Wednesday morning was busy. An odd-looking sky caused me to turn on the old battery-operated radio Cora kept in the kitchen. Another major storm was headed our way, and this one had the potential to be much more serious than the smaller storm that had passed through over the weekend. The predicted snow totals were significant. I couldn’t be sure just why that brought so many people into the restaurant, but I suspected they were worried they’d be snowed in for a while. Getting one last chance to see their friends before the storm hit was too inviting to pass up.
A few customers asked about buying extra supplies from me. I had no idea what to do about their requests. Avery heard me talking to one old farmer who lived alone about a mile out of town and wanted to purchase some eggs and milk. Avery called me over to his table after we finished our conversation.
“Cora gives folks whatever they need during emergencies if she’s got it,” he said. “And they always pay her back. But don’t put yourself at risk. Be sure you have what you need.”
“I know we get a lot of storms out here,” I said, “but snow doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will be trapped inside.”
“You lived in town when we had big storms. You’ll find it’s mostly the single farmers who need help. Most of ’em don’t can fruits and vegetables for the hard winter months while lots of the womenfolk do. And gettin’ stuck out in the country is a bit different than it is in town. We can all help each other get around, and our horses can be ridden without a buggy through pretty deep drifts. But living miles out of Kingdom with no one nearby can get pretty scary.”
“Now that you mention it, I do recall Mother and Father taking food to folks who lived a ways out after particularly bad snowstorms. Can’t imagine why I forgot about that.”
“Your folks have always been right good about takin’ care of their neighbors. Your mama puts up tomatoes, peaches, beans, and jams every summer and fall. A lot of them jars are for her neighbors. Not just for her and your pa.”
I laughed. “Boy, I sure remember how hot the kitchen got when she was canning. I’d leave the house and walk to the creek, just trying to cool off.”
“My wife did the same thing. The house was so steamy I never could figure out how she managed not to faint dead away.” I could hear the sadness in his voice when he mentioned her.
“Hey, thanks for letting me know what to do about the supplies. You’ve been such a blessing to me and Charity. We love the furniture you gave us. If you ever want it back . . .”
He shook his head with vigor. “Ain’t no reason for stuff to sit around gatherin’ dust. Berlene has a new life far from here. She don’t need it anymore. I’m grateful it’s bein’ used.” His face, creased by years of working in the sun, wrinkled in a rare smile. “It does me good to see you and your little girl makin’ a life here. Sometimes I kinda pretend you’re my Berlene.”
I smiled at him, touched by his heartfelt sentiment. “You know, I really haven’t properly thanked you for that furniture. Why don’t you come over for a late dinner one of these nights after the restaurant closes? I’ll ask Ruth and Myra too. I know they’d love to spend some time with you, and I would too.”
The old man nodded slowly. “I’d really like that, Elizabeth. I’d like that very much. Lately I’ve been spendin’ way too much time alone. It would be real nice to sit down and share a meal with good people. Thank you.”
“I look forward to it, Avery. I’ll figure out a night that will work and get back to you.”
He didn’t respond, but I was happy my invitation pleased him. I just wished I’d thought of it sooner. On the way back to the kitchen, I began to understand that this restaurant really was more than just a place to eat. I thought back to something Cora had said when she’d petitioned my father all those years ago. She’d said the restaurant would be a ministry. A place that felt like home. And that’s what it was. Although it had crept up on me slowly, I realized my job was starting to become important to me. And not just because it provided for Charity and me. It mattered. It gave people a place to belong. And no one knew more than I how vital that was.
I was filling up another pot of coffee when the sound of a bell startled me, almost causing me to drop the carafe on the floor. What in the world was that? I whirled around and realized it was Cora’s phone. It was the first time I’d heard it ring. I grabbed the receiver.
“Hello?”
Cora’s voice came over the line. “Is that you, Lizzie?”
“Yes, it’s me, Cora. How are you? How’s your sister?”
“Well, that’s just it, honey,” she said. “She’s not good. Not good at all.”
“I’m so sorry. I’ve been praying for her.”
“Thank you, Lizzie. That’s probably what’s keepin’ her goin’. How are things goin’ back there?”
