The Search The Secrets of Crittenden Cou

Chapter 12




“This would be a better world if everyone were as good as he wished his neighbor was.”

AARON SCHROCK




I was beginning to think you were determined to stay a stranger. Staying away ain’t no way to get to know people,” Mr. Schrock chided when Luke wandered into the family store just minutes before closing.

The comment was said in jest, but the words caught Luke off guard. His first days in Crittenden County had been difficult. No one had spoken to him—in fact most had gone out of their way to avoid him. But little by little, folks were starting to warm up. Now it even seemed that some folks were determined for him to become a part of the community, at least for a little while.

“I never wanted to be a stranger here,” Luke said. “I just thought it would be a good idea if I waited a while in between visits.”

“And why is that?”

“Because,” he quipped, looking around the store, “I have learned that you never know what will pop out from the ceiling or run across my feet when I visit your store!”

“Come now, things aren’t that bad.”

“You’ve got more going on in this place than an amusement park. I needed to give myself some time for my heart to recover.” He gave an exaggerated wince. “A man can only take so much, you know.”

Rocking back on his heels, Mr. Schrock chuckled. “I guess some men are more able to handle an exciting life than others.”

“Without a doubt.” Thinking about what the other men on his squad would think about his efforts to fit in, Luke shook his head. He’d only been in Marion three weeks, but he’d noticed changes in his habits and demeanor. He was listening more to his heart and his internal clock. Rising earlier without the need for an alarm, and ending his days earlier. When the sky darkened and the streets turned still, he found himself looking forward to a stretch of peace and quiet.

He was making friends, too—or at least the first steps of friendship—in the most unlikely places. Never would he have imagined he’d feel so relaxed around an Amish owner of the most unusual general store in the state.

He wasn’t sure how he should feel about these changes. He didn’t belong here—his life was in the city. But it felt oddly like he was laying down roots. It was unsettling, but only because he didn’t seem to mind.

“So, how are the guinea pigs doing? Any more of them on the loose?”

“They’re all sold, though no thanks to them. One of ’em in particular seemed determined to remain hidden. Every time we tried to catch the fellow, he’d dart away. Finally had to move one of the shelves, then chase the rascal until Walker could grab him.”

Luke could only imagine what the man had thought of that chore. “Good thing it worked.”

“Oh, for sure.” He grunted. “Wife was getting right tired of that critter, I’ll tell you that.”

“I can’t say I blame the little guy all that much. Being free does have a certain appeal, I suppose.”

“So does having a home,” Mr. Schrock replied. “Those little pigs should have realized that they were going to good homes. If they’d been calmer and less pesky, they could have lived like kings.” A line formed between his brows. “You know what they say? . . . ‘Don’t grumble because you don’t have what you want, be thankful you don’t get what you deserve.’ ”

Amused by both Mr. Schrock’s latest bit of Amish wisdom, and the idea of a wayward guinea pig living like a king, Luke said, “How was the little guy when you finally caught up with him?”

“Hungry as a boar. He ’bout bit Walker’s finger off when he captured him. That boy needed a good-sized bandage.” Mr. Schrock grimaced at the memory as he rested his elbows on the counter. “Now, what can I help you with? Need some cottage cheese, by chance?”

Cottage cheese? “No. Uh, not today. Actually, I was hoping I might have a word with Jacob.”

Mr. Schrock straightened, all traces of amusement and congeniality vanishing in a heartbeat. “My son?”

“Yes,” Luke said smoothly. “Is he here? I heard he returned from his trip.”

“Jah. Jah . . . he’s back.”

Though he got his answer, Luke noticed he wasn’t getting much else. The warm bond that had been floating between them dissipated like a cold wind. Now Mr. Schrock was in full protective-parent mode.

It didn’t matter if a man’s child was six, twenty-six, or forty-six. If a detective was asking about him, men clammed up. Right before Luke’s eyes, Mr. Schrock straightened and turned statuelike. Instead of offering more information, he eyed Luke apprehensively.

