Plain Truth (Military Investigations) (7 page)

Zach watched as the buggy continued on. Then, turning, he studied the wooded area behind the house and the pastures to one side. His expression of concern made Ella realize that standing outside in the open exposed all of them.

“We need to finish this discussion inside,” Levi said, no doubt picking up on the special agent’s worry. “Please, come into my house.” He motioned them toward the door.

“Sarah can come to the clinic with me,” Ella suggested. “If you men want to talk in private.”

“No.” Levi shook his head. “Sarah needs to hear what I will say.” Again, he pointed to the door. “Please.”

Ella hurried up the steps to where Sarah stood. “You’re not feeling well today?” She took the Amish woman’s hand.

“Levi says I must place my trust in
Gott
, and I do, but I still worry about our baby.”

“I brought my medical bag. Let’s go to your bedroom. I’ll check the baby’s heartbeat.”

“That will bring me comfort.”

Seeing the worry in Sarah’s drawn face, Ella rubbed the younger woman’s shoulder, hoping to offer reassurance. “I told you everything looks good.”

“I believe what you said with my head, but not with my heart. Do you understand?”

“I understand your desire for a child. What happened with your first pregnancy does not mean that it will happen again. This second child is gaining weight and growing. She or he will be healthy and will bring you and Levi joy for the rest of your lives.”

“You bring me hope.” A weak smile formed on Sarah’s thin lips. “May I offer you a slice of apple pie?”

“That sounds wonderful.” Ella glanced at Zach. “I’m sure the special agent would like some, as well. Let the men talk while I check the baby. Then we can enjoy your pie.”

Entering the bedroom, Ella found her gaze drawn to the beautiful quilt that covered the bed. The workmanship was so detailed. The colors were muted, as was the Amish way, but the intricate pattern was like a work of art.

“Did you create this quilt?” Ella asked.

“Before Levi and I married. I did it as an act of love.”

“You’re an artist, Sarah.”

“My sister taught me to stitch. She is a good teacher, but the praise goes to
Gott
. He creates the beauty in my mind before I sew the pieces together.”

“You’re much too humble,” Ella said, as she helped her stretch out on the bed. Sarah’s hands clenched as Ella listened to the baby’s heartbeat.

Once satisfied, she helped the pregnant woman to a sitting position and assured her that the beat was strong. Relief spread over Sarah’s sweet face and a twinkle returned to her eyes. Together the two of them hurried back to the kitchen, where the men sat at the handcrafted table.

Zach was bent over a notebook, scribbling something onto a page. “When did you first meet Hugh Powers?” he asked, then looked up, distracted, as the women entered the room.

Levi stared at Sarah as she passed the table and hurried to where the pie sat on the counter. Ella stood close by, ready to help serve.

“He’s only recently come back from the Middle East,” Levi said. “I never met him, but I was riding in my buggy near their house not long ago and saw him get out of his truck.”

“Did he see you?”

“He glanced my way. Mary Kate was with him, but I did not see the girls.”

“Have you had any connection with the twins?”

Levi shook his head. “Their mother asked that I stay out of their lives. She does not want to confuse them with two fathers.”

Zach started to respond and then glanced at Sarah, who was pulling plates from the cabinet.

Levi must have read his thoughts. “It is all right that you continue to ask your questions, Special Agent Swain. I told you, Sarah and I do not have secrets. I have confessed my sin. The bishop says
Gott
has forgiven my transgressions.”

“Is there anyone who might be holding a grudge? Perhaps a family member of yours?” Again, Zach glanced at Sarah. “Or someone in your wife’s family?”

“Her brother, Daniel, was not happy when we married. He did not think I would be a faithful husband.”

“Is he still antagonistic?” Zach asked.

“He moved to Alabama, so I cannot speak for him,” Levi said. “But the Amish do not hold grudges.”

Sarah turned from cutting the pie. “Daniel was protective of me when we were children. It is hard for him to let go of that responsibility.”

“Protective of you in what way, if you don’t mind me asking?” Zach said.

“In the Amish home, the father is the disciplinarian, and he has total authority. That is usually not a problem when a man has love in his heart.”

