“Fifteen percent and you have yourself a deal.”

She huffs, looks back down at the quilt in her hand, and sighs. “I can tell you’re from Ohio.”

“How’s that?” I ask.

“Because we’re a frugal bunch and we can drive a hard bargain when we need to.” Her stern face breaks into a grin. “You have yourself a deal, Kate Miller. Fifteen percent it is.” She hefts the quilt and looks at it admiringly. “You’d best get to work on those others. I suspect these will go fast.”

CHAPTER 8

A quick stop at Walmart for groceries, an extra blanket, and a pair of wool socks, and I’m back at the trailer by noon. When I walk in the door, my hands and feet are numb and I’m shivering so hard I nearly drop the key. Filling the kettle with water, I set it on the stove for hot tea, using the flame to warm my fingers.

After stowing the groceries, I dig out my phone and call Suggs. “Did you know Rachel Esh was rumored to have had a boyfriend?”

“Some of the Amish hinted at it, but no one would say for sure so I could never confirm it or identify him,” he replies. “Did you get a name?”

“The woman I talked to didn’t know. It’s just rumor at this point, but she mentioned he may be older and married.”

“That’s interesting as hell.”

I tell him about my conversation with Laura Hershberger. “Sometimes there’s a grain of truth in a rumor.”

“Think you’ll get the chance to work on her some more?”

“I’ll probably see her at worship tomorrow. Everyone in the community will be there, so I’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of people.”

“Nice job, Chief. This is exactly the kind of thing we were hoping you’d be able to do.”

“Whether anything will pan out remains to be seen, but it’s a start.” I pause. “I also met the woman Rachel Esh was living with when she died.”

“Mary Gingerich. You work fast.”

“Roaring Springs is a small town. The Amish community is even smaller. I knew she worked at the diner.…”

“Anything new?”

“Not really, but I’m starting to get a better picture of Schrock.” I tell him everything I’ve learned about the bishop so far. “He’s very Old Order. Everyone I’ve met seems devoted. The only hint of discontent I heard was from the owner of the quilt shop. Apparently, Schrock told her not to renew her lease when it’s up.”

“Sounds like him.”

“An unhappy follower is more likely to talk, especially if she’s got something negative to say. I’ll do my best to cultivate a relationship.”

“You get a bike yet?”

“No, but I will,” I tell him. “Mary took pity on me and offered to drive me to worship.”

“She drives?”

I smile. “A buggy.”

“Gotcha.”

“So I’ll have the chance to meet her husband and their daughter, too.”

“Excellent.” He pauses. “I don’t have to remind you to be careful, do I?”