The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1

by Wanda E. Brunstetter, Kristin Billerbeck, Kristy Dykes, Aisha Ford, Birdie L. Etchison, Pamela Griffin, Joyce Livingston, Tamela Hancock Murray

  “Hi, Mom. I’m calling to see how you’re all doing, and also, I’d like to talk to Henry. Would you please ask him to call me at noon today? I’ll be sitting by the phone at that time, waiting to hear from him.”

  Belinda smiled. It was nice that Ezekiel was taking an interest in his younger brother. Henry needed to know that his brother cared about him, not to mention be exposed to Ezekiel’s positive influence, which Henry was lacking right now. Belinda had little influence on her teenage son these days. She could also see that Amy spent more time butting heads with Henry than getting along. Belinda kept praying for her family because each of their lives needed the Lord’s mending.

  Soon, she found herself staring out the open door of the little shed toward a tree line on the property next door. Somehow the swaying of their branches on the breeze made her feel at ease. A few minutes passed, as she felt herself melt and relax in the quiet solitude, but just as suddenly, it was over when the telephone rang.

  “Ach!” Belinda jumped. She drew in a deep breath to calm herself and picked up the receiver. A man who was obviously hard of hearing asked for the address of their business. It became a bit frustrating when she had to keep repeating herself. Belinda tried to be patient with him and felt relief when the conversation ended. She could only imagine what his family must go through each day, probably repeating a good deal of their dialog. Did he have hearing aids, or was he like Belinda’s father, who had refused to admit his hearing was diminished or to have his hearing tested?

  Belinda drew a sharp intake of breath. Well, if the man does show up at the greenhouse, I shouldn’t have a hard time picking him out.

  Most of the rest of the messages were from other prospective customers, asking questions about what was available in the greenhouse right now. A few of their family’s friends had called to check on them, which was most appreciated. Dear Mary Ruth had been back a few times to offer her help wherever it was needed.

  Belinda wrote down all the messages and stepped out of the small wooden building, already stuffy from the sun beating down with not much ventilation inside.

  A crow cawed repeatedly from a tree in their yard as Belinda headed for the greenhouse.

  She found Henry outside the building wearing his beekeeping gear. It hadn’t been long since his brother had been the one out collecting honey. Oh, how Henry reminds me of Abe in that getup.

  “Came to tell ya that I’m goin’ out to check for honey,” Henry mumbled. “Sure hope I don’t cook in this outfit, since it’s already heating up outside.”

  “You’ll be okay. Your brother did all right wearing that gear, and you’ll do the same. Oh, and before you go, I need to tell you something.”

  Henry stood with his legs slightly apart and one hand against his hip. “What do ya need me to do now?”

  “Nothing at the moment, but there was a message from Ezekiel. He wants you to call him at noon.”

  “How come?”

  “He’d like to talk to you.”

  “About what?”

  “Your brother did not give any specifics—just asked you to call and said he’d be waiting in his phone shed at twelve o’clock.”

  “Okay, whatever.” Henry turned and sauntered off in the direction of the beehives.

  Belinda grasped the doorknob and stepped into the greenhouse. If things weren’t too busy close to noon, she’d remind Henry to make the call.

  Amy smiled when Mary Ruth came into the greenhouse with her granddaughter Lenore. Lenore carried her two-month old son, Noah, in her arms, while Mary Ruth held the hand of Lenore’s three-year-old stepdaughter, Cindy. Both children were adorable, and Amy felt a pang of regret. With all her responsibilities here, it was doubtful that she’d ever get married and have a family of her own.

  “What can I do for you ladies?” she asked, trying not to stare at the dark-haired baby, sleeping contentedly in his mother’s arms.

  “We came by to see if you have any radish seeds,” Lenore replied. “I planted some last month but would like to plant more.”

  “We’d also like some plants for ground cover if you have them.” Mary Ruth smiled. “Lenore’s husband, Jesse, created a few more flowerbeds in our yard the later part of March, so now they need to be filled with color.”

