The Secret of the Medaillon

by Rebecca Byler

  How precious was this medaillon? Who was its owner? And where did he get it from?

  I needed to see Mr. Peter Smith tomorrow. He is the richest man living in this area. I heard he has a room full of his jewelry collection. A majority of those items were bought from different parts of the world, and some were sold to him voluntarily by the locals, and by the people who live in nearby towns. Perhaps, it belonged to him, or to one of his friends who attended his birthday party last week. However, I needed to know first, where Samson had accidentally swallowed this thing.

  At four o’clock in the afternoon, Joshua came to check on Samson’s wounds again. I don’t know why, but I felt quite happy to see him again. I know he is not here because of me, but I didn’t care. So, while he was attending to my dog, I decided to make two cups of kaffee for us, as we agreed last night. The freezing weather was perfect to grab one. To make it extra special, I seized a jar of my very own strawberry jam and some bread.

  When I was sure his examination of Samson was finished, I invited him to join me on the veranda.

  “I had no idea you were the one making this jam,” he said. “I’ve bought one from Mr. Corners’, but I guess, that was just my lucky day. Every time I have visited the store, it was always out of stock!”

  I giggled like a child. Maybe, he was just trying to flatter me, but it was nice to hear something like that from a customer, once in a while.

  “Well, I would be delighted to reserve a jar for you, Joshua,” I assured him.

  He flinched as if that was the first time he heard me speaking his name aloud. Does he like me, too? Ach! Nee! I am not betraying Amos, am I?

  “That would be an honor, Leah,” he answered.

  I don’t know why I am feeling strange. I have not felt like that for a very long time. I think, just like him, I flinched upon hearing him say my name as well.

  Chapter 5

  Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. Proverbs 3:5-12

  I reached Mr. Corners’ store too early when the next market day came. Samson was fine now, thanks to Joshua, who was religiously checking his condition every day. However, I decided to leave him at home just to make sure he was getting his full rest for a faster recovery. Good thing I brought my book with me.

  So, while waiting, I went to the nearby coffee shop and spent some time reading the mystery novel I had set aside for days.

  “You didn’t tell me you like Agatha Christie novels,” a voice said from behind me.

  “Joshua, Guder Daag! It’s so nice to see you,” I greeted him, a little surprised.

  “Same here, what are you doing here, by the way?” he asked, curious.

  “I was waiting for Mr. Corners to open his store, but I was earlier than I expected,” I explained. “How about you?”

  Joshua grinned shyly. “I was waiting for you,” he answered.

  “For me?” I repeated, unsure if I heard him correctly.

  “I mean, I was waiting for your delivery,” he said, clearing his throat. “You know, I don’t want to be left empty-handed again,” he added, staring at the basket of jars beside me. Ach, of course, he was waiting for my strawberry jam! What am I thinking?

  Laughing, I pulled out a jar from my own bag. “You don’t have to wake up this early for my jam,” I said. “Here, I was going to bring this one to your clinic later, but since you’re already here, I’ll give it to you now.”

  “Danke, that was so nice of you, Leah,” he uttered, like a child who had been given a jar full of sweets.

  This time, Joshua bought a cup of kaffee for me. As usual, we spent the time talking about a lot of things, as if we still had a pile of stories to share with each other. Even if we saw each other every day, the time was not enough to discuss all of it.

  Somehow, I began to feel alive again. For the first time, Amos’ absence was not hurting me like it always used to. Does this mean I was attracted to Joshua? Ach! I shouldn’t fall for this guy! He was not even Amish!

  After the delivery, Joshua offered to take me home. After all, he had his own buggy. His friend John taught him how to drive it when he moved out from the city last year. Though he admitted he is an Englischer, his words were clearer than crystals. He was in love with the Amish culture, and the simplicity of our community was inviting him to live with us for good.

  Anyway, as much as I wanted to be with him, I had to refuse his kind offer today. It was not just because of my fear of riding a buggy, but also because I was planning to visit the Smith’s mansion to speak to Mr. Peter about the medaillon. So, I omitted the first one and stuck with the last excuse.

  “Peter Smith? You mean, the medaillon collector?” Joshua inquired, looking a bit apprehensive.

  I nodded. “Why? Do you know him?”

  Joshua sighed, and it seemed like he was trying to calm himself. “Yes,” he answered. “Please, pardon me, Leah, but I have to stop you from doing this. What do you want from him, in the first place?”

  “I just want to find out who owns the medaillon that you found in Samson’s stomach,” I replied. “It looks quite expensive, and someone is surely searching for it by now,” I defended. “I have no plans of keeping something that is not mine.”

  “Listen, Leah,” Joshua said, lowering his voice. “I understand your point, but Peter Smith is not an ordinary man you’d be happy to meet if you’re just---"

  He didn’t continue. Maybe, the word was too offending, but I was glad he still managed to treat me nicely even if he was obviously irritated. He must be a really gentle kind of man.

  “What’s wrong, Joshua?” I asked him, innocently. I didn’t get it.

  He sighed again, then, he stared at me intently. “I just want you to be safe, Leah. Peter Smith is the most influential man in town, and trust me, he is capable of hurting anybody even a woman like you.”

