Amish Fugitive, page 6
“What was inside?”
“I don’t know. When we got there, Wyatt asked me if I wanted a beer. I couldn’t think of an easy way to say I didn’t, so I drank beer with him and he told me stories about some of the things he’d done.”
“Such as?” Nate asked.
As the interview continued, Daniel told Nate about other visits, the alcohol. The pot. The pills that Wyatt had offered but he’d never accepted. Wyatt’s hints about making money other ways. His stories about how much people would pay for some of their vices.
Though Daniel had told Detective Peck some of this information, the officer had seemed bored. Daniel’s public defender hadn’t cared about what he and Wyatt had done together, either. All he had done was say that he was going to try to get Daniel ten years or less. Daniel had been too scared to argue about that.
Nate turned off the recorder. “We’ve been talking for an hour. Do you need a break?”
“No. I’d rather just get this over with.”
When he clicked back on the device, he said, “Tell me about the night of the party.”
“It was at an apartment in Cleveland. I’d ridden there with Wyatt, a friend of his who was older than him, two girls Wyatt knew and Brandt. None of them paid much attention to me or Brandt.”
“Because you were so much younger?”
“Yeah. And because Brandt looked scared to death. I’d been so eager to have someone else from my community doing the same things I was, I’d practically forced Brandt to come to the party with me.”
“So he was scared?”
“Yeah. The minute we got there, I knew I shouldn’t have brought him.” Remembering how Brandt had kept looking at him like he was a stranger, Daniel felt tears threaten.
“What happened when you got to the apartment?”
“It was dark outside. Probably eight or nine at night. When we arrived, the party was in full swing. There must have been forty people there. Wyatt went off with that guy, and the girls walked away to be with some of their friends or something.”
“Was everyone Amish?”
“It was hard to tell, but I knew at least some of them were. Like me and Brandt, they were wearing Englisher clothes that were either brand new and cheap, or clothes that they’d already borrowed from other kids.” With a sigh, he continued. “Brandt and I got beer and then someone brought in a bunch of pizzas, and everyone started eating. Wyatt pulled me away to meet some people.” Forcing himself to add more, Daniel said, “Wyatt asked me to start selling for him. This time, instead of shaking my head no, I told him I’d think about it.”
“Why?”
“I needed money. I’d been let go from the lumber yard and my whole family was angry with me. All I could think about was getting out on my own. I needed money to do that.”
“I see.” Nate looked at him intently. “Did Brandt overhear you agree to dealing?”
“I don’t think so...but maybe?” Realizing that he’d never considered that his buddy might have overheard, Daniel felt sick. “I lost track of Brandt, though I did see him talking to Wyatt privately for a while.”
“Any idea what they were talking about?”
He started to shake his head then remembered that Brandt had appeared to be lecturing Wyatt. “If I had to guess, it was that Wyatt was feeling Brandt out to see what he thought about dealing and got an earful. No way would Brandt have been okay with that.”
“And then?”
Steeling himself for the worst part, he said, “Then the lights went out. I don’t know if a circuit was blown or someone did it on purpose, but it was pitch-black. People started shining their phones around. The party got crazier. Then the older guy who had ridden with us pulled out a gun. A couple of people wanted to get their picture taken with it. Eventually the gun was passed to me.”
Nate leaned forward. “You took the weapon?”
Daniel nodded. “Yeah. I didn’t take my picture or anything, but I wasn’t afraid of it. I just held the gun for a second before I passed it on to the next person.”
“Where was Brandt? Was he back by your side?”
“Nee.” Remembering the way Brandt had looked at him, Daniel felt a lump form in his throat. “Brandt was standing across the room. If I had to guess, he was trying to think of a way to leave.”
“And then?”
“And then next thing I knew, a couple of guys started fighting. A couple of minutes later, a few more guys joined in. People were either egging them on or getting out of the way, then someone fired the gun up in the air.” Remembering the chaos, the confusion, the darkness...and how it was all mixed up in a drunken haze, he added, “I thought someone fired it to try to stop the fight.”
“What happened? Did the fight stop?”
“I don’t know if the shots did that, or the girl that started screaming.” Hating the memories, he swallowed hard. “When a light came on at last, Brandt was on the ground, bleeding something awful. I was sure that someone shot him on accident.”
“Maybe that is what happened...or maybe it wasn’t.”
“Or maybe not, I don’t know. All I do know is that everyone scattered, the cops came fast, and they found me sitting on the ground next to Brandt, who was dead. Nearby was the gun.”
Nate turned off the recorder. “Okay. I think I have a better idea of what happened.”
Daniel wasn’t sure what the cop had gleaned but he was too worn-out by the memories to care. “Can I leave now?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I... It doesn’t matter how long it’s been or how many times I’ve given myself excuses, it’s still hard to realize that I’m responsible for Brandt’s death. If I hadn’t brought him to that party, he would still be alive.”
Nate shook his head. “You might be guilty of being naive or stupid, but you didn’t shoot the gun, Daniel. You didn’t know that was going to happen. You are innocent.” Looking at him intently, Nate added, “Actually, I’d say you are as much of a victim as Brandt.”
