Grace's Forgiveness Page 12

Mark let out a sigh and watched out the window. Mr. Blauch headed for his wagon. He peeked at the clock. Noon already? Where had this day gone? He entered Grace and Sarah’s shop.

  Grace carried a quilt, put it aside, and stopped. “Is it time for dinner already?”

  He should inform her of his conversation with her daed, but he must relay the information out of Sarah’s earshot. “Jah, where’s Sarah?”

  “She went to the post office to mail a letter. You’re frowning. Is something wrong?”

  “Your daed came to visit me. He expressed his displeasure about you being at my haus alone with me.”

  Grace gasped and put her hand to her cheek. “What did he say?”

  He recounted his conversation with Mr. Blauch. “I’m grateful he’s letting me speak to Noah. I feel bad you and Noah got into trouble with your daed because of helping me. I’m glad he’s being reasonable.” He put his hands in his pockets. “I fretted he wouldn’t allow you to talk to me.”

  “I’ve been nervous and worried wondering when he’d approach you about this. I’m glad it’s over. Now we can move past it.”

  Grace taking care of him alone in his haus could’ve turned her daed against him for good. Time with Grace had been precious and his love for her grew each day. He didn’t want anything to hinder their future time together. He was thankful Mr. Blauch had given him another chance.

  Sarah came in smiling. “I’m hungry. Let’s eat.” She served them and they sat.

  Mark listened to Grace and Sarah chatter about the new wedding quilts they’d sewn and hung on display this morning. He studied their handiwork. They were quite talented. He finished his meal and bid them farewell. His limbs hurt walking back to his shop. Mr. Blauch’s words weighed heavy in his mind. He dreaded having to discuss Mr. Blauch’s concerns with Noah. If he closed early, he’d catch Noah still at his place. He waited on customers until midafternoon then went home. Guiding his horse down the lane, he waved at Noah taking a seat in his wagon. “Noah, wait.”

  Noah got out of his wagon, holding his horse’s reins. “You’re home early. Are you ill again?” He accepted Mark’s horse’s reins. “What do you need?”

  Mark got out of his wagon and faced him. “Mr. Blauch came to visit me today. He reprimanded me for not telling Grace to leave my haus the other day when she tended to me. I apologized to him.”

  Noah’s forehead wrinkled and his eyes read concern. “Did he leave annoyed, or did he accept your apology?”

  “He accepted it, but he intended to discuss his concerns with you. I asked him to let me speak to you about it, and he agreed.”

  “I wouldn’t do anything differently. You needed help.”

  Noah was a close friend. Mark cared about him. Sometimes he didn’t agree with Amish law concerning these types of situations either, but he understood the importance of being obedient to their Amish order.

  During his life in Lancaster, he had let Abel stay overnight in his haus, and he’d given him money for his gambling debts. He had been wrong to do so, but he loved and cared for his bruder. He didn’t understand Abel’s enthusiasm for the outside world. He could never abandon his faith in God or leave his Amish life.

  He hoped Noah would determine it was in his best interest to stay in Berlin. “I appreciate your concern, but we must obey God and our laws. Sometimes it’s difficult, but hard choices must be made in certain situations. If something like this should happen again, please alert Levi or Mr. Blauch.”

  “I understand Mr. Blauch’s point of view. I’m glad he let you speak to me rather than him. Don’t worry. I’ll be mindful of Amish law in the future. I wouldn’t want to get Grace or anyone in trouble.”

  Noah’s response gave him peace of mind. He understood Mr. Blauch’s concern and showed a willingness to respect the Amish law.

  Hairs on the back of Mark’s neck bristled on Monday morning as two men barged into his store. The rough-looking men sported scruffy beards, fierce scowls, and gun belts with pistols on their hips. They bore down on him. Mark tightened his grip on the counter. “May I help you?”

  “Why I believe the man can help us. Don’t you, Buck?” The foul-smelling stranger stood tall and his spit tobacco-laced saliva on Mark’s clean floor. His thick dark tangled hair hung to his shoulders, and his cold menacing eyes put Mark’s teeth on edge. The intruder turned his sign. “I’ll turn this here sign to closed and lock your door. I don’t want no customers comin’ in and interferin’ with our little discussion.” He snapped the lock in place and sneered at Mark.