I gave her a quick rundown of the past several days, assuring her that everything was fine. Since I had her on the phone, I confirmed Avery’s information about sharing kitchen supplies with Kingdom residents.
“Avery’s got it right. You give folks what they need. Keep some notes so we’ll know where everything went, but I’ve never known a one of ’em not to pay me back. Usually with more than they borrowed. And after the roads clear, if you run low on supplies, you go to Washington like I told you.”
“Okay. Will do. When are you coming home?”
There was a long pause. Finally she said, “I just don’t know, honey. It might be a while. And when I do come back, it will just be to get my stuff and sell my house. My sister needs me, Lizzie. I’ll be movin’ up here with her for good. Or for at least as long as she’s alive. The doctor tells me that could be quite a while. MS patients can live long lives, but they need an awful lot of help.”
I was stunned. “But what does that mean, Cora? What about the restaurant?”
“I been thinkin’ a lot about that, Lizzie. Why don’t you buy it from me?”
I snorted. “I don’t have a dime to my name. How in the world could I do that?”
She laughed. “When I get back, we’ll sit down and hash it out. We’ll come up with a fair price, and you’ll just send me what you can when you have it. My sister’s well-to-do, so I don’t need much up here. You send me a little every month until it’s paid off. I promise to make you a good deal.”
“I don’t know. I mean, I’ll have to think about it. Is that all right?”
“Of course it is. You take all the time you need. I’ll probably be here at least another three weeks. Will you be okay until then? Do you have enough money?”
“Yes, you left me quite a bit. Besides, there’s also the money we’re taking in. I’m sure there’s enough for three weeks.”
“Okay. Well, I gotta go, honey. I’ll call you again soon. Oh, and if you need me, my sister’s number is in my personal phone book in the little drawer to the left of the sink. Her name’s Georgia Ballwin. Don’t be afraid to call me. Sorry I didn’t give you the number before I left. I was just so flustered I didn’t think about it.”
“It’s okay. We miss you.”
“And I miss you too, Lizzie. How’s Charity?”
“She’s doing just fine. I plan to start her in school after the Christmas break.”
“Why, that’s great news. Leah’s a wonderful teacher, and she’ll fall in love with Charity, just like I did.”
I could hear someone talking in the background. “I gotta go, honey. But you take care. And think about what I said.”
I promised I would and hung up the phone. Then I leaned against the wall and considered her offer. Actually, it appealed to me. But what about Seattle? Clay promised Charity would go to excellent schools and have everything a girl could want if we went with him. Didn’t I owe my daughter the best I could give her? Why was I even considering the idea of staying in Kingdom to run a restaurant?
Thoughts tumbled around in my head like sightless birds flying into each other. I wasn’t doing myself any good thinking it over now. I had to find out what was happening in Kansas City before I could make any future plans.
Folks piled into the restaurant through lunch, but around one thirty the snow began in earnest and everyone headed for home. I’d hoped Clay would come in, but with the weather the way it was, I doubted he’d leave Belleville. My mother came into the kitchen, carrying dirty dishes.
“Mother, you need to head out. It’s liable to get bad.”
She was silent as she scraped off the plates.
“Mother? Did you hear me?”
“I . . . I wonder if I might be able to stay with you again, Daughter. I put some extra clothes and things in the buggy in case you would say yes.” She smiled sadly at me. “I find the house so lonely since your father left. I would like to be with someone I love. Especially if the storm snows us in for a while.”
I went over and put my arms around her. “Of course you can stay. You don’t even need to ask. We love having you here.”
She sighed. “Thank you, Elizabeth Lynn. But please, I will sleep on the couch. You do not need to give up your bed for me.”
“Don’t be silly. The couch is perfectly comfortable. And I must confess, when I put logs in the stove, I feel so comfortable and cozy that I’ve spent a couple of nights on the couch just because I love that room so much.”
She gently pulled herself out of my embrace. “Then I will also confess that many nights I would tell your father I needed to stay up and sew just so I could nod off in my rocking chair in front of the fire.”
“I remember Father chiding you for falling asleep in your chair. So you did it on purpose?”
She nodded. “There is something about a warm fire on a cold night that makes me feel so secure. Strange, is it not?”
