Plain Truth (Military Investigations) (8 page)

“I’m sure Levi wanted to find out information about his daughters. Plus he wanted to know how the condition affected the girls.”

“Did he ask you about the disease?” Zach inquired.

“Only in general terms. I’ve drawn blood samples on both Levi and Sarah and am awaiting the test results, as I told you. With CED, both parents have to carry the gene in order for their offspring to be susceptible.”

“Both parents provide a gene?” Zach pressed. “Does that mean it’s recessive?”

Ella nodded. “That’s right.”

“So Mary Kate comes from Amish lineage?”

“I...I don’t know. As I mentioned, the disease can appear in the general population, yet it’s much more prevalent among the Amish.”

“Did you ask Mary Kate about her background?”

“No, never.” Ella let out a stiff breath and shoved her hair back from her face. “I never thought about it. My husband said I didn’t have a mind for research. He must have been right. I shouldn’t have missed the connection.”

“You’re a good doctor, Ella.”

She looked embarrassed and somewhat surprised by his comment. “I appreciate the compliment, Zach, but I have a feeling you just want to lift my spirits. Besides, I don’t seem to be tracking down all the information that should be important in a genetic study.”

“Which sounds as tricky as a criminal investigation. Sometimes I’m too close,” he admitted. “I need to step away for a moment to let my mind work without any hindrance.”

He glanced at Ella and wondered if that was the problem with this investigation. Had he gotten too close to her and become blinded to the truth? Another thought stirred within him, even more disconcerting. Was he blinded by false testimony, an assortment of half lies or innuendos that didn’t add up?

In military circles, he was considered a top-notch special agent, but this case was different. Had he changed? For the better? Or for the worse?

EIGHT

“T
here’s the turn.” Ella pointed to a narrow road almost hidden by undergrowth.

“I’m glad Levi provided directions.” Zach steered his car onto the narrow lane. Deep potholes pocked the path.

“Why don’t you stay in the vehicle while I meet with Mr. Fisher,” Zach suggested.

“I’d feel safer with you than I would sitting alone on this desolate road.”

The dirt track meandered through dense underbrush. Overhanging limbs batted at the car.

“I’d hate to travel this road in a buggy,” Ella admitted.

“Perhaps there’s another entrance that’s less of a hazard.”

“Then I suggest we take that route home.”

Zach laughed. The sound filled the car and bolstered her flagging spirits. She hadn’t laughed with Quin; at least, she couldn’t remember laughter. Maybe in the beginning when she’d been in love with him—or in love with being in love. Had that been the reason she’d gotten married?

Zach pointed through a break in the trees. “Looks like there’s some type of a structure on the ridge.”

A one-story home came into view as they rounded the bend and pulled into the clearing. The house was similar to Levi and Sarah’s, but the small wooden structure was anything but welcoming. The tin roof on the front porch listed as if held upright by a few rotten two-by-fours.

“If that house were in the city, it would be condemned,” Ella said as she stared through the car window. “Maybe staying in the vehicle would be a safer option.”

Zach pulled into the short driveway, then backed up and turned the car around so it was facing the road. “In case we need to make a fast getaway,” he explained.

“Now you’ve got me worried.”

He winked. “Law enforcement types try to be prepared for any situation, Doc.”

“After all we’ve been through, I’d appreciate if you’d use my name instead of my title.”

He pulled the keys from the ignition and turned to stare at her. “You got it, Ella. Remember to stick by me and follow my lead. We don’t want to get separated, and if I say run, we run.”

“Yes, sir.”

He stepped from the car and studied the house, which looked more like an abandoned shack.

“See anything?” Ella asked when she joined him.

“There.” Zach pointed to a dilapidated barn that listed as much as the porch. The door hung open. “I saw movement inside.”

He reached under his jacket and touched the weapon he carried on his hip. “Hello,” Zach called. “Mr. Fisher?”

The door of the house creaked open, and the barrel of a rifle poked through the opening. Zach flicked his gaze back and forth between the barn and the house.

“Get behind me, Ella,” he said out of the side of his mouth.

