Where Shadows Meet(43)

“Did you ever meet my aunt Irene?”

“She saw me in a store one day and came up to ask if I was Patty’s daughter. I didn’t know who she meant for a minute. Everyone I knew called Mamm Patricia. Irene told me about their friendship. I saw it in action a few minutes later when Mamm saw her and came to chat. Mamm was so glad to see her. She even shared some news no one else knew but me and Datt.Were you and your aunt close?”

He shook his head. “Nope. She raised my sister, Gina, though. Your mom didn’t ever go see her?”

So did he understand the pain of losing parents too? “Datt would have been upset with her, and Mamm never wanted to rock the boat. Her parents were dead and her only sister had moved to Maine, so there was no Englisch family left in town. My mother left that life completely behind her.”

“Her friendship with Irene too?” Matt asked.

“I guess so. She wasn’t part of my life growing up. Does she still live here?” Maybe she’d reach out to Irene, find out more about her mother’s life.

“Yep. In the same house.”

“Did you live with your grandmother instead of your aunt?” she asked, curious if he’d answer the question.

He shrugged. “When I was eight, my dad hanged himself. My mom decided she wasn’t cut out for motherhood and vamoosed. I haven’t seen her since.” His voice crackled with hostility. “My aunt couldn’t handle a rambunctious boy.”

Her maternal heart gave a pang. “A child should know his mother. Matt, have you learned anything about the girl in the picture?”

He grabbed hold of the doorknob. “When have I had time to look? I’ve been chasing after your cats.” His gaze shuttered. He opened the door and exited.

She stared after him. Why wouldn’t he help her find the child? His demeanor changed every time the subject came up.



THE OLD PICKUP caught air over the potholes in the road. Reece forced himself to slow down. The old truck couldn’t take that much abuse. The Schwartz farm was just over the next hill, and he could barely make out its windmill from here. But his target this evening wasn’t Hannah. He pulled to the side of the road and watched the neighboring house.

Ellen Long had to be home, because her black car was in the driveway. He’d wondered why she didn’t go to Moe Honegger’s funeral. Had she remarried? He’d never heard. A light flickered on in a downstairs room as twilight fell, additional confirmation that the woman was inside. Reece let the truck roll forward and turned in behind the Saturn.

A dog barked at the loud screech the truck door made when he opened it, but it didn’t come to challenge him. Too bad. He was in the mood to kick something. Nothing had gone as planned so far. Hannah wasn’t staying at her family farm, and he’d lost track of her. He hoped Ellen Long might shed some light on the situation. Of course, all he really had to do was grab the kid, but it wasn’t as easy as he’d thought. Taking her from under Matt’s watchful eyes would be difficult. Besides, things weren’t quite in place. It was one thing to grab the kid and Hannah, and another thing to escape with them before Matt ran him to the ground.

He couldn’t tell himself why it was so important that he find Hannah. After all, once he had the kid, Hannah would come to him. But his soul craved the sight of her. He’d been lonely the last five years, and not a day went by that he didn’t long for her. He saw himself in her eyes as strong and powerful. Only Hannah had ever truly loved him. She was the linchpin that kept his life together. After she left, everything had gone sour for him.

And he’d blown it. But he’d be gentler this time. He’d keep her with him forever.

He jogged to the side door and knocked hard. From inside he could hear the murmur of the television. He knocked again and finally heard the shuffle of feet on the floor. The white door opened, and a woman peered out. If he hadn’t known it was Ellen Long, he wouldn’t have recognized her. She wasn’t the fashion plate he remembered. Instead, she wore paint-stained sweats. A rubber band caught back her blond hair, and she wore no makeup. Her feet were bare.

“Yes?” she said in a tone that suggested she wanted to get back to her TV.

“Hi, Ellen, how are you?” He put on his most winning smile but also slipped his foot in the door so she couldn’t close it. It was a good thing he did. As recognition swept over her face, she tried to slam the door. “I’d like to talk to you for a minute.”

“I have nothing to say to you,” she spat. “You left town with that little Amish tramp.”

His muscles tensed. “Don’t talk about Hannah like that. You got what you wanted. Your husband out of the way.”

“What good was that when you left me?” Her voice thickened with tears. “I’ve missed you, Reece. We used to have some good times.” She slumped against the doorjamb. Her hard gaze softened. “It’s been a long time. You surprised me. Want to come in?” She reached out and touched his face.

What had he seen in this woman? He realized he’d used her, but right now she disgusted him. Being around Hannah’s purity had spoiled him for women like this. He recoiled. “I don’t think so, Ellen. Did you know Hannah was back in town? Have you seen her around?”

Her eyes glittered, and her mouth twisted. “Can’t keep your wife under control?”