by DiAnn Mills
“My butterfly is trying to fly away.”
He walked toward them and pressed his lips tight—no doubt to conceal a smile. “We will have none of that. Shall I find a cage? No loose butterflies at this house.”
“Oh, yes, a cage is a splendid idea.” Jenny caught a glint in his eyes. Her pulse quickened, and she hastily glanced away.
“No cage,” Rebecca said between laughs.
Jenny pulled her down into the soft green grass. At first the little girl didn’t mind being held, but soon she wiggled free and ran to the swing.
“Swing me, Papa.” She held on to the rope with both hands and tried futilely to jump onto the wooden seat.
“I will later. I promise.” Grant bent to her level. “I need to talk to your aunt Jenny. Why don’t you visit Mimi? She’s in the kitchen baking an apple cobbler, and I think she needs your help. She might want you to help stir.”
Rebecca raced inside with her chubby little legs working so fast that she nearly stumbled.
“Am I in trouble?” Jenny hoped her words masked what being alone with him did to her heart.
“No, ma’am.” He peered around. “Where are Martha and the boys?”
“The baby grew a little fussy, and the older boy didn’t want to stay with me.”
“How is she today?”
Jenny hesitated, wanting to form the right words without sounding frustrated. “Sad. Very sad. I asked her if I could do anything to help, but she said no.”
“What else did she say. Your face says there’s more.”
Jenny tilted her head. She wouldn’t repeat the hurtful words about her and Jessica causing enough trouble. “I think it’s time I boarded the train back to Cleveland.”
Grant frowned. “Why?”
“Your town needs to go back to the serenity it enjoyed before I came.”
“You’ve made some wonderful friendships here.”
What about you? “True, I have. But I need to leave before long. I have a teaching responsibility.”
“I understand.” He paused and stared at her intently, but she couldn’t read the strange, faraway look in his eyes. “I learned something earlier today and thought you might be ready for some good news.”
“And what might that be?”
“Aubrey Turner left town.” Grant stuck his hands in his trouser pockets and leaned against the oak tree housing the swing.
Could it be true? Startled, Jenny could only wring her hands. “Does this mean he’s given up on finding the money?”
“I guess so. Harold said he checked out of the boardinghouse and planned to head back to Cleveland.”
“Cleveland?” She’d be no better off at home than here, except those she treasured would be safe.
Grant shook his head. “I don’t know what I was thinking. Turner will be there when you get back, most likely causing more trouble than here.” He palmed his fist into his hand. “You can’t go home now. It’s not safe.”
His words played over in her mind. Did he truly care, or was she reading something into his words that didn’t exist? “I’ll contact the local police when I return.” She glanced up into the tree holding the swing. “He may be very tired of dealing with the Martin sisters.” As you are, I’m sure.
As the evening wore on, Jenny went through the motions of a gracious guest. Her mother would have been proud. The children were a grand distraction from the animosity she felt from Martha, and Grant kept himself occupied with keeping everyone civil. After supper Jenny helped Mimi tidy up the kitchen before slipping out the back door to the boardinghouse. She left without saying good-bye to Grant or Rebecca, and she doubted if Grant realized her absence.
Misery took every step with her. A peculiar feeling, or rather an inner sensation, urged her to make a decision. The inclination had needled her for days. The guilt of selfishness had reached its climax, and she must act soon. If she stayed much longer, she’d find herself so hopelessly in love with Grant that everyone would know.
Grant’s gestures and mannerisms were a part of her forever. Even his fondness for licorice lingered. She nearly laughed aloud as she recalled him dipping the black candy sticks into coffee. As it was, she might never recover. Neither did she want to. The splendor of simply existing in the same room with him brought her pulse to dangerously high levels. Sometimes the mere thought of him sent her emotions soaring like a flock of birds that kept climbing higher into the clouds.