  “I’m sure we have some flowers and plants to your liking.” Amy thought it was nice that Lenore’s husband had been willing to move into Mary Ruth’s house after he and Lenore got married. It gave them a place to call home that was big enough to raise a family, and it allowed Mary Ruth to remain in her home. Otherwise, she’d have felt the need to sell and move to Paradise to live with her son and his wife.

  Amy led the way to the aisle where several multicolored ground covers sat in pots.

  “These are so schee.” Lenore pointed to a vivid pink plant.

  “Jah.” Mary Ruth gave a nod. “They are all quite pretty.”

  “I’ll let you two do your choosing.” Amy pulled a metal wagon over beside the women. “You can put whatever you decide on in here and pull it around until you’re ready to check out at the counter.”

  “Danki.” Mary Ruth placed a hand on Amy’s shoulder. “When I was here the other day, I didn’t get to talk to you much. Just wondering how you’re holding up with all your responsibilities.”

  Amy couldn’t hold back a sigh. “I have a lot more responsibility now, but so far, I’m managing.”

  “Your mamm really appreciates the way you’ve pitched in. She told me that when I was here.”

  “She’s a good mudder, and there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her.” Including setting aside my plans for marriage. Amy didn’t voice her thoughts.

  “I’ve known Belinda a good many years, and she’s made plenty of sacrifices for her family. Guess it’s her turn to be on the receiving end and accept help from you and your sister and brother.”

  Amy nodded. No way would she admit to Mary Ruth that Sylvia could barely help herself, much less anyone else, or that Henry was being so difficult and hard to live with since the accident.

  “We’ll see you in a bit,” the dear woman said.

  Lenore laughed. “I’m sure by the time we’re ready to check out, we’ll have a whole wagon full of plants.”

  Amy smiled. As she moved back up the aisle, she overheard Marilyn Yoder, who was married to one of their ministers, talking to Mom at the counter.

  “Say, I heard from Monroe Esh’s sister the other day. She said he’s bought a business in the area and plans to move back here soon. He’s been away a long time, so it’ll be kind of strange having him living here again.”

  “That’s interesting.” Mom continued to ring up Marilyn’s purchases. “I’m sure his family is happy about that.”

  “I would think so.” Marilyn spoke quietly but not so much that Amy couldn’t hear what she said. “As I recall, Monroe left Lancaster County soon after you broke up with him.”

  Broke up with him? Amy had never heard her mother mention a man named Monroe Esh. She assumed Mom must have been courted by him before she met Dad.

  She reached behind her back and tightened her apron ties. Maybe someday when I’m Mom’s age, I’ll look back and think about Jared and how it was when we courted and had to break up. Only I may not be married to anyone by then. I may still be an old maid.

  Sometime later, when it was close to noon, Amy heard her mother remind Henry that he needed to go out to the phone shed and call Ezekiel.

  “Jah, okay.” With his shoulders curled forward, he slumped out the door.

  Mom looked over at Amy and shook her head. “You’d think he’d be eager to talk to his bruder.”

  Amy swatted at an irksome fly. “My brother’s not eager about anything these days.”

  Clymer

  Ezekiel stepped into the phone shed and took a seat. Hopefully, Henry had gotten his message and would call him on time. With all the work that needed to be done in his shop, he couldn’t afford to sit here all day waiting. Sure hope I can reason with
my brother enough for him to change his negative attitude. This has to be wearing on my mother and sisters’ nerves.

  Since he’d been asked to speak to his brother, Ezekiel wanted to help fix this problem. He pulled his fingers through the back of his thick hair. Henry is a lot like our daed—not too good with change. Ezekiel’s father was the last one to agree to the idea of replacing their old horse and letting the old gelding live out his days in the pasture. He wouldn’t throw away his old straw hat either, no matter how much Mom had pestered him about it. She’d bought Dad a new one, but he still wore the old hat most of the time when around home or if he went fishing.

  I sure miss you, Dad. Ezekiel let his head fall forward into his outstretched hands. It’s strange to be seeing so much of you in my little brother.

