by Sandy McKee
“Me neither,” agreed my mother, let’s go on back this road. I think there’s a cave about a mile from here.” We drove on and I hoped that the Jeep would make it safely over the deep ruts without putting anyone’s back out of whack. Mom and Helen bounced around, but seemed to be enjoying our adventure.
“We need to get out and do more of this sort of thing,” smiled my mother. “Dana, up there, see those rocks, the cave is up there. You can see it from the road when all the leaves are off the trees. Let’s take a walk back and see.”
“No, You two stay here. It’s too rocky and I don’t want to risk any falls. I left the Jeep running in case we needed to make a quick exit. I grabbed my camera and flashlight, then Toby and I jumped out of the Jeep. “If I don’t come back, tell Phil you made me do it,” I joked.
Toby reached the cave entrance before me and started barking. I shined the flashlight into the cave and saw what looked to be recent food scraps. There were also some plastic cups, beer cans and cigarette butts. There were some newspapers dated six months back. I didn’t recall seeing Van smoke, but decided it was possible that he’d been here recently. I quickly took a couple of photographs trying not to disturb the area.
When we got back to the Jeep, I reported my findings. “I knew it,” smiled my mother. He can’t be far away if he was here. Let’s keep going back this road. This road actually ends up at the winery, if it’s still open that far.”
“Oh great, I’m putting the Jeep into four wheel drive. If we get stuck back here, no one would find us until deer season.”
We continued on slowly until we came to where it looked like the bridge over a small stream had been washed out. I noticed that there were tire tracks where some people had gone around and forded the water. “Hold on, we’re going for a swim. Cross your fingers. I don’t think it’s too deep.”
We made it across the stream and back onto the dirt road. “Look,” my mother shouted, “I just saw something move over there in the woods. Dana, stop the car!”
I obeyed and we all jumped out, Toby took off barking before I could grab him. I too saw a shadowy figure running along the creek crashing through the brush. He or she was much too far away to identify and I refused to consider pursuit and leaving Mom and Helen alone. I shot another photo of the area and called for Toby. He came back obediently but wet and muddy. I wiped him down with an old blanket I found in the back of the Jeep.
“I’ll bet that was him!” exclaimed Helen. “We almost had that no good. Let’s head him off.”
“There’s no way to be sure it was him. It might have been someone hunting out of season, a couple star crossed lovers or someone else up to no good. I think I better tell the police what we saw. Hopefully they’ll appreciate it.”
“Come on, Dana,” said my mother. “I think we know what area he’s in now. Let’s stop at the winery and have a drink to celebrate. I’m buying. It’s not too much further.”
We pulled into the winery. I was amazed at all the mud and dirt that we managed to get on the Jeep with on our adventure. We went in and had a seat by a window that overlooked the vineyards. Bob looked up from some paperwork and sauntered over. “Hello ladies, What can I get you? Would you like to sample some of our new reds?”
“Bring us a bottle of your best champagne,” smiled my mother. “We’ve had quite an afternoon.”
“Sorry girls, no champagne, how about a nice chardonnay? What were you three up to anyhow?”
I cut Helen off, before she blew our cover. We were just taking a ride on some of the back roads. Both Mom and Helen met their spouses there back in the 1930s. It’s a shame it’s gotten so run down.”
“Do you really think it’s smart to be out on these back roads when there’s a killer on the loose?” asked Bob.
“Oh, I suspect he’s long gone from this area.” I replied. “We can’t live in fear. I don’t think Van would be that dangerous unless he was cornered.” I was clearly uncomfortable discussing Bob’s wife’s ex-lover. Bob seemed to be so too and changed the subject.
“I wouldn’t mind purchasing that old park. It has some real possibilities for a restaurant. The woman who owns it wants a small fortune for it though. Would you like some cheese and crackers with your drinks?”
When Bob got out of hearing distance, I whispered to Helen, “He really hates it when amateurs like us interfere with ‘police business,’ plus this is all so personal to him. I’d rather tell what we saw to an officer that appreciates us more.”
