“We’ve raised a few head of cattle over the years. Just enough to keep us in meat over the winter. Reuben prefers to work the land. Corn and soybeans, mostly. That’s what his datt taught him. That’s what he knows.” She pauses. “What’s this all about, Chief Burkholder?”

“I’m investigating a case involving some human remains that were uncovered by the tornado.”

“I read about it in the paper.” She shivers. “Such a horrible thing. Do you know who it is?”

“Not yet.” I watch them closely as I speak, looking for any sign of nervousness or discomfort. “We’re looking into the cases of several young men who went missing thirty or so years ago.”

She cocks her head. “What does this have to do with us? We’re not missing any family members.”

“I heard your daughter, Abigail, used to see a young man by the name of Leroy Nolt.” I don’t know that to be fact, but I put it out there to see if it conjures a response.

“I don’t know where you heard that, Chief Burkholder, but Abby never had eyes for anyone but Jeramy Kline.”

I shrug. “Sometimes children do things without their parents’ knowledge.”

“Not Abby. She was a good girl.” She looks at her husband. “In fact, I don’t know anyone by the name of Nolt. That’s a Mennonite name, isn’t it, Reuben?”

He gives a barely discernible nod. But the old man’s eyes are sharp on mine, and for the first time I realize that while his body was devastated by the stroke, his mind is crystal clear.

Naomi sips her tea, studying me over the rim of her glass. “What makes you think our Abigail knew this Nolt boy?”

“Since this is an ongoing investigation, Mrs. Kaufman, I can’t get into the details just yet.”

She laughs and pats her husband’s hand. “Well, that’s the police for you. Not as forthcoming as they should be.” She cocks her head and her expression turns knowing. “I remember you now. You’re the one who left.” Nodding, she touches her temple. “Takes me a while these days, but I never forget a name.”

I don’t take the bait, instead, I turn my attention to Reuben. “What about you, Mr. Kaufman? Did you know Leroy Nolt? Did he ever do any work for you? Around the farm, maybe?”

The man gives a minute shake of his head and mouths a single word: No.

Naomi looks at me, triumphant. “See?”

Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17