The whole atmosphere looked so strained that Noah could practically feel the tension through the glass.
Not wanting to be caught staring, Noah rushed on, but drew to a stop again when he spied Chad looking through the window at him. Noah held up a hand in greeting, and Chad waved him on inside.
Mitch and one of the women nodded in his direction when he entered. The chief nodded, too, then leaned over and murmured something to one of the men sitting next to him.
Noah began to feel uneasy. “What’s going on?” he asked Chad when he got to the table. “Did something happen last night that I didn’t hear about?” Usually, if there was a big fire or something, he would have gotten a call to come in. But sometimes the men and women on call took care of an emergency that wasn’t big enough to ask for more support—only bad enough to stress out everyone who was on duty.
Chad’s voice was tense when he replied. “Mitch and Reid got called out last night to another Amish household.”
Pulling out an empty chair, Noah sat down. “Oh? What happened?”
“When they arrived, they discovered a man had collapsed. He was barely coherent, in visible pain, and didn’t respond to their questions.” Chad paused, then said, “What I’m trying to say is that his symptoms were almost a carbon copy to Verba Stauffer’s.”
Noah felt his body go cold. “What happened to him?”
“He died en route to Caverna.”
Belatedly, Noah realized that most everyone else in the room had been watching for his reaction. Fearing even more bad news, he pressed his palm on the top of the table. “What is it that you aren’t telling me?”
“That they got the final toxicology reports from the state for Verba.”
Chad sighed. “Noah, I hate to tell you this, but it looks like Verba didn’t die of natural causes at all. She was poisoned.”
“We’re pretty positive that he died of the same thing that Verba did.”
“Verba Stauffer was in her eighties. Was this man?”
“No. He had just turned fifty.”
“But his symptoms were that much like hers?” Noah was trying to imagine a younger man experiencing the same things.
“Yep,” Doug, one of the more experienced firefighters, said. “Mitch recorded the same symptoms.” He spouted off some more results. “That’s when Mitch talked to the chief and the chief called in Brewer and Dr. Kim.”
“It looks like both of our victims drank something that had been accidentally tampered with.”
Sheriff Brewer’s expression was solemn. “As much as it pains me to say it, we also need to consider the possibility that both of these deaths might not be accidental.”
Chad’s eyebrows rose but he didn’t say anything.
Noah sure wished he would have, though. He needed some clarification. At the moment, he was feeling like he was hearing everything but nothing was making sense. Sure, he’d thought there was something strange going on at the Stauffers’ house, but there was a big difference between feeling suspicious and suspecting the worst. “I’m no detective, but I don’t see how that makes sense. Verba was no different than any other Amish woman in the area. She stayed at home and took care of the house, farm, and her family. There’s no reason anyone would want to poison her.”
“We don’t actually know that, though. Do we?” Mitch asked. When Noah gaped at him, Mitch held out a placating hand. “I’m sorry, but we need to at least consider every possibility, right?”
For a moment, he recalled his mother’s words about both Verba and the Stauffer family. While they weren’t exactly well liked, Noah didn’t believe that they were hated.
And even if the gossip about them selling moonshine was true, it wouldn’t have made someone want to kill Verba.
Feeling better about his reasonings, Noah shook his head. “I’m not saying the Amish are perfect people, but we’re godly people. Murder isn’t a common occurrence.”
“I agree with you on both things,” Doug said, speaking up. “She did seem like an average grandmother with lots of family surrounding her. And, yes, the Amish are faithful people. But that doesn’t change the facts. The toxicology reports don’t lie, Noah. There was poison in her bloodstream, and if our hunch is correct, we’re going to find the same thing in this latest victim’s blood, too.”
Noah slumped against his chair, knowing what Doug said was completely true. But if this was now two Amish people who had been poisoned, what in the world was happening? “Who was the man who died?”
Chad flipped through his notes. “His name is John Beachy. Does that ring a bell?”