Helen nodded knowingly. We toasted our drinks and enjoyed the snack. By the time we got home, Mom, Helen and Toby were all dozing. I got them safely in the house and decided to give Trooper Pierce a call. I got his answering machine and told him that I had some interesting information and to call me. The wine had made me sleepy too, and I decided that a nap might be in order.
I woke up an hour later to the phone ringing. It was Trooper Pierce. I explained to him what I’d found. I told him I also took pictures and would get them developed if he wished. He showed a mild interest but said that it could have been anyone. He said he’d appreciate the photos and visit the sites in the morning. I was hoping he’d asked me to go along, but he just asked for directions, which I gave him.
I heated up some soup for Mom, and I and gave Toby some leftover hamloaf with his kibble. We watched a little television, one of the Law and Orders and the late news. I retired praying that Van would be found soon and we could go back to a more normal routine.
Chapter 17
Tuesday
Mom was up before me, sipping some hot coffee. “Where should we look today?” she asked, brimming with excitement.
“I need to drop the film off to get it developed. Trooper Pierce is going to check out the information we found yesterday. I also promised him the photos. We can take another ride later this afternoon. You seem to have a good nose for this. I’ll let you be the guide.”
“Sounds good. Helen is going to drop by with some old maps of the area. We’ll figure out a route for you.”
I decided to take Toby for a walk before I ran my errands. We took our usual route up through main street then over along Big Bass Creek. It was a quiet morning. My thoughts were interrupted by the rapid clip clip clop of a horse and buggy approaching us. I looked up and was surprised to see Fannie and Eli coming towards me.
“Good morning,” I smiled. “What are you two up to today?”
I noticed that Fannie looked very flustered, her face was beet red. She nodded at Eli to speak for her.
“We’re looking for you, Dana. Something has happened and we need to discuss it with you.”
“Of course,” I replied. “Why don’t we go down to the house and have a cup of coffee? My mother will be glad to see you.”
Toby and I ran along with the buggy. Eli tied the horse up to a clothesline pole in our yard that my mother hadn’t used for decades. I brought it a large bucket of water.
We went into the kitchen and I poured coffee and set out some cookies. After greeting Fannie and Eli, my mother excused herself to her bedroom.
Fannie seemed to have calmed down a bit. “Dana, I think we may have found that murderer, Van White. I think he might be dead, and it’s probably my fault.”
I stared at my friend in disbelief. “What are you talking about? Where did you find him? What happened?”
A teary eyed Fannie, asked me for some water.
“Yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t find my oldest grandson, Levi. He loves to wander off, and I was busy and didn’t see him leave. I panicked and went off in search of him. I didn’t tell Elizabeth for I feared she’d not trust me to watch him again. There’s an old rock quarry not far from where we live, and my worst nightmare was that Levi had gone back there and fallen into it. When I got there, I didn’t see him. Then I looked down into the quarry and saw a body. It didn’t move at first, then I saw the man move his leg a bit and moan in pain. Then he got very still. That was all, he looked like the man who killed Constance. At th
at point, I just fled and continued to look for Levi. When I got back to the house, Levi was climbing out of the corncrib. I was so relieved. I thought about going back to the quarry, but then I thought about what he’d done to Constance and to you. I figured he was probably dead anyhow. It must be a fifty foot drop. Not many people realize that the quarry is back there. He might have been coming through there at night or in a hurry and fallen. Fannie closed her eyes. Eli took her hand holding it lovingly.
Fannie cleared her throat. I couldn’t sleep fearing that my leaving him there was a sin, especially if he was still alive. This morning I told everything to Eli. We walked back to the quarry. I think the body had moved a bit, but it was very still. Eli and I yelled, but there was no response from the man. We decided that we’d best talk to you.”
