by Mary Alford
A door creaked in the house. Irene came into the living room. “What’s happening?” She glanced from Sadie to Elam. “I heard a scuffle.”
Sadie looked to him for help.
“Come sit down, Irene,” he said in a weary voice.
Irene clutched her robe and did as he asked.
He faced Sadie. “You have to tell her everything.”
With tears brimming in her eyes, Sadie sat next to her mother and held Irene’s hands as the story spilled out.
Irene appeared to struggle to take it in. “Who is this man?” she asked, her eyes skittering from Elam to Sadie.
“I don’t know. I truly have no idea who he is.”
“We need to call the sheriff.” Elam waited for Irene to grasp what he said.
“Jah, this is a good idea. I will change.” She left them to go to her room. It was then that Elam noticed Sadie wore the same clothes he’d seen her in earlier. She hadn’t been able to sleep either.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Her shoulders slumped in defeat and Elam’s heart broke for her.
“We’ll figure it out. With the sheriff’s help, we’ll figure out who he is.”
She rose and slipped into his arms. “I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t think I could go through this without you.”
Elam held her close and brushed the hair from her face. Being close to her was both heaven and torment at the same time.
“You don’t have to,” he assured her.
With a deep sigh, their eyes met. Held. Unable to stop himself, he touched her face. He wanted so many things that were not possible.
Sadie stepped back and he let her go, his hands falling to his sides. She turned away, the space between them was filled with tension. Elam was grateful when Irene appeared again.
“Lock the door behind me. I’ll harness the mare and bring the buggy around front.”
Elam stepped across the threshold and waited until the lock engaged. With lantern in hand, he hastened to the barn while glancing around, fearing the man might still be close.
He moved the buggy out of the barn and near the house, then brought out Golden Girl. His hands shook as he harnessed the horse. Once he finished, he wrapped the reins around the porch post and took the steps two at a time. “It’s me,” he said and knocked once on the door. After a second, Sadie opened it and he came inside.
“To be safe, I think you both should pack some things. You’ll stay with me until this is finished.” He relocked the door while Irene and Sadie stared at him with wide eyes.
“Go quickly. Pack.”
After a second’s hesitation, they both hurried away.
From time to time, he kept watch outside. All he could think about was the attack. The man had wanted to hurt him bad. What would he do with Sadie if he found her?
Chapter Five
The last time she’d been to Elam’s home was when she was seventeen. The house appeared mostly the same, yet the presence of Elam’s parents were everywhere. From the kitchen where Rhoda used to prepare delicious meals for her family to Otto’s favorite rocking chair near the fire.
“Jonah’s room should be comfortable enough for you,” He told Sadie. “Irene, you can use Mamm’s and Daed’s old room.”
The trip to the community shanty had been filled with tension. All Sadie could think about was the trouble she’d brought to her mother’s home and now Elam’s. She should have kept on running.
“You did the right thing,” Elam assured her as if sensing her doubts. “You can’t keep running away from this, Sadie.”
She prayed it was true.
“Sheriff Mackenzie should be here soon,” he told them.
Irene shook her head. “I doubt any of us will sleep tonight. I’ll brew some coffee.”
Elam walked into the kitchen with her. “I’ll show you where things are kept.”
While her mother kept busy in the kitchen, Elam returned to the living room where Sadie was.
“This isn’t your fault,” he said. “None of it.”
Sadie moved from the fire. “Isn’t it? I shouldn’t have come to St. Ignatius.”
“Nonsense. This is your home. You’ve been running away from that truth for a while now, but this is where you belong. It’s time to come home. For Irene.” He paused. “For everyone.”
She wanted to ask him if he included himself. Was she ready for his answer?
A knock on the door startled her. Elam parted the curtains. Several law enforcement vehicles were parked out front.
“It’s the sheriff’s people,” he said and answered it.
A man in a sheriff’s uniform stepped inside followed by two deputies. “Elam Beiler?” the man asked.
“Yes, I’m Elam.”
“Sheriff Mackenzie. And these are Deputies Franklin and Clark.”
Elam shook their hands. “Sadie Eicher and her mother, Irene.”
The sheriff nodded at the women. “I hear you’ve had some trouble tonight.”
Elam explained what happened and then turned to Sadie. “Apparently, this guy has been harassing Sadie for a while.”
“Can you tell me about what’s been going on in your life, ma’am?” the sheriff asked Sadie.
She took a couple of deep breaths and described the frightening events that led her to St. Ignatius while one of the deputies took notes.
“We’ll head to the house tonight and take a look around. You have the note and rose?” Sheriff Mackenzie asked.
“They’re in the buggy in the barn. I can get them for you,” Elam offered.
“No need,” Sheriff Mackenzie said. “Franklin can bag them. We’ll check to see if we can lift prints other than yours.”
Deputy Franklin went outside, and the sheriff homed in on Sadie. “You have no idea who this guy is?”
She shook her head. “None.”
The sheriff patted his holster. “I’ll have a deputy watch the Eicher house and another one stay here. In case the suspect tries something else.”
