Brides of Ohio (35 page)

The county had not yet recognized Ostrander as a village. Even though they had a post office, they still had no jail or lawman. The town’s businessmen along with members of the clergy made important decisions, such as calling in the sheriff in rare moments such as these.

“Let me fetch my hat and coat and come with you,” the reverend said. “We’ll soon get to the bottom of this.”

When they arrived, they found the town’s businessmen congregated outside the mercantile. Fred Decker was there, along with Earl Henderson; Charles Franklin, the owner of the Ostrander Hotel; and James Fry, who owned Fry’s Furniture Notions.

Adele quickly climbed from the buggy and walked over to them. “Where is Jonah?” she asked.

Earl Henderson looked at her with a frown. “He’s at Dr. Kelly’s office. The doctor just took the sheriff over there a few minutes ago.” He opened his mouth to say more, but Reverend Warren interrupted.

“Why wasn’t I told about all this?” he asked as he and Will approached. “And where is Reverend Dean?” Reverend Michael Dean ministered to the souls of the church in town, just two streets over from where they were now.

“He’s out visiting someone at the moment,” Mr. Franklin said. “And I was just about to come to your house and get you. Dr. Kelly jumped the gun a bit and sent for the sheriff without telling any of us.”

“After hearing everything that’s been going on, I’m not sure that was such a bad idea,” Earl said. James Fry nodded in agreement.

“What do you mean?” Adele said as dread grew in her heart. What had Dr. Kelly told them?

“I mean him carrying his rifle with him everywhere he goes. Getting up in the middle of the night to walk around his property armed like something’s going to attack him.” Earl’s frown deepened. “And you and him getting married so his brother wouldn’t send him to the asylum down in Columbus.”

Adele’s face grew hot with anger and embarrassment. “Dr. Kelly had no right to tell you such things.”

“Are they true?”

“Yes, but please let me explain. …”

“I don’t think that will be necessary.” To her horror, Earl and all but Fred Decker began to leave.

“Stop!” They all looked at her. “You’ve known Jonah Kirby all your lives. You owe it to him to hear what I have to say.”

“She’s right, Earl,” Reverend Warren said quietly. The men looked at each other and walked back over to stand in front of her.

As Adele explained everything that had been going on for the past six months—Jonah’s anger over the war, his struggles with his faith, and his efforts to go without his gun—their attitudes softened.

“I’m glad he’s getting better, Mrs. Kirby. I am,” Earl said. “But this doesn’t look good for him.”

“What do you mean?” Reverend Warren asked.

“Henry was shot. Several times.” Mr. Fry looked at Adele hesitantly.

“Please go on,” she said, squaring her shoulders.

“He was stabbed, too.”

Adele paled. “Like the deer?”

“If you mean those deer that Henry was finding at the edge of his property and yours, then yes,” Earl said. From the look on his face, it was clear he wasn’t entirely convinced of Jonah’s innocence.

“Earl, Jonah and Henry were on very good terms,” Reverend Warren said. “Why would Jonah want to hurt him?”

“The doctor said he’s been sleepwalking, too,” Earl replied. “That he might be going around doing things he wasn’t aware of.”

“He is not sleepwalking,” Adele replied firmly. “You have my word on that.”

“And while Jonah has been suffering from the effects of the war, he hasn’t done anything to cause me any concern,” Reverend Warren said. “After my experiences with my nephew, I’m sure you know what I mean.”

“It makes sense to me, Earl,” Mr. Franklin said. Although Charles Franklin hadn’t served with Jonah, he, too, had served in the war. “I saw a lot of men whose heads weren’t right after a battle. And I can’t honestly say Jonah’s been acting like that.”

“And Daniel now regrets even considering he be sent down to Columbus,” Adele said.

Earl slowly nodded. “I’m sorry we doubted him.”

“Speak for yourself,” Fred Decker said. He had said nothing during the entire course of the conversation, and Adele had almost forgotten he was present. “I never doubted Jonah for a second.”

“Then why didn’t you say so?” Mr. Fry asked.

“Because I knew you’d come to see sense eventually,” he replied.

Earl waved a self-conscious hand in his direction. “You’re right, Fred. But unfortunately, the one who really needs convincing is the sheriff. He heard the same story we did.”

Adele squared her shoulders. “Then I will go over to the doctor’s now and see if he will speak to me.”

