Unforeseeable

by Nancy Mehl

  “Lock the doors after you get in,” Noah said in a stern voice.

  I couldn’t remember him ever giving his daughter that particular instruction. It was just one more chilling reminder that an unforeseen evil lurked somewhere nearby.

  After Charity left, I sat down at a table near Lizzie. “Are you both certain the police don’t suspect Levi of killing that woman? I’m not so sure they’re telling the truth.”

  Noah shrugged. “We have to take them at their word. Besides, if they’re looking for someone who’s been doing this for a long time, it couldn’t possibly be Levi. And frankly, even if they suspected this recent murder was committed by someone else, there’s no foundation for suspicion. Levi’s been in town all week. Never left once.”

  “Well, actually he did drive to Washington with Aaron to help him get supplies,” Lizzie said. “That was Monday.”

  Noah frowned. “I didn’t know that.”

  “Your brother doesn’t tell you everything he does, you know,” Lizzie said with a smile.

  “Well, no one can suspect him of hunting down that woman and killing her while he was with Aaron,” I said. “And he was in town before her body was found.” I shook my head slowly. “I still can’t figure out why the killer would put Levi’s book at the scene of the crime. Unless he wanted to misdirect the police.”

  “Maybe it wasn’t the killer,” Noah said. “Maybe someone else stumbled across the body and placed the book there.”

  “That doesn’t make sense,” Lizzie said. “No one in Kingdom would do such a thing.”

  “I hope you’re right,” I replied. “But you know as well as I that there are people opposed to Levi’s leadership. This would be a great way to disgrace him.”

  “You mean like my father?” Lizzie said sharply. “I don’t agree with him about everything, but he would never do something like this. He may be harsh and stringent in his beliefs, but to plant false evidence at the scene of a crime? A murder?” She shook her head with gusto. “No way.”

  “Look,” I persisted, “someone purposely put that book there. It wasn’t an accident. Either it was the killer, or it was someone else. Whoever it was, we need to figure it out. For Levi’s sake. Maybe none of those officials think he’s involved now, but what if that changes?”

  Noah grunted. “I think you’re right, Callie. We need to find out who hates my brother so much he’d actually want to make him look guilty of murder. Whoever it is may do something even worse to incriminate Levi. Our only hope is to bring the truth to light.”

  Lizzie shook her head. “You two. I’m going to start calling you Holmes and Watson.”

  I wrinkled my nose. “Who are Holmes and Watson?”

  Noah chuckled. “Wonderful detectives created by an author named Arthur Conan Doyle. I’ll lend you a book if you want.”

  “Papa only allowed religious books in our house,” I said. “I don’t know if I should read something so—”

  “Worldly?” Lizzie said. She sighed as she looked at me. “The stories of Holmes and Watson are entertaining. Sherlock Holmes was a character who was dedicated to bringing guilty men—and women—to justice. That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”

  I thought about it for a moment. “Well, yes. I’m aware that some of our people read outsider fiction. Ruth Fisher has a shelf full of books like that.”

  “Ruth is very independent minded,” Noah said. “Lizzie and I have books we love, and some we read to Charity. We’re very careful though.”

  I frowned at them. “Was Papa wrong to forbid me to read anything not approved by the church?”

  “I wouldn’t say he was wrong,” Lizzie said carefully. “There are still quite a few people in Kingdom who believe the way your father did. But there are even more who have decided that not all books outside of those officially accepted by our church have negative influences.”

  I turned this over in my mind. “I wonder what Levi believes. We’ve never talked about it.”

  Noah grinned. “Next time you see him, ask him about the Narnia books we read as children.”

  “Narnia?” I repeated.

  Noah nodded. “My mother and father were both devout Mennonites,” he said. “But they also believed in being led by the Spirit. Not by the rules of men.”

  “Pastor Linden was much more conservative than Pastor Mendenhall,” I said, mentioning the pastor who had ruled the church when we were children. “Your parents were brave to go against his wishes.”

