“I’m going with you,” Miriam said as Abram hitched Nellie to the buggy.
“You are staying here with Emma.”
She shook her head. “I’m accompanying you.”
“Serpent may be in the area,” Abram said, no doubt trying to convince her of the folly of riding with him.
She looked down at the blue dress and apron. “He won’t recognize me in Amish clothing, Abram. You needn’t fear.”
He dipped his head in agreement. “As you said, he should not recognize you wearing the plain clothing, unless he catches sight of your pretty face. I do not want to chance putting you in danger.”
Bear trotted forward and nuzzled her leg. Miriam patted the dog’s head then, gripping the side of the buggy, she hefted herself into the rig.
“You don’t understand, Abram.” She settled onto the rear seat. “I can’t stay here at the house while you talk to a man who might know something about my sister. I’m going with you. You don’t have a choice.”
Abram muttered something that sounded like German under his breath, followed by, “Amish women are not so brazen.”
She had to fight to keep from smiling. “You find me brazen?”
He shrugged. “Would ‘determined’ be a better choice of word?”
“Brazen or determined. Either one suits me just fine. I don’t want to stay at the farm and wonder what you’ve found out from Mr. Jacobs. I need to see the area where he lives. I’ve forgotten much of what happened when I was held captive. No telling what might trigger my memory.”
She nodded her head decidedly. “I heard running water, like the sound of the river scurrying past the cabin where I was held. If we find the cabin, I may remember who shot my mother. It wasn’t Serpent. From the little I recall, the other man seemed in charge, as if Serpent could have been working for him. I need to find that man and also the redheaded guy who hauled Sarah away.”
“It is my desire to find those men as well, but I still want you to stay here.” Abram shrugged his shoulders as if wondering how he could convince her otherwise. “My uncle will bring everyone involved to justice, you can be sure of that.”
“Your uncle’s out of town, Abram, and I refuse to wait. We’ll go together to Old Man Jacobs. We’ll explore the back mountain roads. Something might come to light.”
Once Nellie was hitched, he climbed into the buggy and sat on the first seat directly in front of Miriam.
Emma stepped onto the back porch. “I am worried about both of you.”
“You are too much filled with concern, my sister.”
But she had every right to be upset. A stranger had burst into their peaceful lives and thrown them into havoc.
“We won’t be gone long.” Miriam tried to sound optimistic as she waved goodbye.
Abram jostled the reins and Nellie started forward, the buggy swaying side to side in a comfortable rhythm Miriam found soothing.
With another flick of the reins, the mare increased her pace just after they turned onto the mountain road. The wind buffered Miriam’s face, the morning air brisk and fresh. She settled back in the seat.
“There are blankets in the rear if you are cold,” Abram shared. “You can reach them, yah?”
She turned, grabbed the woolen throws and wrapped one around her legs. She placed the second one over Abram’s legs.
He smiled but kept his eyes on the road. “The morning is cool but not cold. I am fine, Miriam Miller.”
Yet he didn’t remove the throw.
The ride up the mountain took less time than Miriam had imagined. Abram pulled up on the reins and encouraged Nellie onto a narrow dirt path that angled more sharply up the mountain. The path was pitted with holes that caused the buggy to sway wildly back and forth.
Abram groaned. “We will stop here,” he said when they came to a small clearing. “And walk the rest of the way.”
He helped her out of the buggy, his hands strong around her waist. Once on the ground, she looked up, realizing how tall he really was.
Standing so close to Abram made her breath catch. He stared down at her with questioning eyes that made her heart pound. Was it his wife he saw when he looked at her? The thought made Miriam step back, but the buggy prevented her from going far.
Abram swallowed hard and dropped his hold on her. “Ezra Jacobs’s cabin is nearby.”
She glanced at the underbrush, the steep incline and the dirt path pocked with holes. “He could use a bit of home improvement.”
“A recluse does not wish for company.”
They started up the hill together. Abram reached for her arm and guided her along the path.
Her first inclination was to refuse his help, but the sincerity of his gaze made her realize she didn’t need to prove her independence with Abram.
Having a man at her side was a pleasant change. She enjoyed the strength of his hand and the gentleness of his hold.
Once at the top of the steep incline they stepped into a larger clearing. A cabin sat nestled in the trees, overrun with vines. The porch listed and the stairs looked far too rickety for Abram’s large frame, but he climbed the steps and knocked forcefully on the door.
When no one answered, he reached for the knob and pushed the door open. Miriam peered around him into the dark interior.
Although small, the cabin was neat and tidy. The floor was swept and the narrow bed pushed against the far wall was covered with a colorful blanket. An old beagle with graying hair lay curled on a small rug at the foot of the bed.
The dog raised his head, wagged his tail and hobbled toward them. Miriam bent to pat him then, seeing the blanket move, she grabbed Abram’s arm and pointed to the cot.
Together they entered the cabin and approached the bed. Her heart stopped as she leaned closer to Abram. “Is he all right?”
