Lost in Plain Sight by Marta Perry Read Free Book Online Page A

thousand dollars, and then two thousand.”
    Josiah whistled. “That’s a lot of money.”
    “From what I heard, the ring is valued at five thousand,” Geneva said.
    He shook his head. “I’ll never understand spending that much money for something to wear. How could that make life happier or easier for them?”
    Geneva shrugged. “People have different definitions of what makes for happiness, I suppose. But what’s important now is deciding what to do next.”
    “Ja.” He hesitated. “Would it do any gut to talk to Mr. Grayson again?”
    “I think the person we need to talk to is Chief Byler,” Geneva said. She glanced cautiously at Leah. “I know your father doesn’t want to be involved with the police. But if Mrs. Grayson wants to file an insurance claim, she has to have a police report. So it’s going to happen anyway, and it’s better coming from us.” She clasped Leah’s hand. “Will you let me talk to Chief Byler? Please? Maybe he can find a quiet way of handling it without upsetting your father.”
    To his surprise, Leah looked at him, eyes questioning. “What do you think, Josiah?”
    He took a deep breath, knowing this was not to be said easily. “I think Geneva is right.”
    Leah was turning to him, as if they were friends again. As if he’d returned to being the big brother she could trust. He should be relieved.
    He was relieved. Except that he wasn’t sure big brother was the role he wanted in Leah’s life.
     
     
    Leah actually felt a little relieved once Geneva left. She was truly thankful for Geneva’s support, but she just wasn’t sure what would happen if Daad came home while Geneva was there. While Daad liked and respected the Morgan family, he might not appreciate their involvement in his daughter’s trouble.
    Josiah, however, showed no signs of leaving. He sat at the kitchen table, looking as if he belonged there, just as he had when he and Abe had been teenagers.
    “I’m sure Mrs. Morgan will get in touch with you once she’s talked to the police chief.” He sounded as if he thought she needed reassurance.
    “Ja, she will.” Leah took the canister of flour down from the shelf. “I’m going to start some apple pies for supper. You don’t need to stay, you know.”
    Josiah clasped his hands on the tabletop. “I know. But I would not feel right about leaving you alone here with all that’s going on. I’ll stay with you until your folks get home.”
    “Denke, Josiah. You’re a gut friend.” Her throat tightened. “Maybe if I understood why these bad things are happening, if would be easier, but this is like groping around in a fog.”
    Josiah moved slightly, as if he wanted to stand and move toward her, but then he leaned back in the chair. “Ja, I know what you’re feeling. But we have learned more, ain’t so?”
    “Ja.” She knew he was trying to make her feel better, and she tried to smile. “Maybe the fog is a little thinner today than it was yesterday. I have to keep reminding myself that God’s hand is at work, even when I’m afraid and I don’t understand.”
    He did stand then, pushing his chair back and coming to lean against the counter next to her. He looked down at her, his face very serious. “You’ll be all right, Leah. I’m sure of it. I…”
    He seemed to lose the thread of what he was saying. He just stood there, his gaze on hers, and he was so close that she could feel the warmth of his body. If she swayed toward him, she would be in his arms.
    “Josiah! I didn’t know you were here.” Sarah’s voice sounded from the doorway, and then Sarah ran across the kitchen in her bare feet, her nightgown fluttering.
    Josiah turned, smiling at Sarah, and the moment between them vanished. Was he relieved at that? She couldn’t tell.
    “This can’t be little Sarah, can it?” he said. “How did you get so big?”
    Sarah giggled. “I grew, of course. I’m eight now.”
    “So you are.” He tugged at her braid. “And what are you doing