Noah searched his memory, but he couldn’t place him. “Where did he live? Was it in Horse Cave?”
“No, he lived on a pretty substantial farm off Highway 88.” He waved his hand. “For what it’s worth, the farm took me by surprise. It was like night and day from the Stauffer house. It was large, with at least five bedrooms. It was a showstopper, too. Two story, sprawling, and constructed of both limestone and white siding. Landscaped real nice, too. Lots of tended flower beds, trimmed bushes, and fruit trees.”
“It sounds like quite a house.”
“It was impressive,” Chad said. “Bordering on fancy, too. All of us were surprised when we realized it was Amish owned. I don’t know what the family does, but they make a good living.”
Doug turned to Noah. “Does anything about that house sound unusual to you?”
Noah shrugged. He knew no one was trying to be rude, but he still felt a little like he was a second-class citizen in their eyes. As much as he worked hard to fit in and simply be thought of as the newest EMT, it was obvious that he was always going to be the Amish EMT. Part of the team, yes. But completely fitting in? Maybe not ever.
“It might make sense,” he finally replied.
Doug narrowed his eyes. “That’s no kind of answer. What does that mean?”
Mitch grunted. “Watch it, Doug.”
That soft warning was all Noah needed to feel like he wasn’t alone anymore. Feeling more at ease, he looked around the table. “The Amish are just like anyone else. Some are well off, some aren’t. Our faith is what connects us, not necessarily our business sense. Now, the fact that his last name is Beachy and that he lived on the outskirts gives me a better idea of what he might be like.”
“What do you know?” Mitch said, walking over to him. “Noah, I know we’re putting you on the spot, but I’d like an idea of what kind of man this John Beachy was before I go knocking on his family’s door and start asking questions.”
Noah knew that explanation was fair enough. “All right. Well, there’s a new community of Amish that’s sprung up in the Cub Run area in the last five years. They’re New Order.”
While Mitch listened intently, Doug looked around at the rest of them. “I don’t know what that means.”
“It means that they’re more progressive,” Noah explained, trying to make it sound as simple as possible. “Different Amish communities have some different rules, if you will. Most of the Amish who have been living here for a while are Old Order, like my family. Basically, we don’t allow phones or rubber on the wheels of our buggies. We are private people. Then there’s New Order, like the group in Cub Run. Women might have jobs outside the home. Usually, they can have a phone in the house. They can fly on an airplane, and do more mission work outside of the community.”
Doug scratched his head, obviously attempting to process it. “Is that all of them?”
“Oh, no. There’s even more conservative, like the Swartzentruber, and even more progressive, like the Electric Amish in the south of our state.”
Chad shook his head. “Until I met you and really got to know you, I thought everyone who was Amish was just alike.”
Noah couldn’t resist smiling. “We get that a lot. Don’t worry about it.”
Just as Doug was about to say something, they heard footsteps down the hall and saw Sheriff Brewer and Deputy Beck peer in at them.
“This is Noah, S
heriff,” Mitch called out.
“Good to meet you, Noah. I’m Pat Brewer,” the sheriff said. “This is Eddie Beck. I think we’ve met in passing once or twice before.”
“Yes.” As they shook hands, he said, “Hello again.”
“Mitch and the fire chief had a lot of good things to say about you. For that matter, Dr. Kim did, too. You’re earning a real good reputation.”
“Good to hear,” Noah said modestly, though inside he had a feeling he was grinning ear to ear. This path he had chosen to take wasn’t easy, and there had been many days when he’d gotten on his knees and prayed, asking the Lord why He’d put him on this path in the first place.
After a couple more people shook hands with the deputy, Sheriff Brewer sat down with a sigh at the remaining empty chair surrounding the table. “Noah, since I was hired on here in Hart County, I’ve had quite a few occasions to work with the Amish on cases.”
Noah nodded, thinking of the man stalking Hannah Hilty, the terrible string of attacks against women, and even most recently, the gunfight out at Floyd’s Pond. “Things haven’t been particularly quiet around here in Hart County, and that’s a fact.”
