LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter One

      Crickets chirped and frogs croaked, filling the stillness of the night, as Emma Beiler eyed the Amish farmhouse across the road. It was late, and she realized that everyone inside the house was asleep. She’d come to see the young Amish woman who’d helped her after she’d escaped briefly from her foster home fourteen months ago. She’d have to sleep in the barn until morning, a place she’d sought refuge previously.

      Cold, she buttoned up her lightweight navy jacket. She had the feeling she was chilly because she hadn’t eaten a decent meal in over a week. Leah, the Amish woman she’d come to see, told her to return if she ever needed her help. Well, she desperately needed assistance now. She had to find a job and a place to live. Maybe Leah could give her guidance.

      Emma crossed the street, then entered the barn by the back door. It was pitch-black inside, and once she closed the door, she pulled out a small penlight, the only thing she’d taken with her when she’d left Maryland besides some loose change. She switched on the light and made her way to the stall where she’d slept before. It was empty but laid with fresh straw. The last time, she’d slept with a dog. The puppy had made her feel better as he’d slept beside her when she’d been terrified of discovery.

      She stepped into the stall, closed the half door and got comfortable. The scent of the straw soothed her. She was grateful that a horse hadn’t taken up residence there. The temperature was dropping, and she shivered. Ignoring her sore feet and legs, she curled onto her side. Soon, I’ll see Leah again. The knowledge eased her mind, and she allowed herself to relax.

      She woke to daylight filtering in through the window over the loft. She’d slept hard and well. She started to rise when she heard the main door open, then the sound of male voices that grew louder as men approached. Emma slunk low into the far corner of the stall and covered herself with straw.

      “Do you think ’tis a gut idea to build on to your house, Reuben?” a man said. “Surely it’s big enough. You’ll have no problem with church service. Missy and Arlin managed to fit everyone inside the house or the barn when they hosted here.”

      “I don’t know, Daniel. Our congregation is growing. I want to do my part.”

      “You can and you will,” the man called Daniel insisted. “Now what did you want me to see?”

      Emma froze, terrified, as their voices grew louder. She didn’t want them to find her. She wanted to get out without anyone seeing her, then go up to the house to politely knock on the door, not get caught sleeping in a barn stall.

      “Back here,” the man called Reuben said. “I thought you might want these for your harness shop.”

      The men’s voices were close, and Emma relaxed only slightly as the sound grew distant again.

      “Where did you get these?” the man called Daniel asked, sounding awed.

      “Picked them up at a mud sale last year. Thought I’d use them, but I find I don’t need them. Take them. If nothing else, you can hang them next to the ones you carry once you open up shop.”

      “Danki. If you’re sure you don’t want them.”

      “Nay, Ellie has been after me to get rid of them.”

      “I’ll

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