Abram touched the man’s arm. “Ezra, it is Abram Zook. You need to awake.”
The old man’s eyes fluttered open. He stared up at Abram then furrowed his brow. His voice was crusty with sleep when he spoke. “You’re trespassing.”
Abram smiled. “Perhaps, but I thought you were dead.”
Just that fast, the man pushed aside the blanket, rolled to his side and sat up, wiping his eyes. “Tarnation, Abram. I’m breathing, ain’t I? Don’t know why you came barging into my cabin unannounced. A simple knock at the door would have raised me from my sleep.”
The beagle stood next to the bed and waited expectantly until the old man scratched behind the dog’s ears.
Relieved that Ezra appeared fit, Miriam stepped closer. “Sir, I’m Miriam Miller. Can we get you something? Maybe a glass of water?”
“Coffee. Strong and hot. The pot’s on the counter ready to go. Just hit the button. Pull three cups from the cabinet and you can join me.”
His gaze narrowed. “You said you’re a Miller. Any kin to Harold Miller in Petersville?”
“I’m not sure. Does he have daughters named Leah or Annie?”
“Harold’s got six sons. No daughters. His wife died when the last one was born.”
“I’m sorry.”
“We all were.” He pointed to the kitchen area. “Turn that switch on the coffeepot, hear? A man could die of thirst, waiting for a cup of coffee, as slow as you’re moving.”
Miriam chuckled under her breath and hurried to do the man’s bidding.
Abram patted the older man’s shoulder. “Ezra, I talked to Sheriff Kurtz yesterday. He said you saw two cars racing down the mountain road the other night.”
The old man nodded. “One had flashing lights.”
“Did you think it was a sheriff’s car?” Abram asked.
“Could have been, or one of those cop cars from Petersville. They patrol the road up to Pine Lodge Mountain.”
“It runs by your cabin?”
“That’s right. On a quiet night, I can hear cars driving to the lodge.”
“Sheriff Kurtz wondered if you could provide more information about what you saw.”
“You mean the ruckus in the woods?”
Abram leaned closer. “Tell me what happened.”
Jacobs shrugged and rubbed his brow. “Wish I could, but my mind plays tricks on me. I remember some things and forget others. Couldn’t remember much yesterday when I talked to the deputies. ’Spect I won’t be able to remember any more today.”
“Let’s go back to what you do remember,” Miriam said as she returned to his bedside. “Have you seen me before?”
Ezra stared up at her and then shook his head. “Seems I’d remember you.”
“Why’s that?”
“You look like someone I used to know.”
“Leah Miller was my mother? Did you know her?”
“Can’t recall. Names don’t stay. Only thing that seems to stick are faces. I’ve seen you or seen someone who looked like you, but I can’t tell you where.”
“Is there another cabin nearby?” she asked. “Or did you see me with a man who had a snake tattooed on his neck?”
Ezra shook his head. “Can’t recall.”
“What about a pretty blond girl?”
He rubbed his jaw. “I haven’t seen anyone with blond hair for a while.”
“Does that mean you haven’t seen a blond-haired woman in the area?”
He nodded. “’Spect that’s what it means.”
Miriam sighed and turned to stare at the light coming through the still open doorway. Her gaze shifted to the cell phone on a nearby side table. The phone was a basic model without text or internet capability.
“Is that your cell, Mr. Jacobs?” she asked.
“Sure ’nough. You need to make a call?”
“If you wouldn’t mind? I’d like to contact my sister in Atlanta.”
“Won’t be a problem. Long distance don’t cost any extra, but go outside. You can’t pick up anything in here.”
Ezra’s lips quivered into a half smile. “’Course, most times I can’t get the right number plugged in with those small buttons.” He pointed to a pair of reading glasses. “Helps if I use the spectacles. You need them?”
She shook her head. “Not the glasses, but I appreciate you letting me use the phone.”
“What about the coffee?” he asked as she headed for the door.
“It’s brewing.”
Miriam hurried onto the porch and called directory assistance in Atlanta. Once connected to the automated operator, she requested the phone number for Hannah Miller and then repeated the name twice for clarity. Making herself understood was a challenge, but she responded to the prompts as best she could and was crestfallen when the search failed.
Miriam disconnected, feeling a heaviness to her heart. If only she could talk to Hannah.
She stepped back into the cabin, laid the phone on the counter and inhaled the rich aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.
“Did you contact your sister?” Abram asked.
Miriam shook her head. “Evidently, Hannah doesn’t have a landline.”
She moved into the makeshift kitchen. “What do you take in your coffee, Mr. Jacobs?”
“You’re making me feel old. My name’s Ezra and I take my coffee black.”
She quickly fixed his coffee and placed it on his bedside table, then poured a cup for Abram and one for herself.
The hearty roast was hot and good. Even Ezra seemed to rally after his first sip. “I always drink my coffee at the table,” he said as if she should have realized his cup needed to be placed there.