  “Let me have a go at him, Skinner.” Buck pushed past his partner and poked a finger hard into Mark’s chest. The man’s rotten teeth were sickening. “You don’t have a choice, Amish man.”

  Mark’s jaw clenched. Buck stood inches from him, face hard and eyes threatening. Skinner was shorter than Buck, but no less mean. He had a deep scar on his left cheek and mangy brown hair and beard. Did they mean to rob him? “What do you want?”

  Buck gripped him by the collar, knocked off his hat, and shoved him against the wall. “Where’s your good-for-nothin’ brother?” The stranger glared at Mark. “Abel King owes my partner and me money. We aim to collect it one way or another. Don’t matter which way, long as we get what’s owed to us.”

  Mark winced at the man’s fowl-smelling tobacco breath. These men had murderous eyes. They meant business. Buck jammed a gun into Mark’s side. Never in his life did he think he’d find himself in such jeopardy. His life might end today. He flinched. How much money did Abel owe them? Maybe he could pay them off. “I haven’t seen Abel for six months. I don’t know his whereabouts.” If he did, he wouldn’t tell these scoundrels. “Who told you I’m Abel’s bruder? How did you find me?”

  Skinner stepped alongside Buck. “Abel said he was Amish and from Lancaster. Claimed you gave him the money he owed us last time. We went to the post office and asked for your address. The clerk told us you’re his friend. He told us you’d moved and planned to open a furniture store in Berlin. We searched your place lookin’ for your good-for-nothin’ brother. We thought you might be hidin’ him. You got some fine property. I’d hate to see anything happen to it.” He snickered. “You sleep sound, but you snore like a freight train.”

  The two men squinted and laughed. Skinner stepped back and kicked over a footstool. “Abel owes us forty dollars. You gonna cover his debt again?”

  Buck pushed the gun harder into Mark’s ribs. “Skinner, should I shoot him in the arm or leg soin’ he gets we’re serious?”

  “Nah, I’d wait for him to turn over the money he has in his cashbox ’fore we do any shootin’.”

  Mark’s heart thudded against his chest. These thugs could’ve murdered him in his sleep. What if they’d stopped by his haus during the day and harmed Noah? He’d never forgive himself if something happened to his friend. His answer might get him killed. He swallowed around the lump in his throat. “Abel borrowed twenty dollars back then. The truth is, I don’t have forty dollars. Let go of me so we can discuss this in a reasonable manner.”

  Buck shoved him. “This is as reasonable as you’re gonna git from me, Amish man.”

  Mark regained his balance, picked up his hat, put it on, and crossed his arms to hide his trembling hands. He glanced out the window.

  Buck scoffed. “I’ve been keepin’ a lookout. Nobody’s walked past your store since we been here. Town’s quiet this morning. You’re on your own. Nobody’s comin’ to rescue you.” He slammed his handgun into its holster and glared.

  There was nothing more to negotiate. Mark returned the man’s threatening stare. “I can’t help you. Please leave.”

  “Buck, this here Amish man’s gotten tough all of a sudden.”

  “His pasty face says otherwise.” Buck paced, stopped, and whirled on Mark. “We’ll leave, but we’re comin’ back if we don’t find your brother.” He picked up a carved train on a shelf and held it up. “Best get busy carvin’ a lot more of these and savin’ your money.”

>   Skinner picked up a toy engine and laughed. “This Amish man might need a little more convincin’.”

  Buck grabbed Mark’s shirt collar again. “If your brother shows up here, you tell him we’re lookin’ for him. He knows to find us in the gamblin’ hall in Lancaster.” He leaned close to his ear. “If Abel don’t pay up, he’s a dead man.” He jerked the toy engine away from Skinner and threw it against the wall. He stared at Mark then turned on his heel and followed Skinner outside, slamming the door behind him.

  Mark dashed to lock the door and leaned against it to catch his breath and held his bruised side. He’d never encountered such cruel men. They had no scruples or conscience. They were frightening and ruthless.

  If Abel showed on his doorstep, he doubted he could turn him away. He had built a life here and agreed to obey the Amish law, but he loved his bruder. He worried these gunmen would find him. He bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, please protect Abel and help him to see the error of his ways. Guide me on what You would have me do in all situations. Danki for all You have done for me thus far. Amen.”

