Amish Scarecrow Murders

by Samantha Price

  “We’re exploring all avenues. When we follow the trunk of the tree we also have to look at each branch and see where each branch takes us.”

  Ettie and Elsa-May exchanged glances, each knowing what the other thought. Kelly is finally losing his mind.

  Kelly continued, “These two recent scarecrow murders are connected. What we’ve found from forensics is that the same kind of dirt was on the scarecrows. A mixture of clay and ash. Meaning, they came from the same place. The killer made them at the same place. Now, with the murders in the seventies, the scarecrows were taken—stolen—from nearby fields.” He shook his head.

  “Interesting,” Elsa-May said, nodding.

  Ettie clicked her tongue. “Anything else you care to share with us, so you can help us to help you?”

  “Recently we’ve had reports of missing clothing from clotheslines. We now know where he got his clothes from for the scarecrows.”

  “For the recent scarecrow murders?” Elsa-May asked.

  “That’s right.”

  “So, the second killer—the copycat—is making the scarecrows, and the scarecrows used years ago were taken from the fields?”

  “Yes. That's what he just said, Elsa-May.”

  “I'm sorry. My mind was somewhere else.”

  Ettie shook her head. Too many pointless questions would enrage him. “One more question. I’m guessing the same gun was used in both of these recent killings?”

  “Correct.”

  “Then the two killings had to be connected. Do you think Eli’s son killed him, and also killed John Fuller?”

  Before Kelly could answer, Elsa-May blurted out, “Ettie! Selena might be in danger!”

  Kelly rubbed his chin. “So are hundreds of other people who’ve left the Amish over the years. How many would you estimate that number to be, Mrs. Smith?”

  “A handful—no, as many as couple hundred people, maybe, when you count the occasional whole families. I guess that's way more than a handful.”

  “So far, all the people who’ve been killed have been men. It’s unlikely she’s in danger.”

  Ettie wasn’t satisfied with that answer. Only two people had been murdered by this killer, if this murderer had not committed those murders in the seventies.

  Kelly’s mouth twisted to one side as he stared at each sister in turn. “I hope you've been putting serious effort into finding out what you can. It's bad to have two serial killers on the loose. One is bad enough. I’ve been working on it tirelessly. It’s my intention to find both scarecrow killers. If indeed there are two.”

  “We have been,” Ettie said.

  “I’m under a lot of pressure, as usual, to get this thing wrapped up.” At that moment, Kelly got a phone call and Ettie and Elsa-May excused themselves and said it was time they were going.

  As Ettie hobbled down the steps of the police station, Elsa-May said, “I’m worried about Selena.”

  “Me too. Let's see if we can talk her into staying with us for a while. A couple of nights with the inconvenience of sleeping on our couch is better than being murdered.”

  “That's right. I agree. It’s times like these I regret not buying a bigger haus all those years ago.”

  “It’s been fine for us.” Elsa-May reached out for her sister’s arm when Ettie overbalanced.

  “Stupid stick,” Ettie grumbled.

  “You’re just not used to it yet.”

  “Hmm. Anyway, let’s visit her and see if she’ll stay with us for a few days.”

  “Okay. I’ll get us a taxi.”

  * * *

  When the taxi pulled up at Gabriel’s cottage where Selena was staying, they were pleased to see her car parked outside.

  “At least she's here,” Elsa-May said. “That’s half the battle to talking to her about this.”

  Ettie leaned over to pay the driver and then stepped out of the car. As the taxi zoomed away, they walked up the porch steps. “This place looks so nice, doesn't it?”

  “Yes. He keeps things lovely.”

  Before they reached the front door, it swung open and they saw Selena, smiling. “Have you been to see Detective Kelly?”

  “We have.”

  “Come in out of the cold.”

  She ushered them inside and they sat huddled around the open fireplace. “What did he say?”

