Hiding in Plain Sight, page 8
“Of course.” The woman preened with importance as she provided her name and number. “I hope you catch that man. He’s a menace to society.”
In more ways than one, Liam thought as he turned away. He crossed over to the Amish girl cleaning up the mess. “Would you like help with that?”
“Ach, no. ’Tis fine.” The girl didn’t meet his gaze.
“Could I have your name, please? If I find this man, I’ll make him pay for the damages.”
The offer of repayment caused the girl to look up at him. “My name is Leah Moore, and I’d be right grateful to recover some of the damage.”
“Thanks for telling me. Once I have him in custody, I’ll make sure you get reimbursed.”
She nodded and turned back to her task. Liam blew out a breath and strode down the center aisle until he reached David’s furniture store.
Shauna’s uncle unlocked the door and gestured for him to come inside. He brushed past and found Shauna and Elizabeth seated at a small table.
“I’ll give you a ride home.” His tone did not invite argument. “Stay here, and I’ll drive around back.”
“I’ll watch over them,” David promised.
“Thanks.” Less than three minutes later, Liam drove his squad car to the rear doorway of David’s workshop. He stood for a moment, scanning the area, but didn’t see any sign of a black truck or a man with stringy blond hair.
Shauna opened the door to his knock. “We’re ready,” she said. “I need you to convince Davy to stay with us.”
“It wouldn’t be proper,” David said firmly. “There’s no reason to upset Elizabeth’s mother-in-law. Besides, I’m not the one in danger.”
“You can stay with me in my guest room,” Liam offered. “I don’t mind.”
“I’ll be fine,” David repeated. “I can bunk here in my workroom. No one will think to look for me here.”
“We don’t know that for sure,” Shauna pointed out. “We don’t have any idea why my mother was killed in the first place, much less why I’m still being targeted by this guy.”
“I have a theory,” Davy said.
She swung around to stare at her uncle. “You do?”
Davy grimaced and spread his hands. “It’s just a theory. I don’t know anything for sure—no proof to back it up.”
“What kind of theory?” Liam stared at David, hoping Shauna’s uncle wasn’t holding back on him, too. He needed all the cooperation he could get to get this guy off the street.
“Linda—Shauna’s mother—often talked about getting what she deserved from Shauna’s father.” Davy’s tone was grim.
Shauna frowned. “I asked about my father, but Mom claimed she didn’t know who he was.”
Davy nodded. “Yes, that much is true. But I think there are—were—several possibilities. Linda asked me for help in tracking them down, but I told her there was no point in digging up the past. At twenty-three, almost twenty-four, you’re an adult, Shauna. It’s not like Linda could get child support or any sort of income from your biological father at this late date.”
Liam frowned as Shauna sank into the closest chair. If she looked pale before, her skin was ashen now. He edged closer, ready to grab her if she toppled over.
“That doesn’t make any sense,” she whispered mostly to herself. “I don’t get it. Why would Mom try to find my biological father after all these years? Why would it matter?”
“I don’t know,” David admitted.
“How long ago did you talk to Linda about that?” Liam asked.
David looked thoughtful. “As I said, I haven’t spoken to her in the past two years. She seemed determined to find Shauna’s father and wasn’t happy when I refused to help.”
“She’s been trying to find my father all this time?” Shauna asked. “Then why on earth would someone try to come after her now?”
Liam had to admit that David’s theory didn’t seem relevant. “I agree. It’s unlikely that an attempt to find Shauna’s biological father would cause this drastic chain of events. Premeditated murder of not just Linda but Jeff Clancy? Attempted murder of Shauna? Because of a liaison that took place twenty-four years ago? I’m not seeing it.”
Davy looked uncomfortable for a moment. “My sister was only sixteen when she became pregnant with Shauna. At the time she—uh—worked in a strip club using a fake ID. She only did it to help put food on the table. Our mother was—in rough shape at the time.”