Lines crinkled around Sheriff Brewer’s pale-gray eyes. “I could say that the string of crime around here has made me feel real useful, but I wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to spend a few more nights sleeping instead of worrying about unsolved crimes.”
Doug looked around at the group. “I’m still not convinced that these deaths were intentional. I think we need more information.”
“I agree,” Sheriff Brewer said. After a brief pause, he turned to Noah. “My deputy and me are going to be paying both residences a visit, but you know as well as I do that most Amish don’t trust outsiders on a good day.”
“Most do try to keep their lives private,” Noah agreed.
“If we throw in someone close to one of the victims, well, it’s a given that me and Deputy Beck are going to be treated to a lot of stares and silences.”
Noah knew he wasn’t wrong. Most Amish liked to keep their distance from the police even in the best of circumstances.
But though he was Amish, he was also just an EMT in training. “How does that concern me?”
“Someone told me that they saw you talking with some of the gals living in the Stauffer house. Is that true?”
Noah nodded, thinking people probably saw him standing on the sidewalk with both Esther and Sadie. “Is there something wrong with that?”
“Wrong? Not at all.” After exchanging a look with the other men surrounding them, Sheriff Brewer smiled sheepishly. “What I’m trying to ask you is if you’ll help me by doing a little talking to folks yourself.”
“I’m no detective.”
“Of course not! But you are Amish, and you are an EMT. People will trust you. Maybe tell you things that will help us figure out who is poisoning people.”
It sounded a lot like he was being asked to lie and snitch on people. That wasn’t the type of man he was.
Then there was his new relationship with Sadie. He didn’t have to wonder how she would react to him prying out her secrets, then telling them to the sheriff.
She would be hurt and confused and no doubt refuse to speak to him ever again. And he wouldn’t blame her, either.
With all that heavy on his mind, he finally spoke. “I’m not sure if I’m the best person for the job.” Or, if he even wanted such a job. Actually, he was certain he did not want it.
“No, you’re the only person for the job,” Mitch said, surprising him.
Noah grimaced. “Mitch, you don’t understand.”
“Actually, I don’t know if you do,” he retorted. “This isn’t a game. People’s lives are on the line. We need you to help us figure out how people are getting poisoned before another person gets sick.”
Though his heart ached to argue the point, his head knew he didn’t have a choice. Not only was his task more important than a burgeoning relationship with a certain girl with violet eyes, it was an order from his boss. He was also in the business of saving lives. And though this wasn’t what he’d ever imagined he’d be doing, he couldn’t refuse.
If he wanted to keep his job, he couldn’t say no.
“I’ll do the best I can.”
Sheriff Brewer smiled as he stood up. “Thank you. I’m real glad we’re all going to be working together. Stop by my office the moment you have some news. No need to call first. I’ll stop whatever I’m doing to hear what you’ve found out.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Today is Friday. Hope to see you by Wednesday, if not before,” he added as he strode out the door.
Minutes later, everyone else in the room filed out. Leaving Noah to dwell on his promises and regrets . . . and wondering what he’d just agreed to do.
Chapter 12
Saturday, July 14
Sadie was stunned to see Noah drive up the driveway—and in a courting buggy, of all things!
Hearing her gasp, Willis walked to her side and peered through the window. “Why is he here? And what is he doing in that?”
Sadie shook her head. She had no idea what was going through Noah’s mind. All she did know was that Willis was gazing at that buggy like it was about to do them all harm.
“Maybe he’s coming to deliver more first aid kits,” Monroe said with a smirk as he joined them.
“I think he’s interested in something besides our welfare,” Stephen commented as he approached with Esther.
Inwardly Sadie groaned. Now the whole family was standing in front of the living room window and peering out at Noah. Could anything be more awkward?
“Did you ask Noah to return?” Stephen asked.