“You’re saying that your father was a stern authoritarian?”

“My mother died three months after their last child was born. My father could never get over her loss.”

“Where are you in the birthing order?”

Sarah’s eyes turned serious. “I am the youngest.”

“Your father took his grief and frustration out on you?” Zach voice was laced with understanding.

“He said I was a difficult child.”

“Where does your father live now?”

“On a small farm not far from here.”

Zach looked at Levi. “Would your father-in-law become violent and do Mary Kate harm?”

The Amish man pursed his lips. Finally, he said, “I cannot see anyone harming a woman.”

“Do I detect a bit of hesitation on your part, Levi, in answering my question?”

“I do not want to falsely represent Sarah’s father. He is a proud man, and he forbade her to marry me.”

Ella’s heart went out to the fragile woman with the soft voice who stood with her back to the counter.

“Sarah, you married Levi against your father’s will?” Zach asked.

She stepped to the table and placed her hand on Levi’s shoulder. “I love my husband. He is a
gut
man. In youth, we often make mistakes. Levi had not yet been baptized. He was on his
rumspringa
. It is a time for the youth to explore other ways. He returned to the Amish community and was baptized.
Gott
accepted him. So did I.”

Sarah glanced at Ella as if to gain support. “Although a daughter is to obey her father, my
datt
was making bad decisions for my future,” the Amish wife continued. “I went to the bishop. Thankfully, he listened. Levi told him of his love for me, and the bishop gave us his blessing. This is something I have never regretted.”

“I know this is a difficult question, Sarah.” Zach hesitated, as if to let the seriousness of what he was about to say settle in. “Do you think your father is capable of harming Mary Kate?”

The young woman gripped her husband’s shoulder. Levi raised his hand and touched her fingers, offering encouragement.

“I do not doubt that my father could and would do physical harm to Mary Kate. As he ages, his mind becomes more twisted. He could think that getting rid of her would erase everything that happened, including having a daughter who disrespects his authority.”

“Is that what he’s said?” Zach asked.

“He has said this, yes.” She wiped her hands on her apron, then stepped back to the counter and lifted a knife to cut the pie. “Perhaps you are hungry and would like something to eat?”

Ella looked at Zach and nodded almost imperceptibly. Thankfully, he picked up on her subtle cue.

“Thank you, Sarah. I would enjoy a piece of pie.”

“
Gut.
” The young woman’s face broke into a strained smile. “We will eat.”

“Could you give me directions to find Sarah’s father?” Zach asked Levi as Sarah cut the pie.

He drew a map on Zach’s tablet. “My father-in-law’s farm is off Amish Road. The turn is hard to see when the leaves are on the trees. He likes to remain secluded. Be careful. He has a shotgun and will use it.”

“I thought the Amish were pacifists,” Zach stated.

“That does not stop my father-in-law from brandishing his hunting rifle.”

A chill wrapped around Ella’s heart as she saw the concern on Zach’s face.

“Do you have a rifle?” he asked Levi.

“I do, but I only use it for hunting.”

“Could you get it for me?”

Sarah turned abruptly to stare at her husband. Fear flashed in her eyes.

“Is something wrong?” Zach asked.

She shook her head. “Everything is fine.”

Levi slowly rose from the table and went to the back of the house. He returned with the rifle and passed it to Zach, who looked through the barrel. “When was the last time you cleaned your rifle?”

“After I went hunting,” Levi said. “Probably two weeks ago.”

“You haven’t used it since then?”

“That is right. I have not used it since.”

“Then there’s a problem.” Zach touched the chamber. A black, powdery smudge dirtied his finger. “This doesn’t look like cleaning oil to me. It looks more like gunpowder residue.”

He stared at the younger man. “The gun’s been fired since you cleaned it, Levi. Either you’re mistaken about your cleaning routine or you’ve fired the rifle in the last two weeks.”

Levi stared back at him but didn’t respond.

Sarah gripped the counter as if to regain her balance, then covered her mouth with her hand and ran from the room.