“I’ll come with you,” Reverend Warren said.

“Now wait. What about Cyrus Morgan?” Mr. Fry asked. “Dr. Kelly said he hasn’t been seen the past two days.”

“I’m sure Mr. Morgan has simply decided to move on,” Adele said.

Will nodded in agreement. “Aye. He’s that sort of a fellow, you know.”

“His coming here was sudden to begin with,” Mr. Decker said. “Anybody think to ask if
he
had something to do with Henry’s death? Doesn’t he trap near Jonah and Henry’s property line?”

“Did anyone search his place?” Earl asked.

“I don’t think so.”

“I know where it is,” Will said. “I’ll go there myself and check it out.”

“I’ll come with you,” Mr. Franklin said. “We’ll take my team. I’ll just go get my gun.” He turned to Adele. “Mrs. Kirby, I hope you won’t need it, but I’ll tell Lydia to make sure there’s a room ready for you if you need to stay in town tonight.”

“Thank you, Mr. Franklin.” She looked in the direction of the doctor’s office. “Excuse me. I must go see what is happening.”

Adele said nothing to the reverend as they walked. She was too busy wording a silent prayer. The doctor’s office was at the north edge of town, and the street it sat on faced the woods, which ran along the edge of Little Mill Creek. As they drew near, they saw Dr. Kelly and a burly man wearing a badge standing outside the doctor’s office near the gate. He was clearly the county sheriff, and Adele wondered if he had talked to Jonah yet.

Reverend Warren walked up to him. “Sheriff, my name is Reverend Paul Warren. I’m Jonah Kirby’s minister.” They shook hands, and the reverend nodded at Adele. “This is Mrs. Adele Kirby, his wife.”

“Reverend, I’m glad you’re here. I’m Sheriff Cal Wade.” He had white hair and round spectacles. He looked grandfatherly, but there was an air of authority about him. He took Adele’s hand gently in his. “Ma’am.”

“Sheriff, my husband could not have done this. …”

“I understand you feeling that way, but I do need to speak to him myself and look at the evidence,” he said gently.

“Evidence?” she asked.

“Yes, the bullets Dr. Kelly took from Mr. Porter. I have to see if they could have been fired from your husband’s gun.”

“I would like to see Mr. Kirby, if I could,” Reverend Warren said. “Perhaps you would allow me to be present while you speak with him? This has all been very sudden.” He shot the doctor a frown.

“Considering the circumstances, I’ll permit it,” Sheriff Wade said after a moment’s thought. “But only while I’m examining his rifle. I’ll need to question him alone. Why don’t we step inside?” The reverend gave Adele’s elbow a squeeze, and the two men stepped into the doctor’s office. Once the door had closed, she turned to Dr. Kelly.

“Adele, I’m so sorry. …”

White-hot fury coursed through her, and she slapped him across the face before he could say anything else.

“
Lügner
!” she said. “Liar! How could you, Noah?”

“I didn’t lie,” he said.

“You told them Jonah was crazy. And you know that is not true.”

“It’s entirely possible he is. You can’t possibly know everything that he does every moment of the day.” He gave her a pointed look. “Especially at night.”

Adele’s palm itched to slap him once more, but she restrained herself. “That does not matter. I
know
he is not sleepwalking. I
know
he did not kill Henry.”

“His mind could have snapped while you were in Delaware this week.” She turned away from him, but he grabbed her arm and swung her around to face him. He laid his hands on her shoulders, but she immediately shrugged them away. “Adele, listen to me. I know you are upset right now, and that’s clouding your judgment. …”

“You are one to talk,” she snapped back. “Do you think this would make me care for you?”

“No. I’m only trying to protect you.”

“I do not need your protection. I do not need protection from the man I love.” Adele’s eyes widened, and her heart began to pound as she took in her own words. The man she loved? She took a few steps back and laid her hand on her heart.

When had it happened? At the fair when their hands had brushed or the first time he had looked at her with the anger washed from his eyes? As the last year and a half swept over her like the Scioto River, her breath caught. It had been the day he came home, walking up the drive, thin and gaunt and barely looking like the man who had left four years earlier, but alive. Tears flew to her eyes as she realized that was why she had married him and had been so determined that she be the one to help God heal his wounded heart. She loved him.

Remembering Dr. Kelly, she looked up.

He was standing there staring at her with bloodshot eyes.

“Oh, Noah …,” she murmured.