  “And why would he even think of doing it?” I asked him. “I will not squeal anything about the medaillon just like that. I just want to speak with him and learn something valuable from his collections. That way, it would be easier for me to understand its value and origin, and even find its true owner. Isn’t that exciting?”

  “Leah,” Joshua stated. Clearly, he was not fond of the idea. He came and put his hands on my shoulder. “If you really want to see his collections, today is not the perfect time. We should wait for the schedule of his public viewing next week.”

  “Public viewing?” I repeated. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, he is not showing off his treasures to anybody anytime. However, his collection is open to the public just once a month. I heard that it will be next week. But, I am not sure of the exact day. I’ll try to ask around for you,” he suggested.

  It seemed like Joshua was determined to stop me today no matter what it took. So, I agreed to his alternative plan. After all, he probably knew Mr. Peter Smith better me.

  The day I had been waiting for had finally arrived. Today was the public viewing of the Smith’s Medaillon Collection, and Joshua bought two tickets for us.

  Samson must be jealous. I was leaving without him, and I had to bring him to Rebecca for a while that day. An occasion like this was not open for animals. I would have to make it up to him later.

  “Hey, there, Leah,” Joshua said as I opened the door.

  “Joshua!” I exclaimed. What was he doing here? We were supposed to meet each other at the venue. Ach! He brought his buggy to pick me up! I’ve told him I would rather walk, hadn’t I? />
  “I’m sorry for the short notice. I just thought that, perhaps, it would be better if I brought a ride. Besides, you’re not serious about walking up to the north side of town, right?” he asked genuinely.

  Why it was so hard for me not to squeal everything to him? The more often I spent my time with him, the more I wanted to be true to him. This time, I had no choice but to reveal the true reason why I was afraid of riding a buggy again.

  “I know,” Joshua admitted. “John told me a lot of things about you. He even told me he courted you before.”

  “What? He did?” I asked him, feeling embarrassed.

  He nodded at me, then after a while, he tilted my chin reassuringly. “I had no idea what you’ve been going through, Leah. But I wish you could find a way to face your fear, like what I am doing right now.”

  “And what’s your fear, Joshua?” I urged him.

  “I will tell you at the right time,” he answered seriously and looked away. “For now, I am asking you to trust me, just like you entrusted Samson’s life to me. Come, and take a ride with me today. I will take care of you, I promise,” he requested, then offered his palm to me.

  With those words, I decided to set aside my fear. It’s not like I hadn’t ridden a buggy before. I was just scared the same accident might happen to me again. I was afraid someone would die again while I would survive for the second time around.

  People said I was lucky. All of my companion’s lives were taken away immediately after the incident while I remained unscratched and still breathing. Little did they know, surviving was the least thing I would consider. What was the essence of being a survivor, if all of my loved ones were gone? I had nothing and no one to live for.

  Chapter 6

  "Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself! Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder." Proverbs 23:4-5

  The Smith’s mansion was absolutely extravagant. Although, only one section of the residence was open to be the guests, I was still left in awe. How could someone afford to build a home so beautiful as this? I mean, a day would not have been enough to appreciate its whole features and beauty.

  Just like the others, Joshua and I were escorted directly to the function hall by one of the ushers. There was a crowd of spectators already, busy checking out thousands of jewels and crystals owned by Peter Smith.

  “Ach! I think this is going to be tough!” I blurted out, and Joshua stared at me in agreement.

  “You don’t have to do this, Leah. You could just keep the medaillon,” he whispered.

  “Nee!” I whispered back. “It does not belong to me. This is quite thrilling, isn’t it?”

  Joshua shook his head and intended not to discuss it any further. “Just be careful. and please, do it quickly. I’d like to take you to some other places after this,” he said.

  My heart shivered with anticipation. Where would he take me? I couldn’t help but make myself look busy to hide my excitement. Indeed, I always loved to be in his company. I was very glad he was spending his time with me the rest of the afternoon.

  I do not have enough money to buy even the cheapest crystal in the gallery. But for now, I think reading the origin of at least two items, with similar features of my possession, was sufficient to get started with my investigation.

  “Good afternoon,” greeted a man, wearing a black suit. “You seem to be quite interested in these two,” he commented, pointing at the two medaillons in front of us.

  “Ach,” I mumbled, caught in the middle of my deep contemplation. “They are really stunning,” I said. Joshua was out for a while to grab a drink for us.

  “Indeed,” he answered, his deep blue eyes were eyeing me like prey. “It’s a regret, Mr. Smith has no plans of selling them for now,” he uttered.

  “Really? Why not?” I inquired, totally intrigued.

  “It’s a long story,” he said. “You see, they were known as the Tricrystal Medaillon. Obviously, they come together in three, and should be sold in three, of course. Without one of them, they are totally useless. This collection came from the South East, quite rare and really really expensive.”

  “W-where is the third medaillon, then?"” I asked, swallowing the lump in my throat.