“Well, if it is, I’m just as strange as you are.”
She laughed lightly. “I will clean up the rest of the dishes, but then I must move Blackie to your father’s shop. He will need to be protected from the storm.”
I shook my head. “Why don’t you do that now, before it gets any worse? I’ll finish up the dishes.”
She nodded. “Thank you, Daughter. That might be best.”
I hadn’t gotten the chance to tell her about Cora’s offer, but that could wait for a more opportune moment. I was rinsing off the dishes when the phone rang again. As with the first time, I almost jumped out of my shoes. Twice in one day. Maybe it was Cora calling back. I picked up the phone. It was Clay.
“Lizzie, I wanted to come out there today, but with the storm moving in, it might be better if I stay put.”
Disappointment flooded through me even though I was expecting the news. “I understand, Clay. I think it’s wise. Sounds like it might be a pretty big storm.”
There was silence for a moment. “Lizzie,” Clay said finally, an odd tone in his voice, “one of the reasons I wanted to see you today is because I have some news. I’m afraid it will upset you.”
My stomach turned over. “What is it?”
“I heard back from my contact in Kansas City, and it’s not good.”
My knees suddenly felt weak. I grabbed Charity’s small chair, pulled it over near the phone, and slumped down. Thankfully, she was drawing in the dining room, since all our customers were gone.
“Just tell me, Clay. What did he say?”
I could hear him take a deep breath. “They’re definitely looking for you. Harbor House has filed charges against you for embezzlement, and the story has hit the newspaper. So far, they’re not naming you in the press. They’re just calling you a ‘former employee.’ If there’s any good news, it’s that no one knows where you are. That guy, Parsons, if he was hired by someone at Harbor House, never got the chance to reveal your location. My source knows some guy named Webb on the city council who’s dating that Reba woman who’s running Harbor House, so I’m sure this information is accurate.”
“Are you sure your source won’t tell Commissioner Webb about me?”
He snorted. “I said he knows the guy. I didn’t say he liked him. Seems Webb has a pretty rotten reputation. You can be assured my contact won’t say anything that will lead to your location. But Lizzie, I think you can see how important it is that we get out of here as soon as possible. I’ll take you and Charity to Seattle. No one will ever find you there. You’ll both be safe.”
My head swam, and I felt faint. “I thought about going back to face these charges, Clay. But how can I put Charity through that?”
“I understand,” he said gently, “and I agree. I’ll take care of you, Lizzie. I promise. You need to start packing. As soon as this storm moves out, we have to go. There’s no time to lose.”
“All right. We’ll be ready.”
“I love you, Lizzie. Everything will be all right. Trust me.”
“I . . . I do. We’ll see you soon.”
We both said good-bye and hung up. I sat there, rocking back and forth with my hands wrapped around my knees. So there it was. The decision had been made for me. I wanted to feel grateful that Charity and I had a place to go. But the idea of leaving Kingdom, my mother, and this wonderful restaurant, especially after Cora’s offer, hurt me inside. Somewhere along the way, I’d fallen in love with this town and its people. A place I couldn’t wait to get away from had become home. Now I’d have to leave. Again.
And though I didn’t want to think about him, I couldn’t get Noah out of my mind. How could I explain the situation to him? The idea of leaving him made it hard for me to catch my breath. Unfortunately, I had no other choice. I had to get Charity away from danger. Besides, Clay loved me. He would give us a good home.
I forced myself to stand up and finish the dishes. Mother came back after taking Blackie to shelter, and Charity, finding that she had both of us captive, used the situation to make us play Candy Land. I made hot chocolate and brought out a plate of cookies. Then I stoked the fire in the large fireplace and added several logs. We stayed downstairs so we could watch the storm through the large windows in the front of the restaurant.
Just as predicted, the wind picked up and heavy snow began to fall, blown sideways by huge gusts of wind. I was thankful we were inside, where it was safe and warm. Seeing it was almost six, I’d gotten up to make dinner when a pickup truck suddenly roared up outside the restaurant. Someone jumped out and ran up to the door. It was Noah. He had to fight the wind as he pushed the door open. His face was red from the cold, and he looked upset.
