Dont now, Grams, me, Rachel Elizabeth. I know what I heard, and I dont require any soothing platitudes.
Rachel shot a fulminating glance at Tyler. At least he had the grace to look unhappy at this turn of events. Hed look worse when she finished telling him what she thought.
Grams, Im sure you misunderstood. She tried for a light tone. You always told us that eavesdroppers never hear anything good, remember?
Grams ignored her, staring steadily at Tyler. I must apologize. Im not in the habit of listening in on other peoples conversations, but you were both too busy arguing to realize I was there.
I just want to protect you Rachel began.
Her grandmother cut her short with a look. I dont require protection. I knew my husband well enough to be quite confident that hed never have been involved in anything underhanded. I have nothing to fear from Mr. Dunns inquiry.
Of course not, but its still upsetting. Please, Grams, let me handle this.
Her only response was to move to her armchair and be seated, folding her hands in her lap. Ill answer any question you wish to ask. She glanced up at the portrait. The truth cant harm my husband.
Grams might want to believe that, but Rachel wasnt so sure. Of course she knew Grandfather had been perfectly honest, but rumors, once started, could be difficult to stop.
She glanced at Tyler. He looked as if getting what he wanted had taken him by surprise.
Its very good of you to agree to talk with me about this. Hed apparently decided on a formal approach. Good. If she caught the slightest whiff of disrespect, hed be out of here before he knew what hit him.
Grams inclined her head graciously. I dont know that I have much to offer. My husband only discussed business with me in very general terms.
Tylers mouth tightened fractionally. Start by telling me what you remember about John Hostetler. You must have known him, since you were such close neighbors.
I knew him. Knew of him, certainly. He was a rather difficult person, from everything I recall. After his wife died, he became bitter, cutting himself off from the community.
Do you know if your husband had any business dealings with him? Did he talk to you about wanting to buy the place?
She frowned. I dont remember, but if he did, it would be in his ledgers. Rachel will make them available to you.
She swallowed the protest that sprang to her lips. Tyler could strain his eyes looking through decades of her grandfathers fine black script, and he wouldnt find anything wrong.
Thats kind of you. Tyler seemed taken aback by that kindness, but that was her grandmother. Do you know of anyone he was on bad terms with?
A faint smile rippled on Gramss expression. It might be easier to ask with whom he didnt quarrel. I dont mean to speak ill of him, but its fairly well known that he argued with just about everyone.
I remember a visit we made when I was about six. Certainly he and my mother seemed to battle most of the time.
Im afraid that was his nature. Grams spread her hands. I dont know what else I can say. After his death, the neighbors were concerned about the condition of the farm. Several of them came to Fredrick about it, I remember that. She glanced up at the portrait again. If he did try to buy it, Im sure thats why.
He nodded, not offering any comment. It was what Rachel had told him, too, but she didnt think he was convinced. He wouldnt understand her grandfathers almost-feudal-lord position in the community. Everyone, Amish and English alike, had come to him with their concerns.
Do you remember anything about the robbery and his death?
Grams moved slightly, and Rachel was instantly on the alert. This questioning bothered her grandmother more than shed want to admit.
I know we were shocked. Everyone was.
She put her arm around her grandmother. Of course they were. She darted him a look. I think my grandmother has told you everything she can.
Grams gave Tyler a level look. I have, but if theres anything else
Not right now. Tyler seemed to know hed pushed enough.
Grams rose. Well cooperate in any way we can. Its what my husband would wish. She turned toward the kitchen and walked away steadily.
Rachel hesitated. She wanted his promise that this wasnt going to be all over the township by sunset, but she didnt want to say that where Grams could hear. Shed better make sure Grams was safely in the kitchen with Emma.
Would you mind sticking around for a minute or two while I speak to Emma? I could use some help moving that ladder.
He nodded, his expression telling her he understood what she wasnt saying. Ill wait for you outside.
By the time she went out the front door a few minutes later, Rachel knew exactly how she should behave. Shed talk with Tyler very calmly, explaining the harm that could be done to her grandmother by careless talk. Shed make it clear that theyd already done everything hed asked of them and that there really was nothing else they could contribute.
She would not express the anger she felt. Shed extended friendship to the man, and all the time hed been using her to pry into her family.
He waited by the ladder shed left propped against the house, his leather jacket hanging open in the warmth of the afternoon sunshine. He straightened when he saw her. Is your grandmother all right?
She didnt like being cross-examined, she said sharply, and then snapped her mouth shut on the words. If she wanted discretion from Tyler, shed better try a little tact of her own. She was telling you the truth. Katherine Unger was not someone whod lie to cover up her own or anyone elses misdeeds.
He gave her a slight smile. I know. Do you think I dont recognize integrity when I see it?
I was afraid your judgment might be skewed by your need to find out about your grandfather.
Look, I said I was sorry for jumping on you with it. I want to be fair about it.
Did he mean that? She hoped so. Theres one thing you said to me that you didnt mention to my grandmother.
He frowned. Whats that?
He knew. He had to. You said your mother didnt think her fathers death had been adequately explained. You called it murder.
The word seemed to stand there between them, stark and ugly.
He was silent for a long moment, and then he shook his head. I dont know, Rachel. Thats the truth. I can tell you what my mother said. What she seemed to believe. As to whether it had any basis in fact he shrugged I guess thats what I have to find out.
I hope She stopped. Would he think she was trying to control his actions? Well, in a way, she was.
What do you hope? He focused on her, eyes intent.
I hope youll be discreet with the questions you ask people around here, especially anything to do with my grandparents. It doesnt take much to set rumors flying in a small community like this.
Your grandmother didnt seem to be worried about that.
No, she wouldnt worry about people talking when she felt she was doing what was right.
Grams can be naive about some things. If the rumor mill starts churning, the situation will be difficult for her. So be tactful, will you please?
Ill try. He took a step back from the wooden stepladder as she approached it. Im not here to stir up trouble for innocent people.
Sometimes innocent people get hurt by the backlash. She bent to plug the end of the string of lights into the outlet.
I cant let that stop me from looking for the truth. His jaw set like a stone.
And I wont let anything stop me from protecting my family, she said. Just so were clear.
Were clear. Does that mean you want me to move out?
It was tempting to say yes, but it was safer to have Tyler where she could keep track of him. Youre welcome to stay as long as you want. She started up the ladder, the loop of lights in her hand.
Thank you. And since Im staying, Id be glad to climb up and do that for you. I wouldnt have to stretch as far.
I can reach. If she stood on the top step on her tiptoes, she could.
She looped the string of lights over the small metal hook that was left in the window frame from year to year. Pulling the string taut, she grasped it and leaned toward the other side.
She stretched, aware of him watching her, and pushed the wire toward the hook
Wait! Tyler barked.
The wire touched the hooka sharp snap, a scent of burning, a jolt that knocked her backward off the ladder and sent her flying toward the ground, stunned.