“Ach, Amos, mei lieb!” I cried. “I miss those times when you used to tell me things about mysteries and wonders. Together, we loved to solve things beyond our reach. But you left me so soon, and I don't know what to do anymore. It was as if the urge still runs through my veins. I need to do this. I need to find out the answer,” I continued, as tears filled my eyes.
“Leah,” a voice interrupted me from behind. It was Joshua and he looked as sad as I was.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, and secretly wiped my tears away as I forced myself to give him a smile.
“Your neighbor said you headed this way, so I followed you,” he explained. “I'm sorry I know I was rude to you last time. I just couldn't keep this feeling anymore. I care too much about you, Leah. And I'm afraid you might get hurt with this whole mystery solving thing.”
I was stunned, unable to utter a word. Joshua was confessing his feelings to me. Was I dreaming? Was this true?
“Joshua, we've just known each other for a while. You don't even know me. You don't even like what I want,” I said.
“Does it matter? People should fall in love without grounds and conditions,” he asked, his eyes were sincere and hopeful.
“And how do you know if it is really love, Joshua? You have no idea what I've been going through,” I said.
“What's keeping you, Leah? Why are you so scared of falling in love again?” he asked, full of pain. "I love you, and that's all that matters to me."
“Nee! This is too much, Joshua. Besides, we have different beliefs.”
“I'd like to know if you would give me the chance to prove it. I want to know how you feel about me,” Joshua insisted. “Do you like me too?”
I failed to answer. Jah, I like him, and this must be love. But I was afraid to admit my feelings for him. I felt like I was betraying my dear Amos by totally submitting to my emotion.
Joshua came closer. He reached for my hand and placed it on his chest. Then, he touched my face and stared at me deeply. I knew I had to look away, but I had no strength left to resist him.
“He’s been gone for ten years, Leah. I am begging you, please let him go. Let his memories stay with you, but don’t punish yourself by sending away the good memories we can share together,” he pleaded.
“Joshua,” I breathed. “Ich lieb Dich, too. But you must understand, we can’t be together. I am Amish, and you are not.”
“If that is bothering you, then I am willing to be baptized in your church, Leah. Just please, give me the chance to make you happy.”
It was now or never. Perhaps, this was the time to give it another try, and to move on.
I gazed at him and put my palm on his cheek to comfort his pleading face. “Joshua,” I started. “Since the day you asked for a cup of kaffee, I started longing to see you every day. I must admit the last two days were the loneliest days of my life,” I continued.
Joshua’s face lit up, and finally, there was a trace of a grin on his lips. “Really?” he asked as if he couldn’t believe it. So, I nodded and smiled at him sincerely.
“You have no idea how happy you made me, Leah,” he uttered. His lips came closer to mine. It was a very sweet and delicate kiss. “I love you,” he said.
“Ich lieb Dich, too,” I replied. He didn’t wait for another second to hold me in his arms.
After a while, he reached for Amos’ tomb. Joshua touched the stone bearing the name engraved on it. “You don’t have to worry. I promise, I’m going to take care of her,” he said.
Joshua was just about to leave the haus when Rebecca rushed in. By the look on her face, it was obvious Joshua and I didn’t need to explain our new relationship. She was definitely good at reading people’s gestures, and secret glances.
“I’m glad you two have finally reconciled,” she uttered.
“Danke, Rebecca,” I answered. “But you look quite anxious, what’s wrong?”
“Ach, Leah,” she snapped. “I heard something about the medaillon! Here, have a look at this!” Rebecca pulled out a piece of parchment from her apron. It was a photograph of a young black boy, probably sixteen or seventeen years old.
“Who is this?” I asked.
“He looks familiar,” Joshua uttered, then he paused for a while and stared at the ceiling. “Oh, I remember! This kid nearly fainted in front of my clinic a few weeks ago. He even asked for a glass of water,” he added.
“Ach! Joshua! You should call this number then,” Rebecca exclaimed, and pointed at the numbers printed below the photograph. “I was in town this afternoon. There was a group of men from the city, and they were searching for him. They said he had stolen a medaillon from their r, employer and they are willing to pay those who can give any information of his whereabouts.”
“That’s strange, the kid doesn’t look like he’s capable of stealing something like that,” Joshua muttered, studying the face of the child.
“Looks can sometimes be deceiving,” I answered. “Should we call the number, Joshua?”
“Leah, as you said, anyone can pretend to be the real owner of the medaillon. It’s better if we don’t get involved. This is something that should be left in the hands of the authorities. Besides, it’s still useless. It won’t even give them any clue of his location,” he explained.
“You’re right,” I said. “I should travel to the city, then. Maybe, all the answers I’ve been looking for are just waiting to reveal themselves.”
“Nee, Leah,” Joshua said. “Stop this. I can’t let you go. That is really unnecessary.”
