“That would get the tongues wagging.”

“Probably get us locked in the chicken coop.”

I can’t help but laugh, but I don’t miss the serious note in his voice.

*   *   *

At just before five P.M. I’m saved by a knock on the door. Setting my ruinous sewing project on the sofa, I go to the window and part the curtains, surprised to see Jacob Yoder standing on the deck, his hands in his pockets, snow gathering on the shoulders of his black overcoat. Beyond, I see a bony-looking Standardbred gelding hitched to a buggy. He’s alone.

I open the door and give him a look that’s not quite friendly. “What do you want?”

Amusement flickers in his eyes. “Bishop Schrock wants to see you.”

It’s the last thing I expected him to say. For an instant, I’m not sure how to respond. “Why?”

“He didn’t say.”

“Right now?”

“That’s what he said.”

I stare hard at him, looking for a lie or some deception, but there’s nothing there. “All right.” I start to close the door, but he stops me.

“I’m supposed to take you.” He motions toward the buggy.

“I have my scooter bike.” If things go south with Schrock, I don’t want to rely on Yoder for transportation.

He gives me an incredulous look. “He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

“Tell him I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“If I were you, I’d make it ten.”

I close the door without responding.

Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

I watch Yoder pull away. When he’s gone, I rush to the bedroom, kneel next to the bed, pluck the .22 from its hiding place, and holster it. I double check the charge on my phone, make sure it’s on vibrate, and stow it in my pocket. Grabbing a black scarf, I cover my head, pull on gloves and my coat, and then I’m out the door and into the cold.

I push the scooter bike hard, and it takes me ten minutes to reach Schrock’s place. The snow is coming down in earnest now and starting to accumulate. Stopping at the mouth of the lane, I hop off the bike, lean it against a tree, and set off on foot.

The hem of my dress is damp and cold even through my tights, but my feet are dry in my boots as I tromp through snow. There are buggy tracks, telling me someone has driven by recently. I pass the barn where worship was held yesterday. The main door is closed and there’s no one in sight.