Elizabeth had come outside in time to hear Liam’s shocking news. David’s home was gone, destroyed by a fire. She, too, had seen the odd orange glow in the distance, but had never considered the source to be David’s home.
“What happened, Liam?” She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders as she stepped closer. “How did the fire start?”
“The firefighters haven’t said for sure, but they believe it was set on purpose. There’s no obvious evidence like gas cans or anything left behind, but one of them thought they could smell an accelerant.” Liam turned to face David. “I’m glad you were here with Elizabeth last night, or the outcome of this terrible event may have been much worse.”
She shivered at what Liam had implied. To think David may have been lost forever if she hadn’t allowed him to come sleep on her sofa was inconceivable.
There was much to be thankful for, certainly. She was glad now that she hadn’t let Mammi Ruth prevent her from allowing David to stay.
“Will you take me there?” David asked.
She looked up with a frown. “We’ll both go. We can stop on the way to the Amish Shoppe, ja?”
“I don’t know,” Liam started, but David quickly interjected.
“Please, Liam. We need a ride at the very least. Can you wait here for a few minutes? It’s best if I don’t leave Elizabeth here alone. We need to stick together.”
“I understand, but you should know there isn’t much to see, just ashes and piles of charred wood.” Liam hesitated, then added, “You should call your insurance company very soon, although they may not be open on Saturday.”
David glanced at her, then shrugged. “No need, I let my policy lapse.”
“What? Why did you do that?” Liam looked shocked but Elizabeth understood. The Amish didn’t buy insurance. They simply supported each other in rebuilding.
Yet the Amish community wouldn’t band together to rebuild David’s home as he was still considered an outsider.
“I built the ranch house myself the first time,” David said calmly. “I can rebuild it again if I so choose.”
“But the cost of materials, the appliances, such as there were...” Liam shook his head. “I don’t think you should have let the policy lapse. But of course you’re welcome to stay with us. Shauna will insist.”
“I appreciate that,” David said. “But don’t forget I can easily live in my workroom, too. I stayed there more often than not over these past few months.” He managed a weak smile. “I’ll be fine.”
“Ach, David, you are wilkom to stay with me at the house as long as you need,” she offered.
“Thank you, that’s very kind.” David turned toward Liam. “We just need a few minutes to clean up the kitchen and to get Mammi Ruth settled.”
“It won’t take long,” she added.
Liam blew out a breath, then nodded. “Okay, fine. I’ll drive you both to see the damage, and then to the Amish Shoppe. But you can’t disturb the area, David. It’s considered a crime scene, at least until the cause of the fire has been determined. An arson investigator from Fond du Lac has already been called out. He’ll be able to tell us for sure what happened.”
“That is very helpful.” David managed a grim smile. “I know it sounds strange, but it doesn’t seem real until I see for myself.”
“Komm, Liam. You’ll have coffee while you wait, ja?”
“Thanks Elizabeth.” Liam followed her and David inside.
Once she had Mammi Ruth settled upstairs, she returned to the kitchen to find David had finished the dishes. Liam’s expression held concern, and she knew he was worried about David’s lack of insurance.
She wished for David’s sake that he’d kept his policy, too. She considered approaching Bishop Bachman about David’s home, although she doubted the community would rally around him.
“Elizabeth, would you prefer if I spend tonight at my workshop?”
“Ach, no, why would you think that?” She was puzzled by his question.
“I’m trying to decide if my being here is causing you and Mammi Ruth more harm than good.” He blew out a breath. “I don’t want to bring danger here, yet I don’t want to leave you and Ruth alone, either.”
“I can make up my own mind, ja?” She couldn’t help feeling defensive. Why did men always think they knew best? She was perfectly capable of running her own business, and her life. “I prefer to have you stay, David, but certain sure the choice is yours.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you should stay here at Elizabeth’s, too. For her safety and yours,” Liam said. “Although the offer to move everyone to my place still stands.”
“Mammi Ruth will be more comfortable here, close to the Amish women who stop in to visit.” Elizabeth couldn’t imagine her mother-in-law wanting to move to a different place, especially one owned by an Englischer.
The house was Adam’s and therefore would always be her home.
“Okay, we’ll leave things the way they are,” David said slowly. “But if you change your mind, let me know.”
She wouldn’t, but appreciated his willingness to follow her wishes. David had once again folded the quilt and tucked it beneath the pillow. He seemed determined not to cause her additional work, going as far as to help with kitchen chores as well as cutting wood for the stove. The main level was neat and tidy by the time she was finished pulling back her hair and tucking it beneath her kapp.
“Ready?” Liam asked.
“Of course.” She preceded David and Liam outside. David opened the passenger door for her, then slid in the back.
The ride to David’s took them past the Amish Shoppe. When Liam pulled up in front of the charred wood that was all that remained of David’s home, she couldn’t tear her gaze away from the terrible sight.
If David had been there...she couldn’t finish the thought.
“Wow,” David murmured. “It’s worse than I anticipated.”
“I can turn around and take you to the Amish shops,” Liam said quickly.
“No, I want to walk around.” David quickly pushed out of the back seat. She decided to go with him, in case he needed support.