Never seeing Grant or Rebecca again wrenched her heart. The ache of loving both of them hurt beyond belief. How foolish of her to dream about the three of them becoming a real family. She could make a multitude of excuses to stay, but it wasn’t fair to any of them. She’d uprooted their lives with her foolish notion of taking Rebecca back to Cleveland, and then that wretched Aubrey Turner had followed her, causing more unrest.
Unsettled affairs did bring some uncertainty, particularly deciphering Jessica’s journal. But Grant was brilliant. He’d easily solve the riddle and recover the money. If Turner was indeed wanted for unspeakable crimes, Ben would alert the authorities in Cleveland.
Dear Ellen. Already Jenny missed her treasured friendship. They’d grown so close—the friend Jenny had always wanted. The more she prayed about the matter, the more leaving seemed to be the best choice, and it must happen tomorrow or her resolve would weaken. Knowing that all those dear to her heart would be safe and content lifted her spirits. Reverend Rainer had said God would always walk with her, even in Cleveland, where she didn’t know a single Christian. But she could find a church and start life anew.
Lighting the kerosene lamp on the dresser in her room, Jenny lay across the bed and picked up pen and paper. Her mind drifted back to the first time she had met Dr. Grant Andrews. Oh, my, she’d been so ill at the train station. On and on the memories flowed until stinging tears brought it all to a peak. Drying her eyes, Jenny determined to stop prolonging the inevitable and write the letter. Dipping the pen into the inkwell, she began pouring out her heart.
Dear Grant,
By the time you receive this, I will be on my way back to Cleveland. I can no longer stay here in Kahlerville in good conscience. The time has come for me to give you and your dear family and friends much-deserved rest and peace.
Words can never express what you, your family, and friends have done for me. Even as I write this, I weep for those faces I will never see or touch again. Believe me, I now have beautiful memories of those who will always hold a special place in my heart. Most important, I now have Jesus, and I know that someday I will see all of you in heaven.
For me to say, “thank you,” sounds so insignificant for all you’ve done for me—not just your outward hospitality, but also your encouragement and prayers. Please let everyone know I will never forget their goodness, and I will always keep them in my thoughts and prayers. I found a true friend in Ellen. She is so dear to me.
Grant, you are indeed the best father God could have provided for Rebecca. Jessica must have recognized your wonderful traits even as she lay dying, and I saw it each time you were with your daughter. I love every inch of Rebecca, and I know with your guidance and love she will grow into a godly young woman.
As for the journal, I want you to have it for Rebecca. Someday when she is grown, she will want to read about her mama. When you are able to locate the money, I want it for your and Rebecca’s welfare, as we discussed previously. If there is any left over, I’d like a fund established to help those girls who formerly worked at the brothel.
I am so sorry for all the trouble I caused. I only wish I could have found the Lord earlier and spared you my disagreeable temperament. Truly believe me, Grant, my heart aches for the sorrow I inflicted upon you. I really was a self-centered, impetuous woman, and I am deeply ashamed of my actions.
I could not leave Kahlerville without telling you the most important reason why I must go home. You have been to me what no man has ever been before. From the very beginning, you welcomed me and took care of me while I plotted to destroy everything
you loved and cherished. Even then, you reached out in a special friendship that I grasped like a child. For the first time in years, I was a student again, and you were the teacher. No matter what I threatened, you responded in a manner that I later learned was Christlike. But then I fell in love with you. There, I said it, and I’ve lived with this knowledge for so many days. Goodness, I certainly did not intend for it to happen, but you see, it does not matter any longer. I am on a train traveling as fast as I can away from you. Your life can now go back to normal. I wish you well, the best our Lord can give.
I plan to write Ellen and Mimi a letter tonight, too. Mimi was better to me than my own mother. She loved me through so many horrible cooking experiences and such ignorance about life. I’ll miss her stories and her gentleness.
