Chapter 2

“Perry and I have the same hazel eyes. That’s where our similarities ended, I’m afraid.”

DEBORAH BORNTRAGER

Luke, you’ve been working with Mose all morning. Surely you need a break for supper?” Frannie asked as she walked into Mose’s cramped office. In her arms was a basket filled with a variety of containers and what looked to be a plate, napkin, and silverware.

With a smile, he looked at his girlfriend and couldn’t believe how lucky he was. Since arriving in Crittenden County, he’d not only strengthened his relationship with Mose Kramer, but he’d fallen in love, too.

God really was good. Ever since he’d gotten shot and put on leave from the Cincinnati Police Department, his life had changed in innumerable ways.

First his old buddy Mose had asked if he’d help him with a murder investigation in southwestern Kentucky. Then, little by little, he’d begun to feel at ease in the mostly Amish county. Finally, he’d met Frannie and felt a spark between them that was unlike anything he’d experienced.

If fate hadn’t stepped in, Luke knew he’d still be limping around Cincinnati, Ohio, counting the days until he could work twelve-hour shifts.

And trying to figure out his life. He’d still be struggling with balancing his work, his free time—and wondering if he’d ever find a partner in life, someone he could trust completely.

Getting to his feet, he took the basket from her hands and set it on his desk. “Frannie, what did you make? It smells so good.”

“Just bean-and-ham soup. And cornbread, seven-layer salad, and blond brownies.”

She was such a good cook, Luke felt like the luckiest guy on earth. “Only all of that, hmm?” he teased. “In that case, I think I might be persuaded to take a break. If you stay here and eat with me.”

As he hoped, she blushed prettily. “I would enjoy that, but I’m afraid I cannot get away that long. I’ve guests coming in this afternoon. I need to get back and wait for them.”

“Do you know who they are?” Whenever he thought about the men who’d come to her inn, armed and dangerous, he felt sick. “Do you want me to go to the inn and wait with you?”

Her eyebrows rose. “I most certainly do not. I’ll be fine.”

“But you’ll call me as soon as they arrive?”

She wrinkled her nose, illustrating yet again what she thought about the cell phone he insisted she keep on hand in case of emergencies. “I don’t think I’ll be in any danger, Luke. My guests are a group of ten ladies.”

His concern flip-flopped from concern for her safety to his mental health. “Ten? You only have four guest rooms.”

“They are sharing rooms. And bringing some kind of blow-up mattress! They are having a ‘girls’ weekend’.”

Already, he could imagine what Frannie’s inn would be like, filled to capacity with that many chatty women. “How long do they plan to stay there?”

“Until Sunday, of course.” She chuckled. “Oh, Luke. You should see your face! You looked scared!”

Ten women out for a weekend’s worth of good times sounded noisy. And he’d likely get no time alone with Frannie if she was going to be bustling around, tending to their needs.

But he didn’t want to upset her, of course. She looked so happy and proud. More than once she’d relayed to him how much she wanted the inn to be a success. “Congratulations. Having the inn filled to overflowing is a true accomplishment.”

Danke. My bank account is going to be mighty pleased with their checks, for sure.” Stepping closer, she said, “I know you’re working hard, but don’t forget to eat. The soup is hot, and I made sure to give you plenty of brownies to share with Mose.”

“You’re too good to me, Frannie.”

Smiling brightly, she met his gaze for a moment, then ducked her head and left.

He watched her walk briskly down the sidewalk in front of the sheriff’s office, located in a trailer next to a bank building. Frannie’s bright blue dress and apron fluttered with her stride, and the black bonnet strings covering her prim white kapp floated around her neck and shoulders.

How had he ever imagined that she was bossy? She was simply confident. And a hard worker.

But there was a softer side to her, too. Underneath her chatty exterior was a vulnerable woman who needed someone to believe in her.

“Mooning again?” Mose said from the doorway.

“A little,” Luke allowed. “I can’t help it—I’m in love.”

Mose rolled his eyes as he approached and picked up the basket. “At least you’re not about to go hungry.”

“She made enough for two. Want some?”

“Of course! But first, I think we need to talk about our case. Do you really think you have enough to close it?”

Pushing aside Frannie’s basket, Luke studied his latest typed set of notes. “I had hoped we had enough evidence, but I don’t think the D.A. will accept the case as it is without a confession. We’ve got to dig deeper, Mose.”

Mose rocked back on his heels. “Is it time to bring him in? No lawyer can fault us for bringing a suspect here for questioning.”

Luke considered the idea, but ultimately dismissed it. “It’s your call, but I don’t think we’re ready to press yet. I’d like to do another round of interviews with a couple of people. I need to speak with Deborah Borntrager, and maybe the Millers again. They’re not going to like it, but it can’t be helped.”

“I want this case sealed up tighter than an icebox in July, Luke. We can wait another few days to make sure we have everything we need.” Turning away, Mose stared out the front window. “I tell you, when we first found Perry, I didn’t think anything worse could tear this community apart. But I’m afraid the news of who killed him might do more damage.”

Luke had to agree. It was one thing when a loved member of a community was found murdered.

It was a whole different story when one of their own was discovered to be a murderer.