She hesitated.

“Now.”

Ella did as he asked, but peered around him when the door opened a bit wider. A man stepped onto the porch. He wore typical Amish clothing and had a gray beard that added volume to his gaunt cheeks.

“He doesn’t look very friendly,” she said under her breath.

“Nor is he interested in providing a warm welcome.” Zach squared his shoulders and stared at the old man. “I thought the Amish had big hearts and a love of God and neighbor.”

Ella stepped a bit closer. “I’m guessing Sarah’s father is an exception to the rule.”

“Mr. Fisher?” Zach called again.

“Get off my land.”

“Sir, we come as friends. I’d like to talk to you. I’m an officer of the law and work with the Criminal Investigation Division at Fort Rickman. If you step onto your porch, I can show you my identification.”

“I have nothing to do with the army.”

“I’ve brought Dr. Jacobsen.” Zach pointed over his shoulder. “She has a clinic not far from here and treats Amish families. Your daughter, Sarah, is one of her patients.”

“Sarah disobeyed me.”

“Sir, she and Levi are expecting a child,” Ella interjected. “Your grandchild.”

“She lost one child, which proved
Gott
was upset with her and didn’t approve of the choices she made.”

“I’d like to get a family history from you, sir. That would help assure a safe delivery for your grandchild.”

“Did you have anything to do with the last baby? The baby who died?”

Ella shook her head as she peered around Zach. “No, sir. I lived in Pennsylvania at the time. I’m a widow, Mr. Fisher. Sarah said you lost your wife some years ago. I know how hard that can be. My husband worked with Amish families in Pennsylvania. You probably have kin from that state.”

“
Yah
, that is right. But the English moved in and bought land, so we had no place to farm. I moved to Alabama with my wife, and to Georgia after she died. It is not good for a man to be alone.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, sir, but I want to help Sarah and your grandchild. Please, put down your gun and talk to us.”

The old man hesitated for a long moment.

“Mr. Fisher, I’m coming to you, sir.” Zach took a step forward. “We can talk on the porch.”

“Be careful,” Ella whispered.

“He’s thinking, and that’s a good sign. I want him to know that we won’t do him harm.”

The old man sighed heavily, then lowered his gun and propped it against the wall. “I will talk to you, but not because of Sarah. For the baby, I will do this. The child deserves life.”

“You’ve made a wise decision,” Ella offered. She stepped around Zach and climbed the steps. The old man motioned for them to sit in the swing, while he settled into a rocker.

“Sir, you’re not alone,” Zach said. “Someone’s in the barn. Is that a friend or family?”

“My son, Daniel. He came home to help me.”

“He’s been away?” Zach asked.

“
Yah
. In Alabama, where we lived when he was a baby. My daughter lives there, as well.”

Ella smiled. “I’m sure your son was worried about you living alone here in the country. I know Sarah worries, too.”

“Sarah should have stayed with me, then I would not be alone.”

“It is right for a woman to marry, Mr. Fisher,” Ella said. “I’m sure you would agree.”

“To marry,
yah
. But not to marry someone her father does not approve of.”

“Do you recall anyone in your family or your wife’s family having children who were sickly or couldn’t thrive?” Ella asked.

“You mean children who died?”

“Yes, sir, that’s what I mean.”

He thought for a moment. “
Mein
bruder
was weak and could not eat. He became so thin and did not survive the winter.”

“When was that, Mr. Fisher?”

“Years ago, when I was a boy.”

“Were other family members affected?”

He shook his head. “I do not think so. What does this have to do with Sarah?”

“There are certain diseases that are seen more often among the Amish. I need to know if any of those illnesses run in your family.”

“You think this baby will be born sick?”

“I hope not. But if that is the case, by knowing a family history, I can begin to treat the infant immediately.”

“Another child, on my wife’s side, was sickly. The child was born in the winter and did not live to spring.”

“Did anyone mention the baby’s cause of death?”

“The winter was cold. The father tried to cut wood to burn in the stove, but he hurt himself with his ax. He became sick, and the baby did, as well.”

