A Secret Encounter (Amish Secrets--Book 2) Read online

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  “Is this where you last saw him?” Linda glanced around the quiet, snow-covered alley.

  “Yep. We usually sleep over there near the corner. With the crates and the garbage can, it seems to be the best place to stay. Of course, it doesn’t keep us completely out of the elements but it helps. The high walls keep a lot of the wind out,” Joseph said.

  Linda walked over to the large trash receptacle and peered inside. There was no sign of Harvey, but the foul odor nearly caused her to wretch. How could anyone live this way?

  “There aren’t many places Harv could be here. I already checked that dumpster.”

  “No, he doesn’t appear to be here.” Linda listened carefully. Had she heard something? Perhaps a cat?

  Meow.

  Linda looked around but saw nothing. “Where is that coming from?”

  “Mama Kitty. That’s what we call her, although we’ve never actually seen her kittens. Just the evidence that she must’ve had a litter.” Joseph smiled. “She comes around every once in a while asking for food.” He peeked into the receptacle after hearing the faint sound of banging metal. “Not here.” He slowly walked around the dumpster. “Ah, I see.”

  Linda watched as a pathetic calico cat emerged from a small tunnel under the garbage container.

  Joe picked up the famished feline and brushed the snow off her back. “Seems like someone’s found a shelter from the snow.” The cat licked his hand. “Sorry, girl. I don’t have anything for you right now.”

  Linda smiled at the gentle way he handled the animal, but quickly turned again to the dumpster. “That noise again.”

  “Harv?” Joseph set the cat down and crouched near the small tunnel. “Are you in there?” He furiously began digging with his bare hands when they heard a moan. “Just wait, Harv. I’ll get you out.”

  “Oh no, he must be freezing under there.” This didn’t look good. “Should I call an ambulance?” She looked on as Joseph pulled Harvey out from under the dumpster. He laid his friend across his lap and placed a hand on his neck to feel for a pulse.

  Harvey’s eyes popped open. “No ambulance.”

  Joe released a sigh of relief. “Harvey, you’re alive!”

  “Of course, I’m alive.” The older man struggled to his feet. “You ain’t getting’ rid of me that easy.” He began coughing profusely.

  Linda spoke up. “We need to get him warm. I have some blankets in my back room and one in the trunk of my car if we need it. Harvey, do you think you can walk to my shop?”

  “I’ll help him,” Joe offered, placing an arm around the older man’s back.

  Harvey glanced over at Linda and grinned. “Looks like we got us another angel, Joe.”

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  Anna’s eyes widened at the peculiar sight of Joe, Harvey, and Linda coming up the sidewalk. What’s Linda doing with Joe and Harv? As they came closer, she realized something wasn’t right.

  Linda moved ahead and quickly placed her key in the lock. “I’m sorry for not being here, Anna. Joe needed my help.”

  Her gazed moved toward Joe’s face and she recalled their nearness from the night before.

  He smiled slightly, obviously troubled over something. “I couldn’t find Harv, but fortunately, Linda and I found him this morning.”

  Her examining gaze swept over Harvey, who appeared sallow. “Well, hello there, Miss An –” his words were abruptly cut off by a fit of coughing.

  Anna didn’t miss the worry that creased Joe’s brow. His compassion for others gripped her heart once again. What was this young man’s story and how is it that one so concerned for others not have anyone to care for him? Or did he? Is it possible that Joe did indeed have a family somewhere?

  They moved into the store and were immediately enveloped in warmth. Anna watched as Linda led Joe and Harvey to the back room, wondering what had transpired between the time Joe left her home last night and this morning. Since there were no customers yet, she followed after them.

  “Here, sit him down in this chair,” Linda suggested, handing Harvey a mug of steaming coffee once he was seated. “Anna, bring that small heater I keep in the cabinet.”

  Anna hastily did as Linda suggested while Joe removed Harvey’s wet shoes and socks and Linda draped blankets around Harv. She positioned the small heater to warm Harv’s feet.

  “How’s that feel, Buddy?” Joseph asked his friend, rubbing his arms to produce warmth.