“Lizzie, Avery called me about thirty minutes ago. The horse he sold to your father just found its way back to his stable. He’s obviously broken free of his harness. Do you know where your father might be? We’re concerned that there may have been an accident, and your father might be stranded out in this storm.”
“No,” I said. “I have no idea.” I looked at my mother, who had gone pale, her hand covering her mouth. “Mother, do you have any idea where he’s staying?”
She nodded slowly. “Yes. I am fairly certain he is at the old Strauss farm about two miles north of the main road.”
“I thought that place was deserted. Why would he be there?”
“Mr. Strauss contacted your father about three months ago, asking him to oversee the sale of the property. It has not been lived in since their daughter, Ava, died over twenty years ago. So far no one has shown any interest because the house needs so much work. Your father thought perhaps he could do some repairs to make the property more desirable. Since he has the keys, it is the most logical place to look for him.”
“I’ll drive over and see if he’s there,” Noah said. “If not, I’ll search the roads around that area.” He turned to go.
“Wait a minute,” I said. “I’m going with you.”
Noah shook his head. “It’s not a good idea, Lizzie. The weather—”
“He’s my father,” I said with determination, “and it’s not open for debate. Wait here while I get my coat.” I ran up the stairs, bundled up as much as I could, and hurried back down to the dining room. It seemed obvious that my father had met with an accident, but the words of that anonymous note echoed in my mind. Running away has only put more people in danger. Was this really an accident? Or was someone still stalking me? Still stalking my family? I shook the thought out of my head. Not every mishap was part of an evil plan to harm me or the people I love. Besides, Dave Parsons was dead. Dead men couldn’t reach beyond the grave. Could they? When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I found Charity and my mother sitting together at the table while Noah stood near the door. “Watch Charity for me, Mother. And don’t worry. We’ll find him.”
She nodded, not saying a word, but I could see the fear in her eyes. It was echoed in my daughter’s face.
“Everything will be okay, Cherry Bear. I’m just going to get Grandpa. I’ll be back in a little bit.”
She smiled bravely, but I could still see the anxiety in her expression.
“I’ll take care of your mother, Charity. I promise,” Noah said, smiling.
“Okay, I guess,” she said slowly. “If you promise.”
“Anna,” Noah said, “please lock this door behind us after we leave.” He frowned at me. “I know Kingdom is a small town, but you should still lock your doors at night.”
“I know,” I said. “I just keep forgetting.”
I’d started to follow him out the door when Charity called out for me. I hurried back to her, hugged her tightly, and reassured her once more that I’d be back soon. She finally nodded, and I ran out the front door. As I came down the steps, Noah was just getting into his truck. Although I thought it odd that it had taken him so long to reach his vehicle since he’d left the restaurant before me, I pushed the thought away as unimportant.
We both got inside the cab, and he started the engine. He was turning the truck around when Mother ran out the door of the restaurant with something in her arms. Noah stopped, and I rolled down my window.
“Take this blanket,” she said. “If Matthew has been out in the cold for long, he will need it to warm up.”
“Good idea. Thanks,” I said quickly. I took the blanket from her and held it in my arms as Noah started down the road.
“You can put that in the backseat,” he said, nodding at the blanket.
I turned around, surprised to find another seat behind us. A quick look around the cab revealed that Noah had a rather new truck. I tossed the blanket in the back. “Nice truck,” I said. “I thought an elder in the church would have something more humble.”
He shrugged. “Got a great deal on it. I need something I can rely on for the farm. No one’s complained.”
A glance in the rearview mirror revealed my Mother standing in the street, watching us drive away while fighting the wind for all she was worth. Her long dress whipped around her, and she held on to her bonnet with both hands. It wasn’t long before the snow made it impossible for me to see her any longer.
“She still loves him,” Noah said.
“Yes. Yes, she does. If anything happens to him after she made him leave . . .”
“It won’t, Lizzie. We’ll find him.” Noah reached over and popped open the glove compartment. He pulled out a flashlight and handed it to me. “When we get past the edge of town, use this to check this side of the road. Just in case. I’m going to the Strauss place first, but if he isn’t there, we’ll search the other side on the way back. If you see anything unusual, anything at all, let me know. Okay?”
