Among the Innocent by Mary Alford

Author:Mary Alford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romantic Suspense;FIC042060;FIC053000;FIC027110
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2022-04-21T00:00:00+00:00

“She was likely killed between ten and midnight.” The medical examiner confirmed what Leah already believed. “It appears she was struck in the head several times by a wooden object.” He pointed to splinters of wood in the wound.

“Something went wrong.” Leah ran her theory by Dalton and the doctor. “Eva resisted. He had to silence her before she alerted the deputy at the Zooks’ place.” She looked around for the object used. “It’s not here.”

The medical examiner removed his gloves. “I’m guessing when you find the object, there won’t be any fingerprints. The killer is known to wear gloves.”

Sam entered the barn, spotted them, and came over. “We found something at the house. There’s blood.”

Eva had made it as far as the house. Maybe she thought she could lock the door behind her. “From the note, she obviously had doubts about him. Why did she still choose to go with him?”

Dalton shook his head. “I wish I knew. Sam, take one of the crime scene techs with you to the house and collect the evidence.” He glanced around at the activity taking place inside the barn. “Our people have this. Let’s go speak to the Zooks.”

They returned to the SUV, where Dalton radioed the deputy to let him know they’d be there soon.

As they approached the Zook house, the deputy got out and told them the family had been awake for a while.

Leah glanced at the home lit with lanterns. The family was to bury their daughter soon. Now, they would be told about another murder.

Leah thought about the struggle that had taken place not far from here. How frightened Eva must have been. No one knew the nightmare Eva had gone through except her killer.

It was almost four in the morning. The Amish would be beginning their chores soon. How long before the rest of the community found out that someone else had died? Even though Eva’s family was sequestered in their home, she and Dalton would need to speak with them soon.

Josiah opened the door before they reached the porch. He stepped back to let them inside. “He’s killed again.” A statement rather than a question.

“I’m afraid so.” Leah confirmed the awful truth.

“My daughter is in the kitchen. If you do not mind, we will speak in there. The living room is prepared for Beth’s funeral.”

Though it was still early, Miriam hovered over the stove, preparing the family’s breakfast. Katie sat at the table, her hands clasped together in her lap. She glanced up as they entered. The fear in her eyes reminded Leah of herself. As if her entire world had been shattered.

Miriam whirled from the stove, nervous hands fluttering in front of her apron. “What has happened?”

“I’m afraid it’s Eva Hostetler,” Dalton told her. “She was killed earlier.”

Katie whimpered and covered her face with her hands.

She slipped onto the bench beside Katie. “Did you see something, Katie?”

The little girl’s shoulders quaked.

“Katie, you must tell her,” Josiah said in their language.

The child lifted her head, her face ravaged by tears.

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