Pushing aside a momentary punch of hurt, Luke reminded himself that he’d been foolish to think that he’d made a real connection with the man. With this town.

So he pulled out years of experience and mirrored the older man’s expression. Becoming still, pretending he didn’t notice what had just happened between them.

“So, where’s Jacob been? I’m afraid I never did hear that.”

“He was just out working,” Mr. Schrock said quickly. “He was doing some work in Lexington. Important work.”

“Important?”

Mr. Schrock’s chin raised. “Store business.”

“Ah. Right.” Luke smiled tightly as he realized that he’d just been fed a line. “Where is he now?”

“This minute?”

“Yes, sir. This minute.”

“He’s in the back.” After a pause, Mr. Schrock said, “Would you like to talk with him up here? Or out in the parking lot like you did with Walker?” His eyes brightened. “Or how about I just tell him that you want to see him later on. Maybe tomorrow?”

A sixth sense told Luke that he had better not give the man any time to speak privately with his son. “If you don’t mind, I’ll follow you to the back and ask Jacob where he’d like to talk.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“I’m afraid it is.” Stepping forward, Luke motioned Mr. Schrock on with a wave of his hand. “Go on, Mr. Schrock. I’ll follow you.” He kept his voice pleasant. But he’d had enough of secrecy and half-truths.

He had a job to do and a promise to keep to Mose. Therefore, he stood unwavering as Mr. Schrock reluctantly started walking toward the back.

They passed through rows of shelves jam-packed with candies and cans and handmade clocks and baskets, through a brightly painted white door, and into a jumbled storeroom loaded with so much merchandise that it made the front of the store look almost empty.

In the midst of the clutter were two desks and three or four old Adirondack chairs in various stages of disrepair.

A young man who looked to be about twenty years old was sitting in one of them. He looked up from the catalog he was reading when they entered.

His father walked to his side. “Jacob, this here is Detective Reynolds. He’s in town to help figure out who killed Perry. He wants to speak with you.”

Jacob stood up. “All right.”

Luke’s first impression of the young man was that he looked nothing like his father. Neither his eyes, his jaw, or even his manner mirrored his dad. Where Aaron Schrock reminded one slightly of an elf, Jacob was taller and his shoulders broader. He had dark hair and dark, heavily lashed eyes. In addition, he seemed to have a strong confidence that far surpassed his father’s.

With a look of interest, not wariness, he walked forward.

Luke put out a hand. “Nice to meet you, Jacob. I’m Luke Reynolds.”

“He’s from the city,” Mr. Schrock interjected. “From Cincinnati.”

Jacob shook Luke’s hand. “I’ve heard you were in town. So, you’re here investigating Perry’s death?”

Luke nodded. “That’s right. I’d like to talk to you for a bit, Jacob.”

“All right.”

Mr. Schrock moved closer to his son. “Detective, I think it would be better if Jacob came to see you tomorrow. He’s just in now, you know. Tired, too. Tomorrow, he’ll be more rested.”

Jacob’s cheeks flushed red. “I’m fine. I can meet with you now, Detective. It’s no trouble at all.”

Mr. Schrock frowned. “But Jacob—”

“No sense in waitin’, it won’t be easier tomorrow.” Pointing to a narrow corridor with a steel door at the end of it, he said to Luke, “We’ve got a pen of puppies outside in the shade. I need to feed them and give them a little exercise. Do you mind if we talk there?”

Puppies on the loose sounded like a prescription for distraction. The last thing he needed was to have Jacob’s attention diverted now that he finally was able to meet with him face-to-face. “Will you be able to talk outside?”

“Yeah.” With a meaningful look at his father, Jacob headed toward the door. “I promise, out here it will be just the two of us. And the puppies are no trouble.” He smiled for a moment. “Only a little rambunctious.”

Still in protective mode, Mr. Schrock stepped forward as if to block Luke’s way. “Jacob—”

Jacob turned around. “Daed, I’m not a child. I’ve got things handled. Now, go on up to the front before someone comes in and thinks no one works here.”

Only when his father turned and walked back to the front of the store did Jacob continue on his way.