  Anna remembered a trick she’d once learned while working as a maut for some Englisch neighbors as a teen. She took a hand towel from one of the drawers and put it in the microwave for several seconds to warm it. She checked to be sure it wasn’t too hot, then brought it to Harvey and placed it over his face. “Does that feel nice?” she asked.

  “Y’all make me feel like I’m at some fancy hotel spa,” Harvey said.

  “Ah, quit makin’ a fuss, Harv.” Joe smiled catching Anna’s eye.

  Anna returned his grin. It was good to see some of Joe’s anxiety relieved. The sound of a bell jingling reminded Anna that she had a job to do. “I better go wait on our customer.” With that, she slipped into the store’s main floor room.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Anna glanced at Joe and Harvey in the back seat of the buggy and pretended not to be as nervous as she felt. How am I going to explain this to Mammi? Of course, it wasn’t as though she had a choice. She wasn’t about to leave them out in the snow, especially with Harv in his fragile condition.

  Although Joe had cared for Harvey in the store’s backroom most of the day, he still had a ways to go before being out of the woods. It seemed Harvey had developed a horrid cough akin to croup. Anna knew Mammi must have an herbal cure for his ailment, but she was quite certain proper nourishment, plenty of fluids, and adequate rest would probably do the trick. At least that’s what Anna had realized with past experience. Part of healing was simply allowing the sickness to run its course and providing the necessary nutrition for the body to do what God intended.

  “I apologize that you’ll have to stay up in the haymow,” Anna voiced her thoughts.

  “Oh no, Anna, don’t you feel bad.” Joe gently touched her arm, communicating his gratitude. “This will be better than any place we’ve stayed in a long time. Just to be out of the snow will be a blessing.”

  “I have a small heater you can use, but I’ll have to bring out the extra blankets after Mammi has gone to bed. There are a couple of buggy blankets you can use until I come.”

  Harvey spoke up. “I was right, Joe. Your Anna is an angel.”

  “You just might be right about that, Harv,” Joe said.

  Anna sighed with contentment. It felt good to help others out. She didn’t have a lot of extra, but what she did have she was happy to share with her new friends. And why not? Isn’t that why God had given her material blessings – so she could in turn bless others? It was as though God’s hand were reaching down to Anna and she reached her hands to Harvey and Joe, creating a circle of love.

  Anna’s gaze caught Joe’s and he offered a genuine smile.

  Love? Yes, that’s exactly what it was.

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  “Oh good, you’re finally here!” Mammi’s smile illuminated the room. “I have some wonderful news. Jacob and Rachel will be here a week early.”

  “You mean…in two days?” Anna gulped.

  “If not sooner. Isn’t wonderful gut news?” Mammi moved to the already-set table with a large pot of corn chowder. “Come, sit down so we can eat.” She placed a loaf of bread next to the soup.

  Anna sat down, but she thought she might be too nervous to eat. She noticed a bouquet of flowers in the middle of the table. “The flowers look nice, Mammi.”

  “Don’t they? Well, I was waiting to tell you but I guess I might as well come out with it.”

  Anna raised her eyebrows.

  “Your beau brought those by today. Isn’t that nice? That Aaron seems like such a gut young man.” Mammi grinned. “He also did some
work in the barn.”

  Anna’s face reddened. Was this some ploy to get her back? “I’m not seeing Aaron anymore.”

  “I know that, Dear. But can’t you give him a chance?” Mammi ducked her head and spoke quietly, “I…uh…invited him to join us for Thanksgiving.”

  “What? Mammi, why would you do that? I already told you –”

  Mammi placed her hand on top of Anna’s. “I’m sorry. It’s just that…he asked and I couldn’t turn him down.”

  He asked? Anna scooted her chair back and abruptly rose from her seat. Heat rose to her cheeks and coursed through her veins. The nerve of him! She grabbed the vase from the table and tossed the flowers into the trash can. With hot tears streaming down her cheeks, she stormed up the stairs to her room. She didn’t know if she was more upset with Aaron for forcing himself into her life or Mammi for doing his bidding.