“I know you told me that before, but I don’t know. I do know that by the time the cops came, most everyone else was gone.”
“Wyatt didn’t wait for you?”
“No. He ran. Most of the guys ran. I think someone set me up.”
Nate stared at him intently. “Have you ever thought that maybe Brandt’s death wasn’t a random thing? Maybe someone killed him on purpose and set you up to take the fall.”
“Then that means that there’s a reason someone at that party wanted Brandt to die.”
“What do you think?”
Daniel realized that he wasn’t shocked by the theory. Actually, in some of his darkest moments in prison, he had considered that his friend’s death wasn’t completely random. He’d just been so consumed by guilt, he hadn’t wanted to believe in the possibility. “I think that might be true,” he said.
Nate nodded. “All right, then. I’m going to start digging even harder.”
“If you need my help, you have it.”
“Thanks. I appreciate that. We’re going to get that guy. I promise.”
Daniel wanted to believe the detective. He really did. But Brandt was dead and was never going to be able to share his part of the story. Figuring out what really happened—and why—seemed as far-fetched as going back in time.
But revealing that wouldn’t be right. So he merely stood up and shook Nate’s hand. “Thank you for wanting to hear my whole story. No one ever wanted to hear it before.”
“I wish they would’ve. I really do.”
As Daniel walked home, he tried to think about the garage apartment he was going to move into. Tried to think about his job. About Lela.
But the only thing that came to his mind was the way Brandt had looked when he’d been bleeding on the floor.
Chapter Eight
Kelley’s Farmers Market was more crowded than usual. Well, at least it seemed that way to Daniel. It had been a very long time since he’d gone on a Saturday. Years before he’d gone to prison.
The thought shamed him.
When Daniel was still in his teens, his mother had asked him to accompany her. She asked all three of them. But while Abram and Violet had often accompanied her, he had only done so after complaining loudly. He’d thought spending a few hours helping his mother carry bags of fruits and vegetables was a waste of time, though what he’d thought he was so busy doing, he had no idea.
Back then, before he’d met Wyatt, he’d been just a stupid kid with big dreams of the outside world and moving far away. The irony of what had happened was not lost on him. During the trial, he’d ached for things to go back to the way they were. That was when he’d learned that saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” both meant the world and was a useless expression all at the same time. It might make the person you harmed feel better, but in the end, it didn’t change the past.
“Daniel, you made it!”
“Jah, Bishop Schlabach, I did.” He and the bishop had run into each other at the store, and the man had chastised him for buying apples there. He’d practically made Daniel promise to visit the farmers market on Saturday.
Looking mighty pleased, the gray-haired man patted his shoulder. “I’m glad, son. You’re going to have a grand time.” Just as Daniel was about to reply, the other man frowned. “Wait, where’s your tote?”
“My tote?” He had no idea what the bishop was talking about.
“For all the items you’ll be purchasing.” He continued on in a rush. “Oh, I know. You’re likely thinking about the way things used to be. We’ve become more environmentally responsible now, jah?”
“I didn’t know that.” He’d also never expected to hear such a phrase from the man.
“Oh. Well, we used to be able to get plastic bags from the vendors, but that hurts the landfills, ain’t so? No worries,” he continued. “I have three bags with me today. I’ll be happy to share.” He handed him a green bag with the words Mammoth Cave on the side.
Daniel wasn’t all that sure he wanted to carry a tote at all, but it was in his hands before he had come up with a reason to refuse. “Are you sure you won’t need it, Bishop?”
“I’m sure. You enjoy yourself, son. I’m glad you’re here.” A twinkle entered his eyes. “I have a feeling that someone else is gonna be real glad you’re here, as well.”
Daniel stared at the bishop’s retreating form with a sense of dismay, then decided that he might as well go shopping. He did need more apples, after all.
Just as he turned, he saw Lela. When she met his gaze, he smiled and immediately felt his neck heat up. He mentally berated himself. Why, why did he always act like a shy, awkward teen whenever he was around her?
When he didn’t smile in return, she quickly looked down at her feet and then turned away.
And...now he’d embarrassed her.
You’ve got to get it together, he told himself. Figuring he needed all the help he could get, he reached out to the only one who could make things easier. God, I could use a little bit of help right now.
Just as Lela darted behind a group of Englishers, he finally got his feet to move. Crunching up the green tote in his hand, he weaved through the crowd, scanning every group of people standing together. Looking for some sign of Lela and her bright blue dress.
The farmers market turned around a corner. A trio of teenagers were playing guitars and singing some sort of folk song. They’d drawn quite a crowd.
Quickly as he could, Daniel stepped around them, and finally caught sight of her in the distance speaking to Ada Walker.
Daniel frowned. It wasn’t that he didn’t like Ada, it was that she was a shameless busybody. Well, if facing Ada and her too-perceptive gaze was what he was going to have to do, then he’d do it. Whatever it took to make things right with Lela.
