Unforeseeable

by Nancy Mehl

  She shook her head. “He left once the doctor said you were going to wake up and start becoming more aware. I have no idea why, but I’m sure he’s coming back. He’s been so worried about you. I’ve never seen him so upset. We couldn’t get him to leave your side.”

  “Is Noah okay?”

  Lizzie chuckled softly. “He’s fine. Back to normal.” Her smile disappeared. “Why didn’t you tell us you were in such pain?”

  “I thought it was because my chest was bruised. It never entered my mind that there was anything else going on.”

  Lizzie rubbed my hand. “That sounds just like you.”

  I tried to sit up, but the pain made me stop. “Can this bed be raised up?”

  She let go of my hand and got up from her chair. After fiddling around with some controls on the side, the bed began to move. Sitting up, even a little, felt much better than lying flat.

  “The doctor says you can go home Monday morning.”

  “I don’t know what today is.”

  “It’s Saturday.”

  “I have to stay two more days?”

  Lizzie nodded. “They want to be absolutely certain you’re okay.” She grinned. “Look at it this way—you get to lie around in bed and be waited on.”

  I sighed. “I just want to go home.”

  “You can’t go back to the apartment, sweetie. You’re coming to our house. Just until you can get around by yourself.”

  Actually, I didn’t mind going back to Lizzie’s one bit. Being alone right now wasn’t very appealing.

  “Lizzie, have there been any more . . . ?”

  “Murders?” Lizzie asked. “No, thank God. Not since Mary.”

  “Have you talked to Roger?”

  She nodded slowly. “He’s a wreck. Blames himself for leaving Mary alone. I guess he feels that if anyone should have been safe, it should have been his wife.”

  “That’s not rational.”

  “I know,” Lizzie said, “but he’s grieving. I guess it’s hard to think clearly when you’re experiencing that kind of loss.”

  “I’m sure it is. It was hard to lose Papa, but I knew he was dying. His death wasn’t violent and sudden like Mary’s. Roger must be devastated.”

  “We’ll all help him through this. It’s important that he doesn’t feel alone.”

  I smiled at her. “You almost sound compassionate. I thought you didn’t like him.”

  She waved her hand at me. “Suddenly, it seems childish to hold something against him that happened so many years ago. I guess I was being ridiculous.”

  “Yes, you were.”

  “Hey,” she teased, her eyes crinkled with humor. “You don’t need to agree with me so quickly.”

  I laughed, but as soon as I did, pain gripped me. “Oh my. Quit making me laugh. It hurts too much.”

  Instead of responding with laughter, Lizzie’s expression grew solemn. Now that some of the grogginess was lifting, I realized she was distracted.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  She looked back toward the door before getting even closer to the bed. “Listen,” she said quietly. “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but something happened that concerns me.”

  I raised my eyebrows in a silent question.

  She cranked her head around once more. Seemingly satisfied, she leaned in close. “Remember what you told me about Levi counseling someone who had information about the killings?”

  “Of course. Aaron Metcalf, John Lapp, and Margaret Harper. He was upset about something one of them said.”

  “I saw Leah in town yesterday, and she told me something interesting.” Lizzie’s voice was barely above a whisper. “She wanted to know if we had a copy of the book of martyrs, you know, like the one Levi lost? She wants one for the school. One of the children borrowed the school’s copy and their dog chewed it up.”

  Lizzie seemed upset, and I was beginning to feel alarmed.

  “So?”

  “So when I told her we didn’t have one, she mentioned that she saw John Lapp with a copy. At church. On the very day Levi lost his.”

  “Oh, Lizzie. That book is all over town. John probably has his own book.”

  “I’m not stupid, Callie. I know that. But here’s what’s interesting. When Leah asked John about his copy, he denied having one. In fact, he got very belligerent about the whole thing.”

  I just stared at her. Why would John say he didn’t have a copy of a book that was well-loved by the Mennonite community? There wasn’t anything wrong with it.