“I’m sorry about the loss of life.”

“
Gott’s
ways are not our ways.”

Noticing the old man’s shortness of breath, Ella glanced at Zach. He nodded, joining in her concern.

“Sir?” She patted the man’s arm. “How long have you had trouble breathing?”

“I am fine.” He waved her off.

Refusing to be deterred, she leaned in closer. “Your breathing is labored. As we age, our bodies sometimes need help. I’d like you to come to my clinic, Mr. Fisher. I could check your heart and your lungs.”

“My heart is strong, and my breathing is fine. You can keep your medicine.”

“There would be no charge. You could visit Sarah while you were there. I know she’d like to see you.”

“I do not want to see my daughter or have my body examined by a woman.”

“Sir,” Zach interrupted. “Dr. Jacobsen is only thinking of your health.”

“The Amish do not go to doctors.”

“Some do,” she corrected.

“Like my daughter, who does not follow the Amish ways.”

“I think you’d find her very Amish, sir. She’d like to see you.”

“Sir, someone broke into the doctor’s clinic,” Zach said. “I wondered if you’d heard of anyone who wanted to do harm to Dr. Jacobsen. Or anyone who didn’t want her clinic to succeed.”

“There are many who wonder why she came here.”

“I came to work with the Amish, Mr. Fisher. As you may know, the nearest medical care is in Freemont. That’s a long ride in a buggy.”

“But we do not need doctors.”

“Even the Amish get sick,” she responded.

“Can you think of anyone in particular who might want to do the doctor harm?” Zach asked again.

“The Amish are peace loving people.”

Who shun their family members
, Ella wanted to mention. Even those who remained within the community could be excluded, such as Sarah, all because she went against her father’s wishes. Mr. Fisher didn’t see the hypocrisy of his statement.

Zach pointed to the rifle propped by the door. “Do you use your Winchester for hunting?”

“I do not hunt much.” The old man touched his fingers to his eyes. “It is hard to see.”

Ella scooted closer. “Have you had your eyes checked recently?”

“As I told you, I do not go to doctors.”

“But you might need glasses,” she said. “Cataracts form later in life. An eye specialist will be able to fit you for glasses. The cataracts can be removed, if your vision is compromised.”

The old man ignored her and turned back to Zach. “Do you hunt?”

Evidently talk of hunting was more to his liking than any talk about his physical condition.

Zach nodded. “Although I don’t have much time these days. When was the last time you shot your gun, sir? You might need to have it cleaned. I’d be happy to help you with that.”

“My son helps me, as I already said. He hunts.”

“Has he taken the gun recently to do some hunting?”

“
Yah
, earlier today.”

Zach looked at Sarah. “Would you mind calling your son so I can talk to him?”

The old man slowly rose and walked to the edge of the porch. He put his hands up to his mouth and called, “Daniel, come.”

The man Zach had noticed earlier peered from the barn.

“Come.” The father motioned him forward. Turning to Zach, he added, “It is my son, Daniel.”

The man walked slowly across the dirt drive and approached the house. He wore Amish trousers and a black hat pulled down on his head. He was clean shaven, which indicated he was single. But he also wore something that made Ella sit up and take note. Over his light blue shirt, he wore a navy blue hooded sweatshirt, which wasn’t typical Amish clothing. Ella touched Zach’s arm.

His eyes widened ever so slightly.

Ella stared at the man. Surely Sarah would recognize her brother if he had been snooping around outside her house. Had he also broken into Ella’s clinic last night and then ransacked the office today and fired rounds from the woods?

She and Zach had come to the Fisher home hoping for information. But they may have found even more. They may have found the assailant.

NINE

Z
ach questioned Daniel while his father sat on the porch scowling. Ella had retrieved her medical bag from the car and tried to take the old man’s pulse and blood pressure, but he refused to cooperate. Instead he stared at Zach and made a growling noise like an angry dog.

“Did you go near your sister’s home anytime this week?” Zach asked the younger man.

“Neh.”

“Did you look into Sarah’s home and try the front door to see if it was locked?”