Just as Daniel was about to increase his stride, a mother pushing a stroller and a grumpy toddler stepped in front of him. He abruptly stopped just as the tot yelled “No!” and pulled away from his mamm.
To his dismay, the boy charged right into his knees.
The toddler might be little, but he’d hit Daniel with enough force that he’d let out a lungful of air. “Umph!”
The contact startled the child enough to stare at Daniel with wide eyes.
Daniel knelt down to steady him. “You all right?” he asked.
The little boy nodded.
“I’m so sorry!” the mother said. “Peter, you are being naughty. Tell that man you are sorry.”
Still staring at Daniel, he did as bid. “Sorry.”
“It’s all right. But mind your mamm, jah? She only wants to keep you safe.”
The mother, obviously hearing his words, smiled. “Thank you. Peter, come along and we’ll go get some cucumbers”
Crisis obviously forgotten, Peter smiled at him as they went on their way.
Getting to his feet, Daniel looked back to where Lela had been standing. Only Ada was there, unabashedly watching him. He’d lost Lela.
Walking toward Ada, he scanned the area again. And then felt something akin to a bolt of lightning hit his heart. There, in the crowd, also staring at him, was Wyatt.
Wyatt, who’d befriended him and happily led him astray.
Wyatt, who’d given him liquor and sold him drugs.
Wyatt, who had encouraged him to take Brandt to the party in Cleveland.
Wyatt, who the police had said never existed.
Daniel blinked, sure his eyes were deceiving him. Maybe his imagination had taken flight and he was seeing things.
But no, it was Wyatt Troyer, all right. There, standing bold as brass in the middle of his town was the man who’d haunted his dreams. He had the same red hair, same scruffy cheeks, same slightly bloodshot, light brown eyes. The only difference was that his thin frame seemed to be even thinner. He was bordering on gaunt.
Everything inside of Daniel wanted to march over and speak to Wyatt and give him a piece of his mind. No, yell at him. Berate him for everything he’d done. For everything he’d caused. For turning Daniel into a fugitive in his own hometown.
He clenched his hands as his pulse quickened and the anger threatened to consume him.
He stepped forward, then looked down at his hands. They were in tight fists. His body was preparing to hit Wyatt.
He knew he could take him down easily, too. Daniel worked hard at Carter and Sons. His body had filled out from a healthy diet of fresh, hearty food and all of the physical labor he did.
In addition, he surely knew how to fight now. He’d learned the first week in prison the consequences of not standing up for himself. At least once a week he’d fought someone.
Wyatt would be no match for him.
Daniel’s mouth went dry as every dark part of his brain pushed him forward. He wanted vengeance. He needed to do something to hurt Wyatt.
Vengeance is mine.
He drew to a stop, stung by the Lord’s admonishment. Right then and there he knew that his savior knew better and was providing him a better way to live.
He might have been in prison, but he wasn’t there any longer.
He might have needed Wyatt to confess to shooting Brandt, but it wouldn’t change anything.
The Lord had already taken care of Daniel. He’d gotten him out of prison and helped him in so many ways since he’d returned.
There was only one thing to do.
He walked away.
Daniel had thought the move would be physically painful but it wasn’t. It wasn’t at all.
Because the moment he turned away and started back the way he came, he saw Lela again. His reward.
“Daniel, hiya!” she called out with a bright smile. “Come look what I just bought.”
Giving thanks again, he headed toward her. Both his step and his soul feeling lighter.
Chapter Nine
Daniel was actually heading her way. And, wonder of wonders, he was even kind of smiling. Lela could hardly believe it, though why that was, she didn’t know. After all, she’d surely made a cake of herself, calling out to him in the middle of the market. At least twenty people had stopped what they were doing and stared. Daniel really hadn’t much choice but walk over to her.
No doubt at least a few of the people watching would gossip about who she was talking to. Someone would probably tell her mother.
Who would, of course, sit Lela down and give her a stern talking to.
Lela didn’t care, though. All she did care about was that handsome, mesmerizing Daniel Miller was heading her way.
When Daniel drew to a stop in front of her, he folded his hands behind his back. “Hiya, Lela.”
She couldn’t resist smiling. “Daniel.”
“I’m glad to see you.”
“I’m glad to see you, too.” She beamed at him.
When he grinned again, she felt a little foolish. He was older and far more worldly than she. No doubt she was coming across even more naive than ever.
But if she didn’t stop gazing at him and say something quickly, he was going to walk away and think she was even more flighty than he probably already thought. Desperate for something to talk about, she dug into her canvas shopping bag and pulled out a gourd.
“Daniel, look what I just found. It’s a gourd in the shape of a dog.”
A gourd? A dog-shaped gourd was the best she could do?
Mentally, she slapped her forehead in aggravation. She wouldn’t have thought it possible, but she’d just managed to sound even more foolish.
If he was taken aback, he covered up the reaction quickly. “A gourd, hmm?”
Since she couldn’t really do anything but embrace her words, she smiled. “Jah.”