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  Joe quickly turned the flashlight off when he heard the barn door squeak open, just in case it wasn’t Anna entering. He hid from sight and hoped Harv wouldn’t erupt into another coughing fit. Perhaps staying in Anna’s barn wasn’t such a great idea after all. The last thing he desired was to get sweet Anna into trouble with her bishop. He knew all too well the possible outcome in such a circumstance. Anna had been so kind to offer the barn as a refuge while Harvey healed from his ailment and he wouldn’t think of causing her undue stress in return for her graciousness.

  “Joe?” Anna’s quiet voice echoed up the ladder.

  Joe turned the flashlight back on. “We’re still here, Anna.”

  “Oh, good, you’re awake. I didn’t want to wake Harv up if he was resting.” Her head appeared at the top of the ladder and she handed Joseph a thermos. “Here, I brought some soup for you and Harvey. I’m sorry it’s so late. It seemed Mammi stayed up extra-long tonight.”

  “It’s fine.”

  “I forgot to mention that we have an old outhouse just outside the back of the barn.” She removed a backpack from her shoulders and pulled some clothing out. “And here. These are some of my father’s clothes. I think they might be a little large for you, but his suspenders are in there too.”

  “Won’t your father need them?” he asked in concern.

  “Ach, no. My father died last year.” She bowed her head.

  “I’m sorry, Anna.” Joe placed his hand over hers. “Thank you for this kindness.”

  “He would want them to be put to good use.” Anna smiled. “Besides, I’d like to see you and Harv in Amish clothes.”

  Joe’s eyebrows raised. “Do you think we’ll make good Amishmen?”

  “Well, I don’t know. We’ll just have to wait and see how gut you can work,” she teased.

  Joseph laughed. “Ah, I knew there was a catch!”

  Harvey spoke up now. “Would you two stop flirting and get me some of that soup. This poor man’s dying over here and you two act like you’re out courtin’ under a full moon.”

  Joe caught the beautiful pink stain that tinged Anna’s ivory cheeks. “Yes, sir.” He winked at Anna.

  “I better go now,” Anna said. “Just in case Mammi realizes I’m not there.”

  “Thank you, Anna,” Joe reiterated.

  “Is there anything else you need?” Anna’s hand flew to her forehead. “Oh no, I forgot the blankets.”

  “That’s all right. These should be fine, especially with the heater,” Joe assured. He heard Harvey clearing his throat, reminding him of his desire for soup. “I’m coming, I’m coming, Harv. You’re such a big baby when you’re sick.”

  “Well, someone’s gotta take care of this old man.”

  “I’ll say goodnight now,” Anna said.

  Joe watched Anna’s lovely face disappear and heard evidence of her exit when the barn door squeaked again.

  “You oughta marry that girl, Joe,” Harv commented.

  Joe didn’t admit it to Harv, but he was thinking the exact same thing. The problem was – well, actually, there were many problems. Of course, nothing couldn’t be overcome through sheer determination and will power. He’d learned that in the past. But if he even stood a chance with Anna, he’d have to become Amish again. And that meant repenting in his district before Bishop Burkholder – something he was not willing to do. Ever.

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  When Anna awoke this morning, she never expected what now lay before her eyes. As she hit the bottom step, she nearly tripped over her own two feet. What are Joe and Harvey doing at the breakfast table? Oh no, Mammi is not going to like this! She must get them outside quickly before Mammi came out of her room.

  Mammi walked into the room, a pair of scissors in her hand. Too late.

  Anna cringed waiting for Mammi’s reaction.

  “Look who I found out in the barn this morning, Anna. Your friends, Joe and Harv.” Mammi gave Anna a pointed look.

  Anna looked on helplessly. “I…I can explain. You see –”

  “No need. Harvey has already explained everything. We can talk about this later.” Mammi set the scissors on the counter and handed Harvey a cup of hot herbal tea. “All right, Joe. You’re first.” She beckoned him to the chair in the middle of the kitchen.

  “What are you doing?” Anna asked, still bewildered at the scene before her.

  Joe shrugged. “Your grandmother said if we’re going to be under her roof we gotta be clean and look nice.” He grinned. “We already had a bath.”