“I would not and did not.”

“You went hunting today. Where were you, exactly?”

Daniel pointed to the woods. “I was in the forest. There is nothing for miles so no one stopped me, but I cannot tell you how far I went into the thicket.”

“Did you shoot any game?”

“There is a bobcat. I have seen him. I fired a shot to scare him away.”

“Did you wound him?”

“I did not. I shoot only that which I can eat. My father taught me well.”

“Tell me about your sweatshirt,” Zach said.

“I wear it when I work to keep my shirt clean.”

“Is it normal for the Amish to wear fleece?”

Daniel blinked. “I am not a normal Amish man.”

“Oh?” Zach hesitated before asking, “What does that mean?”

“I did not stay here, but moved back to Alabama.”

“Was there a reason you left the area?”

“I needed space. Land is cheaper there.”

“But you came back,” Zach said.

“My father is getting older.” Daniel glanced at the house. “As you can see with your own eyes, this place needs work. I came home to help him.”

An altruistic cause, although Zach wondered if Daniel was telling the truth. “You are not married?”

He shook his head. “I am not.”

“Isn’t that unusual?”

“Are you married?” he asked Zach.

“No, I’m not.”

“Do you think that’s unusual?” Daniel asked.

“I’m not Amish.” Zach stated the obvious.

The son sniffed. “And I’m not convinced I should remain Amish.”

“You do not believe in the Amish way of life?” Zach asked.

“Living alone is difficult. If I could find a wife, I would appreciate the plain life more.”

“The Freemont police will want to talk to you, Mr. Fisher.”

He frowned. “I have done nothing wrong.”

“Do you carry a grudge against your brother-in-law?”

“Why would I?”

“You tell me. Were you against your sister marrying Levi Miller?”

Daniel nodded. “I did not want her to marry a man who had been with a woman and conceived children out of wedlock.”

“But Levi had asked for forgiveness.”

“Sometimes forgiveness is difficult to give, even if the person is sorry for their wrongdoing.”

Zach narrowed his gaze. “Were you ever in love?”

“I was never in love with an English woman.”

From all appearances, Daniel seemed close to Levi’s age. “Did you know Mary Kate when you lived here?”

“I knew who she was.”

“You and Levi were friends?”

“The community was small.” Daniel nodded. “I knew the other Amish children, so yes, I knew Levi.”

“Did you tell him to stay away from Mary Kate?”

Daniel shrugged. “I told him she would not be good for him.”

“Were you worried about Levi or worried about yourself, Daniel? Were you interested in Mary Kate?”

The man’s face tightened. Zach knew he’d touched a chord. Could it be that Daniel Fisher had feelings for Mary Kate, the same girl who had fallen in love with Levi?

Vengeance wasn’t the Amish way, but Mr. Fisher and his son didn’t fit the mold. Daniel had prowled around the Miller home and had run away instead of identifying himself to his sister. Perhaps he’d wanted to have words with Levi, never expecting to find Sarah there without her husband.

Stepping off the porch and away from earshot, Zach called the Freemont police and spoke with Abrams, who promised to send a patrol car to the Fisher home.

In hopes of winning Mr. Fisher over, Ella encouraged him to talk about his wife and their life together. His love for Sarah became evident when he shared some of her escapades as a small child, but his mood changed when the sound of a car engine announced he had additional visitors.

He became even more upset when two officers parked in front of his property. Daniel went willingly with them to police headquarters, claiming he had nothing to hide. With Mr. Fisher’s permission, the police also took his rifle for ballistics testing.

Ella encouraged the Amish man to visit her clinic for a checkup, but he merely muttered under his breath and went back into his house.

She and Zach left the farm over a different road, equally as bumpy, that led to a wooden bridge.

“On the phone, Abrams suggested I try this way out,” he told her. “It’s a bit shorter, although the road looks to be as bad.”

“I didn’t know there was a river out here.”

“It feeds into the one that runs through Freemont. The bridge was built years ago, but it’s still functional.”