“What?” Shauna swayed as if physically struck by the news. Liam quickly wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Why didn’t she tell me?”
“I’m sorry,” David said softly. “But Linda asked me to keep the truth a secret from you.”
“I knew she was young when she had me, but...” Shauna’s voice trailed off. Liam felt bad she was learning the truth now.
“I—need a moment.” Shauna abruptly stood and ducked outside. This time, Liam quickly followed.
“Shauna, none of this is your fault.”
“Yeah? Then why does it feel like it is?” Her voice was full of agony. “I was so impatient with my mother, especially with her substance abuse issues. I didn’t treat her with as much compassion as I should have, and now it’s too late...” She buried her face in her hands.
This time, Liam couldn’t stop himself from gathering her into his arms. “Shh, it’s not your fault.”
Shauna leaned into his embrace, gripping his jacket with her hands. “If I could go back in time, I’d do things differently.”
“Me, too.” Hadn’t he gone through this same emotional roller coaster after Jerica and Mikey had died? “I lost my wife and son because of a rift in our marriage. Because I’d turned a blind eye to the troubles we were having. She was so unhappy with me that she found another man. After they died, it was too late to fix things.”
Shauna lifted her head to gaze up at him. “You know how this feels.”
“I do.” He tucked a strand of her dark hair into her kapp. “My relationship with God has been rocky, but over time, I’ve come to accept that it’s not my place to question God’s plan. He has provided this life for us, and our job is to live in His honor.”
“How do you deal with the guilt?”
“I’m still learning,” he admitted. Although, since Shauna had come into his life, he’d thought of Jerica and Mikey less than usual. “We can’t go back, Shauna. No matter how much we wish we could.”
“I guess I’ll learn to live with the guilt, too,” she whispered. “Thank you, Liam.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
All rational thought evaporated as their lips meshed, clung, held. He gathered her closer and kissed her the way he hadn’t kissed any woman in well over two years.
Wishing he never had to stop.
EIGHT
Losing herself in Liam’s warm embrace was wonderful, but the sound of a door opening had her abruptly breaking off their kiss, stepping backward so fast she almost lost her balance.
“Everything okay?” Davy asked.
“We’re fine.” Shauna fought the urge to cover her heated cheeks with her hands. “We should go.”
“I’ll get Elizabeth.” Davy turned back inside.
She stared at the ground, her mind whirling. She’d kissed Liam! What was she thinking? This was hardly the time or the place to start anything.
“I’m sorry,” she began, then stopped when Davy and Elizabeth stepped out of the Amish barn. Her uncle closed and locked the door before coming over to join them.
“I’m not,” Liam said as he opened the rear passenger door of his squad car. “David, you and Elizabeth should get in the back. I’ll bring you back to the Amish Shoppe after we drop the women off.”
“’Tis a new experience for me, riding in a police car,” Elizabeth murmured.
David didn’t respond to Elizabeth, his gaze seemingly locked on Shauna instead. She felt sure that he knew she’d kissed Liam.
Honestly, she needed to get a grip on her rioting emotions. One minute she was devastated over learning the truth about her mother’s checkered past, the next she was throwing herself at a man.
That he wasn’t sorry about their kiss stayed with her as she slid into the passenger seat. He’d lost his wife and son, his wife cheating on him with another man, but he wasn’t sorry she’d kissed him.
What did that mean? He’d welcome another kiss?
No, don’t go there, she warned. Didn’t she have enough problems at the moment? Someone was trying to kill her. Adding another complication would push her over the edge.
The trip to Elizabeth’s house didn’t take too long, although she noticed the community where Elizabeth lived was outside the city limits, closer to Dalton than Green Lake. The farms were spread out over many acres of land, although it appeared the harvest was completed by now.
Several Amish girls were walking along the road, and she recognized them from the Sunshine Café. They eyed the police vehicle warily as Liam drove by.