He gripped the metal-frame headboard and pulled himself to his feet. The beagle stood next to him, and Abram hovered close by, ready to offer a hand. Ezra walked slowly, but without problem, to the table. With a huff, he pulled out a chair and sat with a sigh of relief. The dog dropped to the floor at his side.
Miriam selected a chair across the table and Abram slipped into a seat on the opposite end. Once they were situated, he looked at the old man and smiled. “Tell us what you do remember, Ezra.”
“Just the two cars racing along the roadway. I had fallen asleep sitting in the rocker by the fireplace.”
He looked down at the faithful mutt who wagged his tail as if begging for a treat.
“Gus woke me.” Ezra scratched the dog’s ears. “He needed to do his business. When I opened the door to let him out, I heard the squeal of tires and the sound of an engine. Peered through the trees. Didn’t see much except the flashing light.”
“Have you noticed anyone walking through your property recently?”
The old man’s eyes widened. “I told you about the sheriff’s deputy.”
Abram smiled. “You did tell us. Have you seen anyone else?”
Ezra closed his eyes for a long moment. Miriam wasn’t sure if he was thinking or if he had fallen back to sleep.
“I’ve got a face.” He blinked his lids open, a look of pride in his rheumy eyes.
“Someone you’ve seen recently?” Miriam pressed.
“That’s right.”
“Is it someone from around here?”
“Can’t say where he’s from. All I’ve got is his face. He’s skinny as a beanpole with sunken cheeks that make his eyes kind of bug out.”
Miriam’s heart fluttered. She leaned across the table and stared at Ezra. “You saw a thin man nearby?”
“Tall and thin, although I can’t remember exactly where I saw him.”
Her pulse raced. “Was there anything else about the man that stands out in your mind?”
Ezra nodded and pointed to the top of his head. “His hair.”
Miriam glanced at Abram, who was staring at her, his face tense.
“What was it about his hair?” she asked, knowing before Ezra said anything else.
“His hair was kind of wiry and puffed out around his pale face. But it was the color that I remember.” Ezra dropped his hand back to Gus’s neck. “The guy had bright red hair.”
A red-haired man, tall and skinny. The man she had seen at Serpent’s cabin. The man who had taken Sarah.
“Was a woman with him?”
Again the old man closed his eyes. Miriam counted off the seconds, but when he opened his eyes, he shook his head. “I don’t remember any other faces.”
“A young woman, blond hair, blue eyes,” she prompted, hoping to prod his recall.
Again he shook his head.
Miriam’s heart shattered. The red-haired man had been spotted, but Ezra hadn’t seen her sister. If only he could remember something more.
She glanced at Abram, hoping he could help, but all she saw was sorrow in his expression, as if he knew the questions that tugged at her heart.
What had happened to her sister?
And was Sarah alive...or dead?
* * *
Seeing the pain on Miriam’s face, Abram wanted to reach out and take her hand. The expectation in her eyes when the old man had mentioned the redhead had been dashed when Ezra failed to remember her sister.
Abram would never share his concern with Miriam, but he feared for Sarah’s safety—if she was still alive.
Had there been other women taken on the mountain? Travelers driving over the narrow roads, unsure of the terrain? Women were vulnerable and especially so at night.
Abram’s stomach soured, thinking of how women would be used. Gott have mercy on Sarah and on any other women caught in such a wicked net of perversion.
He and Miriam needed information about Serpent. They also needed to find the ring leader who had killed Miriam’s mother as well as the red-haired man who had Sarah.
“Ezra, keep thinking back over the last few days and try to remember what you may have seen. Miriam and I will visit you again.”
The old man reached down to pat his dog. “’Spect Gus and I will be here when you return.”
“Is there anything you need?” Miriam stood and glanced into the small kitchen. “Food or household items?”
“Don’t need a thing. My boy lives in Chattanooga. He comes down to visit at times and keeps me well stocked. You don’t need to worry about me.”
But Abram was worried. Something sinister was happening on the mountain.
Concerned for Miriam’s safety, Abram checked outside before he hurried her back to the buggy. Once she was settled in the rear seat, he flicked the reins for Nellie to begin the journey home.
Leaving Ezra’s property, they bumped their way down the potholed path and turned left onto the mountain road. Nellie picked up her speed once she turned onto the pavement, as if knowing they were headed home.
Nearing the next bend in the road the sound of a car alerted them to oncoming traffic. Abram eased up on the reins as a car zipped around the turn.
A black sedan with a stocky man at the wheel. He barely glanced at Abram before he accelerated and the car sped up the hill.
Miriam gasped. Abram glanced back, seeing the color drain from her face.
“It was him.” She groaned. “Serpent.”
Abram peered around the corner of the buggy, but the car had disappeared around the bend.
She grasped Abram’s arm. “Did he see me?”
Abram shook his head, wanting to reassure her. “He was looking at the mountain, Miriam. He did not notice either of us.”
At least, that was Abram’s hope.