Sadie’s knees grew wobbly. She clasped her hands together to stop them from trembling and thought about her world in Billings. Did she really want to return to that way of life again? Through the years, her heart had always called her home to her Amish roots. This was where she belonged. She’d known it for a long time.
“Can you think of anything else?” Sheriff Mackenzie asked when his deputy slipped inside with the rose and note encased in evidence bags.
Sadie shook her head. “No, I’m sorry, I can’t.”
“We’ll need to collect your fingerprints to rule yours out,” the sheriff told Elam and motioned to Franklin to retrieve his kit.
Once Deputy Franklin finished fingerprinting Elam, the two deputies left the house.
“To be safe, lock your doors. Deputy Franklin will be out front if you need anything during the night,” Sheriff Mackenzie said before he left them.
The strain of the past few months settled around her shoulders. She was exhausted to her core. With a hand, she stifled a yawn, and Elam smiled.
“You should try to get some sleep. Both of you. We’re safe here.”
Mamm smiled at Elam and kissed Sadie’s cheek. “I will see you both in the morning. Good night, all.”
When it was just the two of them, Elam watched her with those intense eyes, and Sadie’s chest constricted. How handsome he was. Strong. Caring. Protective. Someone deserving of love.
She cleared her throat, and her voice came out unsteady. “I’ll clean the coffee pot before I go to bed.”
Elam held her gaze. “Don’t worry about it. Get some rest.”
With her heart slamming against her chest, Sadie left him without another word. She closed the door and moved to the bed. The curtains were open. With shaking hands, she yanked them closed.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she tried to understand why someone was stalking her. Somehow, she must have met him. Though she doubted she could sleep a wink, Sadie changed into her nightgown and crawled under
the covers.
As she stared at the ceiling, noises came from the living room. Elam rustling around, adding more wood to the fire. A broken sob escaped as she pictured his smiling face. In the past, Elam had been like the brother she never had. Always there for her. Protecting her from schoolhouse bullies. He was still taking care of her and she was looking at him differently.
Sadie shifted to her side. She had no business thinking of Elam as anything but a friend. Her head was so mixed up. She had no idea where her life would land once this nightmare ended.
A sound close to the window had her sitting up in bed. Someone was out there, she knew it.
With her heart in her throat, she climbed out from under the covers.
“You’ll always belong to me,” a man’s voice whispered close to the window. Sadie screamed and ran from the room.
Elam reached for her before she kept right on running.
“He was here. Outside my window.” Close enough to hear her. Wait for her. Tidal waves of fear crashed through her body. This man was determined. He wanted her and nothing would stop him.
◆◆◆
“Stay here and lock the door. I’ll get Deputy Franklin.” Elam snatched his coat and stepped outside. Once the lock engaged, he started for the deputy’s patrol vehicle.
He’d barely taken a couple of steps when the car door opened, and Deputy Franklin climbed out. “He was here,” Elam said the second the deputy was close enough to hear him. “Around behind the house. Outside Sadie’s window.”
The deputy nodded and removed his weapon. “Go inside, sir. I’ll check it out.”
Elam ran back to the house and knocked. “Sadie, it’s me.”
His heart beat off each passing second. The lock slid free, and the door opened. Sadie stared at him with huge, frightened eyes.
“Deputy Franklin is taking a look around.” Elam eased her away from the door and slipped inside.
Behind Sadie, Irene stood in front of the fire, her face ashen.
“It’s going to be alright.” Elam sought to assure them though he didn’t feel as confident as his words.
Silence seemed to penetrate every inch of the room as minutes strung together. The loud knock on the front door made both women jump.
Elam parted the curtains and craned his neck to see the door. “It’s just the deputy.” He blew out a relieved breath before answering it.
Deputy Franklin stepped through the door and addressed them. “He must have bolted,” he told Sadie. “But I found footprints near the window. I’ve called our crime scene unit. They’re on the way here now to gather evidence. They’ll set up floodlights to provide light to work.”
Elam nodded, thoughts tumbling through his head. How could they stop the man from striking again if they couldn’t identify him?
“I heard from Deputy Clark,” Franklin told them. “The perp was there earlier, probably after you called us. He left another note and a rose.”
“What’s the significance of the two items?” Elam asked while trying to make sense of it all.
“I’m guessing the roses have some special meaning to him. The note reinforces a relationship he believes exists between the two of you,” he said to Sadie.
Her mouth flew open as shock spread through her. “But what relationship? There isn’t one. I don’t even know him.”
“It doesn’t have to be real, ma’am. This guy is obviously delusional. It exists in his mind, and that’s all that matters.”
Tears gathered in the corner of her eyes. “I feel so helpless. I want this all to stop.”
Elam put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close. “It will. It’s only a matter of time before he’s caught.”
Outside, red and blue lights swept across the windows. “That’ll be the crime scene unit. Excuse me.” Deputy Franklin left the house, and silence filled the room.
“It’s almost morning,” Irene glanced at the clock on the wall. “I’ll get started on breakfast.” She moved to the kitchen, leaving Sadie and Elam alone.