Ella glared at Zach for half a second, uncertain what had just happened. Surely he didn’t believe that Levi had viciously attacked her or Mary Kate. Nor had Levi fired on Ella today. Then she remembered what Zach had told her earlier.

Evil could be found anywhere, even in the Amish community.

SEVEN

E
lla followed Sarah into her room and found the young woman sitting on the bed, head in her hands. As she stepped closer, she heard the deep intake of air and then faint sobs as Sarah began to cry. Ella sat next to her on the thick quilt.

“Sarah...” She kept her voice low. “Nothing is worth your tears. Tell me what’s wrong.”

The young mother-to-be shook her head.

Ella hesitated a moment, giving her time to work through the swell of emotions that had obviously overpowered her.

“I’m your doctor, Sarah, but I’m also a neighbor and a friend. I won’t share the information unless you give me permission. You can trust me.”

“I...I know.” Her voice was weak and fraught with feeling.

“Is this about Levi and the gun?”

She shook her head again. “Not Levi.”

“But it concerns the rifle?”

Sarah nodded. She dug for the handkerchief tucked in her sleeve and wiped her cheeks. “Levi worries about me when I am alone. He has always been protective of me, but even more so now because of the baby. Sometimes I think he worries that someone will do me harm.”

“He wants to keep you safe because he loves you,” Ella said encouragingly. “That’s not a bad thing.”

“I know that is true, and I love him and always want to do what he asks of me.”

“I’m sure you’re a wonderful wife. Levi is blessed to have you.”

Sarah continued to hang her head, as if ashamed of what she was about to reveal. “My father said I was a fool to marry a man who loved another.”

Ella rubbed her hand over the woman’s slender shoulders. “But you said that your father does not have a loving heart. He might not have approved of any man you chose to marry.”

Sarah’s brow furrowed for a moment and then she nodded. “Perhaps you are right. Although a child is to obey her parents, especially her father. I tried to be a dutiful daughter.”

“You shouldn’t worry about your father.”

“He frightens me at times. Especially since his mind is failing him. His anger has increased.”

Ella glanced down at the intricately pieced quilt and wished the pieces of information Sarah had provided would fit together half as well. “Did your father have something to do with Levi’s gun?” she asked.

“No, but there was a man...”

The new detail made Ella’s heart lurch with concern. Again, she patted the young woman’s shoulders. “Tell me what happened, Sarah.”

“Two days ago, Levi went to town. He wanted to find some work to do for extra money so we could better prepare for the baby. He worries that there might be a problem and the baby may need special help at the hospital.”

“I told you that I’d deliver the baby and wouldn’t charge you.”

“That is right, and we are so grateful. But you also mentioned that the baby could need special care, if...” She dropped her head into her hands and started crying again.

“Sarah, you need to be strong. I told you the pregnancy is going well. The baby is growing and gaining weight. The heartbeat is good.”

With a decided sniff, Sarah wiped her eyes and raised her head. “Levi says that I fret too much, but I know he worries, too. He is worried about how to provide for another mouth to feed.” She looked around. “Our house is small.”

“Your Amish neighbors will help.”

“Some will. Others, like my brother and father, will not help. They cannot accept Levi.”

“But your faith tells them to forgive.”

“Some precepts are harder to accept, and some people think they are above the teachings and the truth that we hold so dear.”

“It’s the same in all cultures, I’m afraid,” Ella answered, thinking of the people in Carlisle who had become aloof after Quin died. Perhaps because he had taken his own life; perhaps because they didn’t understand his work, or the way he had grown more and more distant.

“That is why I didn’t tell Levi.” Sarah spoke slowly, her voice little more than a whisper.

Leaning closer, Ella asked, “Tell Levi what?”

“About the man I saw. Two days ago. The sun was setting, and darkness was settling over the land. I looked out the window and saw a man walking from the stand of trees.”

“The trees behind our houses?” The same area that the shots had come from today.

“That is right. A dirt road runs along the property line. I thought he must have come from that road.”

“Who was it?”

“His dress was
fancy
. He wore denim pants and a hooded fleece shirt. The hood covered his hair, but he also wore a hat with a wide bill—” She raised her hand to indicate how it would fit.