  “Nothing much except—”

  Ettie couldn’t wait for Elsa-May. Her sister spoke so slowly sometimes. “It was the same gun used on both. The red pickup truck was—”

  “Was not the one we’re looking for and—” Elsa-May continued with a disapproving glance at Ettie.

  Selena looked quickly at one sister and then the other as each talked over the top of the other.

  “And," Ettie added, "Eli’s neighbor was in jail the night of the murder.”

  Selena nodded. “I see.” She’d wasted her time pretending to be a journalist. All that angst for nothing.

  “Ettie, why did you bother mentioning it was the same gun? That part was obvious. We already know it was the same person who did it and the same gun was used.”

  Ettie huffed. “We don’t know anything until we have proof. We didn’t know it was the same gun until Kelly confirmed it. The two shootings are connected.”

  Elsa-May shook her head. “I knew that already.”

  “That's interesting,” Selena remarked.

  Elsa-May looked at her. “What is?”

  Selena rubbed her head, not sure why she'd said that. She hoped the sisters wouldn’t start arguing with her, too. “All of it.”

  “Elsa-May and I are here because we’re worried about you. And we’d really like you to stay at our place for a couple of nights.”

  Elsa-May added, “A couple of nights at least.”

  “Thank you for the kind offer, but I won't hear of it. I can't put you out like that.”

  “You won't be putting us out. You'll be sleeping on the couch, if you say yes. It could save you from being killed. You used to be in the community, and that could make you a target.”

  “That's very kind of you. But I assure you, I'll be alright. The victims have all been male. And I have a gun—and I know how to use it. Besides, I'm pretty sure that the killer knew those two people and probably had arguments with them. I haven't had arguments with anyone. I'm new here. No one knows me, and for all those reasons I’m sure I’ll be safe.”

  “I’m not so sure,” Ettie said.

  “I’m in no danger.”

  “You really do have a gun?”

  “I do.”

  “You’ll stop a couple of old ladies from worrying if you stay with us.” Elsa-May grinned.

  Ettie wondered who the two old ladies were. Then she realized her sister was talking about the two of them.

  “I'll think about it,” Selena said. “Perhaps there won't be any more murders. It might stop at those two.”

  “There were more than two in the first spate of scarecrow murders,” Elsa-May told her.

  Ettie said, “Yes, but the person isn’t copying everything the last killer did, so doesn’t that make you think there are two different killers?”

  “My brain hurts from thinking about it all,” Elsa-May said.

  “Mine too, Elsa-May. Let’s think about something else for a while. I came here to have a quieter life and to relax and to recover from what I’ve been through.”

  “Oh dear, I’m so sorry for involving you too much, Selena.”

  “That’s perfectly fine. I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

  “Perhaps then you wouldn’t mind driving us to a doctor’s appointment tomorrow?”

  Ettie was horrified. “Elsa-May! She just said she wants to relax. That doesn’t include being a taxi service.”

  “It’s all right. I’d be happy to do that. I’m still finding my way around. It’ll help me get to know the area. What time shall I collect you tomorrow, if I’m still alive?” Selena giggled as she spoke the last few words.

  “At ten,” Elsa-May s
aid. "Please."

  “I’ll be there.” She stood up. “Now, can I interest either of you in mini cupcakes? I was out early this morning and got a supply.”

  Ettie leaned forward. “'Mini,' you said?”

  “Yes. They’re not as big as the ones I got last time.”

  Elsa-May grinned from ear to ear. “I might be able to fit one in.”

  “Good. I’ll put the kettle on and get us some.”

  When she was out of the room, Ettie whispered, “We could’ve gotten a taxi.”

  “No need.”

  Ettie rolled her eyes. “We should only ask her to drive us places in an emergency.”

  “You’re right, Ettie.”

  Ettie stared at her sister, who never agreed with anything she said. Now she knew if she wanted her in a good mood all she had to do was offer her cupcakes.

  Chapter 11

  The next day, Selena collected Ettie and Elsa-May and drove them to Elsa-May’s doctor’s appointment. Rather than wait in the car, Ettie decided to wait inside and Selena thought it best she go with them.

