fired Levi’s rifle.” She looked at Ella. “Not at him, but at the ground. He ran to the woods. I watched for him to return, but he never did.”
“You didn’t tell Levi?”
“I planned to, but Levi was discouraged when he got home. He had found no jobs, and I could see the worry in his eyes. He said he’d had a strange feeling that something was wrong at home. He’d hurried back and wanted to arrive before dark, but a wheel on the buggy had a problem, and he had to fix it along the way.”
The woman searched Ella’s gaze as if for acceptance. “I could not tell him about the man or that I had used his rifle. I did not think he would find out. I thought the next time he went hunting he would not check his gun first, but I was wrong. Now I fear the special agent from Fort Rickman thinks Levi is the person who shot at you today.”
“You need to tell both men what happened.”
Sarah nodded. “I should not have kept the truth from my husband.”
“Can you describe the man?”
“Only what he was wearing, as I told you.”
“Was there anything about his face?”
Sarah shook her head. “His hat was so low that I could not see much. Plus I was frightened and shaking. When I think back, everything is blurred.”
“Which is how I feel about last night. I can’t recall what the attacker looked like. He had a flashlight that nearly blinded me with its brightness, but I should be able to remember more.”
“We have both tried to block out evil that has tried to touch our lives.” Sarah rubbed her hands over her arms as if she was cold. “I must tell Levi and Special Agent Swain.”
“You don’t have to worry about Zach. He’s a good man, just like Levi.”
“I can see it in his eyes. You have been friends for a long time?”
Ella was surprised by the question. “No, we just met last night. Why do you ask?”
“The way he looks at you. His gaze carries more with it, as if you share a special bond.”
Ella stared at Sarah for a long moment and then stood, unable to make sense of the tangle of emotions tugging at her he
art. “You probably noticed his inquisitive nature. He investigates crime and wants to get to the bottom of every situation. That’s what you see in his gaze.”
The girl shook her head. “No, there is more. But now I must tell my husband what I have kept from him and ask his forgiveness.”
Ella opened the bedroom door and was the first to step into the kitchen. Zach raised his gaze and stared at her. A feeling stirred deep within her that made her breath catch in her throat.
She pulled her eyes away and turned as Sarah walked toward her husband.
“Levi, I must tell you something that I have kept from you.”
His face was creased with concern. “Is it the baby?” He rose and went to her.
“The baby is fine.” She glanced at Ella. “At least, that is what our nice neighbor keeps telling me. But there is something else. We will sit and have pie, and I will explain what happened.”
“Why don’t you begin,” Ella suggested. “I’ll serve the pie.” As she cut slices, she watched Levi’s face, which was so filled with love for his wife. He was concerned about her health, and hearing about the stranger who had tried their front door made him turn pale with fear for her safety.
Zach leaned across the table, taking in everything the young woman shared. Just as Ella had mentioned in the bedroom, he wanted a full description of the stranger and any other details Sarah could remember.
Levi was too distraught to eat and kept holding his wife’s hand and apologizing for returning home late that night.
Zach asked a number of questions, obviously hoping to unlock Sarah’s memory, but she could think of nothing more than what she had told Ella.
Ella picked at the pie. The apples were green, but Sarah had sweetened them with just the right amount of sugar. Still, Ella’s stomach tightened, and she had no appetite. The few bites she ate were to comfort the young wife who wanted to please everyone.
Zach turned again to stare at Ella. As if reading his thoughts, she realized the stranger had been canvassing the area before he stopped by her clinic.
Was his visit in any way involved with Levi and Sarah? Or was it about Ella, the patient records she kept on hand or the treatment she provided to the local Amish community?
What was going on in this once-idyllic part of Georgia? Ella tried to read Zach’s gaze, but all she saw were questions about who she was and what had happened to her peaceful life.
* * *
“You’re quiet,” Zach said from the driver’s seat as they left the Millers’ property. The map Levi had drawn to his father-in-law’s farm lay between them.
“Just thinking back to everything that’s happened,” Ella said. “If I hadn’t come to Freemont, Levi and Sarah wouldn’t be in the middle of an investigation.”
“It isn’t your fault. Besides, Levi is merely a person of interest. So is Mary Kate’s husband. After Abrams talks to her father, Mr. Landers might be, as well. Any investigation has a number of folks who need to be questioned. That doesn’t mean they’re guilty or involved in the crime.”
“Then you don’t suspect Levi?”
“I don’t know what to think. He and his wife seem to have a loving marriage in spite of his earlier relationship with Mary Kate. She’s moved on, as well.”
“Was she the reason for the clinic break-in? Did the assailant want to do her harm?”
“Perhaps. Still, every angle needs to be followed. What’s in the twins’ medical record that might cause someone to want those files?”
“You know that’s not something I can share. I’m sure you’re well aware of the Privacy of Information Act. Information between a physician and her patients is privileged.”
“I’m not asking about any psychological evaluations, Doc. I just need to know some general facts. I’m sure the file mentions the genetic condition you uncovered.”
Ella refused to comment.