Ella looked pensive and unsettled as they crossed the bridge. “I’ve been thinking about what you mentioned concerning the Powers twins,” she finally said.

“You mean that a recessive gene had to come from each parent in order for both girls to have the genetic condition?”

Ella cocked her head and smiled. “For a special agent, you’re pretty smart.”

He laughed. “You must have a low opinion of law enforcement types.”

“That’s not true. It’s just that I picked up on your obvious antagonism toward the medical profession.”

He held up his hand. “Present company excluded.”

“I’m not so sure,” she teased.

“Cross my heart.” He traced the sign on his chest, then glanced at her and winked. “Really. You’re the exception to the rule, Doc.”

She rolled her eyes. “And I thought you were so affirming.”

He held back a smile, trying to be sincere in spite of the frivolity of the moment. “But I meant that as a compliment, Ella. Most doctors are self-absorbed and enthralled with their own abilities. You’re humble and concerned about others.”

She blushed. Her obvious embarrassment warmed his heart. “I mean it, Ella.”

Just that fast, the intensity of her gaze melted a brokenness he’d carried for too long. Zach kept his emotions in check. It was the way he lived life. Ever since his mother died he’d built a wall around his heart as a protective measure, so he’d never feel that overwhelming pain of separation again. The fear of being hurt had forced him to be as reclusive as old man Fisher and had cut him off from experiencing life to the full.

His cell rang, pulling him back to the investigation. Sergeant Abrams’s name appeared on the monitor.

“We just left Fisher’s farm,” Zach said in greeting. “Your men are hauling his son in for questioning.”

“I got a call filling me in,” the sergeant said. “Good work tracking down both of them. If what Sarah Miller told you about her brother is true, he could be our man.”

“I’m not ready to call the case closed. Did you talk to Corporal Powers?”

“I did. He wasn’t happy about being detained.”

“What did you uncover?” Zach asked.

“Not much,” the sergeant confessed. “He’s distraught about his wife. His father-in-law mentioned Levi Miller hanging around Mary Kate. Powers suspected the worst.”

“So the corporal doesn’t trust his wife?”

“I didn’t get that impression,” Sergeant Abrams said. “But he certainly doesn’t trust Levi.”

“Is there anything you want the military police and CID to do?”

“No more than you already are. Corporal Powers is back at the hospital, keeping vigil over his wife. Might be good to ensure he stays on post.”

“I can make that happen,” Zach said. “What about Mr. Landers?”

“He’s got a rifle, but it’s not a 30-30 caliber. Besides, he was in the ICU with his daughter when the shots were fired today. A chaplain was visiting at the time and confirmed his alibi. Leave your cell on. I’ll let you know about Daniel Fisher.”

“Appreciate you keeping me in the loop.”

“We’re in this together,” the sergeant assured him.

Ella stared at Zach when he disconnected. “Are we going to talk to Mr. and Mrs. Landers?”

“Sounds like a good idea to me, unless you’re too tired.”

“I’m okay, just a little surprised that you didn’t tell Sergeant Abrams where we were headed.”

“I was thinking of your patient privilege. I trust the sergeant, but he doesn’t need to know about Mary Kate’s background unless it has bearing on the case.”

“Thanks.”

“Just doing my job.”

She smiled. “You’re good at what you do.”

“Now I’m the one who feels a bit embarrassed. I’m not used to getting compliments from beautiful women.”

Her smile faded and a look of confusion washed over her face.

He glanced at her. “You’re not blushing because you don’t believe what I just said.”

“No one has ever called me beautiful.” Her voice was low.

“Shame on everyone else then.”

“You’re not only affirming,” she said, “but also prone to offering compliments. That’s a winning combination.”

“I aim to please, ma’am.”

Being with Ella lifted Zach’s spirits and made him feel good about himself. She was easy to talk to and affirming in her own way. It was hard to believe that no one had ever told her she was beautiful, because she was.

For a moment, as he drove through the Amish countryside, Zach forgot about the investigation. But when he turned into the Landerses’ driveway, he knew he needed to keep his mind off the doctor and focus on the job at hand.

