The town pulled together to remove all the debris from the church property. Men working at the site bunked outside, not only so they could start work early in the morning, but also because everyone wanted to make sure Kingdom was safe from further intrusion. It took only two days for them to clear most of the area where our church had stood for so many years.
Plans were completed for a new structure, but it involved some strenuous debate because everyone seemed to have an opinion about what was needed. The elders made the final decisions, and three days after the fire, the framing for the church began. Lumber piled up and supplies poured in.
No one left town alone, and only those with trucks or cars traveled the main roads. Even then, at least one other vehicle followed them. I hadn’t talked much to Ebbie since that first morning after the fire, but he came in several times to eat while he worked at the church site. I stayed with Lizzie so I could help out in the restaurant.
The quilt shop was closed, as was almost every other business in town. For now, restoring our church was the number one priority. Leah started school up again, but trying to get the children to concentrate on their studies was difficult at best, which made getting them through the last of their school work difficult. But Leah met the challenge with commitment and determination.
Jonathon worked as hard as everyone else, and we finally found some time to share lunch. “Lizzie can’t keep feeding everyone for free,” he said as we munched on chicken salad sandwiches.
I smiled at him. “Folks have been bringing all kinds of food by to help out. She’s got more supplies than she knows what to do with. The restaurant will be fine. Besides, she plans to start charging again tomorrow night.”
He laughed. “Maybe I’d better have a couple of sandwiches then.”
“I think you’re too honest for that.”
“Well, thank you. I appreciate the affirmation. At this point any positive comments about my character are welcome.”
Beau, who had curled up on the floor next to me, moved his head, resting it on my foot. “What are you talking about?”
Jonathon sighed and put down his cup of coffee. “A few people in town seem to feel that my efforts to protect Kingdom sparked the attack on the church. That I only succeeded in drawing attention to our town.”
“But . . . but you saved Pastor Mendenhall’s life!” I shook my head in disbelief. “I don’t understand . . .”
“In their eyes, if I hadn’t inflamed the wrong people, our church would never have been singled out.” He shrugged. “I don’t want to make it sound like the whole town feels this way. Most folks tell me they appreciate what I’m trying to do.”
I wanted to ask exactly who was blaming him for the fire but decided against it. Knowing would only make it harder to keep a good attitude. “Jonathon, it just isn’t true,” I assured him. “You didn’t do anything to inflame anyone, and neither did Avery or Noah. Nor did any of the churches or people who were attacked in other towns. You have nothing to feel guilty about. The only people to blame are the instigators of these crimes.”
His blue eyes met mine. “Thank you, Hope. I wish I could be sure you’re right.”
I reached across the table and took his hand. “Look, I’ve listened to everyone’s opinion as to what we should or shouldn’t do. I may not have all the answers, but one thing I do know: You’re doing your best to protect us. So is Ebbie, and so are the other elders. Lizzie got a rifle the other night when she thought her daughter might be in danger, even though she’d usually never pick up a weapon.
“What I’m trying to say is that this is a difficult situation. I doubt that anyone is completely right or completely wrong. All your decisions have been about helping Kingdom and keeping us safe. Your motives are right, and I know God understands that. I think the thing that concerns Him most is our attitude toward our brothers and sisters. Especially those we disagree with.
“And I’ve come to realize that life is about taking steps, not cowering in fear. I’ve been hiding behind my father, not wanting to make a mistake, afraid to fail, but life doesn’t work that way. We can only do our best with the information we have. That doesn’t mean we’re right. And it doesn’t mean we’re wrong. It means we’re growing. In the end, we’ve got to trust that if we veer off the course God has for us, He’ll point us back in the right direction. But that’s His job. Not anyone else’s.”
Jonathon put his other hand over mine. “Wow, that’s incredible, Hope. And you’re right. I’m sure I’ve been too harsh in judging our elders. They’re trying to be faithful to what they believe.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You know, in the end, this situation, as unpleasant and awful as it’s been, has forced all of us to examine our beliefs a little more closely. I guess faith isn’t worth much until it’s tested.”