  There were moments, like now, when Ezekiel still wondered if he should pack up his family and go back to help Mom and the rest of the family. It was overwhelming to feel helpless and unsure of what to say to his brother. Dad, if you were still alive, I wouldn’t be faced with this matter right now. But you, Toby, and Abe were called home. Guess it was your time to leave us and join others who died in the faith.

  Ezekiel remained in thought for a while then closed his eyes and prayed for his family. He asked the Lord to give him the right words to say to Henry and that whatever was said on the phone today would help somehow. Even if it didn’t go the way he hoped, Ezekiel would put his trust in the Lord. He had a lot on his mind and much to learn as a new minister. Ezekiel remembered how Mom had often stressed the importance of being patient and showing love to those who were hurting.

  A few minutes later, the telephone rang. Ezekiel opened his eyes and picked up the receiver. “Hello.”

  “It’s me, Henry.”

  “Hi, buddy. It’s good to hear from you. How are you doing?” Ezekiel kept his tone on the cheerful side, although it was hard to be upbeat these days.

  “My name ain’t Buddy.”

  Ezekiel frowned. “Don’t get umgerennt. It was only a figure of speech.”

  “Who says I’m upset, and why’d ya want me to call ya?”

  “I wanted to see how things are going.”

  “You coulda called Mom and asked her that.”

  Ezekiel shifted the receiver to his other ear. “I wanted to talk to you and find out how you are getting along.”

  “How do ya think? Dad’s gone; Abe’s gone; and I’m stuck doin’ all their chores.” Henry’s voice cracked. “I—I wouldn’t mind doin’ any amount of chores if they were here with me right now.”

  At least he is venting on me instead of Mom or one of our sisters. I’m certain that my brother needs to say it again and again, but how many more times will it be needed? This is agonizing for all of us. Ezekiel’s eyes stung as he listened to the raw pain in his brother’s voice. “I miss them too, Henry.”

  “Then you oughta be here with us to help us get through.”

  A deep sense of remorse settled over Ezekiel like a heavy blanket of fog. “I told Mom I’d move back to help out, but she wouldn’t hear of it.”

  “Since when did you ever do what our mamm said? You ran around with Michelle when she was English, even though Mom didn’t approve.”

  “That was different. I was in love with Michelle. And eventually, Mom and Dad came to love and accept her.” Ezekiel didn’t know why he felt the need to defend himself. This phone call wasn’t about him—it was about Henry and his attitude.

  “If things don’t go well and Mom needs me, I won’t hesitate to come back to Strasburg, even if it’s not a permanent move.”

  “So, you’d just come for a visit and then go back to New York?”

  “Jah, unless Mom decided she needed us there permanently.”

  Henry grunted. “Like that’s ever gonna happen. She’s got it in her head that she can make it without your help, which means I’ll never have a life of my own.”

  “Sure you will, Henry. Someday Mom might get married again, and then …”

  “She’d never do that. Mom loved Dad too much, and nobody could ever replace him.” Ezekiel held the phone away from his ear. His brother was practically shouting.

  “I don’t believe you have to worry about anything like that happening anytime soon, if ever. The main thing is, you need to be supportive of her and help out wherever you can.” When Henry didn’t comment, Ezekiel added, “I’ll be in touch again soon, and we can talk some more.”

  “Okay, sure, whatever. I’ve gotta go now, big brother. Mom’s probably got lunch on the table.” Before Ezekiel could say goodbye, Henry hung up.

  Ezekiel rubbed his forehead and moaned. Sure hope something I said got through to him. It’s hard enough for Mom to deal with Dad and Abe’s death without having to put up with my little brother’s negative attitude and self-centeredness. It’s not like he’s the only one struggling with grief and unpredictable emotions right now. We all need to lean on God so we can get through this with a stronger faith and greater reliance on Him.

  Strasburg

  Jared had been so busy with roofing jobs, he hadn’t found the time to visit Amy’s friend and try to enlist her help. Since today was Saturday and his work week had come to an end, he was heading to see Lydia now.

  “Sure hope she’s willing to help me with this.” Jared held tight to the reins as his horse picked up speed. “I can’t let Amy go. I’ll do whatever it takes to change her mind about breaking up with me.”