  Mark opened the door to Grace and Sarah’s shop. He peeked around the doorframe. They were smiling and speaking with customers. He counted five other women shopping and chatting throughout the store. He closed the door quietly and blew out a pent-up breath. Grace, Sarah, or her patrons mustn’t have been alerted by the thugs. He prayed they wouldn’t be bothered or hurt by these hooligans. What more trouble will Abel bring down on my head?

  A man peered in Mark’s front window and rapped on the door. Mark unlocked it, turned his sign, and waved the patron in. He forced a smile and straightened his shoulders. “Wilkom. May I help you?”

  The Amish man proceeded to browse the store and chat about the weather and his vegetable garden. He carefully examined an oak bed frame and a quilt rack. “I’d like to purchase these for my fraa.”

  He pushed his unpleasant encounter with the ruffians to the back of his mind, collected his money, and helped carry his purchases to the man’s wagon. The kind customer had boosted his mood and momentarily distracted him. Someday he hoped to shop and buy things for a fraa, his fraa, namely Grace. Her insecurities and innocence tugged at his heart. She had just the right amount of softness and strength he wanted in a partner.

  Mark rubbed his aching head and groaned deep. He had held up well, despite his recent illness, but he was ready to go home and rest. The intruder who’d hid the bag at his place and the thugs barging into his store could potentially harm him or someone he loved. He didn’t like not having control over either of these situations. He stepped to the front door intending to lock up and close the shop.

  Mr. Blauch motioned for him to let him in.

  The man’s worried face sent Mark’s heart racing. Has something happened to Grace? He opened the door and waved him inside. “What’s wrong?”

  Grace’s daed bent to catch his breath. “Jonah’s missing. I bumped into Grace on her way home and told her. Levi, along with other friends and neighbors, is already out searching for him. Grace said you were still here when she left. We need all the men we can gather. There’s a lot of ground to cover.”

  Mark felt light-headed and his stomach clenched. He had grown fond of Jonah. The boy could be hurt.

  “Jah, of course. Let’s go find him.”

  He followed Grace’s daed out and locked the door. He had gotten his second wind. “I’ll fetch my wagon.”

  “I’ll meet you outside the livery.”

  Mark crossed the boardwalk and retrieved his wagon. What were the details of Jonah’s disappearance? He hadn’t dared to take the time to ask. They didn’t have a minute to spare. He gestured to Grace’s daed, prodded his horse to a gallop, and followed Mr. Blauch as they left town.

  They reached a familiar large area of dense woods not far from Jonah’s haus. They each tied their horses to a shady oak tree. “Does his mamm or daed have any idea where he might be?”

  “Mr. Keim told us Jonah asked his mamm if he could go search for blackberries and to the creek to skip rocks in the water. She said no and instructed him to stay close to the haus. She stayed outside to pick green beans. Time got away from her, and she blames herself for not watching him.”

  “Which direction should we head?”

  “She’s taken him to several places in these woods. The creek is wider and deeper than most. It stretches far. Mr. Keim and some of his friends fetched their fishing boats to paddle along the river and search for the child.” He pointed. “The rest of the men are on foot checking the north and south woods. You and I can check the east woods.”

  Mark paused and cupped his ear. Distant muffled voices were calling Jonah’s name. The trees must be blocking the volume of the men’s shouts.

  Mark groaned when he considered how terrifying this ordeal must be for Mr. Keim. What could be more horrible than a daed finding his lifeless son? A picture of the child floating facedown in the deep water came to mind. His eyes pooled with tears. Bowing his head, he whispered a prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, please lead us to Jonah. Protect him from harm. Danki. Amen.” He lifted his head, and Mr. Blauch stood in front of him with head bowed.

  Grace’s daed put his hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Thoughtful prayer, son. Let’s go locate him.” He untied two shotguns from his saddle and handed one to Mark.

  Mark accepted the gun. “Danki.” They’d be prepared if they encountered dangerous wildlife. They tromped through tall grass, weeds, and brush.

  Mark shouted, “Jonah!” He waited for Mr. Blauch to do the same and then repeated the child’s name several times. Why didn’t the child answer? His heart sat heavy in his chest, and he pushed his weak body to prod ahead through the woods alongside Mr. Blauch for over an hour. It would take days to search these woods. No matter. He wouldn’t rest until he held Jonah.