“I believe that’s true.” I gently pulled my hand away. “So what happens now?”
“Roger, Mary, and I are still watching the road at night. For now anyway. As I said before, I’m not carrying a gun, loaded or empty.”
“So what if you see someone headed for Kingdom who looks suspicious?”
“Well, the elders asked us not to confront any strangers by ourselves. Instead, we’re supposed find Levi, Noah, Lutz Zimmerman, and Ebbie. They all live close to the main road. The elders will deal with any outsiders.”
I frowned at him. “That will take some time.”
Jonathon nodded. “I worry about that too, but for now, it’s the only plan we have.” He leaned forward a little and lowered his voice. “I locked up my rifle in a toolbox in the back of my truck. No one can get to it except me. At least it’s there if I need it.”
I didn’t say anything, since I’d just declared that people on both sides of the debate shouldn’t judge each other, but Jonathon’s admission made me feel uneasy. All I could do was pray he’d never be put in a position where he felt using his gun was necessary.
“What about Roger? Didn’t you say he’s still taking his rifle with him on patrol?”
Jonathon rubbed his hands together. “I said I wasn’t sure, but I believe he is.” He shook his head. “I can’t tell him what to do, Hope. He’s not Mennonite. I trust him though. I really do. He’s a good person.”
“Look, I hesitate to say this. I know we talked about not holding the past against Roger . . .”
“Go ahead.”
“I’m just not sure about him. I mean, he used to really hate anyone who lived in Kingdom. Now he’s protecting us? It bothers me, Jonathon. And it doesn’t have anything to do with forgiveness. How do we know he’s really changed? How do we know he isn’t involved somehow in what’s going on? Of anyone I’ve ever known, Roger has shown more animosity toward us than anyone else.”
“He married a Kingdom girl, Hope. And he and Mary are trying to heal the relationship with her parents. Isn’t it obvious that he’s changed? He may not be Mennonite, but he and Mary attend church. As far as I know, he loves God and would never do anything to hurt us.”
“Yes, he married Mary Yoder, a girl who left Kingdom behind. Basically, she disowned us. And just because she wants to see her parents, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Roger accepts us as a town.”
Jonathon didn’t say anything, just stared at me. Did he have doubts about Roger too? “Look, I’m not accusing him of anything, nor am I judging him. Like I said, that’s up to God, but at the same time, I believe we need to ask questions if something bothers us. Someone set the church on fire. It might not be anyone we know, but looking a little closer to home might be wise as well.”
“What about Mary? Do you feel uncomfortable around her too?”
I thought back to the beautiful cross Mary wore around her neck. “I . . . I don’t know. Not really.” I waved my hand at him. “Maybe I’m just overreacting.”
Jonathon smiled. “If you’re going to form an opinion about everyone by their childhood, you’d better lock me up right now. According to my parents, I was a handful.”
I laughed. “You’re still a handful.”
“Thanks a lot.”
He gobbled the last bite of his sandwich. “I’d better get back to work. If I can get away for a bit, I’m going to try for a quick nap before I patrol tonight. Not sure it will happen though. We’ve all got schedules at the church site, and woe to anyone who doesn’t stay on track. Mennonites can disagree about doctrine, but when it comes to building something, we’re as organized as ants.”
I almost choked on my sandwich.
Jonathon looked concerned. “Are you all right?”
I coughed a couple of times while nodding. Stupid ants. Would they always remind me of Ebbie? How silly was that?
Jonathon wiped his mouth and stood up. “When things settle down, we need to talk about our future.”
“Yes, I know.” He turned to leave, but I called him back. “Jonathon,” I said softly, “how did the driver of the red truck get into town Tuesday night?”
He shrugged. “Roger fell asleep in his truck. After working all day, he was just too tired to stay awake. He feels awful about it.”