  “And that means a haircut too,” Mammi insisted. “I don’t know how you can even see with all that hair. A man should keep his hair short. And after this, I want you to go and cut off all that face hair. Only married and old men should have beards. There’s an old razor you can use too. It’s in the cabinet.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Anna wanted to burst into laughter. She could only imagine what had taken place prior to her rising. Harvey quickly filled her in while Mammi cut Joe’s hair.

  Apparently, Mammi had stepped outside in the early morning to retrieve a few items she’d forgotten on the clothesline and inadvertently heard Harv’s coughing. Mammi already suspected something was up when she’d heard Anna going out the night before. Joe had been in the outhouse when Mammi entered the barn.

  “Who’s up there?” Mammi demanded.

  Harvey’s bright face peeked over a hay bale. “Well, now. If I haven’t seen a more beautiful being in all my life.”

  Mammi’s face turned five shades of pink, Harv had said. “Who are you and what are you doing in my barn?”

  “I guess that’s a fair question. But if I tell you my name, you’re going to have to tell me yours, pretty lady.” He patiently waited for her response.

  “I will do no such thing.”

  “All right, pretty lady. Then I guess I’ll just have to tell ya how I got to be here. A sweet angel named Miss Anna brought me and my friend Joe here. I’ve been sick, ya see, and Anna and Joe are helping me to get better.”

  “Anna is my granddaughter.”

  “Oh no, you look much too young to be Anna’s grandmother. I see the years have been very kind to you,” Harvey charmed.

  Mammi stammered,“Th-the barn is no place for a sick person.”

  At that point, Joe had entered the barn. “We’re really sorry if we’re intruding, Ma’am. But I didn’t want to leave Harv out in the snow in his condition, so when Anna offered the barn, we gladly accepted. But we can leave if you don’t want us here.”

  Mammi seemed to take in their present condition, eyeing their tattered clothing. “Are you telling me the two of you have no home?”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  At that point, compassion seemed to replace contempt. “Well, then I suppose Anna did the right thing. You must come in and have some breakfast.”

  Anna smiled, picturing the whole scene. She almost wished she could’ve been a fly on the wall.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Anna embraced Mammi and whispered a silent ‘thank you’ before retrieving her coat. Mammi had offered the small
dawdi haus to Joe and Harvey, but insisted they earned their keep. Both men happily agreed to the arrangement. With all the excitement this morning, Anna was now running late.

  Joe emerged from the restroom just in time to stop her. “May I catch a ride into town with you?”

  The sight of Joe made Anna feel as though a music box dancer performed inside her heart. She didn’t expect Joe to look so young…or handsome. Not that he wasn’t handsome before. But now that she could actually see his face – what a difference a haircut and the absence of facial hair made. Of course, seeing him in Amish clothes persuaded her judgment a little too. He’s not Amish, she reminded herself.

  “Anna?” he asked again.

  Anna peeled her eyes off him. “Oh, uh, I’m sorry.” She hoped her countenance didn’t manifest her thoughts. Anna turned to her grandmother. “Mammi, do you mind if Harv stays here with you?”

  “I’ll see to it that Harvey gets his herbs and lunch. He’s already resting now, so hopefully he won’t get underfoot today,” Mammi said. “You go on ahead. Joe already cleaned the barn this morning and brought the eggs in, so he’s free until this evening.”

  “I appreciate that, Ma’am,” Joseph said with a chuckle.

  “Thanks, Mammi.” Anna followed Joe out the door. He quickly moved to hitch up the horse to the buggy and Anna thought it odd that he knew precisely how everything connected. But then she remembered he’d told her that he once had Amish neighbors.

  “All set.” He smiled. “Shall I drive or would you like to?”

  “You may.” Anna thought it was nice to have a man beside her as she traveled; somehow, Joe made her feel safe. As they rode along, she wondered why Joe had wanted to come.

  “It looks like it’s going to be a nice day. The sun feels good, doesn’t it?” He briefly closed his eyes to breathe in the fresh scents, obviously enjoying the ride.