  “Grrrr.”

  The hair on Mark’s neck quilled. “Do you see anything?”

  Mr. Blauch cupped his ear. “Sounds like a bear.”

  A child’s terrified scream rang out. “Somebody help me!”

  Mark’s heart thudded against his ribs. The shriek was definitely a child’s in obvious distress. Something had happened. He pointed to a spot beyond a cluster of trees and headed for it. “It came from over there. Let’s be as quiet as possible.”

  He took a step at a time then stopped. He held his breath for a moment. Beads of sweat formed on his upper lip. He put his palm out to stop Mr. Blauch and then put a finger to his lips.

  Jonah sat hugging his knees to his chest with his back against a tree. The young boy’s face was deathly white, and his eyes were wide with fright.

  Mark raised his gun and aimed at the bear.

  Mr. Blauch didn’t move or make a sound.

  A black bear, on all four legs, lifted his head and growled at Jonah. His large mouth opened, and the animal bared his fangs. The bear sniffed then stood on his hind legs and growled louder, this time whipping his head to and fro.

  Mark couldn’t afford to miss. Jonah had invaded the bear’s territory, and the animal didn’t like it. His shirt stuck to his back, soaked with the perspiration of raw fear.

  “Mark! Help me!” Jonah, face as pale as milk and eyes as big as silver dollars, struggled to stand.

  Mr. Blauch yelled, “Be still, Jonah.”

  Jonah pressed his hand against the tree and stood anyway.

  The bear growled again at Jonah.

  Mark held his breath and squeezed the trigger.

  The animal dropped to the ground with a thud and lay still.

  Mark exhaled and lowered the shotgun.

  Jonah ran and jumped into his arms. “You saved me! I was so scared! I thought the bear was going to attack me.” He buried his head in Mark’s shoulder, his small body racked with sobs.

  He rubbed the young boy’s back. “I’ve got you. The bear can’t hurt you. You’ll be snug and safe at home soon.”

  Mr. Blauch accepted Mark’s gun, walked over, and prodded th
e bear with the barrel of his gun. “He’s dead.” He wiped the sweat from his brow and aimed his gun at the clouds. “I’ll shoot twice to alert the other men we’ve found you. Cover your ears.”

  Jonah squinted and covered his ears. He buried his head farther into Mark’s shoulder.

  Mr. Blauch stepped away and shot twice toward the sky. “I’m not a great shot. I’m thankful you are. You acted fast. Good job, son.”

  Other searchers joined them, expressed their relief the boy had been rescued, and then gathered around the bear.

  Mark touched Jonah’s leg. His hand was sticky and stained red. “Did you hurt yourself?”

  Jonah straightened his legs, ready to stand, as Mark put him down. “I caught my leg on a tree branch. It scratched me.”

  Inspecting the wound, Mark studied the injury. “It doesn’t appear deep, and it’s not bleeding much.” He tugged a plain white handkerchief out of his pocket and tied it around Jonah’s leg to slow the bleeding. “This should do until you get home. Your mamm can put a proper dressing on it later.”

  Mr. Blauch rubbed his arm. “What were you doing in the woods alone?”

  Jonah bowed his head and stuck out his bottom lip. “I asked Mamm if I could go berry pickin’.” He shuffled his feet and kicked a stone. “She said no, and I went anyway.”

  Mr. Blauch narrowed his eyes and waggled his finger at the child. “You mustn’t ever disobey your parents. If you go away from home, it must be with an adult and only with your mamm or daed’s permission. Understand?”

  A tear trickled down Jonah’s dirty cheek, and he met Mr. Blauch’s gaze. “I’m sorry. I won’t ever do it again. I’m scared to go into the woods. The big bear Mark killed might have a friend.”

  “You might be right.” Mark gently tapped the boy’s nose. “Let’s get you home.” He carried him a few steps.

  Mr. Keim dashed to them. “Jonah!” The look of relief on the man’s face was heartrending.

  Friends and neighbors followed behind Jonah’s daed.

  The man took his son from Mark’s arms and hugged him tight. “You scared me! We must go to your mamm. She’s worried sick about you. You must never go into the woods alone again.”