Amish Refuge. Debby Giusti

beyond those pines that mark the end of my property. The river curves close to the road there. I believe it is where you left your car.”

      Overwhelmed by the vast area she would have to cover, Miriam pulled in a deep breath and nodded with resolve. “I’ll start by looking around the house first.”

      “You have heard the saying, ‘a needle in a haystack’?”

      The seriousness of his tone made her smile. “Does that mean I should give up before I start?”

      His full lips twitched and a spark of levity brightened his gaze. “We will search together. I will help you, Miriam.”

      She liked the way he said her name as well as his offer of assistance. Returning his almost smile with one of her own, she felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders. “Thank you, Abram.”

      “We will begin here.” He pointed to the stepping stones upon which they stood. “And we will take the path through the pasture. Perhaps you followed it last night.”

      Without further delay he dropped his gaze and walked slowly toward the drive. Miriam followed close behind him, searching the winter grass cut short enough that a cell phone would be visible.

      On the far side of the dirt drive she paused and breathed in the serenity of the setting, then smiled as a big dog with long, golden hair ambled out of the barn. She patted her hand against her thigh, calling him closer. “What’s the pup’s name?”

      Abram stopped to watch the dog sidle next to Miriam. “His name is Bear.”

      She rubbed behind the dog’s ear. “You’re big as a bear, but sweet.” She cooed to the dog before looking up at Abram. “He’s part golden retriever?”

      “With a mix of Lab.”

      Again she lowered her gaze to the dog. “How come I haven’t seen you before this?” Bear wagged his tail and nuzzled closer as if enjoying the attention.

      “He sleeps in the barn. You did not see him last night because I had closed the doors to keep the horses warm.”

      “I’m glad I got to meet you today, Bear.” With a final pat to the dog’s head, Miriam straightened and took in the pristine acreage around Abram’s house. In the distance, a number of horses grazed on the hillside. “The animals are yours?”

      “Yah. The others are in the barn.” A look of pride and accomplishment wrapped around his handsome face. “Horses are necessary for the Amish way of life. They provide transportation. They pull our plows and haul produce and products to market.”

      “They’re beautiful, but a car and tractor would make your life easier.”

      “Easier does not mean better.” He returned to his search, leaving her to ponder his statement.

      So many people yearned for modern conveniences to enhance their quality of life. But did possessions bring contentment?

      Her mother had traveled the country, looking for happiness. Instead she had found unrest and confusion.

      In her youth Miriam had longed for a father to love her and the security of a stable home. She had found neither.

      Like the elusive memories of her past, the wind tugged at the hem of her dress and wrapped the fabric around her legs. For a fleeting moment she felt a new appreciation for the Amish way and almost a kinship with this man who embraced the simple life.

      Hurrying to catch up to Abram, she asked, “What can you tell me about the sheriff? He’s from Willkommen?”

      “Originally he came from Tennessee. His name is Samuel Kurtz. He is my mother’s brother.”

      Not what she had expected to hear. “The sheriff is your uncle?”

      Abram studied the surprise she was hard-pressed to control. “Does that seem strange to you?” he asked.

      “A bit.” Actually it surprised her a lot. “How can an Amish man work in law enforcement?”

      “Before baptism, young men and women decide how they will live their lives, whether they will remain in the community or move elsewhere. My uncle did not wish to remain Amish. Our family is from Ethridge, Tennessee. Samuel came to Georgia to make a new life for himself. He is respected here. A year ago, he was elected sheriff.”

      “You moved here to be near your uncle?”

      “The land brought me. The price was good. I wanted to make a new home for myself and my wife.”

      “Did you ever consider leaving the Amish way, like your uncle?”

      “Once, but I was young and foolish. Thankfully, I changed my mind and realized what I would be leaving.” His eyes softened. “The Amish walk a narrow path, Miriam, but we know where it leads. My uncle wanted something else for his life.”

      “And he’s happy?” she quizzed.

      “You will have to ask him.” Abram motioned her toward a path that cut across the pasture. “This is the way you walked last night.”

      She glanced back at the house. “How can you be so certain?”

      “Your footprint is there in the dirt.”

      Glancing at where he pointed, she recognized the faint outline of her shoe.

      “Which means we don’t have to search the entire pasture to find my cell.” Feeling a swell of relief, Miriam hurried forward, hoping her phone would be as easy to find as her footprint.

      Abram led the way, seemingly intent on the quest, until the sound of a motor vehicle turned his gaze to the road.

      “A car is coming,” he warned. “You must go back to the house.”

      She wasn’t ready to give up the search. “I haven’t found my cell.”

      He took her arm, his grasp firm, and turned her around. “Hurry. Someone comes.”

      The intensity of his tone drove home the danger of being seen. Fear overcame her and she ran toward the house. Was she running for protection or running into a trap?

      * * *

      Everything inside Abram screamed that he had to protect Miriam. From what or from whom, he was not sure.

      He ran to the road and stepped onto the pavement just as the Willkommen sheriff’s car rounded the bend. Abram glanced back at the pasture. Miriam was still running, the black cape billowing out behind her.

      His heart thumped a warning for her and one for himself, as well. His actions since Miriam had stumbled onto his porch were so outside the norm that it seemed as if someone else had taken control of his body and his mind.

      Seeing his uncle at the wheel of the squad car, Abram raised his hand in greeting. Samuel slowed the vehicle to a stop and rolled down the window. Abram leaned into the car.

      His uncle’s face was drawn, his eyes filled with sadness.

      “Go home, Abram, and lock your doors.” Samuel flicked his gaze to the fleeing figure in the distance. “Keep Emma inside.”

      Thankfully, his uncle had not questioned Miriam’s even gait and, instead, had mistaken the Englischer for his sister.

      Knowing something serious was underfoot, Abram pressed for more information. “What is it you are trying to tell me, Samuel?”

      “I mentioned that the Petersville police found a car at the river’s edge. When I got there, they were searching the back seat and taking prints. They found a woman’s purse.”

      “The handbag belongs to the person who owns the car?”

      The sheriff nodded but the pull of his jaw told Abram more than a purse was at stake.

      “The trunk of the car was locked. They were preparing to break it open when I left.”

      A nerve twitched