  When Jared turned up the driveway leading to the home of Lydia’s parents, he spotted her sitting on the front porch with her mother. Not good. I can’t talk to Lydia about Amy in front of her mother. Darlene is a gossip. She’s sure to repeat whatever is said to Amy or someone else.

  It was too late to turn his horse and buggy around; the women had seen him, and both had waved. He guided his horse to the hitching rail and climbed out of his rig. After securing the horse, Jared headed to the house and joined the women on the porch.

  “Hello, Jared. It’s nice to see you. Are you heading over to see Amy, or have you already been there?” Lydia tipped her head, and in doing so, a wisp of blond hair escaped her kapp.

  “No, I … uh … haven’t been over there for a few days.” Jared shifted his weight and leaned against the porch railing.

  “I’m surprised to hear that,” Darlene spoke up. “Since you and Lydia’s friend are courting, I figured you’d be over there every day. I’m sure with the recent death of her father and brother, Amy needs your support and probably some help with chores around the place.”

  Jared moistened his parched lips and moved away from the railing. “I have offered my help, and I was going over there often until Amy broke up with me.” His teeth clenched so hard his jaw ached. Now why’d I go and blurt that out in front of Lydia’s mamm? By Monday, if not sooner, our whole community will know about the breakup.

  Lydia’s eyes widened, and her lips parted slightly, but before she could comment, her mother spoke again. “Oh, my … I had no idea. What happened?”

  Jared’s fingers curled into the palms of his hands. He’d already said more than he should have. How do I get out of this? Is it too late to ask if I can speak to Lydia alone?

  He cleared his throat a couple of times, and without answering Darlene’s question, Jared looked at Lydia. “Could I speak to you alone for a few minutes?”

  “Of course you may.” Darlene jumped up. “I’ll go in the house, and you can have my seat.” She smiled at Jared. “It will give you two some time to talk, and then I’ll bring out some millich and kichlin.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I won’t be here long enough for milk and cookies. I have something I need to ask your daughter, and then I need to be on my way.”

  Darlene’s shoulders slumped a bit, but her countenance brightened as a smile took over. “Maybe the next time you come calling you can stay long enough for a treat. For now though, I’ll leave you two alone to talk.”

  Jared wasn’t sure what the woman meant about
the next time he came calling, but he simply nodded and sat in the chair beside Lydia.

  She looked over at him with wrinkled brows. “Did Amy really break things off with you, or was it the other way around?”

  “She broke up with me.” He heaved a heavy sigh. “With all her responsibilities at the greenhouse, plus trying to cope with her father, brother, and brother-in-law’s deaths, while offering support to her mother and siblings, Amy said she has no time for courting.”

  “But she will someday, right?” Lydia looked steadily at Jared.

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. She wants me to move on without her.”

  “I’m so sorry, Jared.” Lydia placed her hand on his arm and gave it a few gentle pats. Her sympathy made him choke up.

  “I came over here to see if you’d be willing to have a talk with Amy—try to make her see that she doesn’t need to end our relationship. I realize she won’t have time for social events and long buggy rides, but I’m more than willing to court her by simply going over to the house and helping out wherever I’m needed. Eventually things should get better for Amy and her family, and then we can start doing some fun things together again.”

  “But your job keeps you so busy. Would you have time to do extra chores over there?”

  “I’ll make the time.” He leaned over slightly with both hands on his knees. “I would do most anything for the woman I love.”

  “Jah, I’m sure of that.”

  “So would you speak to Amy on my behalf—make her see that, despite the trial she and her family are facing right now, we can have a future together?”

  Lydia slowly nodded. “I can’t promise how Amy will respond, but I’ll do my best to get through to her. In fact, I’ll go over there on Monday.”

  “Danki.” He rose from his chair. “I’ll come by again sometime next week and see how things went.”

  “Keep the faith, Jared. Keep the faith,” Lydia called as he stepped off the porch.

  “I will.” Jared turned and looked over his shoulder as a sense of hope welled in his soul. Amy and Lydia had been close friends since they were children. Surely Amy would listen to her.