  “I have no idea,” he replied. “Actually, I thought it would be here by now. But I suspected the one who called Mr. Smith the other time was just a prank.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, someone called him a few weeks ago. He said the third medaillon was with him, and he wanted to sell it. He said he’d deliver it to the mansion himself, but we are still waiting for him. So, I bet it was just a joke. I mean, Mr. Smith doesn’t care how expensive it was. All he cares about is to have the complete set of it,” he explained.

  “I see,” I uttered, quite reluctant to spill the beans.

  So, the medaillon doesn’t belong to Mr. Peter Smith after all. At least, not yet. Someone owned it, and he was surely dying to find it. But who was it? And where would I find him?

  “Do you think it’s the best idea to announce this matter publicly? Perhaps our search would be easier if we do that. We could advertise a lost and found notice in the newspaper,” Joshua suggested when we left the mansion.

  “I don’t think so,” I answered. “Anyone can say and pretend that he is the medaillon’s owner, and it is obvious that it costs a fortune, Joshua.”

  “So, what are you planning to do?” he asked, quite serious.

  “I don’t know yet, but I will definitely search for him even if I need to travel to the city,” I said, determined.

  “You’re not serious about that, are you? It may lead you to danger, Leah,” he protested, his eyes were sad and anxious.

  “But I really want to,” I said. “This is very important to me. Solving a mystery like this makes me feel alive and happy again,” I defended, like a child trying to justify myself.

  Joshua didn’t bother to oppose my idea anymore, but I could see in his eyes he was upset. What was wrong with him? He used to be the cheerful one. It seemed like he was not fond of the idea.

  Rebecca was in the haus when we arrived. As soon as the buggy came to a halt, Samson rushed through the door to meet me. Although Joshua climbed down to take a quick look at him, I could sense the change in his mood.

  Unlike before, he didn’t stay for long, which made Rebecca and me a little confused. Even so, he still bid his farewell politely.

  “Is he gut?” my friend asked when Joshua’s buggy was finally out of sight.

  “Perhaps, he was tired,” I lied. I knew his mood changed because of me, but I had no idea what I had done, or if I said something to offend him.

  “Did something happen? Did he kiss you?” Rebecca interrogated.

  “W-what? Nee! What are you talking about?” I exclaimed, surprised by this sudden inquiry. “Nothing happened. He just escorted me to the public viewing,” I added defensively.

  “Ach! I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “He looked quite upset. I was thinking, perhaps, he attempted to kiss you, and then you slapped his face,” she explained, laughing.

  “You’re unbeliLeahble,” I said, feeling a bit hysterical. “He is just my friend. Besides, it doesn’t look like he’s interested in me. He is an Englischer, for goodness sake!”

  “He is close to embracing our faith,” she interrupted. “Leah, can’t you see he is so into you? He likes you!”

  “That’s ridiculous,” I responded, as my heart thumped vigorously. “How do you know?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “It is obvious. Besides, John told me. Joshua likes you, and he also mentioned to him that he would invite you to dinner tonight after the viewing.”

  “That’s what he said earlier, but he suddenly acted strangely after we talked about my plans of searching the real owner of the medaillon,” I informed her, pouting my lips a little.

  "Really? I don't think he would be upset just like that. Perhaps, you've sa
id something wrong," Rebecca said.

  Joshua's absence for two days was something I did not expect. I was already used to having a cup of kaffee with him every day.

  I was confused with my feelings, too. How come I felt so sad and incomplete without him? Before, I was used to being alone, with no one to talk to aside from my dog.

  Samson barked at me as if he could feel the emptiness in my heart. “Ich bin gut, buddy,” I assured him. “Perhaps, I should start making Mrs. Miller’ quilt instead.”

  So, I occupied my mind with my task. This is to keep myself from missing him. I am just foolish. Joshua has his own life, and I am responsible for my own happiness. I should not have tried to defend my life to anybody else.

  It took me more than three hours until I felt tired with the routine. I would just continue this some other time. Besides, the wedding was still more than a month away. I had plenty of time to prepare Mrs. Miller’s gift.

  Meanwhile, I decided to pick some flowers in the garden to put them in an arrangement. It had been a while since my last visit to the cemetery, and I thought this was the best time to pay some respect to my loved ones, and to find a quiet place to reflect.

  Usually, I would ask my friend, Rebecca to join me. However, I preferred heading there alone this time. In a few hours, it would get dark outside, so I had to hurry.

  The weather was still cold and everyone were not in the mood to spend a long time outside their homes. Tomorrow I would start solving the mystery of the medaillon again and no one could keep me from doing it. Not even Joshua.

  Sometimes I couldn’t help but think how he was taking this matter negatively. If that was the real reason why he got upset the last time we were together, then we couldn't be together at all. Amos was very supportive when it came to matters like this. Perhaps, he was really the only one who could understand me.

  Kneeling down beside his tomb, I couldn’t keep my tears from falling. I remembered the time when he was still alive. Even though it was more than a decade ago, the pain was still here to stay. Whenever I visit the grave of my loved ones I always think of Genesis 37:34-35: “Jacob tore his clothes in grief, dressed in rough burlap, and mourned his son a long, long time. His sons and daughters tried to comfort him but he refused their comfort. “I’ll go to the grave mourning my son.” Oh, how his father wept for him.” Oh how I still miss my familye.