  Noah came over and sat down next to me. “You and Levi will have to be brave too,” he said solemnly. “You’ll be looked to for leadership, and I’m afraid there will always be controversy. In the Bible, Paul fought against those who tried to put Christians back under the law. The teachings of the church should bring people closer to God—not push them away.”

  “Some people believe Mennonites are too strict and legalistic,” Lizzie said. “But the choices that set us apart now are there to help us. To keep us safe. It wasn’t like that when I left. Pastor Mendenhall started moving us in the right direction. I believe you and Levi will continue to bring us closer to what God really wants for us.”

  As Lizzie spoke, a shiver of excitement ran through me. Could I really be used in such a wonderful way? The past several years had been full of work as I cared for my father. Sometimes I felt as if God had forgotten about me. But maybe there was something I could do for God—and for Kingdom. The possibility thrilled me.

  “I’d like to help Kingdom get closer to God,” I said slowly. “But I think someone else has other plans. Before we do anything, we need to find out who is trying to destroy Levi’s reputation.”

  Noah stood up and stretched. Then he looked back and forth between Lizzie and me. “I think there’s even more at stake than that. A killer needs to be stopped before someone else dies.”

  “Oh, Noah,” Lizzie said, “don’t say anything like that around Charity. I don’t want her to be afraid.”

  “But we want her to be safe,” he shot back. “We’ve got to talk to her about what’s happened.”

  “I know.” Lizzie shook her head. “I’ve been putting it off, but I guess we can’t avoid it any longer.”

  The wind blew hard and rattled the building. “Let’s get going,” Noah said, “before it gets any worse.” He nodded at me. “We’ll stop by the church and check on Levi. Make sure he knows about the storm.”

  “Thank you. If he’s still there, would you tell him to run by here and let me know he’s on his way home? That way I won’t worry about him.”

  “Will do.”

  I hugged Lizzie and said good-bye to my two close friends. I watched as they drove away, glad they were on their way home, but Noah’s words weighed heavily on my mind. Suddenly, I wished I’d taken Lizzie up on her offer to go with them. I’d told myself that a killer couldn’t possibly be living among us. But could I be wrong?

  Chapter / 8

  I waited for another hour, but Levi didn’t show up, so I finally headed upstairs. He must have gone straight home after his counseling sessions. I’d just gotten settled when the phone rang downstairs. I hurried down with both cats on my trail. Prince and Dora loved to follow me anytime they thought something exciting was happening. Unfortunately, they were very adept at getting under my feet. I almost fell on the stairs and had to scold them. I hoped whoever was calling wouldn’t hang up before I got to the kitchen, but thankfully, the phone continued to ring and I was able to get to it in time.

  I grabbed it midring. “Hello?” I said breathlessly.

  A woman’s voice came through the receiver. “Callie, is that you? It’s Dottie Hostettler.”

  “Yes, Dottie. It’s me.” I loved Dottie. She was such a gracious, kind woman, and I hoped someday she’d feel like a real mother. That was something I wanted desperately.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, but Levi hasn’t shown up, and I’m worried. Is he there with you?”

  “N-no. Noah and Lizzie left a while ago and said they would stop
by the church and check on him. He should have been home by now.”

  “Oh, dear,” Dottie said with a sigh. “I’d have Marvin drive over to the church, but he’s out rounding up the animals and putting them in the barn. I guess I can get in the truck—”

  “Nonsense,” I said, interrupting her. “I’ll run down to the church. If Levi’s there, I’ll send him home. Or if the storm gets into town before he has a chance to leave, I’ll tell him to stay put. Either way, I’ll call you when I get back.”

  Dottie hesitated. “Are you sure, Callie? I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”

  “Don’t be silly. It’s only four short blocks. I’ll be there and back before you know it. Long before the storm reaches us.”

  The wind shook the building again. I didn’t feel as confident as I sounded, but I knew Dottie was worried. Frankly, so was I. Maybe I got lost in my thoughts sometimes, but Levi was worse. Noah teased his brother about being an “absentminded professor.” Deep thinkers like Levi were prone to losing themselves in thought and not being aware of present serious consequences.