“What about the biological father? Was Levi’s name in the files?”
She sighed but failed to respond.
“Ella, I’m not interested in their medical information, per se. I need to know if the father’s name was listed.” Zach stared at her, feeling mildly frustrated. “I can get a court order, if you won’t help me out, but I don’t think what I’m asking is anything we haven’t discussed with both the adoptive and biological fathers.”
“You’re right. Both men have been open about their role in the children’s lives.” She rubbed her hands together and then sighed. “Corporal Hugh Powers is listed as the adoptive father.”
“So you didn’t include Levi’s name in the records?”
“It wasn’t necessary to include anything about him. Plus, I didn’t know who the birth father was, nor did I ask Mary Kate.”
“Yet the disease you diagnosed has been specifically associated with Amish children.”
“Perhaps I should have pressed Mary Kate to reveal the biological father, but I was more concerned about restoring the girls to health. Now that they’ve improved, that detail may be something that would have bearing on future children, should Mary Kate get pregnant again. You’re correct in saying that the disease occurs more frequently with Amish, but it could also appear randomly in nature.”
“So it isn’t just an Amish disease?”
“That’s right, although the incidence is much higher in the Amish community due to the limited founding families.”
Zach held up his hand. “Can you backtrack a bit?”
“A certain number of Amish fled to America because of religious persecution. Those families remained close-knit and intermarried. Recessive genes that would dissipate in a larger population were enhanced within the small founding pool. My husband studied those families and the diseases they develop because of their intermarriages. If Quin were still alive, he would have traced the girls’ lineage. That was his interest, but not mine.”
“Still, it seems you would have wondered about the father.”
“I knew Corporal Powers had adopted the girls. Mary Kate left the area before the twins were born and moved south of Savannah. She has an aunt who lives there. I’m sure the aunt provided lodging while she was pregnant. Some people think nothing of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Other folks still don’t want the information to be made public. I have a feeling Mary Kate’s father was the latter.”
“Has he ever mentioned knowing who the biological father was?”
“I haven’t heard him talk about Levi, except what he said today. I’m sure he knew. That’s probably why he is so antagonistic toward Levi.”
“Mr. Landers insinuated that Mary Kate and Levi had met recently.”
“I’m sure Levi wanted to find out information about his daughters. Plus he wanted to know how the condition affected the girls.”
“Did he ask you about the disease?” Zach inquired.
“Only in general terms. I’ve drawn blood samples on both Levi and Sarah and am awaiting the test results, as I told you. With CED, both parents have to carry the gene in order for their offspring to be susceptible.”
“Both parents provide a gene?” Zach pressed. “Does that mean it’s recessive?”
Ella nodded. “That’s right.”
“So Mary Kate comes from Amish lineage?”
“I...I don’t know. As I mentioned, the disease can appear in the general population, yet it’s much more prevalent among the Amish.”
“Did you ask Mary Kate about her background?”
“No, never.” Ella let out a stiff breath and shoved her hair back from her face. “I never thought about it. My husband said I didn’t have a mind for research. He must have been right. I shouldn’t have missed the connection.”
“You’re a good doctor, Ella.”
She looked embarrassed and somewhat surprised by his comment. “I appreciate the compliment
, Zach, but I have a feeling you just want to lift my spirits. Besides, I don’t seem to be tracking down all the information that should be important in a genetic study.”
“Which sounds as tricky as a criminal investigation. Sometimes I’m too close,” he admitted. “I need to step away for a moment to let my mind work without any hindrance.”
He glanced at Ella and wondered if that was the problem with this investigation. Had he gotten too close to her and become blinded to the truth? Another thought stirred within him, even more disconcerting. Was he blinded by false testimony, an assortment of half lies or innuendos that didn’t add up?
In military circles, he was considered a top-notch special agent, but this case was different. Had he changed? For the better? Or for the worse?
EIGHT
“There’s the turn.” Ella pointed to a narrow road almost hidden by undergrowth.
“I’m glad Levi provided directions.” Zach steered his car onto the narrow lane. Deep potholes pocked the path.
“Why don’t you stay in the vehicle while I meet with Mr. Fisher,” Zach suggested.
“I’d feel safer with you than I would sitting alone on this desolate road.”
The dirt track meandered through dense underbrush. Overhanging limbs batted at the car.
“I’d hate to travel this road in a buggy,” Ella admitted.
“Perhaps there’s another entrance that’s less of a hazard.”
“Then I suggest we take that route home.”
Zach laughed. The sound filled the car and bolstered her flagging spirits. She hadn’t laughed with Quin; at least, she couldn’t remember laughter. Maybe in the beginning when she’d been in love with him—or in love with being in love. Had that been the reason she’d gotten married?
Zach pointed through a break in the trees. “Looks like there’s some type of a structure on the ridge.”
A one-story home came into view as they rounded the bend and pulled into the clearing. The house was similar to Levi and Sarah’s, but the small wooden structure was anything but welcoming. The tin roof on the front porch listed as if held upright by a few rotten two-by-fours.