The Riverhaven Years 3-in-1 by BJ Hoff

Author:BJ Hoff
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780736975742
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers

23

SPECIAL REQUESTS

A good man grants favor to his enemies

As well as his friends.

ANONYMOUS

Gant had given Terry Sawyer the morning off because his wife wasn’t doing so well, so he was alone in the shop when Samuel Beiler walked in.

He’d been caning a chair for Lucas Reilly. Caning wasn’t a process he particularly enjoyed. He wouldn’t do it for just anyone, but Lucas had become a friend and had also sent a number of customers to the shop, so it seemed a small enough favor.

It was the middle of the morning, and he had a dull headache from lack of sleep. In truth he hadn’t slept well since Phoebe Esch’s death. Not only had her loss touched him deeply, but he couldn’t help but wonder what might come next. No more would he drift off into a restless sleep than he’d wake up and lie sleepless the rest of the night, thinking about Rachel and worrying about her being alone out there on the farm in the middle of nowhere.

Last night had been no different, so he was not in an especially good mood. Beiler’s entrance caught him completely unaware. In the narrow gap between surprise and confusion, however, he somehow groped and found enough composure to be civil.

“Mr. Beiler,” he said straightening, “what can I do for you?”

The Amish deacon wore the typical work clothes of the Plain People, but he looked pretty starchy for a man who worked hard for a living. He doffed his black, broad-brimmed felt hat as he entered. A good indication that summer was over, the Amish straw hats were being put away now until warm weather returned.

His features were set in the solemn, fixed stare with which Gant was familiar. There was no mistaking the glacial edge of contempt in his eyes or the hard set of his mouth.

He stopped a few feet away.

“I am told you make good furniture, ja?”

Gant gave a guarded nod, wondering what this was about.

“I have a piece I wish you to make for me. It is to be a special gift to someone.” As Beiler said the words, his eyes took on a curious glint.

His curiosity aroused and his instincts on the alert, Gant studied him. Why in the world would Beiler consider placing an order with a man he obviously didn’t like?

“You want me to build a piece of furniture for you?”

Beiler’s chin went up a little. “Ja, that’s right.”

“And what would that be?”

“A nice sideboard, about so big—like this.” Beiler used his hands to demonstrate the size he wanted. “Something very fine.” He paused. “It must be special. Can you do that?”

Gant felt the muscle beside his eye twitch. “I expect I can. But you said this was to be a gift. Does that mean you need it fairly soon? The reason I ask, I’m kind of backed up with orders right now.”

Beiler seemed to consider Gant’s question. “Not too soon, nee. Rachel’s birthday does not come until the end of January.”

The dull ache at the back of Gant’s skull escalated to a hammering.

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