“What about when the man drove out of town? Was Roger asleep then too?”
“Roger says he slept until he was awakened by Noah and the other men heading into town after Ebbie alerted them to the situation.”
Jonathon’s answer certainly didn’t quell my concerns about Roger. It only made me more suspicious. “Can I ask why you were in town that night? I thought you said you were going back to Noah’s house to work.”
“That was my plan, but I had a flat tire. By the time I ate dinner, found a spare and put it on the truck, it was so late I decided not to go after all. I was outside our house when I smelled smoke and decided to drive back to town.” He frowned at me. “Why are you asking, Hope? Is something wrong?”
“No. Not at all. I just wondered why you were so close, that’s all.”
“I’d like to believe it was God. He knew our pastor would need help.”
“Yes. I’m sure you’re right.”
He said good-bye and left.
I finished my coffee and thought about what Jonathon had said. Maybe Roger really did fall asleep. However, it was certainly convenient timing. I hated feeling so suspicious, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there were too many odd twists of fate working in the situation. And why had Jonathon seemed so surprised when he found out Pastor Mendenhall was working late in the church?
But the question that worried me most was how strangers could enter our town, bomb our church, and slip out without anyone seeing them. There was only one way into downtown Kingdom, and it was almost impossible for anyone to drive down Main Street without drawing some attention. Of course, it was late, and since almost everyone lived away from town, I suppose it could happen. And it was raining, so any resident who might have noticed the truck was safely tucked inside, keeping dry.
I still couldn’t get past the time difference between the man in the red truck leaving town and the discovery of the fire. Why not start the fire before he left the first time? Could the bomber be someone else? Someone we hadn’t considered? Was I missing something, or were all of us failing to pose questions that should be asked?
I tried to forget my concerns while I helped Lizzie the rest of the afternoon. By three thirty the dining room was empty. Lizzie wasn’t sure if tonight would be a regular night since the men who’d been camping out at the church grounds were going home until the supplies that had been ordered were delivered. Since it would be a couple of days before they arrived, it gave everyone a much needed break and a chance to spend some time with their families.
Charity came bouncing in the door about three forty-five, a big smile on her face. School was over until the fall, and she had gotten a hundred percent on her last math worksheet, even with the distraction caused by the fire. Lizzie was ecstatic, and Beau jumped up to greet Charity as if celebrating her achievement. But as usual, his tail stayed down. I was beginning to believe that Avery was the only person who could ignite that kind of joy in the small dog.
I wasn’t the only one waiting for the little border collie to become himself again. I’d caught Papa looking closely at Beau’s tail, trying to see if it was injured in some way, just as I had. But his examination didn’t reveal any kind of physical disability either. Beau’s lack of tail wagging was becoming a topic of conversation in Kingdom. Everyone seemed to be waiting for some kind of breakthrough.
Callie came into the restaurant about four thirty, just in case we got busy, and Lizzie prepared her usual fare. A few minutes before five, the doors opened and people began to file in. Working together all week seemed to have bonded them more tightly together. Before long the restaurant was full. Even though our gathering wasn’t over a pleasant situation, the atmosphere was joyous. As I looked around the room at these lovely, warm-hearted people, I felt honored to be one of them.
We weren’t able to close the doors until after eight thirty. It didn’t take long to clean up, since Noah was there to help. Papa offered to carry plates to the kitchen in spite of his legs hurting. But Noah found a way to reject his offer without making Papa feel bad. By a little after nine, the dining room was spotless and the last dish had been washed.
“I feel funny leaving you two here alone,” I said to Noah and Lizzie. “Will you be safe?”
Noah smiled. “We’ll be fine. After what happened, I don’t want Lizzie and Charity here by themselves at night until these people have been caught. Besides, I don’t have time to work at the house right now anyway. Rebuilding the church comes first.”
“But what if they try to burn your house again?” I asked.