When Liam stopped the car in front of Elizabeth’s house, Shauna swallowed a wave of apprehension. Their earlier visit had been quick, but now she’d be spending the night.
Davy offered his hand to help Elizabeth out of the back seat. “Denke,” she murmured in a low voice.
“You’re welcome,” Davy responded. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, Elizabeth.”
“Certain sure,” she replied before turning toward Shauna. “Komm, we’ll get you settled, ja?”
“Yes, thank you. Good night, Liam. See you tomorrow, Davy.” Shauna didn’t let her gaze linger on Liam as she joined Elizabeth, and she had to fight the urge to beg Davy to take her with him. Then remembered he was bunking in his workroom.
“Wilkom to my home, Shauna,” Elizabeth said as they stepped into the kitchen.
“It’s very nice.” When they’d come earlier to get the clothing, she hadn’t taken much time to look around. Now she was curious. The atmosphere was cozy and warm despite the austere furniture. Pale green curtains and darker green kitchen towels were hand sewn, just like the quilts Elizabeth sold at her shop.
How long did it take to make a quilt by hand? Shauna wondered. She couldn’t begin to imagine.
“Are you hungry? I have bread and soup left from last evening’s supper.”
“That would be nice, thank you.” Shauna took a seat at the kitchen table as Elizabeth set about warming up the soup. When that was finished, she filled a bowl and set it on a tray for her mother-in-law.
“Mammi Ruth prefers to eat in her room. I’ll return shortly, ja?”
“I understand.”
After the elder woman had been provided for, Elizabeth set another bowl before Shauna, along with a thick slice of homemade bread. Shauna accepted the simple fare, bowing her head as Elizabeth said grace, before taking a tentative bite. The food was wonderful, making her realize how hungry she’d been.
“Elizabeth, is there something you need me to do for your mother-in-law yet tonight?”
“Ach, no, tomorrow morning will be soon enough,” Elizabeth assured her. “Mammi Ruth doesn’t even know you’re here yet. I’ll fill her in later. For now, you need to get some rest. We rise early, ain’t so?”
“That’s not a problem,” Shauna assured her. She finished the meal and then insisted on washing and drying the dishes so Elizabeth could care for her mother-in-law, determined not to cause the sweet Amish woman any trouble.
When they were finished with their respective tasks, Elizabeth showed her to her room. Summoning a smile, she turned to her hostess. “Thank you for everything, Elizabeth. I’m very thankful for how you’ve welcomed me into your home.”
“Ach, ’tis no trouble. I’m looking forward to having another woman to talk to. See you in the morning, Shauna.”
She hadn’t expected to sleep—or, at least, not very well, considering her strange surroundings—but the next thing she knew, it was morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon.
The morning hours passed quickly. Shauna helped Elizabeth by cleaning the kitchen while she cared for Mammi Ruth. Overhearing part of the conversation—at least, the parts she could understand amid the Pennsylvania Dutch—Shauna understood Elizabeth’s mother-in-law to be a bit cantankerous.
Working side by side with Elizabeth gave Shauna a new appreciation for the Amish people. Not only did they work hard, but they did what needed to be done without a single complaint. As they got ready to leave, Elizabeth bundled a large sewing bag. “I’m making another wedding quilt,” she explained. “They are big sellers, along with the baby quilts.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” Shauna said with a smile.
A horse-drawn buggy showed up outside Elizabeth’s home. Shauna was introduced to one of the Amish elders, a man by the name of Ezekiel Moore. Surprisingly, Shauna enjoyed the ride, although she doubted it would be as nice in the frigid winter months.
“Does Mr. Moore always give you a ride to the Amish barn?” Shauna asked.
“’Tis the way our community supports one another, ja?” Elizabeth explained. “After my husband passed away, the men in our community have offered their assistance in one way or another.”
Shauna wondered if this was a way for Ezekiel Moore to court Elizabeth, hoping to marry her, but she didn’t ask. After the elder Amish man helped them from the buggy, they approached the main entrance to the Amish Shoppe. Shauna’s stomach churned with concern as she wondered if the blond-haired man would show up again today.
