by Debby Giusti
“Who did you see?” Julianne asked.
“No one that I could recognize. It was a vehicle. Which surprised me, since usually cars take the main road and only buggies use the back path. I was frightened when I heard the car and saw the headlights so I hid the buggy behind a small rise off to the side of the road.”
“The car passed you by?”
“Yah, the driver was going fast, especially for the old road. The moon was behind the clouds and broke out only for a few minutes so I could see as the car passed.”
“What can you tell us about the car?” William asked.
“It was not big and not small—a medium-size car.” Rachel shrugged apologetically. “I know little about Englisch vehicles.”
“And the color of the vehicle?”
“That is something I know for sure. The moon came out as it passed by. The car was white.”
“White?” Julianne asked. “You’re sure?”
She nodded. “Yah, for this I am certain.”
A white car like the car that had come after Julianne the night she had returned to Mountain Loft.
Nothing made sense. Would the person who had been at the house five years ago return on the night Julianne returned home? And if so, why?
* * *
Julianne’s cell phone rang later that day when she and Aunt Mary were working in the kitchen. She looked at the monitor and spied Brad Abbott’s name. Checking her phone log, she realized he had called twice earlier.
“I didn’t hear my phone when you called,” she said after exchanging greetings. “Service can be spotty this far from town.”
“Tell me about it. Showing property at the high elevations becomes difficult when I’m trying to contact an interested buyer who needs directions.”
“Were you out by the old quarry yesterday?”
“No, why?”
Because he drove a white SUV like the car that had turned in front of them. “I saw a car that looked like yours.”
“White SUVs are popular.”
Which she knew too well. “Did you need something?”
He hesitated, then got to the point of his call. “Ted McDonough’s with me. He said he ran into you yesterday and from what he saw of your property, he’s interested.”
“Brad—”
“We’ve been looking at some land not far from your farm and thought we’d stop. I’ve got the papers ready for the listing. We talked about price the other day.”
“Brad, I—”
“You’re breaking up. Give us fifteen minutes and we’ll be pulling into your driveway.”
The call ended. She stared at the phone and shook her head. Brad Abbott usually got his way, or so it seemed. Ted McDonough probably did, as well.
She told her aunt about the high-pressure real-estate agent. “I’ll meet him in the drive and politely explain that I don’t need his services.”
“Maybe William should go with you.”
“He’s in the far pasture. I don’t want to disturb him, and I won’t be gone long.”
Julianne walked to her house, happy for the exercise and relieved that she could finally tell Brad Abbott that she wasn’t dealing with him. The men pulled into her drive soon after she arrived at the house. Mud caked the wheels of Brad’s vehicle, but the license plate was clean and easy to read.
They exited the car and nodded in greeting. “Just inhale that fresh air,” Brad said to the Atlanta developer. “You won’t find that in the city.”
“That’s why folks want to move to Mountain Loft.” Ted smiled at her and held out his hand. “Good to see you, Julianne. Thanks for that tip about the Country Kitchen. Good food and plenty of it.” He patted his slim stomach. Ted probably ran five miles a day and lifted weights.
“I’m glad you enjoyed the meal.”
“The only thing better would be to have enjoyed your company. I hope you’ll be free another night, maybe this evening.”
“I’m afraid—”
Brad grabbed the papers and held them out to her, along with a pen. “I need your signature, Julianne, then we’re in business. We can show Ted the house and walk some of the property. I picked up a plat map from city hall.”
He turned and looked at the gate. “I’ll pull down that For Sale by Owner sign while you read over the real-estate agreement.”
As he started toward the gate, she grabbed his arm. “Brad, stop.”
He looked puzzled and raised his brow. “Is there a problem?”
“I visited your office yesterday.”
“Gloria told me. I was meeting with the mayor. We talked about your property. Ted met the mayor this morning. He’s excited about what this development will mean for Mountain Loft. A number of the businessmen in town are, as well.”
“And some aren’t excited, Brad. I doubt you’ll find the Amish enthused about the endeavor.”
He shook his head. “The Amish I’ve talked to are eager to sell. They’re ready to retire, and the money Ted can offer will make their golden years a dream come true.”
“The Amish don’t dream of retirement like the Englisch. They continue working, and I’m surprised they’re talking about selling their farms, especially with how difficult good farmland is to find these days.”
“You’ve been away for a long time, Julianne. Things change.”
Which everyone kept telling her.
“I’ve got an idea,” Ted said. “Why don’t you read over the real-estate agreement and meet us in town tonight. The bed and breakfast is serving a private dinner that Brad arranged. The mayor and his wife will be there, along with some of the other people involved in seeing the town grow.”
He looked at Brad. “You could add another person, I’m sure.”
“Of course.” Brad’s face brightened. “That’s a great idea. Join us at six, Julianne. You know the B and B?”
“No, but I’m sure I could find it, except I’m not interested, Brad.”
“Then we’ll stop by tomorrow or you can stop by my office if you come to town.”