  Because she was a new patient, Elsa-May was given an information sheet to fill out. When the three of them were seated, Elsa-May said to Selena, “Do you mind writing it out for me? I can knit, but my fingers don’t like to hold a pen.”

  “Sure.” Selena took it from her. When it came to the section for phone, she said, “I’ll just put my cell phone down, shall I?”

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “Do you suffer from—”

  “Just tick no for all those,” Elsa-May told her.

  Once it was all filled out, she gave it back to her to sign. Elsa-May looked it over. “Ah, next of kin. That would be you, Ettie.”

  “It’s asking for a phone number with an address. How about I just put my name down?” Selena suggested. “I can deliver messages.”

  “Sure. Thank you.”

  Selena took the form back from Elsa-May and jotted down her details. “That’s it.” To save Elsa-May getting up, Selena handed the form back to the receptionist.

  While she did that, Elsa-May whispered to her sister, “You’ll have to come in with me, Ettie.”

  “No. I’m not.”

  “I already told them you were going to come in with me.”

  “Told who?”

  Elsa-May nodded toward the receptionist. “The lady who answers the phones. I would like you to come with me.”

  “It’s not necessary.”

  “Please?”

  Ettie sighed. Her sister always got her way with everything. “Very well then if that’s what you want.”

  When Elsa-May’s name was called, they walked into the doctor’s office and sat down. There were two chairs against the wall and then the doctor walked in after them. He was tall and a little grim, just the way Ettie remembered him. She was glad when he sat down behind his desk.

  “Which one of you am I seeing today?”

  Ettie pointed to Elsa-May.

  “I would prefer you to see my sister about her back. I’m okay.”

  Ettie glared at Elsa-May. This had all been just a ruse to get her there. “No, my back’s fine.”

  “You were yelling and complaining about it only this morning.”

  “That’s right; it’s getting better, though.”

  “Which one of you is…” He looked down at the file in front of him. “Mrs. Lutz?” He looked up at the two of them.

  “That’s me,” Elsa-May said.

  “I’ve got it down as your appointment. If you want me to see your sister then —”

  “So, you remember us from the other day?” Elsa-May asked.

  “Yes, I remember you at the retirement home. I gave you my card.”

  “What do you know about Don Shallot?” Ettie didn’t want to let an opportunity pass by.

  He frowned at them. “I’m usually the one asking the questions, and it’s only about medical issues. Why are you asking me about him?”

  “How long have you known him?” Ettie hoped to get some information out of him before they were thrown out onto the street.

  “We’ve known each other for many years. He’s been a patient of mine for many years.”

  Then Elsa-May caught on. “And what research have you done on the Amish community?”

  “If it interests you, I’ve got my research papers online. Now, what did you want to see me about, Mrs. Lutz?”

  The corners of Elsa-May’s thin lips turned down. “I was hoping Ettie would relent and see some sense about you looking at her back.”

  “No one’s looking at my back.” Least of all the strange doctor in front of her.

  “Did you want to see the doctor about anything?” Ettie asked Elsa-May. “Otherwise, we’ll need to go and stop wasting the good doctor’s time.”

  “I’m sorry. We’ll pay you for the appointment of course,” Elsa-May told him.

  He bounded to his feet. “It’s perfectly alright. I can’t charge you for something I didn’t do.”

  “But she wasted your time,” Ettie said.

  He sat back down. “You ladies might be able to help with my research by donating some blood.”

  The very thought of that made Ettie sick to her stomach. She was keeping all of her blood.

  “Are you still researching?” Elsa-May asked.

  “Once a researcher, always a researcher. I won’t stop until the day I die. Is that young lady you arrived with one of your granddaughters?” He looked from one sister to the other.

  “She’s a friend. Her grandfather was a friend.”

  “I’d be able to use her blood too.”

  Ettie winced and wished he'd stop saying the b word.

