Miriam couldn’t calm her racing heart even as she helped Emma and Abram unload the baked goods and crafts. They quickly set up a table at the side of the large hall, near a partitioned alcove where Miriam could hide if Serpent or anyone else involved with the Petersville police stepped inside. Abram and Emma seemed as aware of the danger as Miriam did. They hovered close and kept their eyes on the main door where shoppers, mainly Englisch ladies, started to appear.
Once the baked goods were arranged, Miriam turned to Abram. “I need to use a computer to contact my sister,” she reminded him.
“After I find out if Samuel has returned to town.”
Abram headed to the back door that led to the street where the buggy was parked. Through the open doorway, she watched him unload the handcrafted items he had made in his shop and carry them to the stall. Abram’s fine craftsmanship and attention to detail easily made his woodworking stand out from other similar items Miriam noticed for sale.
“You could open your own store,” she said as she placed his woodcrafts next to Emma’s pies.
He grumbled.
“You should take pride in your ability, Abram.”
“Pride is not from Gott. He gives gifts. It has nothing to do with me.”
“But you use those gifts to give Him glory. Your woodworking ability is amazing.”
“Your words puff me up too much, Miriam.”
“Humility is knowing from where your giftedness comes,” she countered.
Seemingly ignoring her words, Abram glanced around the marketplace then touched her arm. “Stay here with Emma. I will see if the sheriff has returned. His office is two blocks away, at the end of the alleyway in the rear of the market.”
“Find out if anyone has seen a young blond woman with a thin, red-haired man. Also don’t forget my aunt. Inquire about Annie Miller.”
“I will ask at the sheriff’s office and at some of the other stores around the square.”
She grabbed his hand. “Thank you.”
His gaze narrowed. “Serpent’s focus was on the road when he passed us at the intersection. He did not notice who was in the buggy, but you need to be careful. The road he was on eventually leads to Petersville. Perhaps he has left Willkommen, but we cannot know for sure. You must be vigilant. The Amish clothing provides some cover but—”
“I’ll stay out of sight,” she quickly assured him.
With a nod Abram turned and strode out the back door of the market. Staring through the open doorway, she watched him for a long moment, expecting Abram to glance back and raise his hand in a wave or to at least offer her a smile of reassurance.
Instead he turned the corner and disappeared from sight. She wrung her hands and stepped into the shadowed alcove, knowing all too well that Abram was immersed in a world that didn’t include her.
Breathing out a deep sigh of regret, she peered from her hiding spot to see a full-figured Amish woman approach Emma.
“What is it with your bruder?” the woman asked. “I had hoped my daughter, Abagail, would catch his eye, but he does not seem interested in finding a wife.”
“Eva Keim.” Emma straightened her shoulders. “You know I cannot speak for Abram.”
“No, but perhaps you could invite Abagail to visit.”
“I will think on this,” Emma said diplomatically.
“She would make a good wife for your bruder.”
“I’m sure she would.”
When the woman returned to her own stall, Emma slipped behind the alcove. “I am worried about Isaac. Usually he has arrived at the market by this time of day.”
“Perhaps Daniel has delayed him,” Miriam offered.
Through the open rear doorway and, as if on cue, Miriam saw a buggy pull to a stop. Daniel jumped to the sidewalk and ran inside. He quickly found Emma, who had moved out of the shadows.
“Why are you running so fast, Daniel?” she asked. “You look upset.”
“Yah, a car passed us too quickly on the road. It nearly ran us into a ditch. I was frightened.”
Emma laid her hand reassuringly on the boy’s shoulder. “Who was it that caused you such fright?”
“I think it was the man who ran after me yesterday.” The boy pointed to his neck. “He wore a scarf and he screamed at us as he passed by.”
Emma hugged the boy and turned her gaze to Miriam.
Her stomach roiled. She had no right holding back information that allowed the killer to roam free. She had to tell the sheriff as soon as possible about everything that had happened. Serpent had to be stopped before he hurt someone else.
Not Daniel. Dear God, don’t let anything happen to the sweet child or to his father or to Emma.
Or Abram.
Her mother had been killed and her younger sister taken. How would she find the strength to go on if something happened to Abram?
“Keep him safe, Lord,” she prayed aloud. “Keep them all safe.”