Plain Danger (Military Investigations) by Debby Giusti

Author:Debby Giusti [Giusti, Debby]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2016-01-31T17:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

The Amish Craft Shoppe looked as if it had stepped out of the pages of time. Carrie smiled when she spied the wraparound porch, welcoming hand-painted sign over the door and the winter pansies that circled the front of the building. Tyler braked to a stop on the gravel lot in front of the small establishment, and they quickly entered.

Long, hand-hewn tables were covered with freshly baked breads, pies, cakes and cookies as well as jars of jam and vegetables. On the shelves behind the counter were bolts of fabric in subdued colors, no doubt in keeping with Amish rules of dress found in the Ordnung, the Amish guide as to how they were to live their lives. Felt hats for winter, straw for summer hung from a freestanding wire shelf, along with suspenders and sewing supplies.

Thick quilts stitched in intricate patterns were draped over racks. Others were neatly folded and piled on a side table. Farther along the wall were bins of potatoes, both golden and sweet, onions, bunches of carrots and turnips and other tubers.

A young Amish man stood near the counter with broom in hand. “Gut morning. May I help you?”

“I’m sure I’ll find a number of things to buy.” Carrie glanced at Tyler.

He stepped closer and held up his identification. “I’m with the Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Rickman. I’m looking for Matthew Schrock.”

“Matthew sometimes works here but not today. Is there a problem?”

Tyler shook his head. “Nothing that reflects poorly on him. He found a body in the woods about two weeks ago, and I wanted to talk to him about what he saw.”

“Mr. Harris.” The clerk nodded, his face somber. “Everyone was so sorry to learn of his death.”

“Did Matthew mention anything about calling the police?”

“I was here when he and his Datt came to the store to use the telephone. Matthew was emotional, naturally. Uncovering a dead body would be very upsetting.”

“Do you know where we can find the boy?”

“You should find him at home.”

Tyler nodded. “Could you direct us?”

The clerk raised his hand. “Along Amish Road. Turn south when you leave the parking lot.”

“Is it far?”

“Three or four miles at most.”

As Tyler talked, Carrie gathered potatoes, onions, a loaf of bread and an apple pie. She placed them on the counter.

“Did you find everything you wanted?” Tyler asked.

“I did. Plus some. From the amount I’m buying, it looks like I’m staying in Freemont longer than a day or two.”

Tyler smiled. “If you buy too much, you can always invite a neighbor over for dinner.”

She laughed. “That sounds like a good solution. Do you like apple pie?”

“Doesn’t everyone?”

“My Datt prefers peach pie,” the young man said, joining in the discussion.

“Shall I get a peach pie, as well?” Carrie asked. “I could take a pie to Ruth. They’ve been so nice, and I’m sure she’s busy unpacking and washing clothes after their trip.”

“I doubt Isaac or Joseph would object.”

Carrie added a second pie to the counter and paid the clerk once he had totaled the bill.

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