“I’m pretty confident no one will risk doing something like that after what they did to our church,” Noah said. “But Jonathon and Roger have volunteered to keep a close watch on it since the house sits so close to the turnoff.”
“Wouldn’t they be pretty stupid to come back to town?” Lizzie asked.
He nodded. “I doubt they’ll come anywhere near us for a while, but I can’t take a risk. I won’t leave you here alone, Lizzie. I just won’t.”
“Why don’t Hope and I remain here too?” Papa said. “We’ve got cots at the shop.”
Noah slapped Papa on the back. “We really appreciate the offer, Samuel, but I don’t think that’s necessary. Aaron also volunteered to stay in town at night until things settle down. He intends to leave the store lights on so the street doesn’t look so deserted.”
“I still think it would be a good idea for us to stay,” I said. “If anyone does make it past our borders, maybe a show of strength will force them to turn around and leave. The idea of you, Lizzie, and Charity here by yourselves doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Well, remember that the road is being watched,” Noah said, sounding doubtful. “You two would certainly be more comfortable at home.”
“The driver of the red truck got past them the other night,” I replied. “I’m sorry, but that really worries me. And what if Jonathon or Roger do see strangers headed into Kingdom? By the time they find additional help the way the elders have asked them to, these men could easily throw another Mol . . . Mol . . .”
“Molotov cocktail,” Noah said, smiling. “It’s up to you. Stay if you want, but we’re not asking you to.”
“Then it’s settled,” Papa said.
“What’s settled?” Ebbie asked from where he was standing in the doorway. My heart fluttered when I saw him. He’d obviously cleaned up after working all day. He looked so handsome, and for once his hair was combed. I was pretty sure it wouldn’t stay in place long. Funny thing was, I’d begun to like his chaotic locks. Lizzie told me that out in the world, men actually paid a lot of money to have their hair styled just like Ebbie’s. I found it funny, but somehow knowing that made him look even better.
“What are you doing here?” Noah asked.
“I’m going to stay in town tonight,” he said. “I don’t want you three here by yourselves.”
Lizzie burst out laughing. “I guess I should have stayed open. You people just won’t go home!”
“Well, not for a while anyway,” Ebbie said. “For some reason, I feel I’m supposed to be here. So here I am.”
“I’m afraid the floor is a little hard,” Noah said. “We’ve got blankets . . .”
Ebbie waved his hand at Noah. “No need. I brought a sleeping bag and a pillow.”
“Hope, why don’t you stay in the spare bedroom?” Lizzie said. “I’m sure it will be more comfortable than your cot.”
I started to protest, but Papa interrupted. “I think that is a splendid idea.”
“But I don’t want you to be alone downstairs,” I said.
“He won’t be alone,” Ebbie said. “Samuel and I will bunk together in the dining room. That way we can keep an eye on the street.”
“Thank you, Ebbie,” Papa said with a smile. “That sounds like a good idea, as long as Noah and Lizzie don’t mind all this company.”
“We’d love to have every single one of you stay with us,” Lizzie said, chuckling. “You’re all such good friends. We appreciate your thoughtfulness more than we can say.”
“If I’m going to sleep here again tonight, I want to get a few things from the shop,” I said. “Beau needs his blanket, and I’d like to get my quilt so I can work on it when we’re not busy. I’ll get the cot and a blanket for you too, Papa.”
“I am afraid it is too much for you to carry, Daughter. I will come with you.”
“Let me go, Samuel,” Ebbie said. “You rest your legs.”
“I would appreciate that, Brother Miller,” Papa said.
Papa wasn’t the kind of man to let another man do things for him, so either his legs hurt more than usual or he wanted Ebbie and me together. I suspected the latter but hoped that wasn’t the case.
“Thanks, Ebbie, but I don’t need any help,” I said. “The cot is light, and everything else will fit into one bag.”
“I don’t believe you should be outside alone,” he said firmly. “I’m coming. No arguments.”
“All right, but the shop is so close, I’m sure there’s no danger.”