“Okay.” The snow almost blinded us as it covered the windshield. Noah drove slowly, out of necessity, and it gave me plenty of time to check the road for an overturned buggy. But even with the high-powered flashlight, it was hard to see much of anything. Noah was silent as he concentrated on the road. Although my concern was for my father, my mind drifted back to Clay’s phone call. Was I doing the right thing? Was going away with Clay my only option?
“I heard Clay Troyer’s still hanging around,” Noah said suddenly, as if he’d been reading my mind. The coincidence startled me.
“Well, yes. I mean he isn’t ‘hanging around.’ We’ve spent some time together. He’s getting to know Charity.”
“Nice of him to show up now. Where was he when she was born?”
I started to tell him that it really wasn’t any of his business, but before I spouted off, I realized he’d only asked because he was concerned about me. I took a deep breath and calmed my ruffled emotions. “Look, Clay explained what happened.” As I began to recount the story Clay told me about his father’s death and his attempt to find me, Noah’s expression grew even harder.
“Oh, come on,” he said when I’d finished. “He’s really plugged up all the holes, hasn’t he? And how do you know any of this is true?”
“I asked my mother about the letters, and she confirmed that he really did send them. I never got to see them.”
Noah didn’t say anything for several seconds, but his knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. “Maybe he did write,” he said finally, “but I still don’t trust him. Didn’t trust him when we went to school together. Don’t trust him now.”
“You were never close to him in school, and you haven’t seen him for years. You have no idea what kind of a person he is.” I shook my head. “How can an elder in the church judge someone this way? What happened to ‘Thou shalt not judge’?”
“Maybe I am being too critical. I don’t know. There’s just something about Clay Troyer that sets off alarm bells in my gut.”
“I think your alarm bells are nothing more than your own jealousy. I’m leaving Kingdom with him, Noah. We’re getting married.” I hadn’t meant to announce my plans yet, but Noah’s high-and-mighty attitude made me angry. After the words were out, I felt a sense of relief. Why not marry the man I’d fallen in love with all those years ago? Charity and I would be safe. Besides, I was tired of living hand to mouth. Reuniting with Clay seemed to be God’s plan.
Noah kept his eyes on the road, acting almost as if he hadn’t heard me. But the muscles in his jaws were working furiously. Finally he muttered, “Well, congratulations. I hope you’ll be very happy.”
“I’m not sure you mean that, but thank you for saying it. I wouldn’t hurt you for the world, Noah. But I have to do this. There’s no other choice. I hope we’ll still be friends.”
He didn’t respond, but I could see the hurt in his face. For some reason, it made me want to cry. I tried to keep my focus on the side of the road as I watched for my father’s buggy, but the tears in my eyes made it hard to see.
Noah was quiet the rest of the way to the Strauss farm. The wind screeched with fury as it rocked the truck back and forth. We made it to the main highway with Noah driving as fast as he dared. The truck spun out on the icy roads more than once. Each time he expertly fought the sliding tires and brought the vehicle back from the edge of the road.
“That’s the farmhouse up there,” he said suddenly. “I don’t see any lights.”
We drove slowly up to the place where the driveway should have been. Problem was, it was hidden under the snow. I shone the light out the window, trying to help Noah. “I think I see it,” I said. “It’s right there.” I pointed toward our right.
“Wait here.” He jumped out of the truck and walked over to the place I’d indicated. Navigating our way to the house was tricky because of the drainage ditches that ran on each side of the driveway. One wrong move and we’d end up stuck in a ditch, in trouble ourselves and unable to help my father. It only took one gust of wind for Noah’s broad black hat to fly off his head and blow down the highway. He didn’t appear to even notice. Gingerly stepping on the snow, he was able to confirm I was right. We’d found the driveway.
He jumped back into the truck and drove carefully past the ditches. Once we cleared them, he stepped on the accelerator and drove quickly to the front of the old, decrepit house.
Built before Kingdom was established, the house was two stories tall with a large wraparound front porch. It was obvious it had been beautiful in its day, but neglect had stripped it of its former glory, and it was surprising that it still stood at all. The windows were dark, and there was no sign of life.
“I don’t think anyone’s here,” I said.