Sadie had never looked so vulnerable before. Elam shifted slightly. The tears on her cheeks were his undoing. When he brushed them away with his thumb, she caught her breath. Something unexplained flickered in her eyes and she ducked her head and stepped away. “I should go help Mamm with the morning meal.” Without looking at him again, she left him alone.
As he watched her go, he berated himself. What was wrong with him? She needed him as a friend. Sadie had no idea he’d been crazy about her for years. As soon as the danger facing her ended, she’d return to her life in Billings once more. He couldn’t risk breaking his heart when she left him again. The first time she left the community, he’d struggled to survive. Through the years he’d managed to keep his feelings a secret from her. Now, after all this time, it felt like it was too late for them.
Chapter Six
Sadie stared at her plate, the scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast untouched. She was barely holding it together. Who was this crazy man? And why was he doing this to her?
“I should head over to your house to do the chores,” Elam told them.
Mamm’s brow furrowed. “Do you think it will be safe? This man could be waiting there.”
“I’ll be fine. I spoke to Deputy Franklin earlier. Deputy Cole will remain at the house until I finish the chores, and the crime scene unit will be here. You and Sadie will be safe with them.”
“I’m coming with you,” Sadie said unexpectedly and wasn’t surprised when he shot the idea down with a shake of his head.
“It’s best if you remain here with your mother.”
“I’m coming with you,” she insisted and squared her shoulders, ready to battle. He’d risked his life for her. She didn’t want to let him out of her sight for a moment because she couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to him. “You said yourself, Deputy Cole will be there and the others. Besides, I need to pick up some things from my car.”
Elam’s weighty sigh spoke volumes. “All right,” he said after a moment. “But stay close to me.”
A myriad of confusing emotions grew inside her. She’d been so determined to keep Elam at a distance in the past, but she no longer could deny her feelings for him were deepening. “I can do that,” she managed when he waited for an answer.
“Would you mind picking up some things for me while you’re there?” Mamm asked.
“Of course not. Whatever you want,” Sadie told her.
“I need the flour Elam bought for me yesterday and a few other things. I’ll make you a list.”
“There’s pen and paper in the drawer near the stove,” Elam told Mamm.
While her mother jotted down what she needed, Sadie brought her plate to the sink.
Elam carried his and Mamm’s plates. He handed them to her and took out a dish towel to dry.
Having him close was both comforting and nerve-wracking at the same time. She was so mixed up inside. Her feelings for Elam were changing, but she couldn’t let herself fall for him. Her life wasn’t in St. Ignatius anymore. Once this ordeal ended, she wasn’t sure where she’d go, but the Amish life was no longer hers to claim. She’d been away far too long.
“Perhaps when you return, we can make some desserts to take to the diner?” Her mother handed her the list. Sadie stuck it in the pocket of her jeans.
“I’d like that,” Sadie said and finished washing the last dish.
“If you’re ready, I’ll have a word with Deputy Franklin, and we can be on our way,” Elam told her.
Sadie dried her hands. “I’ll get my coat.” Inside the bedroom, a chill engulfed her. Two men in uniforms gathered evidence outside the window where the man had been earlier.
She snatched her coat and fled the room, but she couldn’t leave the terror behind.
Elam waited by the door, his dark eyes on her face. Her cheeks warmed as she closed the space between them.
“Ready?” he asked, his voice tight. She managed a nod, and he held the door for her.
Sadie swept past him. The chill of the morning hitting her like a slap to the face.
Deputy Franklin spoke to another man. When he spotted them, he hastened to their side. “Are you folks ready to go?”
“Yes. I’ll hitch the buggy, and then we’ll be on our way.”
“I’m being called out to an accident scene, but your mother should be safe here with the crime scene unit. They’ll remain until another deputy takes my place.”
Elam shook his hand. “Thanks for your help.”
Deputy Franklin nodded and moved away. Elam followed Sadie into the barn, and together they pulled the buggy outside, followed by the mare. As they harnessed the animal to the buggy, her hand accidentally brushed against Elam’s. With each innocent touch she became aware of him like never before. She quickly removed her hand, her startled gaze latching onto his. Sadie watched as an unreadable look entered his eyes that she’d give anything to understand.
Drawing in a breath, she scrambled up onto the buggy seat without his help. Elam slowly followed. She clasped her hands in her lap to keep them from trembling and avoided looking at him.
All around her, the crisp fall day unfolded. She breathed in deep the scent of pine trees and slowly began to relax. The Gott who created this beauty around her and numbered the hairs on her head held her in the palm of His hand
“Do you remember that one fall when it snowed so much? The three of us went sledding up on the hill behind your house?” Elam asked, and slanted a smile her way. Her heart raced at the sight of it, and she laughed. Her life and the Beiler brothers’ had always been intertwined.
“I do. That was a fun day,” she said, remembering the time.
“It was. I miss those days.” His voice caught on the words. A wistful look softened his face.
She studied his profile. Even back then he’d been watching out for her. When they’d run across a rogue bear, Elam pushed her and Jonah behind him and fired three shots before the bear ran away. He always had his shotgun close because of the dangers in the mountain vistas.