He’d been there for her, more times than she could count over these past few days. The least she could do was to return the favor.
David stood for a long moment, so stoic and solemn, that she couldn’t help but tuck her hand in the crook of his arm.
She’d stay at his side for as long as he needed her.
The damage to his home, the one he’d built with his own hands, hit hard. Granted he’d thought of selling, especially recently, but this?
His home being destroyed by arson wasn’t part of the plan.
Sure, the land was still worth something, but it was a crippling blow just the same.
It would take selling furniture for a year to save up enough to rebuild. And doing the work would take time away from his business.
If not for Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, he might have fallen to his knees in despair. Instead, he drew in a deep breath and walked. He didn’t hurry, for Elizabeth’s sake, since she still limped a bit due to her swollen knee, but he headed through the snow to the perimeter of his property. The area appeared undisturbed, until he reached the southwest corner. He stopped abruptly when he found a set of footprints in the snow.
“Liam? Check this out.” He gestured for the sheriff to come over.
Liam knelt by the footprints, then slowly stood. “These could belong to the arsonist, or they could have been left by someone out hiking.”
“Hiking? On private property in the snow a week before Christmas?” David snorted. “Try again.”
“Look, it’s suspicious, sure. But they’re also not proof of any wrongdoing.” Liam pulled out his cell phone and took several photos of the footprints. “I’ll keep the information on file, but don’t expect them to break the case open anytime soon.”
“I don’t expect that,” David said, trying not to sound as hopeless as he felt.
“Finding something is better than nothing, ain’t so?” Elizabeth murmured.
“Yes.” After finishing the walk around his property, he stood once more surveying the remains of his house. It was difficult not to give in to stark feeling of despair. He’d built it after relocating here from Madison, pouring all his energy into creating the dwelling.
“Hey, you’ll be okay.” Liam rested his hand on his back. “Shauna and I will help.”
“I can ask Bishop Bachman for volunteers, to help you rebuild, too,” Elizabeth offered.
That surprised him, although he didn’t hold out much hope that the Amish community would come together for an outsider. “Thanks, but it’s not an Amish problem, or yours, Liam.” David had no intention of taking Liam and Shauna’s money. “Although I may need some help from Shauna in running the store when it’s time to rebuild.”
Liam nodded. “She has one more semester to go until she finishes her bachelor’s degree. Before moving to Green Lake, she worked full-time while attending school part-time. She’s used to keeping busy. I’m sure she’ll gladly pitch in to help.”
He forced himself to turn away from the wreckage. “You haven’t learned anything else about the shooter?”
“No, but keep in mind it’s only been two days. Things don’t happen overnight the way they do on TV.”
He hadn’t watched TV since getting out of jail, but knew what Liam meant. No point in expecting quick answers.
“Komm, we should get to the Amish Shoppe, ja?” Elizabeth said.
“Sure.” He glanced at Liam, who nodded. They headed toward Liam’s SUV.
He expected the Saturday shopping day to be busy, but thought about ducking out for an hour or so to head over to the Green Lake Grill. He decided not to mention his plan to Liam, instinctively knowing he wouldn’t approve. How he’d get there, he wasn’t sure. He may need to see if he could borrow Shauna’s car.
“Would Shauna have time to help today?” David asked Liam. “Or is she working on exams?”
“No exams. She’ll have to retake her business law class in the spring.” Liam nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll ask her to stop by.”
“Thanks.” He noticed Elizabeth frowning, as if she suspected he had an ulterior motive.
He didn’t like keeping secrets from her. Or from Liam. But a quick trip to the Green Lake Grill wasn’t that big a deal. And likely wouldn’t give him any additional information.
Yet he had to try. His house was gone, and he needed to do something about getting to the bottom of this.
“Liam, do you think there’s a possibility the Amish Shoppe could be targeted, too?” Elizabeth asked.
His gut clenched. Liam met his gaze in the rearview mirror.
“I’ve already arranged for my deputies to keep an eye on the place. And, Elizabeth, don’t be upset, but I posted some cameras on the outside of the building too. They’re small enough that no one should notice.”
“Ach, that’s not our way, Liam.” Her brow furrowed. “If the elders knew, they might not allow us to work there, ain’t so?”
“The cameras are temporary,” Liam insisted. “You saw what was left after David’s house burned down. Think about the impact to all of the Amish who sell their goods at the barn.”
Elizabeth didn’t say anything, and David could tell she was torn between being true to her Amish roots and wanting to keep the Amish Shoppe safe.
He understood her dilemma. He felt the same way.
Liam’s phone rang, and he used the hands-free function to respond. “Harland.”
“It’s Garrett. I have a witness who claims he saw an Amish man near the location of the fire.”
Elizabeth gasped and put a hand to her mouth.
“A reliable witness?” Liam asked.
“From what I can tell, she has no reason to lie. Her name is Melody Jenkins and she’s a marathon runner. She states she was heading down the highway past David’s house, when she saw him.”
“Before or after the fire?”