  “Well, if you’re certain . . .” I could hear the concern in Dottie’s voice. It only made me more determined.

  “It’s fine. I’ll call you back in a little while.”

  Dottie thanked me, and I hung up the phone. I ran back upstairs, changed my clothes, and put on my cloak. The cats seemed interested in my every move and once again followed me down the stairs, weaving in and out between my feet. When I stepped outside, they planted themselves on the window ledge and watched me as if I was the most interesting thing they’d ever seen.

  It wasn’t a long walk, but after going only a block, the wind began to increase. The temperature seemed to plummet from freezing to bone-chilling. If I got to the church and found that Levi had already left, I would have to hurry back to the restaurant. If I wasn’t fast enough, I’d be caught in the ferocity of the storm.

  The streets were completely deserted. Everyone had obviously gone home. Except for the light from the restaurant, and the streetlight outside the general store, the remainder of the town was hidden in shadows. I’d hoped Aaron might still be at the store, since some nights he slept there, but all his windows were dark. The flashlight I carried lit the way for me, but just barely. All of a sudden, the sheriff’s words about not being out alone jumped into my mind. Once again, I chastised myself for not taking Lizzie up on her offer to ride out the storm with them. What had I been thinking? A wave of panic rushed through me. By the time I reached the church, panic had turned to near hysteria.

  As I approached the front of the church, I spotted Levi’s buggy. Stormy, his horse, was tied up to the post outside the church. Parked a few spaces away was a white van. I ran to the front door, fighting the wind, and pushed it open. Thankfully, it was unlocked. Once the door closed behind me, I felt incredible relief. Every sound had made me wonder if I was being chased. I locked the door and went looking for Levi. When I entered his office, I found him sitting behind his desk, someone else in the chair that faced him. Levi’s eyes widened when he saw me.

  “Callie, what are you doing here?” There was a tone of annoyance in his voice.

  “Your mother asked me to check on you,” I said. “There’s a storm on its way. You should have gone home hours ago.”

  “It’s my fault.” The man in the chair turned around, and I saw that it was Aaron Metcalf. “I’ve kept him too long.” He turned back to Levi. “Forgive me, Pastor. I’ve been selfish.”

  “It’s fine,” Levi said. “Are you staying at the store tonight?”

  Aaron shook his head. “No, I don’t want to get snowed in. I’m headed home now. I hope you’ll do the same. And again, I’m sorry I’ve delayed you.”

  “I’m here for you whenever you need to talk, Brother,” Levi said. “I must apologize for the interruption. Counseling sessions are supposed to be private.”

  Indignation rose inside me, and I wanted to defend myself. Instead, I kept quiet. Aaron got up, said good-bye to both of us, and left. I waited until I heard the front door close.

  “I came here because your mother was worried about you,” I said, my voice shaking. “I ignored the sheriff’s warning about being out alone because I care about you. Chastising me in front of Aaron was extremely inappropriate.”

  Levi flushed, and for a moment, I thought he was angry. Instead, he covered his face with his hands. I immediately went to his side and dropped to my knees.

  “Levi, I-I’m sorry. Forgive me. It was insensitive of me to say that.”

  He shook his head and visibly gathered himself together. When he removed his hands, he looked upset. “I’m sorry, Callie. I really am. Forgive me. You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s my fault.”

  “Of course I forgive you,” I said, taking his hand. “What’s the matter? Is it the murder or has something else happened?”

  He was silent, but I could see the conflict in his expression.

  “Levi, I’m going to be your wife. There isn’t anything you can’t tell me.”

  He took my hands and pulled me to my feet as he rose from his chair. “No, there are some things I can never share with you.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  He let go of me and walked to the window. Snow had begun to fall, and the force of the wind carried it sideways. “As long as I hold this office, anything said in confidence can’t go beyond these walls.”

  “Obviously someone has shared information that’s upset you. Surely it has nothing to do with the murder.”

  Levi didn’t respond. He kept his eyes focused out the window, not even turning to look at me. A cold tickle of fear ran down my back.