Looking for her.
Maybe she should ask Liam about the disposable phone, although there wouldn’t be a place to plug it in to charge it at Elizabeth’s house. Yet she didn’t like not having something to use if they experienced another emergency. Elizabeth stood outside the door for a moment, glancing back to the road.
“Is there a problem?” Shauna asked. Mr. Moore was already driving the buggy away.
“Ach, no. The others will be here shortly.”
Soon a group of Amish women came on foot, the same group they’d passed walking home last evening. Apparently, Elizabeth was their unspoken leader.
The way they greeted each other made Shauna realize how closely the Amish were bonded, especially the women. Elizabeth introduced her, and the women regarded her with open curiosity but no sign of malice.
She was humbled by their easy acceptance of her, despite being an Englisch outsider.
They had barely gotten settled in their respective shops, with Elizabeth working on her quilt while Shauna manned Davy’s showroom, when Liam arrived. He looked so handsome, so self-assured in his casual clothing—no uniform this time—that she felt embarrassed all over again about how she’d kissed him.
“Do you have time to work with a sketch artist?” Liam glanced from her to Davy. “I hope to provide my deputies the likeness of the blond-haired man as they patrol the area.”
“I’ve never done that before, but I’m willing to try.” She forced a smile. “If Davy can manage without me for a while.”
“I’ve been doing this alone for years,” Davy assured her. “I’ll be fine.”
“Stay here. I’ll come around back again,” Liam instructed. “Best not to have you seen with me walking through the shopping area.”
“Okay.” Ten minutes later, she met Liam behind the Amish barn. “Can I remove my kapp for a bit?” She glanced at him. “It’s probably more noticeable for me to have it on while riding with you.”
“Of course.” He lifted a brow. “How was your night without creature comforts?”
“It was fine—better than I’d expected.” She smiled wryly as she patted her bound hair. Elizabeth had helped pull her long hair back, wrapping it in a tight bun to be covered by the kapp. “Reminded me of living in my mother’s trailer that first year, when we didn’t always have money to pay the electric bill.”
“Sounds like those were difficult times.”
She shrugged. Back then, she’d been angry with her mother for drinking their money away, but after learning about the circumstances around her birth, she wished she’d been more supportive. “Everyone has difficulties. Mine aren’t unique.”
“Some worse than others,” Liam insisted. “You’ve risen above your past, Shauna. That’s something to be proud of.”
After the horrible way she’d treated her mother? Not happening.
“You and Jeff Clancy weren’t dating?”
Liam’s question came out of left field. “No. Why would you ask that? I told you we were just friends.”
“You’re a beautiful woman, Shauna. I guess I’m trying to understand why you don’t have a man in your life.”
“Because the one guy I dated for nearly a year was already married with two children, a fact he neglected to mention.” She twisted the kapp with her fingers, wishing she hadn’t been so gullible. “The whole thing soured me on dating. Besides, I don’t need a man to be happy.”
“No, you don’t. But trust me when I say living your life alone isn’t fun, either.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Liam.” She couldn’t imagine any woman leaving him for another man, but she didn’t have time to say anything more as he pulled up to the police station.
The interior was fairly empty—she imagined the deputies were out on patrol. There was one man standing there, dressed in uniform, next to a woman with short blond hair.
“Shauna, this is Deputy Garrett Nichol and sketch artist Jacy Urban.”
“Nice to meet you,” Shauna said with a nod.
“This way,” Garrett said, leading Shauna and Jacy to an empty desk.
Shauna was nervous about the process, but Jacy walked her through it. It took longer than she’d anticipated, but when they were finished, Jacy gestured to the final product. “What do you think? Anything else we need to tweak?”
“That’s him,” Shauna said, staring at the man she’d assumed was a college student. “That’s the guy from the Amish Shoppe yesterday.”