“A baseball cap,” Ella suggested.

“Yes. It was low on his brow so I could not see his face. He hurried toward our house.”

Ella tried to think where she had been at that time of day. “Was I at home?”

“I heard you leave earlier. Maybe you were in town?”

She nodded, remembering her schedule. “I didn’t have patients and went to the grocery store in Freemont. I got home after dark, but I didn’t see anyone hanging around.”

“He was gone by then. I watched him walk around my property. He peered in one of the windows as if he wanted to see if anyone lived here.”

“I’m sure you were frightened.” Without a phone, Sarah couldn’t call for help.

“Levi told me never to touch his gun. He worried I could hurt myself.”

“But you were afraid,” Ella volunteered.

“I was. The man tried the front door. I feared he would go to the back door and try to get inside. When he came around the house, I opened the door a bit and yelled at him to leave.”

Ella was surprised the young woman had had the courage to do so.

“He took a step closer. I did not think he would go away, so I fired Levi’s rifle.” She looked at Ella. “Not at him, but at the ground. He ran to the woods. I watched for him to return, but he never did.”

“You didn’t tell Levi?”

“I planned to, but Levi was discouraged when he got home. He had found no jobs, and I could see the worry in his eyes. He said he’d had a strange feeling that something was wrong at home. He’d hurried back and wanted to arrive before dark, but a wheel on the buggy had a problem, and he had to fix it along the way.”

The woman searched Ella’s gaze as if for acceptance. “I could not tell him about the man or that I had used his rifle. I did not think he would find out. I thought the next time he went hunting he would not check his gun first, but I was wrong. Now I fear the special agent from Fort Rickman thinks Levi is the person who shot at you today.”

“You need to tell both men what happened.”

Sarah nodded. “I should not have kept the truth from my husband.”

“Can you describe the man?”

“Only what he was wearing, as I told you.”

“Was there anything about his face?”

Sarah shook her head. “His hat was so low that I could not see much. Plus I was frightened and shaking. When I think back, everything is blurred.”

“Which is how I feel about last night. I can’t recall what the attacker looked like. He had a flashlight that nearly blinded me with its brightness, but I should be able to remember more.”

“We have both tried to block out evil that has tried to touch our lives.” Sarah rubbed her hands over her arms as if she was cold. “I must tell Levi and Special Agent Swain.”

“You don’t have to worry about Zach. He’s a good man, just like Levi.”

“I can see it in his eyes. You have been friends for a long time?”

Ella was surprised by the question. “No, we just met last night. Why do you ask?”

“The way he looks at you. His gaze carries more with it, as if you share a special bond.”

Ella stared at Sarah for a long moment and then stood, unable to make sense of the tangle of emotions tugging at her heart. “You probably noticed his inquisitive nature. He investigates crime and wants to get to the bottom of every situation. That’s what you see in his gaze.”

The girl shook her head. “No, there is more. But now I must tell my husband what I have kept from him and ask his forgiveness.”

Ella opened the bedroom door and was the first to step into the kitchen. Zach raised his gaze and stared at her. A feeling stirred deep within her that made her breath catch in her throat.

She pulled her eyes away and turned as Sarah walked toward her husband.

“Levi, I must tell you something that I have kept from you.”

His face was creased with concern. “Is it the baby?” He rose and went to her.

“The baby is fine.” She glanced at Ella. “At least, that is what our nice neighbor keeps telling me. But there is something else. We will sit and have pie, and I will explain what happened.”

“Why don’t you begin,” Ella suggested. “I’ll serve the pie.” As she cut slices, she watched Levi’s face, which was so filled with love for his wife. He was concerned about her health, and hearing about the stranger who had tried their front door made him turn pale with fear for her safety.

Zach leaned across the table, taking in everything the young woman shared. Just as Ella had mentioned in the bedroom, he wanted a full description of the stranger and any other details Sarah could remember.

Levi was too distraught to eat and kept holding his wife’s hand and apologizing for returning home late that night.

Zach asked a number of questions, obviously hoping to unlock Sarah’s memory, but she could think of nothing more than what she had told Ella.