“Joshua,” I pleaded. “Please, understand. I won’t let it pass just like that. I have the medaillon, and it is my responsibility to return it. Why do you have such strong feelings about something so simple? If Amos could understand me, why can’t you?”
There was an awkward silence between us. I felt guilty, but couldn’t manage to handle the situation. I knew I had hurt him again. Luckily, Rebecca was there to spare me.
She cleared her throat intentionally. “If it will ease your worries, I’m willing to go with her, Joshua,” she offered.
Chapter 7
"Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. 'If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.'" John 8:31-32
John was the one who drove us to the station on the following day. Like his friend, he was trying to convince me not to continue the journey.
“Joshua reached out to me and asked me to talk to you. Listen to him Leah,” he said kindly. “This is too much. You’re putting yourself in danger,” he added.
“You know me, John. You must understand. I can’t back out now. This is important.”
“Well, I’ve done my part. But I should tell you, he is still hoping you’d change your mind,” he uttered.
“I am aware of it,” I said. “Please, assure him I’m going to be fine, John. Besides, Rebecca is with me. I wouldn’t be alone in the city,” I added.
“Okay, good luck on your journey, then.”
When we reached the City of Harrisburg, Rebecca and I got a small room in the first motel we saw. The first thing we did was dial the number of the young boy’s tracker using a pay phone located at the opposite side of the establishment. We were planning to set a meeting with whoever it was.
My primary goal was to learn more about the young boy from those men. Where does he live? What is his name? But I knew it wouldn’t be easy. It was not a good idea to ask them directly about it, was it? What if they were just bluffing? What if they were the bad ones? I wouldn’t give away the medaillon just like that. I needed to know the truth.
“Leah, Joshua was right. I think this is not a good idea,” Rebecca whispered while we were observing the group of men waiting at the restaurant.
“Rebecca, we’re here already,” I muttered, hiding my face with the large menu list. Good thing, we chose a crowded place.
“Should
we go and meet them now?” she asked anxiously.
“Of course, not,” I said. “We can’t show them our faces. They might try to find us.,” I answered.
“What?” she hissed. “Then, why did we call them, and set up a meeting?” she asked, totally bewildered.
“I just wanted to see their faces, and catch some news about the boy.”
“I don’t get it. How are you going to do that?” she wondered, secretly surveying the group.
“I don’t know yet, just stay still, and do your thing, or whatever you want,” I replied.
“What if they recognize me?” she asked again in a weary voice.
“I doubt it, we’re not wearing our Amish dresses, honey. They will never recall your face, I assure you.”
The men were starting to look impatient, waiting for the woman who called them this morning. Little did they know, that was nobody else but me. However, I had no plans of revealing myself to them.
It almost took my breath away when the four of them came in and occupied the table next to us. Rebecca gasped. Probably thinking they had found us. At first, I thought we were busted, but soon, I realized they were ordering some food. Well, they were humans too, right? They needed to grab their lunch as well.
Sighing, Rebecca and I stared at each other with relief. I think this is my day. The men were too close, and I could even hear their conversation.
“I’ve told you, it’s a prank, Carl,” said one of the guys. “Let’s just go back to the Old Man, and figure out where to find that boy.”
“I’m sick of looking for that dumb kid!” the other one said, who was probably the guy named Carl.
“His name is Oliver Kinsley, just to remind you,” the third one interrupted. “Let’s return to his grandmother’s apartment on Fifth Street. Maybe, he is home by now,” he suggested.
“Are you nuts?” Carl’s voice said. “He stole the medaillon; he will not return to the West Side Apartment. He is not crazy enough to hide in a place where he could be seen easily. You heard his granny, he hasn’t been home since the day he was sent to the Smith’s mansion.”
It was three o’clock in the afternoon when we returned to the motel. Rebecca looked so tired and sleepy. So, I granted her request to take a nap for a few hours and just visit Oliver’s grandmother later.
Indeed, today was my very lucky day. I had gathered enough information to pursue my investigation. However, I am not yet certain which side to take.
So, while my friend was sleeping, I took a seat on the balcony’s sofa and checked out the precious medaillon from my purse. I hoped it could express itself to me so it would be easy for me to pick up some clue. It really was beautiful. If I would not be Amish I would have the desire to wear it. Ach, sometimes I dream about being an Englischer so I could wear pretty jewelry. But those desires usually do not last long as I love my Amish life too much to consider giving it up for something like jewelry or fancy dresses. Anyway, my short lived desire of wearing the medaillon lead me to think of 1 Timothy 2:9 "Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire."
Suddenly, in the middle of my meditation, I remembered Joshua. I knew he was upset, but still, he offered to look after Samson while I was away. I promised him I would keep myself safe, and I would return home as soon as I could.
Luckily, fate was a big help for this project. It was starting to lead me in the right direction for this case. Anyway, in no time, Rebecca and I had easily found the West Side apartment easily.
“This doesn’t look like the home of a thief,” Rebecca blurted out as we studied the whole building in front of us.