“Before the fire, or she would have called it in. She was certain the guy was tall, wearing Amish dress including the hat, but she didn’t get a good enough look to determine if he wore a beard. I’ve emailed her statement, including her number if you’d like to follow up.”
“Thanks, that’s helpful.” Liam disconnected from the call.
“Jacob is tall,” David pointed out.
“Yes, but eyewitness testimony isn’t perfect,” Liam countered. “Terms like short and tall are rather subjective and come solely from the witness’s perspective.”
“Amish dress the same,” Elizabeth pointed out. “Certain sure it could have been anyone.”
“I know.” David understood he shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Yet he still saw Jacob Strauss as a potential suspect.
Liam dropped them off at the Amish Shoppe and David escorted Elizabeth down the center aisle. He was glad she’d insisted on coming with him: her presence had helped keep him calm.
“Let’s hope we see many customers, today, ja?”
“Absolutely.” He squeezed her hand, then stepped back to wait until she was inside her quilt shop. When she was settled, he turned to unlock his showroom.
As predicted, the crowds came early and, thankfully, spent money. He was pleased to have sold a dresser that had been on his showroom floor for almost three months. A very good day, even if he didn’t sell anything more. He was so busy he forgot about the Green Lake Grill, until Shauna arrived.
“Uncle Davy, this place is packed,” she exclaimed. “I hear you need help.”
“In more ways than one,” he agreed. Glancing at the time, he realized it was past noon. “I’m going to get lunch for Elizabeth. Do you want something?”
“No, I ate before I came.” She waved her hand. “Go ahead, I’ll take over from here.”
“Shauna, I have a favor to ask. Would you let me borrow your car to run an errand? I won’t be gone long.”
“Of course.” Without hesitation, she dropped her car keys into the palm of his hand. He knew Liam had purchased the car for her as a wedding gift, after her previous one had been totaled. “Davy, you do have a driver’s license, right?”
“Yes.” That was true. He hadn’t given up his driver’s license, more so to use as an ID if needed. “I’ll be back shortly.”
He headed toward the Sunshine Café and ordered lunch for two. He delivered the sandwich to Elizabeth.
“Denke, David. Sehr gut to be so busy.”
“Yes, very much so.” He wanted to stay and eat with her, but more customers came in, so he decided to eat later. He stored the sandwich in his workroom cooler, then headed out to find Shauna’s car.
Once he was settled behind the wheel, doubts assailed him. Was it worth leaving their busiest day to find the Green Lake Grill?
Then again, it not today, then when? Tomorrow was Sunday, and he wouldn’t have the opportunity to borrow Shauna’s car. Then the Amish Shoppe was closed until Wednesday morning.
No, he had to do this. He took a moment to familiarize himself with the controls, since he hadn’t been behind the wheel in two years. Then he put the gearshift in Reverse and carefully backed out of the parking lot.
He took it slow, heading to the downtown area of Green Lake. There weren’t that many restaurants in the area, so he figured he’d find it eventually.
It wasn’t located in the downtown area, so he widened his search, taking the main highway around the lake. He found it tucked off the highway a bit, near a wooded area. The place was rustic, and somewhat worn down. He remembered Shauna mentioning a rough crowd when she and Liam had stopped in.
Interesting, because the restaurant was situated so that there was a nice view of the lake.
He parked, slid out from behind the wheel and tucked his hands in his coat pockets as he walked inside.
Surprisingly, the interior was dark, as if half the lights didn’t work. And the furnishings were dingy and worn, too. He thought the owners might have gotten complacent, which was why the business was attracting a rough crowd.
He stood in the doorway for a long moment, scanning the crowd. Despite being in poor repair, the place was busy. Maybe because it was a Saturday afternoon.
It occurred to him that the rough crowd might come in at nighttime, rather than the middle of the day. He didn’t see anyone he recognized. His memory of what Carson Wells had looked like before he’d died was clear as daylight in his mind, but that wasn’t helpful now.
“Table for one?” A woman approached holding a menu.
“Ah, no, thank you. I’m looking for a friend.” He was conscious of his Amish clothing, although it wasn’t that noticeable beneath his coat.
The woman shrugged and moved away.
David moved to the side, still raking his gaze over the restaurant patrons. After a few minutes, he felt foolish. It wasn’t as if the gunman and/or arsonist would walk up to him and introduce himself.
He turned away. Liam had mentioned checking the place out, and he figured it was better to let the local authorities handle this.
And really, if the arsonist was Amish as noted by the witness, then it wasn’t likely he would be hanging out here at an Englisch restaurant.
Hunching his shoulders against the wind, David turned to gaze out at the lake. The snow-covered trees and the icy water were beautiful in a stark way.
He turned to head back to Shauna’s car, when he heard the restaurant door close. Glancing over his shoulder, he was startled to see a stocky man with a ski mask on, standing there with a gun.
No! David tucked his chin to his chest and hit the ground, rolling toward the vehicle mere seconds before a muffled shot rang out. He crawled beneath the car, desperate for cover. Then noticed a pair of boots running past. David scooted forward, peering from beneath the car in time to see a black truck roar out of sight.
He closed his eyes for a moment, realizing the gunman had been inside the Green Lake Grill, after all.