  “There’s more,” Lizzie said quietly. “John traveled on the road to Kingdom early Monday morning. He could have dumped that body, Callie.”

  “You told me I was imagining a link between John and the murders. You said whatever Levi heard in counseling couldn’t be a confession to the killings.”

  She gave an exasperated sigh. “I know what I said, and I still believe it. Forget about the counseling sessions. This is something totally different. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that John would deny having the book?”

  I turned the question over in my mind. It did seem strange. “But what about Mary? She lives . . . I mean, she lived in Washington. I can’t see John driving his buggy to Washington and luring her away so he could kill her.”

  “I made a few calls yesterday to Washington. John was in town Tuesday afternoon. Right around the time Mary disappeared.”

  “Oh, Lizzie. Really? John Lapp? How old is he anyway?”

  “He’s in his late fifties or early sixties, Callie. And still strong enough to kill someone. That’s how old BTK was.”

  “When I brought up John’s name, you acted like I was crazy.”

  “Well, I don’t think you’re crazy now.” She fastened narrowed eyes on me. “I called the sheriff about it.”

  “You what?” Although I found Lizzie’s information disturbing, hearing that she’d actually turned John’s name over to the sheriff shocked me. What if she was wrong? What if I was wrong? Lizzie’s excited demeanor alarmed me. She was usually the calm, rational voice in our friendship.

  “Look, Callie,” she hissed, “you’re the one who originally brought John up. You gave me several reasons why John could be the killer. Now I’ll give you one more.” She paused dramatically. “John’s first wife died under suspicious circumstances.”

  I frowned at her. “I thought her death was an accident.”

  Lizzie nodded enthusiastically, her dark hair bouncing. “She fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Doesn’t that sound suspicious to you?”

  I considered it. Although none of the facts by themselves seemed particularly ominous, together they did seem unusual.

  “What did the sheriff say?”

  “He thanked me for bringing all of this to his attention. He’s going to do some digging around into the circumstances surrounding John’s first wife. Just in case he killed her too.”

  “Oh, Lizzie. I . . . I just don’t know.”

  She pointed her index finger at me. “For goodness’ sakes, Callie. You’re the one who put the thoughts in my head.” She leaned back in her chair, a look of triumph on her face. “I did think you were imagining things until Leah told me about the book. Then everything came together. It all fits.”

  I nodded. Lizzie had put together a rather convincing argument. Could John Lapp actually be a crazed killer? But the whole idea was so foreign to someone who had lived a life committed to nonviolence. How could it be true?

  “Sounds like the authorities are finally convinced the killings are the work of the same serial killer.”

  Lizzie sighed. “They’re so closemouthed, like they don’t want to admit to anything. But the sheriff told me they’re confident it’s him.”

  “Do people in Kingdom know that? We need to be careful.”

  “Levi and the elders are warning everyone they can. We’re all looking out for each other, but no one knows about John.”

  Suddenly, I felt incredibly tired, like I’d just run ou
t of steam. “I guess you did the right thing in contacting the sheriff,” I said, “but please don’t tell Levi. He’d be furious if he knew.”

  “This has nothing to do with his counseling sessions. I don’t know why he’d be angry.”

  “Who wouldn’t be angry about what?”

  Lizzie jumped, and I turned too quickly, cranking my head toward the door where Levi stood with his hat in his hand and a deep frown on his face. I cried out in pain from the sudden move, and Lizzie turned back to comfort me. She shook her head just slightly, a silent message not to tell Levi what she’d done. I clamped my mouth shut and looked the other way.

  “Nothing you need to know, Levi,” Lizzie said. Although she answered him calmly, I was certain he wasn’t fooled. “Just girl talk.”

  “If it has something to do with me, I’d like to know.” Although my head was turned away, I could hear his shoes on the linoleum floor as he approached my bed. “Callie, is there anything you need to tell me?”

  I turned my head, slowly this time, and found him standing next to Lizzie. His eyes were locked on mine. I was shocked to see dark circles under his eyes. I remembered Lizzie saying he’d been spending most of his time at the hospital. His concern for me touched me deeply.