Please give Rebecca a hug and kiss for me. I miss you both already. You cannot find me in Ohio. Ironically enough, I don’t have an address. It is better this way, you know. Just forget the summer, but remember those days will be with me forever.
I love you and Rebecca more than life itself. Take care and God bless you.
Jenny
She reread the letter twice. With a muffled sob, she folded it over and slipped it inside an envelope. Not really satisfied with the contents, but not quite sure how to phrase all the secrets of her heart, Jenny set it aside and wrote the others.
Tomorrow morning Mr. Snyder’s son would carry her trunk and bags to an awaiting wagon. She’d graciously thank Mr. Snyder for all of his kindness and settle the bill. She’d entrust the letters to him and board the Union Pacific Railroad on the way back to Cleveland, Ohio. The people of Kahlerville would never again be troubled because of her.
Chapter 31
Ellen patted General Lee’s head as he nestled against her lap. Evening shadows rested around her with a chorus of insects singing outside the parlor window. She relaxed in a moment of quiet reflection after a busy day with this overgrown animal that followed her about like a puppy. She laughed at his awkward appearance: large, pointed ears, huge feet, and a flat nose like a pig’s.
No one had intended for General Lee to be a part of their home, but the animal displayed such fierce loyalty toward her husband that the elder Kahlers hadn’t much choice. When the couple married, the dog sulked and refused to eat until Frank’s father delivered him to the newlyweds. Strangely enough, General Lee extended his affections and guardianship to Ellen. Right from the beginning of Frank and Ellen’s courtship, the dog had sensed Frank’s devotion to her and quickly made friends. The dog’s loyalty caused family jokes, but Frank claimed he had the best guardian angel in town. When work kept him away from home, Ellen was safe. Folks still felt squeamish since Mrs. Lewis’s passing, but not Ellen. She had General. How she loved that dog, the first pet she’d ever had.
The dog lifted his ears and growled at the front door.
“What is it, General?” Ellen said to the dog for the second time.
She reached over and patted him, noting the tense muscles across his shoulders and back. Feeling a twinge of alarm, she glanced at the clock on the mantel.
Shortly after supper, Frank had gone back to the feed store to catch up on some bookkeeping. He and Ellen planned to take a few days to themselves in another week, and he wanted to make sure the plans for the lumberyard were in order. Since the day they had married, the two had worked from before dawn until after sunset at their regular positions and then picked up paint brushes and tools to finish their home at night. Both were looking forward to a few days together.
“Is anyone there?” The sound of her own voice was laced with a hint of trepidation.
General Lee bolted from the rug near her chair and leaped to the door. He snarled and barked fiercely. Breaking away from Ellen’s hold, he planted himself firmly at the entrance. She watched the dog’s actions with growing apprehension, and her gaze bore holes into the door until she finally stopped shaking long enough to rise from the rocking chair.
“Is someone there? Frank?” She drew in a quick breath, keenly aware that General would not attack his own master. They lived on the outskirts of town, and she feared a cry for help might not be heard.
The door handle turned. Ellen’s heart pounded so hard against her chest that it hurt. General Lee bared his teeth and crouched low to spring on the intruder. Sweet Jesus, I’m afraid.
Her gaze darted helplessly around the room in a frantic search for a weapon. Frank’s shotgun rested against the wall in the kitchen. He didn’t keep it loaded, but she knew where he stored the shells.
She rushed into the kitchen and fell into the corner of the table. Snatching up the shotgun, she stumbled to grasp the box of shells from the kitchen cupboard. In her haste, they tumbled to the floor, rolling everywhere. Ellen scooped up a handful and dropped them into her apron pocket. Her shaking fingers fumbled so that she couldn’t load the gun.
The front door slowly swung open.
General Lee growled and sprang from his stance only to be silenced by the sharp crack of a handgun. She stole a look—the dog’s body twisted and plunged to the floor.
A scream escaped her lips. Devotion cost a dear price.