She handed the papers back to him. “I’m not interested in signing with your real-estate firm.”
“What are you saying?”
“This farm is being sold by the owner.” She pointed to the sign on the gate and then back at herself. “That’s me, Brad.”
Turning to Ted, she said, “Thank you for your interest in my property, but I’m not selling my land to a developer, and I’m not joining you for dinner. Now, gentlemen, I’d like you to leave my farm.”
Brad’s eyes bulged. “You’ve got to be joking.”
She leveled her gaze at him. “No joke, Brad.”
Ted shook his head. “Why did you lead me on, Brad? The mayor will hear about this.”
They climbed into the white SUV, still grumbling.
Julianne hadn’t felt this good in ages.
From the other side of the road, she saw Will. He hurried to join her as the two men drove back to town.
“Are you okay?” he asked, concern covering his face. “Did they cause any problems?”
“None whatsoever. I told them I was not selling my property to a developer from Atlanta. I don’t think they liked my decision, but they left and that makes me happy.”
Although her elation was tempered by the thought of the driver of a white car who had chased after her that first night home. As much as she wanted to remain upbeat, she wondered if either Brad or Ted, since both drove white vehicles, would be coming back tonight or some other night to teach her a lesson.
She was thankful to have William on her side. Working together, they’d be able to outsmart the man in the bandana, whoever he was. At least, that was her hope. Still, she needed to be careful so she could stay safe.
And William? She wanted him to be safe, too.
The sound of another
vehicle turned their attention to the road. A beige delivery van with the words Jones Grocery on the side pulled into the drive.
Harvey braked to a stop and waved in greeting as he climbed from behind the wheel. “I heard what happened in town, Julianne, and wanted to check on you myself.”
Touched by his concern, she smiled at the sweet man who had always held a warm place in her heart. “I had a little run-in with someone who doesn’t want me here.”
“That’s what I heard. Does the sheriff have any leads?”
“He’s investigating.” Although she wondered how long it would take Sheriff Taylor to come up with a suspect.
Harvey shook his head. “I told Nancy I’m worried about you, living out so far and all alone.”
“Aunt Mary came to stay with me.” Julianne glanced at William and smiled ever so slightly.
“Bless your aunt. Which reminds me...” Harvey opened the side door to the van and retrieved a large basket filled with fresh fruit. “Nancy and I thought this might brighten your day.”
“Oh, Harvey!” Tears stung her eyes in response to their thoughtfulness. She blinked them back and hugged the good-hearted grocer before accepting the basket filled with an assortment of fruit—apples and oranges, mangoes and kiwis, as well as a pineapple. The pretty basket was topped with a royal blue bow.
“You shouldn’t have, but I’m so grateful. Thank you, Harvey, and be sure to give Nancy my thanks, as well.”
“We hated to learn that someone attacked you so viciously. You can’t stay here, Julianne, even if Aunt Mary is with you.”
Hearing the concern in his tone, she wanted to reassure the kindly grocer. “William lives close by if we need help.”
Harvey nodded to William as if he’d just realized he was there. “I made an offer that first day you came into my shop and it still holds, Julianne. Let me handle the sale of your property. You go back to Dahlonega. I’ll keep you updated on any buyers.” He hesitated for a moment. “Or I could buy it myself.”
“You’re too kind, Harvey. As much as I appreciate your offer, you have a business to run in town, and I want to sell the farm on my own.”
She owed it to her father.
“Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea?” she asked. “I could cut the pineapple. It looks ripe.”
“I need to get back to town. Nancy’s minding the store, and I told her I wouldn’t be long.”
“Thank her for me, Harvey. The basket of fruit was very thoughtful.”
“You’re special to us, Julianne.” He smiled ruefully. “I can still remember how you and Anna used to skip along the sidewalk, your hair flying in the breeze, cute as peanuts.”
The memory tugged at her heart. “Anna was a good friend.”
“It’s hard to know why things happen. I worked to provide for my family and then in the blink of an eye everything changes.”
Glancing at her with doleful eyes, he added, “I don’t have to tell you about life changing. Stop by the grocery when you get to town. Nancy would enjoy seeing you again.”
He waved goodbye and then climbed into his delivery van and pulled onto the road.
William stepped closer and took the basket from Julianne’s hands. “Let me carry that for you.”
She nodded her thanks and stared wistfully after the grocery van. “With my own datt gone, Harvey’s about the closest thing to a father I have.”
“He’d be touched to hear you say that, Julie, especially since he and Nancy lost their own daughter.”
“Life isn’t fair, Will.”
“Gott did not promise fairness, but He said we should pick up our crosses and follow Him. Some crosses are heavier than others.”
“In my opinion, they’re all hard to carry.”
All she had ever wanted was for her datt to be proud of her. Instead his gaze always held a bit of sadness when he looked at her. Probably because of her resemblance to her mamm. If Julianne hadn’t gotten sick, her mother never would have died.
