Lost in Plain Sight by Marta Perry Read Free Book Online

couldn’t get that lost expression of Leah’s out of his mind. She felt alone, that was certain sure. Maybe she’d be cheered by what he and Abe had learned. Or at least she’d take comfort in the fact that her brother believed in her enough to look for the truth.
    He’d almost reached the lane when a car came spurting out, spraying gravel in all directions. Josiah pulled the mare up short. Even as well trained as Susie was, she tossed her head at the treatment.
    Recognizing cars wasn’t his strong suit, like it was for some Amish boys during their rumspringa. But he did recognize the driver—Phillip Grayson. What was Grayson doing here?
    Tension rose in Josiah as he urged the mare into the lane. Something must have happened.
    Geneva’s sedan was pulled up under the lilac bushes, and some of his strain eased. At least, whatever news Grayson had brought, Geneva Morgan had been here with Leah.
    Hurrying to the back door, he found both of them in the kitchen. “Has something happened?”
    Leah’s frown was one of puzzlement. “I’m not sure. Mr. Grayson said that he wanted to offer a reward, but he seemed…strange. And Geneva said that maybe he took the ring himself, but how can that be? Why would he?”
    “Money.” Josiah’s gaze met Geneva’s, and he saw that they were on the same track. “Abe and I talked to Becky Lapp, because she used to work for the Graysons, before Leah.”
    “Abe did?” Leah’s expression lightened. “Ach, I’m so glad.”
    “He believes in you—that’s certain sure,” Josiah said gently. “People who know you know you wouldn’t steal.”
    “I hope so.” Her gaze slid away from his, as if looking at him made her uncomfortable, and he hated himself for having created this strain between them.
    “Becky said that the Graysons were always arguing about money, and she overheard them.” He frowned, thinking about that. “Surely, if they have money troubles, they wouldn’t want people to know, would they?”
    Geneva shrugged. “Angela Grayson impresses me as a woman with very little self-control. Look at the way she burst into my house.”
    “She has a quick temper, that’s for sure,” Leah said. “But I still don’t understand why they’d say the ring was gone if it wasn’t.”
    “Insurance fraud,” Geneva said. “They can say the ring is stolen or lost, file a claim with the insurance company, collect the money and still have the ring.”
    “But that’s like stealing,” Leah said. “Why would they? The Graysons already have everything anybody could want.”
    “Unfortunately some people always want more,” Geneva said.
    “If they did do that, how could we prove it?” It seemed to Josiah they’d come to a dead end. “Maybe the police…”
    But Leah was already shaking her head. “I can’t. My daad is upset enough already.”
    “As a matter of fact, I was able to find out about the insurance.” Geneva looked like a cat that’s been in the cream. “It happens that an old friend of mine is their insurance agent. A hint that there might be something wrong about the claim made him talkative. He said that Mr. Grayson insured the ring as soon as he purchased it.”
    “Have they reported it lost?” That was the crucial thing, it seemed to Josiah.
    “Mrs. Grayson called about it yesterday, asking how to file a claim,” Geneva said.
    That seemed like good news to him, but Leah’s green eyes were still clouded.
    “Why would he offer a reward today then? I don’t understand,” she said.
    “Maybe he thinks it makes him look good to the insurance company,” Geneva said. “After all, he won’t have to pay it if we’re right.”
    Leah shook her head. “I don’t know. The way he talked…it almost sounded like he was sure I had it.” Her lips twisted as if in pain.
    “What exactly did he say?” Geneva took her hand, pressing it reassuringly.
    “That if anything taken from his house should turn up again, the reward would be paid. First he said a