  “Like Lizzie said, it’s nothing.” I tried to sit up straighter in the bed, and was rewarded with a sharp jab to the side. When I cried out, Levi’s expression changed from one of suspicion to one of compassion. Although I was ashamed of myself, it’s what I’d counted on.

  “You’re still in pain.” He glanced over at Lizzie. “Can’t they do anything for her?”

  Lizzie gave me a quick look, rolling her eyes. We both knew we’d just escaped an incredibly awkward moment.

  “No,” she said, addressing him. “They’ve reduced her pain medication so she can remain conscious. Now she has to heal.”

  “I’ll be fine,” I said with a smile. “Have a little faith.”

  A flicker of a smile crossed his features but then slipped away. “I’m confident you’re going to recover, but I hate to see you hurting.”

  “Which reminds me,” I said, my voice slurring. “Why am I so sore? I understand about my rib, but why is it worse now?”

  Lizzie patted my cheek. “Oh, sweetie. They had to inflate your lung with a chest tube. That’s what’s making you so uncomfortable. But it will get better. Unfortunately, your rib will take a little longer.”

  “How much longer?”

  I saw Lizzie and Levi exchange a quick look, and my heart sank. “How long, Lizzie? Tell me the truth.”

  “There’s nothing the doctors can do,” Levi said. “They’ll give you some medicine to take with you.”

  “You have to take it easy, Callie,” Lizzie said, frowning. “If you don’t, you could develop pneumonia.”

  I felt my frustration level rising. “I want to know how long I have to take it easy.”

  Lizzie cleared her throat. “Anywhere from six to eight weeks, Callie.”

  My fatigue vanished. “Did you say six to eight weeks?”

  Lizzie nodded, and Levi looked uncomfortable.

  “There’s no way I can lie around for two months.” I knew I sounded somewhat hysterical.

  “You don’t have a choice,” Lizzie said matter-of-factly. “It’s simply the way it has to be.”

  I tried to blink away the tears that sprung to my eyes. “But what about the restaurant? My job?”

  Lizzie smiled. “You don’t need to worry about that. Noah and I will take care of things.”

  “And my apartment?”

  “You’re going to stay with us for now. We’ll see about the apartment a little later.”

  I started to protest, but Lizzie held a finger to her lips. “Hush. You’re going to have to be brave and work with us. I know you want to go home, but you’re going to need help for a while.”

  I sighed in frustration. “I’m sorry. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. It’s just . . .”

  Everything seemed to be falling apart all at once. My engagement, my health, my job, my emotions . . . even Kingdom itself was in turmoil. Where was God in all this? Suddenly, the light I’d seen the night of the accident popped into my mind again. A sweet peace settled over me, and I smiled.

  “I’m sorry.” I reached out my hand, and Lizzie clasped it. “I’m grateful to have friends who love me. Who want to take care of me. I really am blessed.”

  “My, that was a quick turnaround,” Levi said. He looked relieved and dubious all at the same time.

  I sighed. “Being upset isn’t going to help anything. I might as well deal with the situation.”

  Lizzie grinned. “Good for you. You’re facing some challenges, but we’re all here to help.”

  “That’s right,” Levi said. “No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you, Callie. Always.”

  Overcome by another rush of emotion, all I could do was nod. Those were the words I wanted to hear. They gave me hope. In my heart, I knew my love for Levi was real. With God’s help, we had a chance of finding our way through whatever changes came. And I wanted that chance. More than anything.

  Lizzie leaned over and kissed me on the forehead. “Everything will be all right, Callie. I know it.”

  “I’m beginning to believe it,” I said, looking past her and catching Levi’s eye. “I really am.”

  At that moment, a nurse opened the door and came into the room. She smiled when she saw me. “So you’re finally conscious. Your friends have certainly waited patiently for you to wake up.” She walked around to the other side of the bed and lifted up the covers. Then she pulled my gown up. Thankfully, I was hidden from view. “You’re looking pretty good,” she said. “How are you feeling?”