“Nee. Seeing him is as much a surprise to me as it is to any of you. I was just sitting in the living room sewing when I spied the buggy on the drive.”
“Are you sure?” Stephen pressed.
“Jah,” Sadie replied, once again wishing she understood where all the suspicion and worry was stemming from.
Esther intervened. “Daed, Sadie and I saw him when we went into town on Thursday.”
“You didn’t tell me that,” Stephen replied.
“There was no reason to. Noah ain’t here for you. He’s here for Sadie. He likes her.” Looking smug, Esther said, “I think he’s come calling.”
Willis turned to Sadie and frowned. “How could he be interested in you?”
“She is a pretty thing,” Monroe interjected. “I’d be surprised if he wasn’t interested in you, Sadie.”
“But you are pregnant,” Willis said.
Feeling like everyone was staring at her stomach, she curved her hands protectively around her middle. “I promise that I didn’t ask Noah to come over.”
The knock at the door prevented them all from continuing the crazy, disturbing conversation.
“He’s here now,” Monroe said as he turned to open the door. “Now, I suggest that everyone settle down and try to act normal for once. Let him court Sadie. What can be the harm?”
“He could bring the sheriff here,” Stephen muttered.
Sadie was still gaping at her uncle when Monroe opened the door. “Hiya, Noah,” he said. “Sorry about the delay.”
Noah half smiled at Monroe before he looked over at the rest of the family.
Sadie felt like grabbing his hand and pulling him out into the bright sunlight. Anything was better than subjecting him to five people’s rather rude stares.
But instead of looking perturbed, he met each person’s gaze, then at last focused on her. “Hi.”
She felt her cheeks heat. “Hello.”
Turning to Stephen, he said, “I came over to take Sadie for a ride. May I take her out for a couple of hours?”
Sadie interrupted before her uncle could answer. “Danke, Noah.”
But Stephen stepped forward, blocking her way. “Why do you need her for so long?”
“I thought I’d take her over to my parents’ house. They�
�ve been eager to meet Sadie.” In spite of Willis and Stephen practically shooting daggers at him, Noah seemed completely at ease.
“I bet,” Monroe said. Moving to her side, he said, “Is that what you want to do?”
Sadie hesitated. Though she wanted to spend time with Noah, she couldn’t help but think about Willis’s warning. He hadn’t been wrong. It was almost a certainty that once Noah found out about her condition, he wasn’t going to want anything more to do with her.
“Go on,” Esther urged. “Remember what I said. All bark, no bite.”
“I’d like to go for a ride, Noah. Danke. And, jah, I’d like to meet your family, too,” she said at last. “If you’ll give me five minutes, I’ll be ready.”
Looking pleased, Noah nodded. “Take your time. I’ll wait for you outside.”
Sadie hurried to Monroe and Stephen’s room. Her things were in a bottom dresser drawer. She quickly put on a pair of tennis shoes, then ran down the hall to the bathroom and washed her hands and face. When she walked out, she was relieved to see that Willis and Monroe were gone and Esther was in the kitchen.
“I’ll be back soon, Onkle Stephen,” she said.
Her uncle looked even more distressed. “Sadie, I don’t want to sound uncaring, but I don’t think Noah Freeman is here only to introduce you to his family. I think he wants something else.”
“What could he want?”
“Information. Don’t tell him anything. You hear me?”
That unsettled feeling that she was missing something vital going on returned—tenfold. “Onkle Stephen, I don’t know what you are talking about. What could Noah want to know about that is such a secret?”
Pure frustration lit his features. “Just be careful. And whatever you do, don’t bring the sheriff back around here.”
“Why would the sheriff want to come over?”
Esther rushed out to join them. “Don’t mind my daed, Sadie,” she said with a forced laugh. “He worries too much. Go enjoy yourself, okay?”
Gripping her purse, Sadie rushed out the door. She didn’t know what Noah wanted or why her relatives were in such a tizzy, but she hoped to find out and soon.
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