“I’m so glad that you did.” I sighed aloud relieved that Fannie was okay and that Van was not able to pose any more threat to the community. We need to report this to the police. I know a Trooper Pierce who is very understanding. I have an attorney who is a close friend in Florida. I’ll give him a call and see if he thinks we should get you a lawyer.”
Fannie looked alarmed at the suggestion of an attorney. I touched her hand. “Please, I promise, you’re in no trouble. I just want to make sure that we do this correctly. Why don’t you two go on home. I’ll contact Trooper Pierce and let him take it from there.
When I called the barracks and said it was an emergency, I was put through to Trooper Pierce. I gave him a summary of what happened. He said he’d meet us there with paramedics and a rescue squad.
Next I called the attorney in Florida and got his assistant. I briefly explained the situation and gave a number to call.
I raced the Jeep over to Fannie’s and got there before they did. I waited impatiently. The troopers and rescue squad arrived shortly. Elizabeth stepped out of the house and told us how to get to the quarry. She explained that she needed to stay with her students and children. Fannie and Eli arrived as we headed back to the quarry. When we got to the quarry, we were all surprised to see Van White lifting his head groggily. “He did have a gun,” I warned. “Make sure, he doesn’t still have it. Hopefully he lost it when he fell.”
Trooper Pierce shouted down into the quarry. “Van, this is the police. Please raise your hands, and kick the pistol away.”
“I don’t have a pistol,” Van croaked. “I think my legs are broken. I can’t stand up.”
The rescue squad quickly reached the bottom of the quarry. It took a helicopter operation to actually get Van out. Van was raised up out of the quarry, read his rights by Trooper Pierce and taken to the nearest hospital in Punxsutawney. Van had several broken ribs and two broken legs and a concussion. He said that he’d broken into someone’s camp a couple of miles from there and found food and a case of beer. He was stumbling through the woods at night when he plunged into the quarry. He, like most other people, didn’t realize that there was a quarry in the area. I, for one, am convinced that our Lord does work in mysterious ways!
Trooper Pierce assured Fannie that since Van survived, there would be no charges filed against her for delaying her reporting of what she had seen. He expressed his gratitude and assured her that without her help, Van would have likely died in the quarry. He smiled at me and said that the evidence we’d found the day before wasn’t likely Van’s since we had been several miles away.
When everyone had gone, Fannie and I took a walk across the backyard, the site of the playground when we were in school there. I noticed that all the kids from school play softball now. “I remember that when we were in school together, you guys just stood on the sidelines never joining in the games.”
“We were never sure how welcome we were. That was the first time that we’d been with the English. I imagine we were scared.”
I nodded. “ I think we’re all afraid of anyone or anything different. It has been some week,” “Nothing can bring Constance back, but at least we know that her murderer will be brought to justice. I feel good that we both were able to help with that.”
Fannie nodded. “I’m still trying to find it in my heart to forgive him. I’m not there yet, but with prayer, I’ll get there.”
“I’m sure you will. I need to work on that too. You know Fannie, I was thinking. We should organize a reunion of all the folks who went to school here back when we did. Wouldn’t it be fun to see what everybody is doing and looks like? We could have a picnic, maybe next summer. I’ll work on locating everyone. Maybe you could help me plan it and send out the invitations. Everyone could bring a covered dish. We need something fun to look forward to this year.”
“I’ll talk it over with Eli. Something tells me he’d enjoy it too.”
I left for home anxious to tell my mother and Helen that the manhunt was over. They were disappointed that our “leads” didn’t work out, but pleased to hear that the surrender was peaceful. After Helen left, Mom gave me a big hug. “You never cease to amaze me, Dana. Do you have any idea how proud I am of you? Both I and Solitude are so lucky to have you here.”
“Oh go on! I’m so glad to hear that, Mom. I know my path hasn’t been exactly the traditional one. But I love my life and trying to set things right.”
“Don’t you think it’s time to set things right with your daughter,” she replied. “I’d really like to know something about my granddaughter before I kick off.”