Life wasn’t fair, as she had told William, and bad things happened. She had lost her mother, father and brother, and for the rest of her life, Julianne would always feel responsible for their deaths.
* * *
William knew Julianne was troubled and overwrought with emotion. His heart went out to her.
“Before we head back,” she said, “will you help me search Bennie’s room once again?”
“For the information he gathered about the shady business deal?”
She nodded. “I want to make certain we didn’t miss anything that might still be there. If only I had some clue about the man who wanted to go into business with him?”
“Bennie knew a lot of folks in town because of working at the grocery. He knew things I never heard about on the farm. I remember a couple of Englisch guys were hanging around a few months earlier. They had grandiose ideas about starting a business.”
“Did Bennie consider joining them?”
“He did, until they headed north to Tennessee.”
“Who were the men?”
“They were brothers. Greg and Hank, but I can’t remember their last name.”
He kept thinking about the twosome as he followed Julianne into the house. Leaving the basket on the kitchen table, he climbed the stairs and joined her in Bennie’s room.
“Didn’t we just do this?” He chuckled as they searched the dresser drawers and blanket chest.
“We did, but we were looking for my datt’s money. Now we need business papers, maybe spreadsheets or a file folder with printouts.”
“Did your dad have a computer for business?”
“Are you kidding?” Julia almost laughed. “My datt never did anything against the Ordnung.”
William’s pulse picked up a notch when he moved the bed and saw a board he hadn’t noticed during their earlier search that wasn’t flush with the others.
“Look at this.” Using his fingers, he tried to work the board loose. “It won’t budge.”
“Wait a minute.” She retrieved a screwdriver from Bennie’s dresser.
Will pried the board loose with the screwdriver. It lifted free. The sun was setting, and they had left the oil lamps downstairs. Julianne turned on her cell phone flashlight and shined the beam into the small cubbyhole.
William reached into the opening and pulled out an envelope. Bennie’s name was written on the front. He took the cell from her hand and gave her the envelope.
Looking inside, she gasped. “It’s filled with money. Twenty-dollar bills. A lot of them.”
“Your father’s hidden stash?”
“I doubt it. Bennie was working at the grocery to make extra money for when he and Emma married. This must be the money he saved.”
She clutched it to her heart and bowed her head.
William rubbed her shoulder. “Let’s go, Julie. We checked the rest of the house and the outbuildings a few days ago. We would have found the evidence then.”
He slipped the board into place and returned the bed to its rightful spot.
Julianne paused at the edge of her brother’s room and looked back. The sadness he read in the slump of her shoulders tugged at his heart.
“Oh, Bennie,” she whispered. “Someone killed Datt. Did he kill you, as well? Help us find the evidence so we can find the killer.”
William’s heart twisted with pain as he thought of his good friend. What secrets did you hide, Bennie? If only we could learn the truth about what happened that night.
FOURTEEN
“That bite looks inflamed and hot to the touch,” Aunt Mary said when she noticed Julianne’s leg the next day. “Call the doctor.”
To ease her aunt’s concern, Julianne phoned the clinic and left a message. Thirty minutes later, her cell rang.
“Ms. Garber, this is Cheryl calling for Dr. Norris. He
sent a prescription to the pharmacy for an antibiotic. Take all the medication, and if your symptoms don’t improve within forty-eight hours, he’ll need to see you.”
Julianne glanced at William, who had entered the kitchen. “I’ll be there later today.”
“What’s wrong?” William asked when she disconnected.
“My leg’s worse. Aunt Mary insisted I call the clinic. Dr. Norris ordered an antibiotic that I need to pick up at the pharmacy.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“But—” She looked out the window. “Your farm. The livestock.”
“Will be fine. I’m not letting you go into town alone.”
She smiled. “Thanks, William.”
“We can leave now.”
Julianne glanced at the wall clock. “It’s almost noon. Let’s wait until after lunch.”
“I have a favor to ask,” Aunt Mary said. “Would you mind stopping by Rachel’s house and returning her cookie container. I filled it with some of the fudge I brought from home.”
Julianne smiled. “It is always best to return kindness with kindness, which is what Mamm used to say.”
Aunt Mary nodded. “Your mamm was a gut woman, Julianne.”
A gut woman who died too young.
After lunch, Julianne and William drove to the Krause farm. Rachel was working in the garden behind the barn. Seeing the car, she dropped the hoe she was using and ran to the drive.
Before greeting them, she glanced at the barn, then back at Julia. “I did not expect to see you so soon.”
“Aunt Mary wanted us to return your container and thank you for the cookies. They were delicious.”
Wringing her hands, Rachel looked at the barn again and then took the plastic container from Julianne’s outstretched hand.
Concerned by her friend’s behavior, Julianne stepped closer. “Is something wrong, Rachel?”
“Yah, it is Eli.” She lowered her gaze as if embarrassed by her husband. “He does not want me talking to you.”
“Why would Eli feel that way?”
“I told him I saw you, and he fears I will get involved.”
Julianne didn’t understand. “Involved in what?”