* * *

“I’d like to talk to you about the twins,” Ella said when Mrs. Landers opened the door. “Special Agent Swain is with me.”

“Did something happen to Mary Kate?” The older woman motioned them inside. Just as before, she wore a solid color housedress and an apron, and her hair was neatly tucked into a bun.

“As far as we know, there’s been no change,” Zach said. “Is you husband at the hospital?”

“Bob’s in the other room with the girls. They like Grandpa to read a story to them before they take a nap.”

“I’m sure that’s a special time for Shelly and Stacey.” Ella took a seat on the couch Mrs. Landers indicated.

“A special time for their grandfather, too.” She sat next to Ella, while Zach settled in a nearby chair.

“Would you folks like coffee?”

“No, thank you,” Ella said. “We’re only staying a short time. I’m sure Mary Kate told you about the genetic condition the girls have.”

“Of course, but they’re doing well. You identified the problem, and they’ve improved.” Mrs. Landers’s smile was sincere. “God brought you into their lives, Dr. Jacobsen. They were so sick, but you saved them. I’ll always be grateful.”

Ella thought of the circumstances that had brought her to the Freemont area. Had God been involved?

“The girls are back to their active selves,” the woman continued. “As worried as Bob and I are about Mary Kate, it’s a relief knowing Shelly and Stacey are getting stronger.”

“It brings me comfort, as well, Mrs. Landers,” Ella said. “Did your daughter mention that the girls’ condition is usually seen in the Amish population?”

She nodded. “Mary Kate said the twins inherited the condition from their father.”

Zach leaned into the conversation. “You’re talking about their biological father?”

She nodded again. “Sergeant Abrams was here earlier. He probably told you about Levi Miller. The girls inherited the condition from him.”

“Actually,” Ella explained, “Levi provided one of the two genes necessary for the girls to have the condition. Your daughter provided a gene, as well.”

The older woman’s eyes widened. “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”

Ella explained that two recessive genes, one from each parent, were needed in order for the condition to be transmitted. “Is anyone in your family or your husband’s family Amish?” she asked in conclusion.

Mrs. Landers drew in a deep breath. “Are you sure there’s no other way for the girls to get the condition?”

“The disease could manifest randomly, but that’s not as likely, Mrs. Landers.”

Judging from her expression, Ella was certain the grandmother had something to share. To offer reassurance, she said, “Whatever is said here would be kept private.” Ella looked at Zach for confirmation.

“Yes, ma’am,” he quickly agreed. “I see no reason that any medical information would need to be made public. Unless, of course, it has bearing on the current investigation.”

“Do you have Amish relatives?” Ella pressed.

Mrs. Landers rubbed her hands together. “I was raised Amish. My husband lived in the neighboring town. All the teenagers hung out at a nearby lake in the summer. That’s where we met and fell in love.”

“Did you leave the community to marry your husband?” Ella asked.

The woman dropped her gaze. “You might say that my daughter followed in my footsteps, although she doesn’t know she was conceived before we married. My father forbade me to see Bob, so I ran away.”

Ella rubbed her hand over the older woman’s shoulder. “That must have been difficult for you.”

Mrs. Landers nodded. “Leaving my mother was hard. When Mary Kate told us she was pregnant, I felt responsible. Bob insisted she stay with his sister, who lives in Savannah. I joined them there during Mary Kate’s last trimester and for some months after the twins were born, to help care for the babies. Bob visited whenever he could get away from his company.”

“Is that where your daughter met Corporal Powers?” Zach asked.

Mrs. Landers nodded. “He was stationed at Fort Stewart. They met at a fund-raiser for a wounded warrior who needed medical care. By that time, Mary Kate had a job. She had rented a house and was making it on her own, with just a little help from us. We’re real proud of her.”

Ella offered an encouraging smile. “You should be, Mrs. Landers.”

“Mary Kate admitted that she and Levi had thought they were in love. After meeting Hugh, she knew her father’s decision not to let her stay with Levi had been the right one.”

“Do any of your relatives have children with similar symptoms as the twins?” Ella asked.