“We need to make sure before we go traipsing out into snowdrifts searching for Matthew,” Noah said. “Why don’t you check the front door? I’ll go around to the back.” He reached for the flashlight in my hand. “The headlights will give you enough light to see.”
“Okay.” I handed him the light, and our hands touched. It sent a chill through me that had nothing to do with the weather. He gazed into my eyes, and I felt that weird sensation of falling, just as I had with Clay. Quickly looking away, I opened the truck door and got out, putting my head down and fighting the snow and wind as I made my way up the front steps of the aged structure.
I heard Noah slam his door and turned to see him heading around to the back of the house. When I got to the door, I tried to turn the handle, but it was locked. The door seemed so old I thought maybe a few good shoves would cause it to open. Unfortunately, I only ended up hurting my shoulder. Looking through the window next to the door revealed a light in the house. It was moving. Noah had obviously been more successful. He pulled the door handle, and I stepped inside, grateful to get out of the storm.
“Is he here?” I asked as soon as he closed the door behind me.
“Just got in. I haven’t really looked.” He swung the flashlight toward the stairs. “Can you check upstairs while I look around down here? And you might check for any signs he’s actually been staying here. If not, we’re wasting precious time.”
“I understand.”
“You take the flashlight. The headlights will give me some illumination down here.”
“Okay.” I headed toward the stairway.
“And be careful, Lizzie. Those stairs could be in really bad condition.”
“All right.” I shone the light on the steps in front of me. They looked solid enough, but Noah’s advice was wise. Holding on to the banister with one hand and the flashlight with the other, I took each step slowly. The wood underneath my feet seemed strong, but the banister wobbled every time I pulled on it. However, by the time I reached the top I felt more secure. Unfortunately, my first step onto the landing almost sent me to my knees. I swung the light down toward my feet. There was a gaping hole, almost large enough for a person to fall through. I carefully moved to the other side of the floor, praying it was more solid. Then I eased my way down the hall, shining the light in front of me. There were several rooms up here. I opened the door at the end of the hall only to find old pieces of furniture stacked on top of each other, most of them covered with cloth. Backing out of that room, I went to the next. Empty. The third room was the same. The fourth room held a bed, a chair and a dresser. It had obviously once been someone’s bedroom, but the dust was so thick on everything it was clear my father hadn’t been sleeping here.
I wondered why the other rooms had been cleared and this one left alone. Then I noticed a child’s prayer covering draped over the chair in the corner, and a small Teddy bear sitting on the bed looking forlorn and abandoned. This had been Ava’s room. A deep sense of sorrow filled me, and I fought back tears. Being the mother of a young girl made the pain this family had experienced all too real. I quietly closed the door.
I made my way back down the stairs, carefully avoiding the large hole in the floor. I’d just reached the bottom when Noah came around the corner from the back of the house.
“I think I’ve found where your father’s been staying,” he said, “but it’s so dark I can’t see much in the room. Bring the flashlight back here, will you?”
I followed him through the kitchen and into another small room. This bedroom had definitely been used lately. It was clean and dusted, and the bed was unmade. I noticed a Bible on the dresser and flipped the first page open. “It’s Father’s,” I said. “Here’s his name.” As I handed the Bible to Noah, a piece of paper fell out and drifted to the floor. I bent over to pick it up. It was folded in half, and I pulled it open, shining the light down so I could see it clearly. When I realized what it was, I cried out with surprise.
“What’s wrong?” Noah asked. “What is it?”
“It . . . it’s a drawing I made for my father when I was seven. I drew our house with Mother, Father, and me standing in front of it. Father scolded me for drawing pictures. Said they sparked vanity in people. He took it away from me, and I cried for a week.”
“But he kept it all these years in his Bible. What does that tell you, Lizzie?”
“I . . . I don’t know. It seems mean to keep it after making me feel guilty for drawing it.”
“I think it says something else,” Noah said gently. “But you’ll have to figure that out for yourself.”
I stuck the picture back between the pages and returned the Bible to the dresser. “Well, at least we know he’s been here. But he’s not here now. That means . . .”
“That he’s out there somewhere in this storm, and we need to find him. Before it’s too late.”