  Elsa-May didn’t seem to notice and talked about something else entirely. “Have you heard about the scarecrow murders?” Elsa-May asked. “They involve Amish folk.”

  “I have.” He shook his head. “A dreadful business.”

  “It surely is.”

  “And the same thing happened back in the seventies,” Ettie added, staring into his face.

  “Is that so?”

  “Yes. Were you around this area when they were happening?” Elsa-May asked.

  “I worked between here and another location in the seventies, but I’m afraid I don’t recall them.”

  “There were about five murders.”

  He glanced at his watch. “I shouldn’t keep you ladies any longer.” He rose to his feet. “Good day.” He took two steps away from the desk and opened his office door.

  Elsa-May helped Ettie to her feet and they both walked out. The door was quickly closed behind them. Ettie could feel her cheeks were burning red-hot with embarrassment.

  “What happened?” Selena stood up when she saw them walking out.

  “We’ll tell you outside.”

  Once they were outside, Ettie told Selena, “She tried to trick me into seeing the doctor. It wasn’t her appointment. She made it for me.”

  Elsa-May’s bottom jaw jutted out. “I was trying to help.”

  “Anyway, he acted kind of weird when we mentioned the murders, don’t you think?”

  Elsa-May nodded. “Yes, I don’t believe a word of what he said. He is the right age—he would’ve remembered the scarecrow murders, and he had an interest in Amish people, so what do you think about that?”

  “And he looks like a murderer,” Ettie said with a shudder, “all pale and creepy with his slicked-back white hair.”

  “Yes, except murderers often look like regular people,” Elsa-May commented as they all walked to the car.

  “But not always.” As Ettie looked back at the building, she noticed the doctor peering out the window at them. It sent a chill through her body. She turned around without mentioning a thing.

  “You can’t say, 'He looks like a murderer,' that’s just what I’m saying,” Elsa-May said.

  “Who looks like a murderer?” Selena asked.

  “The doctor.”

  Selena looked confused.

&nbs
p; “What we should’ve told you was that we met this doctor at the retirement home, Happy Valleys.”

  “True Valleys, Ettie.”

  “You went to the retirement home to see Don Shallot?”

  “We did and that’s where we met Dr. Grifford.”

  Ettie was still thinking about what Elsa-May had said. “What I meant to say was that he looks how a murderer would look like in my mind.”

  “Well why didn’t you just say that?”

  “I thought I did.”

  “But you’re right. Surely, he would’ve heard about the scarecrow murders and he’s pretending he didn’t,” Elsa-May said. “Especially because he’s been involved with the community.”

  “How’s he been involved?” Selena asked as they all walked to her car.

  “He does research on Amish people. He asked us for blood.” Ettie noticed that Selena grimaced, so she didn’t tell her that he was interested in her blood as well.

  Once they got to the car, Elsa-May allowed Ettie to sit in the front where there was more room since she had a sore back. Elsa-May sat in the back seat.

  Ettie said, “I don’t like the way you tried to trick me into seeing another doctor.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought you’d relent when you got in there. Now, how about the walking stick? Selena might be kind enough to drive us to the other doctor.”

  Ettie looked over at Selena. “Would you mind? It’s not far.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll take you wherever you want.”

  “Thank you. I’ll go back now to the other doctor and give his walking stick back.”

  “And it’s about time.”

  * * *

  When they arrived at the original doctor’s office, Selena decided to wait in the car.

  Elsa-May stayed by the front door, while Ettie walked up to the receptionist. “Excuse me, can I see the doctor?”

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “No, I don’t. I just want to see him about—”

  “I do have an opening at two o’clock.”

  “I just want to give him back this.” Ettie held the walking stick in the air.

  “Oh, he’s been looking for that. Just a moment.”

  The receptionist left her desk and walked over to the doctor’s office and knocked lightly on his door. After a moment, the door opened and Ettie heard her talking to the doctor. A moment later, she closed the door and walked over to Ettie. “He said you could have it.”