“Jah, I thought about that too,” I replied, astounded by the glamor of the possible residence of Oliver Kinsley.
“Should we get in, and look for his grossmammi?” my friend asked.
“Jah, I think we should. Let’s go,” I answered, and took the lead towards the entrance.
The building doesn't look simple and ordinary. I could tell the difference. This one was like a hotel, the lobby itself was big and beautiful. There was a chandelier hanging inside, and a friendly receptionist greeted us immediately as soon as we stepped in.
“Good evening, how can I help you?” she asked, giving us a very sweet smile. She was blonde and wearing a corporate outfit.
Rebecca turned to me as if she was telling me to take over the situation.
“H-hi,” I choked. “Were friends of Mr. Oliver Kinsley. I was wondering if he is here tonight?”
“Oh,” she uttered. “I’m afraid he’s not here, but if you like, allow me to call his grandmother for you,” she said.
“That would be great, thank you,” I said.
The lovely lady dialed a number on the phone, and in no time, she was already having a conversation with someone.
“Yes… yes… Okay, Madame… I apologize…” she said continuously.
The receptionist took a deep breath before she came back to us. This time, she couldn’t look straight into my eyes.
“I’m really sorry, but Mrs. Kinsley is not feeling well. Honestly, she hasn’t wanted to talk to anybody since Oliver left the apartment,” she explained.
“He left?” I repeated.
“Yes,” she answered, and nodded. “The last time I talked to him, he said, he was going to travel outside the city.”
“Did he mention where?” Rebecca interrupted.
The attendant smiled kindly, then she continued. “I don’t exactly remember, but he was with an Amish guy that time. The guy was giving him directions on their way out,” she explained.
“Rich kid! Oliver was really fond of traveling,” I uttered, trying to get more information without being suspect.
“Well, you know how stubborn he always was. Such a spoiled brat,” she commented. “He would go wherever he wanted. Money was not really an issue to him. He could afford even the most expensive tour!” she added, agreeing with me.
“I agree,” I replied, faking my enthusiasm, and it seemed like I had caught the lady’s favor. “By the way,” I said, trying to push my luck even more. “Do you remember if he took any luggage with him? That way, I can figure out if he will be away for long,” I explained.
She paused for a while, concentrating really hard on remembering. “He only had his favorite zebra bag, that’s it!” she responded.
Ach! Suddenly, the memory of the bag on Joshua’s desk flashed into my head. “A young boy left it here this morning,” Joshua’s voice reminded me.
“You mean, the backpack with a zebra stripes design?” I asked, my heart was thumping so loud, now.
“Exactly!” the receptionist uttered.
Chapter 8
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" John 14: 1-2
Rebecca was relieved that we were heading home so soon. After we had left the apartment building, we packed our things immediately so we could catch the next train.
I needed to speak to Joshua right away. I was excited to give him the news. How I wish the backpack was still in his clinic. There should be something in there that may lead me straight to Oliver Kinsley. There were a lot of things I wanted to ask him, and one of this was his reason for stealing the medaillon.
“I'm glad it is over,” Rebecca muttered as she leaned on her chair.
“Who says, it's over?” I reckoned, and my friend raised her eyebrow decisively.
“Don't tell me, you'll return to the city again for this,” she said in protest.
“I don't see any reason why I should not,” I answered.
“Ach, Leah,” she muttered. “You should, at least, consider the feelings of those concerned about you, especially Joshua. You're hurting him too much already,” she continued and nagged me as if she was my mamm.
“I never hurt anyone,” I defende
d.
“You know in the first place he was not up to this idea. Can't you see? He always wants you to be safe.”
I understood Rebecca’s apprehension. However, I thought she was just overreacting on the matter, just like Joshua. So, there was no point to justify myself anymore. I know her, and I wouldn’t win the discussion no matter how hard I'd try.
When we arrived at home, the first thing I did was change my clothes. Meanwhile, Rebecca headed back to her haus, to reunite with her familye. She had probably missed Arthur and her kinner.
Anyway, I had to take care of the household chores first before getting back on track. So, I visited the garden to water the plants, before preparing a good meal for lunch.
There were some advantages of living alone. For instance, I could easily grab whatever food was available in the kitchen. However, the saddest part was, I was eating all by myself.
I was supposed to steal an hour to read, but unexpectedly, someone knocked on the door.
“Guder Nummidaag, my dear,” Mrs. Miller greeted me with the same lovely expression.
“Guder Daag, Mrs. Miller,” I replied. She must have come over to follow up the progress of the quilt she requested.
“Thanks Goodness, you're here. I was starting to worry about you,” she uttered sincerely. “Where have you been?”
“Ach, I just took a day off to go to the city with Rebecca,” I answered.
“Really? That's good to hear!” she uttered, clasping her hands. “Finally, you've spent some time to relax. You should do that once in a while.”
The Secret of the Medaillon Page 4