Ella picked at the pie. The apples were green, but Sarah had sweetened them with just the right amount of sugar. Still, Ella’s stomach tightened, and she had no appetite. The few bites she ate were to comfort the young wife who wanted to please everyone.

Zach turned again to stare at Ella. As if reading his thoughts, she realized the stranger had been canvassing the area before he stopped by her clinic.

Was his visit in any way involved with Levi and Sarah? Or was it about Ella, the patient records she kept on hand or the treatment she provided to the local Amish community?

What was going on in this once-idyllic part of Georgia? Ella tried to read Zach’s gaze, but all she saw were questions about who she was and what had happened to her peaceful life.

* * *

“You’re quiet,” Zach said from the driver’s seat as they left the Millers’ property. The map Levi had drawn to his father-in-law’s farm lay between them.

“Just thinking back to everything that’s happened,” Ella said. “If I hadn’t come to Freemont, Levi and Sarah wouldn’t be in the middle of an investigation.”

“It isn’t your fault. Besides, Levi is merely a person of interest. So is Mary Kate’s husband. After Abrams talks to her father, Mr. Landers might be, as well. Any investigation has a number of folks who need to be questioned. That doesn’t mean they’re guilty or involved in the crime.”

“Then you don’t suspect Levi?”

“I don’t know what to think. He and his wife seem to have a loving marriage in spite of his earlier relationship with Mary Kate. She’s moved on, as well.”

“Was she the reason for the clinic break-in? Did the assailant want to do her harm?”

“Perhaps. Still, every angle needs to be followed. What’s in the twins’ medical record that might cause someone to want those files?”

“You know that’s not something I can share. I’m sure you’re well aware of the Privacy of Information Act. Information between a physician and her patients is privileged.”

“I’m not asking about any psychological evaluations, Doc. I just need to know some general facts. I’m sure the file mentions the genetic condition you uncovered.”

Ella refused to comment.

“What about the biological father? Was Levi’s name in the files?”

She sighed but failed to respond.

“Ella, I’m not interested in their medical information, per se. I need to know if the father’s name was listed.” Zach stared at her, feeling mildly frustrated. “I can get a court order, if you won’t help me out, but I don’t think what I’m asking is anything we haven’t discussed with both the adoptive and biological fathers.”

“You’re right. Both men have been open about their role in the children’s lives.” She rubbed her hands together and then sighed. “Corporal Hugh Powers is listed as the adoptive father.”

“So you didn’t include Levi’s name in the records?”

“It wasn’t necessary to include anything about him. Plus, I didn’t know who the birth father was, nor did I ask Mary Kate.”

“Yet the disease you diagnosed has been specifically associated with Amish children.”

“Perhaps I should have pressed Mary Kate to reveal the biological father, but I was more concerned about restoring the girls to health. Now that they’ve improved, that detail may be something that would have bearing on future children, should Mary Kate get pregnant again. You’re correct in saying that the disease occurs more frequently with Amish, but it could also appear randomly in nature.”

“So it isn’t just an Amish disease?”

“That’s right, although the incidence is much higher in the Amish community due to the limited founding families.”

Zach held up his hand. “Can you backtrack a bit?”

“A certain number of Amish fled to America because of religious persecution. Those families remained close-knit and intermarried. Recessive genes that would dissipate in a larger population were enhanced within the small founding pool. My husband studied those families and the diseases they develop because of their intermarriages. If Quin were still alive, he would have traced the girls’ lineage. That was his interest, but not mine.”

“Still, it seems you would have wondered about the father.”

“I knew Corporal Powers had adopted the girls. Mary Kate left the area before the twins were born and moved south of Savannah. She has an aunt who lives there. I’m sure the aunt provided lodging while she was pregnant. Some people think nothing of out-of-wedlock pregnancies. Other folks still don’t want the information to be made public. I have a feeling Mary Kate’s father was the latter.”

“Has he ever mentioned knowing who the biological father was?”

“I haven’t heard him talk about Levi, except what he said today. I’m sure he knew. That’s probably why he is so antagonistic toward Levi.”

“Mr. Landers insinuated that Mary Kate and Levi had met recently.”