her words did little to change the concern written so plainly on Sarah’s face. She backed even farther into the pantry and covered her mouth with her hand; all the while her eyes sought out Joachim. He nodded his encouragement before he stepped toward the door.
Years before, the young Amish man had been his brother Eli’s friend. Both the same age, Levi had been the quiet, pensive one whose personality contrasted sharply with Eli’s charisma.
Rebecca opened the door, her eyes twinkling with interest, a warm and welcoming smile on her face as she invited Levi inside. “I have a surprise that I did not expect. Joachim has come home.”
In the five years that Joachim had been away, the quiet youth had grown into a muscular man whose grip was strong and firm when the two men shook hands.
“This is a gut surprise,” Levi said. Then as if overcome with enthusiasm, he pulled Joachim close and slapped his back. “You have been missed.”
The sincerity of his welcome touched Joachim. “It is good to see you, my friend.”
“Our parting was difficult. I trust you have been well. It was time for you to come home, yah?”
Joachim nodded. “It was time.”
Levi’s gaze turned to the alcove where Sarah peered with wide eyes at the gathering.
“You have brought someone home with you?” Levi asked, a hint of confusion evident in his tone.
Sarah took a step forward as Joachim introduced her to Levi. “Sarah needed a place to stay,” Rebecca quickly volunteered. “She will remain with us for a day or two.”
“You have found a good house,” Levi said with a nod. “Plus, Rebecca is known for her pies and cakes.”
He rubbed his stomach. “Often she asks me to taste her baked items after the chores.” He smiled at the young Amish woman. “Perhaps today we will all be able to enjoy a slice or two of pie.”
Rebecca laughed. “Yah, that is possible after the animals are watered and fed. You know I cannot resist you, Levi, with all the help you have provided.”
“Then I will hurry to the chores as my mouth waters for the special treat that awaits.”
Joachim nodded. “I, too, am grateful for your help, Levi. We will go together.”
“I will bake something while you both work,” Rebecca assured them. She glanced at Sarah. “We will both remain in the house and watch for Victor.”
“Victor Thomin?” Levi asked.
“Yah.” Rebecca nodded. “He is a dangerous man. I do not know how Naomi could work so long in his house.”
“My sister helped Ms. Hazel, but she had nothing to do with Victor. Ms. Hazel lived alone back then.”
Sarah stepped from the alcove. “Your sister was the Amish woman Ms. Hazel mentioned? She misses Naomi.”
“We all miss her,” Levi admitted.
“I don’t understand,” Sarah said.
Levi pursed his lips and thought for a moment before responding. “Victor came home. She did not like being around him, but we fear something else could have happened because she left not only the job but also the area. We have not heard from Naomi since then.”
Sarah’s brow furrowed. “Did you go to the police?”
“The Amish in this community do not trust the Petersville police. It is commonly known that they can be bribed and bought. My datt would not have gone to them, except for his concern for Naomi’s welfare.” Levi’s voice took on an angry edge as he continued. “They were no help and said Naomi must have left for a better life among the Englisch.”
Rebecca patted his shoulder, offering support.
He nodded his thanks and then continued. “It was not what my father wanted to hear. We will not go to the police again. They do not understand our ways. Some say they are only interested in their own gain.”
“Victor told me the police were corrupt,” Sarah shared. “Although he is corrupt as well, so I don’t know if I can believe what he said. Still, my sister’s car was hijacked by men claiming to be police.” She quickly explained being sold to Victor and how Joachim had helped her escape today.
Levi was right, Joachim thought. The Amish did not trust the police, but Victor needed to be stopped by law enforcement. Perhaps Sarah would change her mind about notifying the authorities if she knew them to be honorable. Right now, she was exhausted and still traumatized by what had happened. Joachim would broach the subject again later. In the meantime he would do everything possible to keep her safe.
Sarah appreciated the bath Rebecca drew while the men worked outdoors. The fragrance of the sweet-smelling soap she provided filled the air like a spring bouquet. Sarah stepped from the tub feeling rejuvenated and grateful as she slipped into the Amish dress Rebecca had provided.
“With a clean body, you must also have fresh clothes,” Rebecca stated as she instructed Sarah on how to pin the fabric and then adjust the apron around her waist.
“What about the bonnet?” Sarah asked.
“It is a prayer kapp. Amish women cover their heads when they pray.”
“But you wear it all the time?”
“This is true. We are always ready to pray when our head is covered.”
“I pray but perhaps not often enough,” Sarah admitted.
“The kapp will remind you to do so.”
Sarah thought of being in the closet as a child. The smoke had seeped under the door, making her even more afraid. God hadn’t saved her even though Sarah had prayed. Thankfully, Miriam had come to her rescue.
“Did you ever pray for something that didn’t come about so that you felt God refused your prayer?” Sarah asked.
“Gott does not refuse prayer, but sometimes that which we desire is not according to His will.” Rebecca sighed. “I told you that Joachim and I had a younger brother named Eli, who died in a buggy accident. My mamm prayed for him to live.”
“I’m so sorry about your brother.”
“As I mentioned earlier, it was Gott’s will.” Rebecca smiled ruefully. “This is what my mamm believes.”
“And your father?”
Rebecca’s face clouded. “My father does not blame Gott.” She hesitated as if weighing whether to say something else, then shrugging, she added, “He blames Joachim.”
Before Sarah could question her further, Rebecca picked up the white bonnet from where she had placed it on the dresser and handed it to Sarah. Earlier, she had pulled her towel-dried hair into a bun, and