“You had better not kick off for a long time. We’ve got more wrongs to right. And yes, it’s time. She wants to talk to me, and I finally feel ready to face those old ghosts.”
Chapter 18
Epilogue
One Year Later
Van remained in the hospital for two weeks and then went to a rehab clinic. Eventually he was sent to jail. His cousin Violet, good Christian woman that she was, continued to visit him. She said he was very remorseful and was glad it was over. He pleaded guilty for Constance’s murder and was sentenced to twenty-five years in prison with no possibility of parole. The other culprits who had committed the threats and random violence were also brought to justice. They were three unemployed high school dropouts. I didn’t know them, but no one in the community seemed surprised when they found out who they were. One of them was the brother of Sandy Ross. Each of them received five year prison sentences.
Sharon and her husband were working at saving their marriage. They still own the Cheese Shop and winery, but are planning more “quality” time together. They’ve taken two trips, a Caribbean cruise and a trip to Hawaii to rekindle some old flames.
Fannie and I have maintained our friendship. I stop by at least once a month and we enjoy each other’s company. Since Van confessed, a lot of the details of who reported what about whom did not have to come out. Fannie, Elizabeth, and Sharon were grateful for that. The Consolidated School reunion was a large success. It was held in July at the park where we’d got Van to confess. Fannie and I still laugh about how some our classmates had changed. We were pleased that it brought together former class members from all walks of life. Ralph showed up. So did Sharon and Lynn. Several people brought their spouses. Several were single, divorced or widowed and I suspect some of the renewed friendships would continue beyond our party. My only regret was that Mrs. Hoover wasn’t there with us at the reunion. I learned that she’d passed away five years ago. She’d managed to inspire all her students in one way or another.
A new school was completed and a new teacher was found in the Amish community. A new health care clinic was opened two days a week in an abandoned store in Solitude. It was largely the result of all the funds that funneled in following Constance’s death. The clinic specializes in maladies that are especially germane to the Amish population. They are able to screen children early for some of the genetic diseases and greatly improve survival rates and quality of life. The clinic was named in loving memory of Constance.
My mother’s health declined a bit over the year, but she did not have any more strokes and was still quite capable of staying
in her home. We give each other plenty of space and truly enjoy each other’s company. I recently agreed to teach a history course one day a week at my alma mater on Colonial Pennsylvania. I’m determined to make life from over two hundred years ago relevant to teens and young adults. History does repeat itself and those who don’t now that are destined to repeat our past mistakes. I was just as determined to make it fun.
Helen and I also joined the task force to work to enhance ethnic and religious tolerance in our community. Helen does know everyone and is really a mover and shaker when it comes to change. I found out that Trooper Pierce was single and available. We’ve gone out on a couple dates and had a great time. He still doesn’t completely approve of my amateur sleuthing, but something tells me that he’ll come around. He’s only five years younger than me. So why not?
And I did make peace with a part of my life that I’d tried to block out for a long time. After Jake’s death in 1972, I took a leave from teaching and went to graduate school full time, living in Pittsburgh. It was a very sad and lonely time for me. I had a brief affair with a visiting professor from Argentina. He was twice my age, but kind, handsome like a Ricardo Montebalm, and brilliant. I never asked, but figured he was probably married.
By the time he’d returned to Buenos Aires, I learned that I was pregnant. I had always been pro choice, and at twenty three, my choice was to have the baby and put it up for adoption. I was in no emotional state to raise a child on my own, and the selfish part of me wanted to complete my doctorate and achieve a successful career. I figured there would be plenty of time for children later. I was able to keep everything a secret (I feigned an overseas fellowship) until the beautiful healthy little girl was born and placed with a loving family in the Pittsburgh suburbs. I eventually did explain my evasiveness to my parents. As usual they gave me their unconditional, loving support, but I could never shake the guilt that I’d cheated them out of knowing their granddaughter. Few days passed that I didn’t question my choice, especially as the years went by and the timing, circumstances and my lifestyle just never seemed quite right to marry or be a single parent.