“Hope, quit arguing,” Papa said, frowning. “Either Ebbie goes with you or I do.”
I sighed. “All right. I guess I could use some help carrying everything back.” I smiled at Ebbie. “Thanks for the offer. I appreciate it.” We’d started toward the front door when Lizzie called out my name.
“Hope, wait a minute. Take this flashlight with you. It’s getting dark outside.”
I thanked her and grabbed the light. Suddenly, I remembered something. “Is Leah in town? It might be best if she didn’t stay in her apartment alone tonight.”
“She won’t be,” Noah said. “She’s staying with Lizzie’s parents for a few days. Then she’s traveling to Topeka to see her family. You don’t need to worry about her.” He looked up at the clock on the wall. “I’m supposed to drive her over to Matthew and Anna’s.”
“I thought Leah had a car,” Papa said.
“She does,” Noah replied, “but Levi is tuning it up before she drives all the way to Topeka.”
“I had no idea Levi was a mechanic,” I said.
Noah grinned. “Seems funny that someone so quiet, who loves spending every moment he can at the church, can make any motor he touches run like new. My brother has the kind of mind that can figure out how almost everything works. He started fixing our tractor engines when he was only ten. It’s a gift, I guess.”
“Enough about Levi,” Lizzie said. “You need to get going. Leah’s probably waiting for you.”
Noah smiled at his wife. “I feel a lot better leaving for a while knowing you’ll have protection.”
Lizzie snapped her fingers. “Wait a minute,” she said. “I’ve got an apple pie for you to take with you. Mother loves them.”
Noah rubbed his chin. “Hmm. I may have to stay a little bit longer than I planned to help them with that pie.”
Lizzie grinned. “I’d better send two pies then. You think one slice is a quarter of a pie.”
“You mean it isn’t?” he asked innocently.
Ebbie and I laughed while Lizzie rolled her eyes.
“I suppose those are the only two pies you have,” Papa grumbled.
“You know me better than that, Samuel,” Lizzie said teasingly. “There’s plenty more. As soon as I get Noah on his way, I’ll bring you pie and coffee. How about that?”
“I suppose that would suit me just fine.” Papa winked at me.
I went over and hugged him around the neck. “By the way,” I whispered in his ear, “I know what you’re up to, and it won’t work. Ebbie and I are only friends. So stop it.”
I let him go, and he gave me his most innocent look. Shaking my head, I grabbed the large flashlight Lizzie handed me. Once Ebbie and I got outside, we were happy to have it. The small porch light outside the restaurant didn’t glow very brightly, and although Aaron had the lights on in the general store, they didn’t do much to illuminate my side of the street. For some reason, he hadn’t turned on the streetlight yet. I kept the flashlight’s beam shining in front of us as we made our way down the sidewalk.
Walking late at night in Kingdom was usually peaceful because the streets were deserted. In the spring, the scent of honeysuckle permeated the air, but sadly, tonight a burnt odor lingered from the fire. It wasn’t just the smell of destruction that hung over our town; there was also a pall of innocence lost. We were vulnerable. Kingdom’s founders had sought refuge from the world, but the world had entered anyway. Ebbie was quiet as we made our way to the quilt shop, and I wondered if he was thinking the same thing.
He opened the door when we reached the shop. Like most businesses in Kingdom, our front door was almost never locked. In fact, even though there actually was a lock on the door, I had no idea where the key was. I swung the beam from my flashlight toward the counter where our oil lamp sat. Laying the flashlight down, I reached under the counter for matches. Suddenly I heard an odd noise behind me and turned to see Ebbie lying on the floor. Before I could react, someone grabbed me. A hand went over my mouth while an arm encircled my waist. I tried to cry out.
“Shut up right now.” The man’s voice was full of anger. “You give me a hard time and you’ll be sorry.”
My mind couldn’t accept what was happening. Moments before I’d questioned whether Kingdom was still a refuge from the world. Now I knew the answer.