He slowly turned and, like an old man, hobbled his way over to the door of his office. Adele followed. He opened the door for her, his eyes averted, and she walked in. Jonah and Reverend Warren sat facing each other, and the sight of her husband sent her heart racing at such a speed she thought she might faint.

“Addie,” Jonah said.

“Is something wrong?” the reverend asked.

Just then, the sheriff walked in from the examination room with Jonah’s rifle. “What’s going on?”

Dr. Kelly had stepped in behind Adele. He hung up his coat and hat, limped over to his desk, and sat down, his back to them.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Sheriff Wade, but I have come to conclude that I may very well have been wrong about Mr. Kirby.”

The four looked at each other, then back at the doctor. The sheriff spoke. “You’re sure about that?”

Dr. Kelly nodded.

“I see.” Sheriff Wade looked at Adele. “Are there any other guns at your house, Mrs. Kirby?”

“Only one. Another rifle,” she replied.

“And your hired hands?”

“Will has a rifle at his house, and so does Cyrus,” Jonah said.

“Well, the bullets that killed Mr. Porter came from a revolver.” He looked at Jonah. “And to be honest, I had my doubts to begin with. You’re free to go, Mr. Kirby.”

Adele sighed with relief and looked at Noah. But his face was turned away from all of them.

Jonah rose from his seat, and he and the sheriff shook hands.

“I’m sorry for keeping you, Mr. Kirby.”

“That’s all right, sir,” Jonah replied. “You’ve been very fair-minded, and I appreciate it.”

“I’m mighty glad that bullet couldn’t have come from your gun,” the sheriff said. “I would have hated having to detain a man who fought to preserve our country.”

Jonah nodded then looked at Adele. The whole room suddenly seemed brighter. “It’s time we headed home.”

“Yes.” The word seemed to stick in her throat, and she cleared it as she turned to the sheriff to shake his hand. “Thank you. When will you return to Delaware?”

“Not until this is cleared up,” he said. “I’ll be at the hotel until then. I don’t think I need to tell you two to be careful around your farm until we get to the bottom of this.”

“We’ll get through the chores quickly and lock up tight,” Jonah replied. He turned to Reverend Warren. “Thank you.”

“Thank Adele. She was quite passionate back in town.” He gave Jonah a knowing look she didn’t quite understand. “Earl and the others had their doubts about you.”

Jonah’s eyes darkened, and he looked toward the doctor. He hadn’t moved since he sat down.

Adele quickly sent up a silent prayer before taking Jonah’s hand. “We should go,” she said softly.

He nodded, and they stepped out the door. They walked along for a few minutes before Jonah looked at her. Dusk was beginning to settle over the town, and his green eyes seemed to glow in the dim light. “Did Will come for you?” he asked.

“Yes, he and Jacob,” she replied.

He frowned. “I told him not to. Katherine needs you.”

“You needed me more,” she said, and their eyes locked for a step or two before Jonah looked away. Adele’s stomach flip-flopped, and she took a deep breath before going on. “Mary will manage. There have been so many young ladies from the Female College offering their services that I do not think she will have trouble finding help.”

“Where are Anne and Jacob?”

“With Mary. Will and Charles Franklin went out to look at Mr. Morgan’s place, so I will help you do the chores.” She wondered at the look on his face. “What’s wrong?”

“Maybe you should stay here in town tonight. To be safe.”

“Don’t be silly. You cannot do all of those chores by yourself. ‘Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.’”

He nodded and dropped her hand.

She looked at him. What did he feel for her? She could only wonder as the last few months flew through her mind. Since he had begun to heal, their friendship had redeveloped and even grown. Yet he had kept a certain distance from her. Until the day of the fair. He had acted as if he wanted something more. She thought of that long look he had given her right before they had judged her quilt. He had always broken off such looks before.

But then after the babies were born, he had left her so quickly. He almost pushed her away. Had Jonah come to decide that friendship was all he would ever feel for her? She desperately hoped he hadn’t.

Suddenly Nathaniel’s face filled her mind. What would he think of her feelings for Jonah? She had been sure he would have wanted her to help Jonah in any way she could, even to the point of marrying him. But this was different.
Father
,
is it wrong for me to feel as I do for Jonah? Would Nathaniel object? I will always love him, but I love Jonah, too.
The answer the Lord placed on her heart thrilled her to the very core.