  “Sore. Very sore.”

  She nodded. “And you will for a while. I’m going to give you a little medicine to help the pain. It will make you sleepy but not like the last time.”

  I grunted softly, but even that hurt. “I hope not. Sleeping for three days is rather disturbing.”

  The nurse took a syringe out of her pocket and started to inject it into my IV line, but before she did, Levi stopped her.

  “I’m sorry, but could you wait just a little bit? Someone’s coming to visit Callie, and she needs to be awake for it.”

  The nurse, whose name tag read Ellery Adams frowned. “We need to keep ahead of her pain, sir. How long . . . ?”

  At that moment, Noah walked into the room. I was thrilled to see him and smiled at Levi. “Is this who you wanted me to—?”

  Someone else stepped from behind Noah. I was taken aback to see Margaret Harper, the odd woman from the restaurant, standing there.

  “I don’t understand,” Lizzie said.

  “I don’t either,” Noah said. “I’m just following instructions.” He pointed at his wife. “You and I need to leave. Levi will take Margaret home after her visit with Callie.” He shook his head at his brother. “You’re going to have to explain all the secrecy later, Brother. This isn’t like you.”

  Lizzie crossed her arms and stared at Levi. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “I do,” Levi said. “Now if you don’t mind . . .”

  Lizzie shrugged. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Callie. If you want to talk to me before then, you can try to call me. The phone still isn’t working all the time. I wrote our number down and put it next to the phone in case you don’t have it already.”

  “Thank you. I don’t.” I nodded at her and said good-bye. After Noah and Lizzie left, Levi asked the nurse to leave too.

  “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes,” she said. “I’ll have to administer her medication. She needs to rest. Understood?”

  Levi nodded. “I understand.”

  When the door closed, Levi grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it near the bed. Margaret sat down in it. She looked frightened, and for some reason, I was too.

  “I’ll be in the hall,” Levi said to her. “You can do this.”

  �
��No, Pastor. Please stay.”

  Although he looked reluctant, Levi closed the door to my room and stood next to it.

  Margaret wouldn’t look at me and didn’t say anything. She just stared down at her hands, which were folded in her lap.

  “Margaret, I don’t understand,” I said slowly. “Please explain what’s going on. You and Levi are scaring me.”

  When she looked up, her eyes were full of tears. “First of all, my name isn’t Margaret Harper,” she said, her voice trembling. “It’s Esther. Esther Hoffman.”

  At first her words didn’t make any sense. I opened my mouth several times, but nothing would come out. Finally I managed to croak, “Mother? Mother, is it really you?”

  Chapter / 18

  The woman I’d known as Margaret stood slowly and came up next to my bed. “I felt sure you’d recognized me,” she said, her lips trembling and her eyes brimming over with tears, “even with the scar. I even tried to drop hints. Like about my sensitivity to milk—just like yours. But no matter what I said, you didn’t seem to make the connection.” She shook her head slowly. “I wanted to tell you, Callie, but I’ve been so afraid. Afraid you would tell me to leave before I had the chance to explain.”

  Levi stepped up next to her. “Esther came to me the other day and told me the truth,” he said. “I couldn’t tell you, Callie. She had to do it herself.” He sighed. “It’s been so hard, keeping it from you.”

  “But then I found out you’d been hurt,” my mother said, “and I realized I couldn’t wait any longer.”

  I felt stunned—as if someone had just slapped me in the face. Yet there was a part of me that wasn’t surprised. As if I’d suspected the truth all along. “Who else knows about this?” I asked Levi.

  “I haven’t told anyone,” he said. “After the doctor reduced your pain medication so you’d be more awake, I decided Margaret should see you right away. Maybe it would have been better to wait a few days until you were stronger, but I was afraid Margaret—I mean Esther—would lose her resolve. I couldn’t take the chance. You had to know the truth. I didn’t want to keep it from you any longer.”

  “I felt I had to come now,” Mother said. “What if something happened and I never got the chance?”