  “Levi, has someone confessed to the murder of that young woman? Do you know who did this awful thing?”

  Still no response.

  I could feel my legs lose strength, and I grabbed the edge of Levi’s chair with both hands, lowering myself into it before I collapsed.

  “Levi, if you know something, you’ve got to tell the sheriff.”

  He whirled around and glared at me. “You’re jumping to conclusions. I didn’t say anyone had admitted to murder.”

  “And you didn’t say they hadn’t.”

  He turned from me and grabbed his hat and coat. “We don’t have time to talk about this now, Callie. If I have any chance of getting home before it gets worse, we have to leave now.”

  I pulled myself to my feet. “You don’t need to bother with me,” I said stiffly. “I’ll walk back to the restaurant. You get going. I’ll call your mother when I get back and let her know you’re on your way.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” he snapped. “I’m not going to let you wander around in a snowstorm even if it is only a few blocks. I’ll take you back to the restaurant, and then I’ll go home.”

  After blowing out the oil lamp on his desk, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out of his office and partway down the hall. I jerked my hand from his.

  “It’s too dark to see.” I switched on the flashlight so we could find our way in the thick blackness that surrounded us.

  Levi didn’t argue. I trembled with emotion but wasn’t certain what I was more upset about—the idea he was hiding something that could lead to the capture of a serial killer, or the discovery that he didn’t trust me. I realized that confessions revealed in counseling were considered a sacred trust, but I was about to become his wife. Surely this edict didn’t apply to spouses. How could we share the sanctity and privacy of a marriage with secrets locked in our hearts?

  We finally reached the front entrance, and I grabbed the door handle, since I was walking slightly ahead of him. Before I yanked it open, he grabbed me from behind and pulled me to him. Wrapping his arms around me, he spoke into my ear, his voice breaking.

  “Please, Callie. I didn’t mean to speak harshly to you. I’m just worried—and confused. If you could just give me some grace until I figure out what to do. And don’t ask me any questions. Until I have clear directio
n, I can’t answer them.” His arms tightened as he held me. “I don’t ever want to do anything to hurt you. You’re so important to me.”

  “I’ll try to be patient,” I said, returning his embrace. “But you’ve got to learn to trust me, Levi. How will we ever have a successful marriage unless we have faith in each other? I would never repeat anything you say to me in confidence.” I pulled my head back and gazed into his eyes. “We’re going to be one person. How can a human being keep a secret from himself?”

  Levi’s eyes narrowed as he stared at me. “I hadn’t thought of it that way,” he answered slowly and kissed the top of my head. “I’ll think about it, Callie, I promise. But right now let’s get you home.”

  He released me and pulled the door open. Wind and snow blew inside with such ferocity, I almost lost my footing. I heard Stormy whinny loudly, obviously frightened.

  Fighting against incredibly strong gusts, we pushed against the wind, trying to make it to Levi’s buggy. His hat flew off his head and blew away in the darkness.

  “I should have brought Marvin’s truck,” he yelled. “I’m sorry.”

  I climbed into the buggy as Levi untied Stormy’s reins from the post. Then he struggled toward the buggy, finally pulling himself up into the seat next to me.

  “I don’t know if we can make it,” I cried out, trying to be heard over the shrieking wind. “Maybe we should stay here.”

  Levi shook his head. “We’ve got to try. I need to let my mother know I’m okay. She’s just stubborn enough to get out in this if she thinks I’m in trouble.”

  He spurred Stormy ahead, but for a moment, I wasn’t sure the beautiful black horse would move. After a high-pitched whinny that sounded full of fear, he jumped forward. The snow was so thick we couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of us. I tried to use the flashlight to aid us in our progress, but it was like holding a match up in the middle of a tornado. The weak light was useless against the gale.

  Levi kept urging Stormy on, and finally a light cut through the darkness. It was the streetlight in front of the general store. At least we were headed in the right direction. More than once, Stormy stumbled, and I was afraid he’d hurt himself. After what must have been just a few minutes but seemed like an eternity, I could finally make out the glow from the restaurant on our right.