She stepped back into the living room and clumsily hoisted the heavy shotgun to her shoulder. “Get out, or I’ll blow a hole right through you.” Her voice sounded hollow, or perhaps her terror spoke more bravely than she truly felt.
“I dare say it’s not loaded,” said the calm, quiet voice of Aubrey Turner.
“Yes, it is. I should kill you for what you did to my dog.”
“It’s Frank’s dog, my dear, and your pocket is full of shells. You haven’t had time to load that shotgun, and I doubt if Frank keeps it loaded.”
Ellen raised the weapon higher to reinforce her threat, but he only laughed. His obvious confidence sent a chill to her fingertips. “Frank will be home any minute.” She glared into violet eyes, the ones Jessica had feared and hated. “You’d best get out of here.”
“I beg to differ. I saw him enter the feed store about a half hour ago, and his habit is to work at least two hours.” He moved closer, stepping over General Lee’s still body.
“Not tonight. He only needed to pick up something.” She waved the gun toward his face. If only it were loaded, she’d gladly pull the trigger.
“You should have killed me before I got inside.”
She glanced at General Lee lying in a pool of blood. His head lay twisted to one side where the bullet had torn into his neck. He hadn’t even whimpered. Her shoulders ached from aiming the shotgun at Turner, but before she could contemplate another thought, he snatched the weapon from her trembling hands.
“Frank will never let you get away with this. What do you want?” Hysteria rose from the pit of her stomach.
“He’d have to find me first. In case you didn’t know, I left town. The train conductor will vouch for me getting on board.” He tossed the shotgun aside. The crash echoed across the small home.
Ellen realized she faced the same end as her dog.
Turner’s features twisted into something more distorted and vile than anything she’d ever seen. His malevolent eyes penetrated deep inside her, radiating evil.
“What do you want?” The words barely choked out.
He reached out to seize her, but she instantly shrank back. Her only escape from his clutches was through the back door.
“I want my money.” And for every step she took back, he moved closer.
“What money?” Maybe Frank had enough cash there to pacify him.
Picking up a kitchen chair, he threw it out of his way and continued edging his way toward her. “You know what I mean—the money Jessica stole from me.”
Ellen shivered in the late July heat. Panic seized every part of her body.
“I loved that woman! I loved her with my soul, and she robbed me.”
Ellen lifted her chin in a futile attempt to calm her raging emotions. “I don’t know anything about your money. Jessica never mentioned it.”
&
nbsp; He grabbed her chin sharply and savagely pulled her face within inches of his. “Liar, you know exactly what I’m talking about. If you value your life, you’ll tell me where it is.”
She tasted the acidity of terror. “I swear I don’t know a thing about any money. All Jessica told me was that she left a man when they didn’t get along.”
Turner’s hands tightened around her jaw. He slid his fingers to her throat. “If I have to squeeze it out of you, I will. I have nothing to lose by killing you or Jenny. And I know you have it, or Jenny wouldn’t have come to this godforsaken hole.”
“I know nothing,” she whispered as his hands slowly cut off her air.
“Then why did you have her sister come all the way out here?”
“I didn’t.”
His crimson face blazed fire. “Liar. You two planned to split my money. I’m sure of it.” With the intensity of each word, his hold tightened around her neck. “Tell me where I can find my money, and I won’t kill you.”
When she failed to respond, he slapped her soundly across the face with his other hand. Madness reigned in his eyes—a wild, uncontrollable rage.
O God, help me.
“Tell me,” he said through clenched teeth.
Ellen knew if she could utter a word, it would be to no avail. His anger soared beyond reason. Her knees buckled against the force of his body. She fell to the floor. A sharp stab of pain ripped through the back of her head. The pressure of his hand tightened around her throat, and she felt herself struggling desperately for air. A wicked grin spread across his face, one of triumph and control. Pain and blackness threatened to engulf her, and she resisted until the prevailing darkness finally swept her under its control.
*****